Kabuki

　　Proclamation: 2005

Member State(s): Japan

Region: Asia-Pacific

Associated themes: Performing arts

Kabuki is a Japanese traditional form of theatre, which originated in the Edo period at the beginning of the 17th century and was particularly popular among townspeople. Originally, both men and women acted in Kabuki plays but later, only male actors performed the plays. This tradition has remained to the present day, so that all roles in a Kabuki play are performed by men. Male actors specialized in women's roles are called onnagata. Two other major role types are aragoto (rough style) and wagoto (soft style).

　　Kabuki plays are about historical events and moral conflict in relationships of the heart. The actors speak in a monotone voice and are accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments. The Kabuki stage is equipped with several gadgets, such as revolving stages and trapdoors through which the actors can appear and disappear. Another specialty of the Kabuki stage is a footbridge (hanamichi) that leads through into the audience.

　　Important characteristics of Kabuki theatre include its own particular music, costumes, stage devices and props as well as specific plays, language and acting styles, such as the mie, in which the actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character. Kesh?, the particular make-up, provides an element of style easily recognizable even by those unfamiliar with the art form.

　　After 1868, when Japan opened to Western influence, actors strove to increase the reputation of Kabuki among the upper classes and to adapt the traditional styles to modern tastes. Today, Kabuki is the most popular of the traditional styles of Japanese drama.