Ji-kabuki

観光課 (November 1, 2018 7:22 PM) About Ji-kabuki

Kabuki is a form of theatrical art Unique to japan. Kabuki is a UNESCO registered Intangible Historical Heritage.

When the art of Kabuki started in the Edo period, it's modern and eccentric costumes and hairdos and the gorgeous, picture-like stage sets fascinated many people.

People in rural parts of the nation, who were enthusiastic fans of Kabuki, learned the art of Kabuki performances themselves in their hometowns.

Such amateur forms of Kabuki performed in rural parts of Japan are called "Ji-Kabuki", which still continues today in some regions.

In Ji-kabuki programs, the original stories, costumes and dance routines from the Edo period have been passed down from one generation to the next.

Let's enjoy Ji-kabuki

・A theater art containing the essence of Japanese culture

Colorfully patterned kimonos and wigs, shamisen music and singing, and skillfully designed and crafted stage sets made entirely of wood, paper and cloth are essential parts of Japanese culture still preserved in the Kabuki art.

・"Mie" posing marks the climax of a Jikabuki play.

"Mie" is a special form of performance characteristic of Kabuki, where the actor strikes a pose and remains stationary for a moment, for example to express a strong emotion.

"Mie" is enhanced with the "clatter-clatter" sound effect produced by the tsuke-uchi, to mark the climax of the play.

・Unique makeup and costumes

Kumadori, a special form of makeup worn by Kabuki actors, represents facil veins and muscles in an exaggerated manner.

Certain colors and patterns of kumadori are associated with specific attributes of the characters element of Kabuki entertainment.

Like kumadori,costumes represent specific attributes of the characters being played.