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  • Noh Stage - Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-stage-1.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-performance-1.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-performance-2.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-mask-1.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-mask-2.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-mask-6.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-mask-5.jpg
  • 44. Noh 能  The word itself is derived from the Japanese word for 'skill' or ‘talent' in which natural forces play an important role.  To enjoy viewing a noh performance, the audience focuses on the theatrical costumes as well as the creeping movements, stomping on the stage, the curious method of walking: heel-and-toe… Fans and masks also play important roles. The slow tempo of noh takes the viewer back a few centuries to a time free from distractions - in effect stopping time.  At the same time, there is pleasure to be had in discovering the richness of the associations, and puzzling out the vague subtleties.  The language in Noh defies translation or even modern Japanese.  A noh production is an event unlike any other.
    44..INTANGIBLE-NOH-04.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-mask-3.jpg
  • 44. Noh 能  The word itself is derived from the Japanese word for 'skill' or ‘talent' in which natural forces play an important role.  To enjoy viewing a noh performance, the audience focuses on the theatrical costumes as well as the creeping movements, stomping on the stage, the curious method of walking: heel-and-toe… Fans and masks also play important roles. The slow tempo of noh takes the viewer back a few centuries to a time free from distractions - in effect stopping time.  At the same time, there is pleasure to be had in discovering the richness of the associations, and puzzling out the vague subtleties.  The language in Noh defies translation or even modern Japanese.  A noh production is an event unlike any other.
    44.INTANGIBLE-NOH.jpg
  • 44. Noh 能  The word itself is derived from the Japanese word for 'skill' or ‘talent' in which natural forces play an important role.  To enjoy viewing a noh performance, the audience focuses on the theatrical costumes as well as the creeping movements, stomping on the stage, the curious method of walking: heel-and-toe… Fans and masks also play important roles. The slow tempo of noh takes the viewer back a few centuries to a time free from distractions - in effect stopping time.  At the same time, there is pleasure to be had in discovering the richness of the associations, and puzzling out the vague subtleties.  The language in Noh defies translation or even modern Japanese.  A noh production is an event unlike any other.
    44..INTANGIBLE-NOH-05.jpg
  • 44. Noh 能  The word itself is derived from the Japanese word for 'skill' or ‘talent' in which natural forces play an important role.  To enjoy viewing a noh performance, the audience focuses on the theatrical costumes as well as the creeping movements, stomping on the stage, the curious method of walking: heel-and-toe… Fans and masks also play important roles. The slow tempo of noh takes the viewer back a few centuries to a time free from distractions - in effect stopping time.  At the same time, there is pleasure to be had in discovering the richness of the associations, and puzzling out the vague subtleties.  The language in Noh defies translation or even modern Japanese.  A noh production is an event unlike any other.
    44..INTANGIBLE-NOH-02.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-6.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-8.jpg
  • Noh theater involves music, dance and drama and themes are structured around song and dance. Movements are slow, the tone is monotonous  though the language is poetic and the costumes are rich and elaborate. Plots are usually drawn from legend, history, literature and contemporary events. Themes often relate to dreams, supernatural worlds, ghosts and spirits. Its origins are the 14th century and was developed together with kyogen - comical pieces performed during interludes of the main noh performance. The dual arts of noh and kyogen combined is known as nogaku - listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Noh was popularized by Zeami during the Muromachi Period and attracted the government's patronage of the art form. Four main noh troupes were established, receiving sponsorship from shrines and temples.  During the Tokugawa Period the shogunate made noh its official ceremonial art and issued regulations for its governance. Noh thus became more standardized with an emphasis on tradition rather than innovation. A fifth troupe was added which have survived and perform even today.  Noh is performed on a square stage with all sides of the stage open, except for the back side which consists of a wall with a painted image of a pine tree.  One key element of noh are the masks which tell the audience what character is being portrayed:  demons, spirits, women and men of different ages. These masks are carved from blocks of Japanese cypress. The costumes have multiple layers and textures that create an effect of resplendence.  Fans are also used to express different objects such as lanterns or knives.
    noh-7.jpg
  • Kyogen Theatre, literally "mad words" or "wild speech" is a form of traditional Japanese theater. It developed alongside noh, was performed along with noh as an intermission of sorts between noh acts, and retains close links to noh to this day.  However, its content is not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn noh theater.  Kyogen is a comical form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.
    kyogen.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
  • Kyogen has been linked with noh theatre since early times. The main difference between the two forms is that kyogen is more of a comedy something that cannot be said of Noh Theatre.  In fact Kyogen is usually presented as a kind of humorous intermission between Noh plays.  Kyogen  first emerged as an independent art form when it already began appearing on performance programs alongside noh. Kyogen usually involves two or three actors who lead the audience to gentle laughter through dialogue performed with carefully presented gestures spoken in a conversational style. During the Heian  the phrase "wild words and fancy language” and gradually, the term that had been used as meaning nonsense or a joke ultimately coming to refer to the stage art of kyogen.
    kyogen-2.jpg
  • Kyogen has been linked with noh theatre since early times. The main difference between the two forms is that kyogen is more of a comedy something that cannot be said of Noh Theatre.  In fact Kyogen is usually presented as a kind of humorous intermission between Noh plays.  Kyogen  first emerged as an independent art form when it already began appearing on performance programs alongside noh. Kyogen usually involves two or three actors who lead the audience to gentle laughter through dialogue performed with carefully presented gestures spoken in a conversational style. During the Heian  the phrase "wild words and fancy language” and gradually, the term that had been used as meaning nonsense or a joke ultimately coming to refer to the stage art of kyogen.
    kyogen-1.jpg
  • Kyogen Theatre, literally "mad words" or "wild speech" is a form of traditional Japanese theater. It developed alongside noh, was performed along with noh as an intermission of sorts between noh acts, and retains close links to noh to this day.  However, its content is not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn noh theater.  Kyogen is a comical form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.
    kyogen-performance-3.jpg
  • Kyogen Theatre, literally "mad words" or "wild speech" is a form of traditional Japanese theater. It developed alongside noh, was performed along with noh as an intermission of sorts between noh acts, and retains close links to noh to this day.  However, its content is not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn noh theater.  Kyogen is a comical form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.
    kyogen-performance-1.jpg
  • Kyogen Theatre, literally "mad words" or "wild speech" is a form of traditional Japanese theater. It developed alongside noh, was performed along with noh as an intermission of sorts between noh acts, and retains close links to noh to this day.  However, its content is not at all similar to the formal, symbolic, and solemn noh theater.  Kyogen is a comical form, and its primary goal is to make its audience laugh.
    kyogen-performance-2.jpg
  • 42. Kyogen 狂言  Meaning literally “wild speech” Kyogen is a traditional form of Japanese comic theater, with close links to Noh theater even though the contents of the two forms could not be more different.  Movements in Kyogen are exaggerated with slapstick elements, making the play easy to understand for everyone.  The actors do not wear masks, unlike Noh nor Kabuki and few props or stage sets are used. The emphasis of kyogen is on dialogue and action rather than on music or dance. Short Kyogen pieces are presented as a sort of intermission between Noh play acts.  Many elements in Kyogen have influenced kabuki theater.
    42.INTANGIBLE-KYOGEN-2.jpg
  • 42. Kyogen 狂言  Meaning literally “wild speech” Kyogen is a traditional form of Japanese comic theater, with close links to Noh theater even though the contents of the two forms could not be more different.  Movements in Kyogen are exaggerated with slapstick elements, making the play easy to understand for everyone.  The actors do not wear masks, unlike Noh nor Kabuki and few props or stage sets are used. The emphasis of kyogen is on dialogue and action rather than on music or dance. Short Kyogen pieces are presented as a sort of intermission between Noh play acts.  Many elements in Kyogen have influenced kabuki theater.
    42.INTANGIBLE-KYOGEN-4.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 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-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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 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-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
  • 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
  • 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