Kabuki Performances

Kabuki Theater is one of Japan’s most lavish, stylized and larger than life distinctive art forms. The origins of Kabuki Theater can be traced to the heart of Kyoto. Kabuki performances must not be missed by any visitor, especially a theater lover.

Kabuki performances are generally held in the month of December when it gets very cold and it is perhaps the best time to enjoy a theatrical performance. The term Kabuki has its origin from a now archaic word meaning “slanted” or “strongly inclined”. The early Kabuki performances were highly immoral in nature and the women were likely practicing prostitutes. This led to the banning of the participation of women in Kabuki by the authorities in 1629. The ban resulted in the rise of a curious form of art, “onnagatta”, where female roles were actually performed by men. This was a distinguishing characteristic of Kabuki particularly in the Kansai region. Many of these actors who performed women roles lived as women offstage and they were so celebrated that the courtesans of the urban pleasure quarters imitated their dress and behavior.

There are three main categories of a Kabuki play: jidai-mono, which are “historical” or pre-Sengoku period stories, sewa-mono which are “domestic” or post-Sengoku stories and shosagoto that are dance pieces. One of the important characteristics of Kabuki performances includes the “mie” where the actor holds a picturesque pose to establish his character. At this time, his house name is sometimes heard in a loud shout from an expert member of the audience. This indicates expressing and enhancing the appreciation of the actor’s achievement by the audience.

Makeup or “Kesho” in Kabuki performances is an element of style, which is easily recognizable even by those unfamiliar with the art form. Rice powder is used to create the white “oshiroi” base, and “kumadori” enhances or exaggerates facial lines for dramatic animal or supernatural masks for the actors. Kumadori colors express the nature of the character. For example, red lines are used to indicate passion, heroism, righteousness and other positive traits; blue or black - villainy, jealousy and other negative traits; green - the supernatural and purple - nobility.

Kabuki performances in Kyoto are irregular, but December is the month of “Kaomise”, which brings together the top stars. The Kaomise features two long performances and you are not expected to sit and be quiet throughout the entire performance. You could relax through the performance and watch the moves that catch your eye or simply visit the lobby for some snacks. Tickets range from 5000 yen to 26250 yen.

Hotels in Kyoto
Hotel Kyoto Okura	Hotel Monterey
Hotel Westin Miyako	Hotel New Miyako
Hotel Kokusai	Hotel Hearton