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Japan is a
treasure-trove of traditional performing arts.
You can purchase tickets or obtain details of the theater schedule at
the theater box office. Reservations must be made in advance for
popular performances. Tickets can be purchased at the “Play guide”
ticket sales desks located in large department stores or shopping
malls in the main cities. We recommend that you also check at your
hotel, for they may have a ticket sales desk. For more advice on the
purchase of tickets or more detailed information, please access the
English site of individual theaters or consult with a TIC (Tourist
Information Center).
KABUKI :
The best known and most loved by people around the world, the
traditional performing art of Kabuki is a more popular form of theater
than Noh. Rhythmical lines spoken by actors, colorful make-up and a
stage full of mechanical devices for special effects are essential
characteristics of Kabuki, but the most important is that all the
roles, including those of women, are played by male actors. An
explanation in English is available at the Kabuki-za Theater (in
Tokyo), the representative theater designed exclusively for Kabuki.
NOH :
The highly stylized theater of Noh exudes the world of yugen, a
deeply aesthetic value based on a profound and refined beauty that
goes beyond words and concrete shapes. Its origin is in religious
ritual and it has a long history of 700 years. Though the actor,
dressed in traditional Japanese costume, either wears a mask to hide
the expression on his face or performs without expression, his dance
is lyrical and graceful.
BUNRAKU :
A Bunraku puppet play is a wonderful and heartfelt description
of conflicts between established ethical ideas and the reality of love
and life and turmoil in the emotions of the common people. It is
performed along with jouri (ballad chanting) to the accompaniment of
shamisen (a 3-stringed musical instrument). Bunraku is Puppet Theater
performed by three puppeteers. The movement of the lead puppet is
operated by the three puppeteers working in precise cooperation. The
Bunraku puppets almost become alive in the eyes of the audience,
accompanied by shamisen music, the narration of dialogue and gorgeous
costumes, and one can only marvel at the quality of the performance.
The Osaka Bunraku Gekijo Theater was designed exclusively for Bunraku.
This popular performing art attracts large audiences in Osaka, and the
National Bunraku Theater puts on regular performances every other
month. |
Information
provided by Japan National Tourist Organization.
