tradition remains -Part 1-

I love “kabuki”. Kabuki is traditional Japanese theater play with dancing and singing. Normally divided in 8~10 acts, first half begins from 11AM till around 3PM, and the rest till around 7PM. Kabuki addicted audiences enjoy all day watching when each season (spring/summer/autumn/winter spots) opens up.

Last year I visited Tokyo in May I got a platinum ticket on the first floor, 8th row from the stage in the very middle and I thought it was gonna be the last chance before this historical Kabuki theater, “kabuki-za”, gets torn down.

Luckily during my stay in Tokyo this time the Kabuki summer season just started and my friend Megu got me one of the best seats (using her personal connection;) which is on the second balcony where we could drink sake and eat whatever we brought ( or buy there).

The first play was one of the best acts from the Ichikawa family (“ke”) called “Shibaraku” and the main character was played by one of the young handsome hopes named “Ebizo” from their family.

Kabuki is performed only by the men, so the women (character) are also played by men. There sure needs a skill to have that high voice and female movement. Audiences have their favorite actors in certain plays.

I’ve always been into the culture of Edo period when the last shoguns ruled Japan and samurai families from each region protected their lands (“Edo” is the name of the area now called “Tokyo” as well). “Kabuki” was for the the ordinary people, farmer, grocer, butcher etc. to enjoy away from everyday hard work. “Kabukimono” referred originally to those who were bizarrely dressed and swaggered on the street in edo era as they like to get dressed up.

“Kabuki-za” will be demolished and will be built into a completelly new theater after this season.  I was very happy I was there to breath the air in the building for the last time and also I could see our fomer prime minister, Mr. Koizumi!

歌舞伎ファンとして、歌舞伎座がなくなってしまう前の講演を観に行けたことはよかった！元首相の小泉さんもいたよ！