Kabuki scenes are expressed by the extensive use of Odogu (stage sets), Kodogu (props), the sound effects and music called Geza-ongaku, and stage mechanisms. A general explanation of the key points of various techniques and items used to express the situation is each scene, is given here.

Thin white washi (Japanese paper) cut into small squares, is shaken down from "Yukikago" (snow baskets) suspended above the stage. A long cord attached to each snow basket extends to the wing of the stage. Snow is made to fall by pulling this cord, and the volume and timing of the snowfall can be adjusted as needed. Cherry blossom petals are made to fall using the same mechanism in "Gion sairei shinkoki" [common name: "Kinkakuji"].

> Representative repertoire items: "Gion sairei shinkoki"

The cloth laid on stage to show ground surfaces and floors is called Jigasuri (base cloth). In outdoor scenes, gray or brown cloth is usually used, and in snow scenes, a white Jigasuri called Yukinuno is laid to show that snow has piled up.

In reality, there is no sound when snow is falling, but, in Kabuki, falling snow is symbolically expressed by "Yuki-oto" using an odaiko (large drum). When the drummer holds a drumstick against the drum head with one hand and taps the drum lightly with another drumstick that has its tip covered with cloth or cotton batting, this produces the soft snowfall sound, "don-don." As shown in the picture, to indicate strong wind, the drummer holds a drumstick on the drum head and strikes the drum with a long drumstick in the other hand, to produce a more intense sound that expresses wind blowing strongly.