When the Kabuki-odori started by Okuni became popular, many companies of courtesans and other female performers imitating it appeared one after another. The Kabuki-odori performed by these women was called "Onna-kabuki" (women's Kabuki). It was performed not only in Kyoto but also in Edo and other regions, sweeping the country. The picture shows Onna-kabuki performed on a stage temporarily set up in Shijo-gawara (dry riverbed around the Shijo bridge) in Kyo, with courtesans in costumes of the same pattern forming a circle to the tune of music played on the shamisen, the newest musical instrument of the time.

However, an order prohibiting the performance of Onna-kabuki was issued around 1629 because it was deemed to be corrupting public morals, and Onna-kabuki gradually disappeared.
Due to the prohibition of Onna-kabuki, public popularity concentrated on "Wakashu-kabuki" performed by boys too young to shave their forelocks in adult style. But they also corrupted public morals, and a prohibition was issued around 1652.
After this prohibition was issued, the period of "Yaro-kabuki" performed by adult males with yaro atama (man's head after the forelock was shaved off) began.