Kuroko
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Kuroko are stagehands in traditional Japanese theatre, who dress all in black.
Print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi of actor with three Kuroko
Kuroko behind actors on stage
Kabuki
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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 costu
Kuroko
…though 黒子 was read 'hokuro' and meant "beauty spot.") Hirofumi The two readings kuroko/kurogo are both available for the two spellings 黒衣/黒子. In kabuki, the kuroko serve many of the same purposes as running crew. They move scenery and props on stage, aiding in scene changes and costume changes. They…
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