Invitation to Kabuki - Guidance for Kabuki appreciation
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Kabuki means
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The Kabuki stage
Expression in Kabuki
Kabuki repertoire
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Expression in Kabuki
Expression of various roles
Here, the expression "Sono yaku rashisa" (looks like that role) is explained based on actual roles. Click on each of the following photographs.
 
Umeoumaru Izaemon Sekimori Sekibe (actually Otomo Kuronushi) Sogano Iruka Kamiyui Shinza Sato Tadanobu (actually Genkurogitsune) Miuraya Agemaki Yaegakihime Kirare Otomi
 
Sogano Iruka played by Ichimura Uzaemon 17th, "Imoseyama onna teikin" 'Mikasayama goten' scene, December 1996
Sogano Iruka
"Imoseyama onna teikin" 'Mikasayama goten' scene
To repertoire explanation
Iruka is depicted as a superhuman character who was born after fresh blood of a deer entered the womb of his mother, and as a rebel who vows that he will take the throne.
Role Kugeaku (villainous court noble)
Among Katakiyaku (villain's roles), Kugeaku means the role of a villain of high rank such as a kuge (court noble) or a daimyo (feudal lord). The Kugeaku actor overwhelms people around him by acting with a magnificent and imposing air.
 
 
Katsura (wig) Oji
The wig called Oji is used for the villain roles called Kugeaku and Kunikuzushi. Long hair hangs down at the back, and a sheaf of hair called Shike hangs down from near each ear. This strange hair style shows a superhuman atmosphere.
 
 
Makeup Kugeare
Kugeare is the Kumadori makeup used for Kugeaku. Drawing blue lines on the face coated with white powder gives a cold-blooded spooky impression.
 
 
Costume Gold crown and dragon crest
Originally only the emperor could wear the crown called Kinkan (gold crown). Dragon crest symbolizing the imperial throne are embroidered on the chest of the costume. By wearing this crown and crest, Iruka shows that he is a depriver of the imperial throne.
 
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