Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese theatre, mixing dramatic performance with traditional dance. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylised performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.
The July 1858 production of Shibaraku at the Ichimura-za theater theatre in Edo. Triptych woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni III.
Onoe Kikugorō VI as Umeō-maru in Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami
The earliest portrait of Izumo no Okuni, the founder of kabuki (1600s)
Oniji Ōtani III (Nakazō Nakamura II) as Edobee in the May 1794 production of Koi Nyōbo Somewake Tazuna
Traditional Japanese theatre is among the oldest theatre traditions in the world. Traditional theatre includes Noh, a spiritual drama, and its comic accompaniment kyōgen; kabuki, a dance and music theatrical tradition; bunraku, puppetry; and yose, a spoken drama.
Noh is one of the four major types of Japanese theatre.
The July 1858 production of Shibaraku at the Ichimura-za theatre in Edo. Triptych woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni III.
Bunraku scene from Date Musume Koi no Higanoko (伊達娘恋緋鹿子) depicting Yaoya Oshichi climbing the tower
Rakugo, a form of yose
