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.

There are many Kabuki works called "Matsubamemono," created based on Noh plays and Kyogen (Noh farces). Many Matsubamemono were created in accordance with the trend of upgrading to more noble Kabuki in and after the Meiji period. The first of these was "Kanjincho," performed for the first time at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
In Matsubamemono the following dramatic techniques are comprehensively combined to produce the atmosphere of Noh plays and Kyogen.

The name Matsubamemono came from the Joshiki Odogu (predetermined form of stage set) called Matsubame, an almost stage-wide backdrop with wooden panels on which a huge pine tree is painted in the center. This pine tree is copied from the old pine tree drawn on the Kagami-ita (wooden panels) of Noh stages. The 5-color Agemaku (lift curtain) on the Shimote side (stage right - audience's left) and the entrance called Okubyoguchi on the Kamite side (stage left - audience's right) are copied from Noh stages.

Costumes for Matsubamemono are based on the costumes for Noh and Kyogen plays, and differ from the costumes used for other Kabuki works. Unique hakama (Japanese kimono trousers) called "Oguchi" used by Benkei and others in "Kanjincho" are a typical example. The distinction of these hakama is that a goza (mat) is inserted in the rear part of the hakama to keep them in shape.

In Noh and Kyogen plays, the person who appears on stage first explains the circumstances from his own origin to the current stage of the story, immediately after he appears on stage. This is called "Nanori" (self-introduction). This Nanori from Noh plays has been adopted for Matsubamemono.
For instance, in "Kanjincho," the play begins when Togashi Saemon makes the Nanori speech starting, "Kayou ni sourou mono wa Kaga no kuni no junin Togashi Saemon nite sourou." Many speeches other than Nanori are in the form of sourou (declarative) sentences, influenced by Noh and Kyogen. Speeches are also made in solemn tones, making Matsubamemono different from other Kabuki works.

In addition, musical elements have been adopted from Noh and Kyogen plays in order to express a sonorous mood. These include Utaigakari which a Nagauta strain is sung in Yokyoku style (similar to Noh singing) and the performance of Narimono (accompaniment) which incorporated Hayashi used for Noh plays.

> "Kanjincho"

• "Funabenkei"

• "Tsuchigumo"

• "Migawari zazen"

• "Bo shibari"

• "Suo otoshi"

> Expression of scenes: Joshiki Odogu