About this season
Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.
Episodes (10)
1. The Star Dramatists of Kabuki History
Aired 5 April 2017 • 28 min
Explore 400 years of kabuki history through plays of different eras. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces famous writers from each period.
2. Imoseyama Onna Teikin (Husband and Wife Mountains)
Aired 3 May 2017 • 28 min
Explore the Japanese "Romeo and Juliet", Imoseyama Onna Teikin. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces scenes from this deeply tragic romance.
3. Onnagata Props
Aired 7 June 2017 • 28 min
Explore some of the props used by onnagata, kabuki actors who play female roles. A props expert joins actor Nakamura Kazutaro to explain how these items are made and how they're used in performance.
4. Tachiyaku Male Roles
Aired 5 July 2017 • 28 min
Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke is in the studio with Nakamura Kazutaro and explores some of the male tachiyaku roles of kabuki, including tragic heroes and battle scenes.
5. Powerful Aragoto Heroes
Aired 6 September 2017 • 28 min
The strong, manly aragoto style of kabuki acting and plays is our focus this week. Join kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke and our guide Nakamura Kazutaro as they examine its history and try out some aragoto moves in the studio!
6. A Visit to the Kabukiza
Aired 4 October 2017 • 28 min
Kabukiza is the only theater dedicated to showing kabuki all year round. Explore unique stage machinery based on centuries-old ideas, the backstage, roof garden, and shop.
7. Kabuki Stage Sets
Aired 1 November 2017 • 28 min
Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro explores the unique nature of kabuki stage sets, stage machinery, how these items are made, and the work done by stagehands during performances.
8. The Peerless Chikamatsu Monzaemon
Aired 3 January 2018 • 28 min
The universal plays of Chikamatsu Monzaemon were written 300 years ago yet are still used in movies and TV today. Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro explores his genius.
9. Kabuki & Ukiyo-e
Aired 7 February 2018 • 28 min
What's the link between ukiyo-e art and kabuki? Many famous prints are of kabuki actors and were sold to fans. They're key documentation of staging and costumes. Explore this fascinating relationship.
10. Japan's Historic Kabuki Theaters
Aired 7 March 2018 • 28 min
Several old theater buildings around Japan give a feeling of what it was like to see kabuki in the Edo period. Experience these performances from up close.