Japanese Theater

Kabuki
Japanese traditional theatre art that is
performed in a stylized manner which
combines acting, singing and dancing.
ka, “song”; bu, “dance”; and ki, “skill.
1603 by Okuni, a Shinto priestess
 Vocal Pattern and Techniques:
1) Ipponchōshi or the continuous
pattern – used in speeches building up to
an explosive climax in the
aragoto(oversize, supernatural, rough
hero) style, it requires an extraordinary
breath-control that only few experts
succeed in achieving
2) Nori technique – adapted from the
chanting of jōruri, implies a very sensitive
capacity of riding the rhythms of the
shamisen (string instrument), declaiming
each accompaniment
3) Yakuharai technique - the subtle
delivery of poetical text written in the
Japanese metrical form of alternating
seven and five syllabus
Vocal and Instrumental Features
Dances and movements are
accompanied by shamisen music
gagaku - classic court music imported
from China during the 18th century
kagura - performed in Shinto shrines,
nō - chant derives from shōmyō, the
sophisticated and rich tradition of
Buddhist chanting,
The most popular shamisen music was
called nagauta (love song)
Naugata music is very flexible,
(1 shamisen or 20 musicians – 10
shamisen, flute, kotsuzumi; ōtsuzumi;
taiko )
Shamisen- 3 stringed instrument
Kotsuzumi– Small shoulder drum
Otsuzumi– Waist drum
Taiko – Stick Drum
Japanese Arts
Woodblock printing
Edo period (1603-1867)
is a technique for printing text, images or
patterns
It originated in China as a method of
printing on textiles but eventually became
a method for printing on paper
The most common theme in Japan for
printmaking describes SCENES FROM
EVERYDAY LIFE
Ukiyo-e, which is Japanese for "pictures
of the floating world” and it is related to
the style of woodblock print making that
shows scenes of harmony and carefree
everyday living.
Kabuki makeup or Kesho
1. standard makeup - actors
2. kumadori makeup - villains and heroes
 dark red = passion or anger
 dark blue = depression or sadness
 pink = youth  light green = calm
 black = fear  purple = nobility
Origami 17th century AD
“ori” meaning "folding", and “kami”
meaning "paper".
Origami butterflies were used during the
celebration of Shinto weddings to
represent the bride and groom
In Japan, knot tying is called
Hanamusubi. It emphasizes on braids
and focuses on individual knots.