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  • Kabuki Costume - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-costumes-11.jpg
  • Kabuki Hairpiece - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-1.jpg
  • Shodoshima Outdoor Kabuki Stage where an outdoor kabuki stage on which local kabuki plays have been performed since the Edo Period.  Nakayama Noson Kabuki was brought back from Osaka by islanders with a painting of some famous kabuki scenes, and kabuki costumes in order to offer them to the local shrine. As a result Kabuki became popular on Shodoshima island.  Consequently some traveling kabuki groups were invited to the island.  Eventually Shodoshima islanders started to perform of their own. Nakayama theater was registered as an important tangible folk-cultural property.
    outdoor-kabuki-25.jpg
  • Elaborate Kabuki Kimono - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-5.jpg
  • Shodoshima Outdoor Kabuki Stage where an outdoor kabuki stage on which local kabuki plays have been performed since the Edo Period.  Nakayama Noson Kabuki was brought back from Osaka by islanders with a painting of some famous kabuki scenes, and kabuki costumes in order to offer them to the local shrine. As a result Kabuki became popular on Shodoshima island.  Consequently some traveling kabuki groups were invited to the island.  Eventually Shodoshima islanders started to perform of their own. Nakayama theater was registered as an important tangible folk-cultural property.
    outdoor-kabuki-1.jpg
  • Kabuki Poster - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-poster-10.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-33.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-32.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-30.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-12.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-06.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-02.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-03.jpg
  • Kabuki Poster - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-2.jpg
  • Kabuki Poster - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-1.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-24.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-22.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-19.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-13.jpg
  • Kabuki Costume - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-costumes-12.jpg
  • Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-2.jpg
  • 34. Kabuki 歌舞伎  is a traditional Japanese form of theater rich in showmanship, involving elaborately designed costumes, dramatic wigs, meticulous makeup and exaggerated voices and movements all performed exclusively by male actors. Highly stylized gestures convey meaning to the audience.  The plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy or conspiracy.  The use of dynamic stage sets, incorporating revolving platforms and trap doors permit quick scene changes and the sudden appearance and disappearance of characters.  These elements combine to produce a unique and stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical performing arts along with noh and bunraku.
    34.INTANGIBLE-KABUKI-03.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-28.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-25.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-27.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-07.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-05.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-01.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-20.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-17.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-11.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-10.jpg
  • Kabuki Costume - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-costumes-13.jpg
  • Kabuki Costume - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-costumes-10.jpg
  • Kabuki actor Mizuka getting dressed for a performance. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-05.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-29.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-31.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-26.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-21.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-18.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-15.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-09.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-08.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-23.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-14.jpg
  • A hanamichi is a passagway used in kabuki theater, and runs through the theater.  At the end of the aisle hangs an agemako curtain from which actors enter and exit the stage.  Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-7.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-04.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    childrens-kabuki-16.jpg
  • Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-4.jpg
  • Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-3.jpg
  • 34. Kabuki 歌舞伎  is a traditional Japanese form of theater rich in showmanship, involving elaborately designed costumes, dramatic wigs, meticulous makeup and exaggerated voices and movements all performed exclusively by male actors. Highly stylized gestures convey meaning to the audience.  The plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy or conspiracy.  The use of dynamic stage sets, incorporating revolving platforms and trap doors permit quick scene changes and the sudden appearance and disappearance of characters.  These elements combine to produce a unique and stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical performing arts along with noh and bunraku.
    34.INTANGIBLE-KABUKI-01.jpg
  • Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-6.jpg
  • Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-1.jpg
  • 34. Kabuki 歌舞伎  is a traditional Japanese form of theater rich in showmanship, involving elaborately designed costumes, dramatic wigs, meticulous makeup and exaggerated voices and movements all performed exclusively by male actors. Highly stylized gestures convey meaning to the audience.  The plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy or conspiracy.  The use of dynamic stage sets, incorporating revolving platforms and trap doors permit quick scene changes and the sudden appearance and disappearance of characters.  These elements combine to produce a unique and stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical performing arts along with noh and bunraku.
    34.INTANGIBLE-KABUKI-05.jpg
  • Built in Kotohira in 1835, Kanamaruza Theater is Japan's oldest surviving, complete kabuki playhouse. From time to time, it still stages kabuki performances. When no shows are held, the theater is open to visitors who can explore Kanamaruza's audience hall, stage, and dressing rooms. Be sure to check out the basement to see the workings of the human powered rotating stage and trapdoors used by actors to dramatically enter and exit performances.
    kanamaruza-kabuki-2.jpg
  • Built in Kotohira in 1835, Kanamaruza Theater is Japan's oldest surviving, complete kabuki playhouse. From time to time, it still stages kabuki performances. When no shows are held, the theater is open to visitors who can explore Kanamaruza's audience hall, stage, and dressing rooms. Be sure to check out the basement to see the workings of the human powered rotating stage and trapdoors used by actors to dramatically enter and exit performances.
    kanamaruza-kabuki-1.jpg
  • The unique feature of the Hikiyama Festival is that performances of kabuki are performed by children, a rarity in Japan.  There are 12 kabuki floats called hikiyama with a kabuki stage.  Groups of kabuki floats appear in Nagahama’s main festival each year.  Yet the performances are usually excellent with the usual Japanese sense of care, professionalism, and putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-02.jpg
  • Kabuki-za Stage - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-8.jpg
  • Kabuki-za Stage - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-6.jpg
  • Cutout at Kabuki-za Gallery - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-2.jpg
  • Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theater first opened in 1889 and has been closed since 2010 for renovations.  Kabuki-za's reconstruction was due to concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. It now has its own subway entrance and exit.  It's grand opening is set for early April 2013. Japan's traditional performing art of Kabuki is loved by people around the world. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful makeup and a stage full of devices for special effects are essential characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the roles, including those of women are played by male actors.
    kabuki-za-4.jpg
  • Kabuki-za Ginza Metro Station - Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theater first opened in 1889 and has been closed since 2010 for renovations.  Kabuki-za's reconstruction was due to concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. It now has its own subway entrance and exit.  It's grand opening is set for early April 2013. Japan's traditional performing art of Kabuki is loved by people around the world. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful makeup and a stage full of devices for special effects are essential characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the roles, including those of women are played by male actors.
    kabuki-za-3.jpg
  • Kabuki-za Stage - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-9.jpg
  • Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theater first opened in 1889 and has been closed since 2010 for renovations.  Kabuki-za's reconstruction was due to concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. It now has its own subway entrance and exit.  It's grand opening is set for early April 2013. Japan's traditional performing art of Kabuki is loved by people around the world. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful makeup and a stage full of devices for special effects are essential characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the roles, including those of women are played by male actors.
    kabuki-za-6.jpg
  • Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theater first opened in 1889 and has been closed since 2010 for renovations.  Kabuki-za's reconstruction was due to concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. It now has its own subway entrance and exit.  It's grand opening is set for early April 2013. Japan's traditional performing art of Kabuki is loved by people around the world. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful makeup and a stage full of devices for special effects are essential characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the roles, including those of women are played by male actors.
    kabuki-za-5.jpg
  • Tokyo's famous Kabuki-za Theater first opened in 1889 and has been closed since 2010 for renovations.  Kabuki-za's reconstruction was due to concerns over the building's ability to survive earthquakes, as well as accessibility issues. It now has its own subway entrance and exit.  It's grand opening is set for early April 2013. Japan's traditional performing art of Kabuki is loved by people around the world. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful makeup and a stage full of devices for special effects are essential characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the roles, including those of women are played by male actors.
    kabuki-za-7.jpg
  • Cutout at Kabuki-za Gallery - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kabuki-za-gallery-10.jpg
  • Shinjuku Bright Lights - Metallic sculptures overlooking traffic at Yasukuni Street in Shinjuku - one of the main shopping and train terminals of Tokyo. This is Kabukicho an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku.. Kabukicho is the location of many hostess bars, host bars, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the "Sleepless Town". The district's name comes from a 1940s plan to build a kabuki theater: although the theater was never built the name stuck.
    kabuki-cho-1.jpg
  • Shinjuku Bright Lights - Metallic sculptures overlooking traffic at Yasukuni Street in Shinjuku - one of the main shopping and train terminals of Tokyo. This is Kabukicho an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku.. Kabukicho is the location of many hostess bars, host bars, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the "Sleepless Town". The district's name comes from a 1940s plan to build a kabuki theater: although the theater was never built the name stuck.
    kabuki-cho-2.jpg
  • Jubei Kabuki Character - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    Token-Jubei.jpg
  • Kabuki Character Mask, Japan Expo - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    Japan-Expo-2012-Bugakuza.jpg
  • Kurobei Pouring Water, Kabuki Character - Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    kurobel-pouring--water-over-himself.jpg
  • Edo Period Kabuki Performance -  Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of theater developed during the Edo Period.  Kabuki is rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, outlandish wigs, extraordinary makeup and exaggerated actions performed by the actors. Highly stylized movements convey meaning to the audience; this is especially important since an old-fashioned form of Japanese is typically used, which is difficult for speakers of modern Japanese to fully understand.  Plots are based on historical events, moral conflicts, love stories, tales of tragedy of conspiracy, and other well-known stories.  Dynamic stage sets: revolving platforms and trapdoors allow for the quick changing of a scene or the appearance or disappearance of actors.  Another specialty of the kabuki stage is a footbridge that leads through the audience, allowing for a dramatic entrance or exit. Ambiance is aided with live music performed using traditional instruments. These elements combine to produce a stunning performance.  Kabuki is recognized as one of Japan's three major classical theaters along with noh and bunraku, and has been named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
    Odori-Keiyo-Edo-Toyokuni.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-01.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-14.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-11.jpg
  • Hikiyama Museum - There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-museum-1.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-5.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-10.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-7.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-6.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-12.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-13.jpg
  • There are 12 floats called hikiyama with a tiny kabuki stage at the Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri held every April.   These massive floats appear at Nagahama’s main festival each year.  What makes them particularly unique is that childrens kabuki performances are held on their tiny stages, which is the result of putting  a huge community and group effort into the productions.  Nagahama Hikiyama Matsuri was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as one of the 33 Yama Hoo and Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.
    hikiyama-float-8.jpg
  • Kabuki-za Rooftop Garden - Although most people visit Kabuki-za in Tokyo only to see kabuki theatre, many people are not aware that upstairs there is a gallery with kimono displays, stage sets, props and a rooftop Japanese garden.
    kabuki-za-garden-1.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-24.jpg
  • Popcorn Robot at the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, where robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-05.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-30.jpg
  • Audience at Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, where robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-27.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-23.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-22.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-21.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-15.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-09.jpg
  • Entrance to Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, where robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-31.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-25.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-17.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-20.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-16.jpg
  • At the Robot Restaurant in Kabukicho Shinjuku, robotic women and demons stage mock battles in this steroid heavy attraction with neon, mirrors and huge video screens. There are four 90-minute shows each night, in which the staff take to the floor on giant robots, including a neon tank and female borgs sometimes powered with with pneumatic bursts and puffs of steam. Do not task what the dances mean or the shows or costumes are supposed to represent, if anything, it is all about color, choreography, madness and overkill.
    robot-restaurant-14.jpg
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