Japanese

Kabuki
theater
 - In the history of japan,
kabuki’s origin began in the
Edo period where it
became famous in the
lower class society. The love
for kabuki theatre among
the Japanese started in
1603 with the first
performance of okuni, a
shrine dancer at Kyoto
wherein the performance is

History a combination of religious

and folk dances.
 1. Saving face is crucial in Japanese
society.
2. The Japanese believe that turning
down someone's request causes
embarrassment and loss of face to
the other person.
3. If the request cannot be agreed to,
they will say, 'it's inconvenient' or 'it's
under consideration'.
4. Face is a mark of personal dignity
and means having high status with
one's peers.
5. The Japanese will try never to do
anything to cause loss of face.
6. Therefore, they do not openly

CULTURE
criticize, insult, or put anyone on-the-
spot.
7. Face can be lost, taken away, or
earned through praise and thanks.
 Dance
- The first
performances
dance with an
exeptional blend
of folk and
religious dances.

The Distinguishing
Characteristics
of kabuki
- Performer’s costume
stress the role being
portrayed by the actors.
It also shows the latest
Costume
fashion or style of the
present day.
 Make- Up
-Another
element which
is very
important in
kabuki
performances.
Music
In kabuki, it is
used as sound
effects like the
wooden
clappers where it
employs as the
signal for the
start and end of
the play.
 The Instruments and Music

Hyoshigi – also known as ‘ki’ and tanniki’

this wooden clapper is used in a
ceremonial music in kabuki play
to signal the beginning and end
of the performance in the kabuki.
 The Instruments and Music

Hayashi – musical ensemble

for kabuki theater Which is live
performance of the shamisen
players
 The Instruments and Music

Debayashi – this is an onstage

music performance in full view
of the audience
 The Instruments and Music

A. Nagauta – It is performed
on a tiered platform at the
backstage.
 The Instruments and Music

B. Jojuri – they are located

at the left side of the stage.
 The Instruments and Music
Hyudorodoro – it is used to mark he appearance of the ghost
play by the instruments of flute and drum.
Geza – this music is used for some
special effects in kabuki, the
musicians are invisible
and the audience are
seated at the lower seats of the stage
 How are the musical elements contribute to
the performance of the kabuki theater?
1. The dance plays in Kabuki have dance music of different kinds mostly used by
playing and singing the dance musical piece.
2. In dance plays, the chorus sings lyrics that describe or narrate a story or scene.
3. The puppet style in Kabuki play is usually accompanied by music.
4. The dance play and puppet play musical ensemble are positioned at the left side
of the stage
5. In puppet plays, the narrator chants or sings in descriptive and narrative passages.
6. The geza musicians draw on many repertoires with hundred known melodies and
rhythmic patterns where the music is played suited for the season, location, and
emotional portrayal in each individual scenes
 What particular story or idea is being
presented through music in Kabuki Theater?

The ‘Theme Music’ is the song that is being sung and played with
shamisen instrument in kabuki plays that describe or tell a story in a
certain character or place. Like in the Kabuki play ‘Ise Ondo koi no
Netaba,’ the song ‘Ise Ondo’ is not only a piece in a climactic
scene in dance but it is also played in different variations in the
play. Some music in the kabuki play relate in seasonal themes while
some musical pieces are mostly instrumental known as ‘Aikata’
while others can be incorporated in vocal songs.
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