Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese theatre that combines dramatic performance with traditional dance.
Known for its stylized performances, elaborate costumes, and captivating makeup, kabuki has a rich history dating back to the early Edo period.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the fascinating world of kabuki, exploring its origins, history, elements, and unique performances.
{tocify} $title={Table of Contents}
Etymology: The Art of Singing and Dancing
The term "kabuki" is derived from three kanji characters: "sing" (歌), "dance" (舞), and "skill" (伎).
Although these characters can be translated as "the art of singing and dancing," their true etymology goes beyond their literal meanings.
The word "kabuki" evolved from the verb "kabuku," which means "to lean" or "to be out of the ordinary."
As such, kabuki can also be interpreted as "avant-garde" or "bizarre" theatre.
The term "kabukimono" was originally used to describe those who were bizarrely dressed, often referring to the flamboyant attire worn by samurai gangs.
History: From Female Kabuki to All-Male Performances
The history of kabuki began in 1603 when Izumo no Okuni, possibly a miko of Izumo-taisha, started performing with a troupe of female dancers in Kyoto.
These early kabuki performances featured comic playlets about ordinary life, with female performers portraying both men and women.
The popularity of kabuki soared, and Okuni was even invited to perform before the Imperial Court.
This success led to the formation of rival troupes, and kabuki evolved into an ensemble dance and drama performed by women.
Kabuki's appeal during this period was enhanced by the ribald and suggestive themes often depicted, as well as the involvement of many performers in prostitution.
It became known as "prostitute kabuki" and thrived in the red-light districts of Japan, particularly in Yoshiwara, the registered red-light district in Edo.
Kabuki theaters became gathering places for people from various social classes, showcasing fashion trends and featuring innovative forms of entertainment such as new musical styles and dramatic costumes.
However, the ruling shogunate viewed kabuki performances unfavorably due to the mingling of different social classes and the perceived encroachment of merchant class influence on the samurai class.
In 1629, women's kabuki, known as "onna-kabuki," was banned for being too erotic.
This led to the rise of young boys performing in "wakashū-kabuki," which was eventually banned as well.
From then on, kabuki shifted to adult male actors known as "yaro-kabuki" in the mid-1600s, although they continued to portray both male and female characters.
Despite these challenges, kabuki remained a popular form of entertainment throughout the Edo period.
The Nakamura-za, Ichimura-za, and Kawarazaki-za theaters became renowned venues, hosting some of the most successful kabuki performances of the time.
Transition to Yarō-Kabuki: 1629-1673
Between 1629 and 1673, kabuki underwent a significant transition with the establishment of the all-male kabuki actors known as "yarō-kabuki" or "young man kabuki."
Cross-dressing male actors called "onnagata" or "woman role" actors, took over the roles previously performed by women or wakashū.
The use of young men in women's roles was preferred due to their less obviously masculine appearance and higher-pitched voices.
The roles of adolescent men, known as "wakashū," were also played by young men, often selected for their attractiveness.
The yarō-kabuki performances continued to feature ribald themes and occasional involvement in sex work.
During this period, kabuki also saw the development of the mie style of posing and the introduction of kumadori makeup, characterized by elaborate facial lines used to convey character traits.
The mie style, credited to kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjūrō I, involved dramatic poses that became iconic in kabuki performances.
Genroku Period Kabuki: 1673-1841
The Genroku period marked a flourishing era for kabuki, with the formalization of its structure and the emergence of key elements that define the art form today.
Kabuki plays began to follow a structured format, and conventional character tropes became established.
This period also saw a close association between kabuki theater and bunraku, an elaborate form of puppet theater that influenced each other's development.
Renowned playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon, one of the first professional kabuki playwrights, produced influential works during this time.
One of his most significant plays, Sonezaki Shinjū (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), was originally written for bunraku but became popular when adapted for kabuki.
It even inspired real-life copycat suicides, leading to a government ban on plays about love suicides in 1723.
The Genroku period also witnessed the rise of the kumadori makeup and the development of the keren (playing to the gallery) techniques.
Kumadori makeup involved the use of colored lines on the face to symbolize different character traits.
Red lines represented positive traits, while blue or black lines denoted negative ones.
The keren techniques utilized revolving stages, trapdoors, and wire tricks to create dramatic effects and sudden revelations on stage.
However, kabuki experienced a decline in popularity in the mid-18th century, with bunraku overshadowing it as the premier form of stage entertainment.
Skilled bunraku playwrights emerged during this time, and kabuki took a backseat.
It wasn't until the end of the century that kabuki started to regain its popularity.
Saruwaka-chō Kabuki: 1842-1868
The 1840s marked a challenging period for kabuki due to repeated droughts and fires that destroyed many theaters in Edo.
The shogunate, disapproving of the socialization and trade that occurred in kabuki theaters, used the fire crisis as an opportunity to force the relocation of theaters and restrict indulgence in pleasures.
The Nakamura-za, Ichimura-za, and Kawarazaki-za theaters were moved to Asakusa, a northern suburb of Edo, in an area called Saruwaka-chō or Saruwaka-machi.
Saruwaka-machi became the new theater district for kabuki, attracting a diverse audience from different social classes.
The theaters in this district became renowned for their fashion trends and innovative performances.
However, the relocation and strict regulations led to a decline in attendance, and kabuki performances went "underground," changing locations frequently to avoid authorities.
During this period, kabuki faced further challenges with the introduction of Western influence and the Meiji Restoration.
Western artists discovered Japanese theatrical performances and artwork, sparking an interest in kabuki.
Japanese artists began depicting daily life more frequently, including theaters, brothels, and main streets.
Playwright Kawatake Mokuami wrote plays that depicted the lives of Edo's common people, and his works became popular as kabuki made a comeback when theaters returned to Edo.
Post-Meiji Period Kabuki: From Restoration to Modern Day
The post-Meiji period brought significant cultural changes to Japan, including the fall of the Tokugawa shogunate, the elimination of the samurai class, and the opening of Japan to the West.
These changes had both positive and negative impacts on kabuki.
While some rejected the traditional art forms, kabuki managed to regain its popularity by adapting to modern tastes and incorporating new styles.
During World War II, kabuki faced a brief ban by the occupying forces due to its support for Japan's war efforts.
However, the ban was lifted in 1947, and kabuki continued to evolve.
The period of occupation posed challenges for kabuki as some rejected pre-war styles, but it also sparked new interest in the art form, particularly in the Kansai region.
Today, kabuki remains the most popular form of traditional Japanese drama, with star actors often appearing in television and film roles.
Kabuki has also made its way into Japanese popular culture, including anime.
The art form continues to thrive, with performances held in major theaters in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and throughout the countryside.
Kabuki troupes also tour internationally, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of this traditional theater.
Elements of Kabuki: Stage Design, Appearances, and Performance
The stage design of kabuki plays a crucial role in creating a visually captivating experience.
The kabuki stage features a walkway called a "hanamichi," which extends into the audience and allows for dramatic entrances and exits.
The stage itself may incorporate revolving platforms, trapdoors, and wire tricks to facilitate scene changes and create stunning visual effects.
Stagehands, dressed in black, assist in the seamless transitions and quick costume changes that are often seen in kabuki performances.
Kabuki appearances are characterized by elaborate costumes, makeup, and wigs.
The costumes, often made with vibrant colors and multiple layers, differentiate between male and female characters.
Makeup, known as kumadori, plays a significant role in defining character traits and emotions, with distinctive facial lines representing various personality aspects.
The wigs, made from human or synthetic hair, are custom-made for each actor and meticulously styled according to traditional techniques.
In terms of performance, kabuki plays can be classified into three main categories: jidaimono (historical plays), sewamono (domestic plays), and shosagoto (dance pieces).
Jidaimono focuses on historical events in Japanese history, often using metaphors to comment on contemporary issues.
Sewamono explores the lives of commoners and portrays themes of family drama and romance.
Shosagoto emphasizes dance as a means of conveying emotion, character, and plot.
Kabuki performances also incorporate techniques such as hikinuki (quick costume changes), keren (playing to the gallery), and chūnori (flying in mid-air), adding to the dynamic and captivating nature of the art form.
Kabuki: A Living Heritage
Kabuki has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the early Edo period.
Despite facing numerous challenges and transformations, kabuki has managed to retain its unique essence and captivate audiences worldwide.
Its rich history, elaborate stage design, vibrant appearances, and captivating performances continue to make kabuki a cherished cultural heritage of Japan.
Whether it's the stylized movements, dramatic poses, or intricate makeup, kabuki offers a truly immersive and unforgettable theatrical experience.
As you delve into the world of kabuki, you'll discover the magic and beauty that have enthralled audiences for centuries.
From the historical plays that transport you to a bygone era to the domestic dramas that tug at your heartstrings, kabuki offers a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of Japanese culture.
So, sit back, relax, and let the timeless art of kabuki transport you to a realm where tradition meets innovation, where stories are brought to life through the power of performance.