Begin Japanology
Season 5 Episode 12 - Kabuki
Kabuki is one of Japan's best-known traditional performing arts. It combines elements of theater, dance, and music. In 2009, it was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dazzling costumes, striking makeup, and graceful movement... Kabuki acting is highly stylized, and the audience appreciates the many conventions. But Kabuki isn't stuffy. There are thrilling fight scenes and elaborate set designs. Audience members call out the names of the various houses of Kabuki actors. Kabuki was born in the early 17th century. It can be traced to a former shrine maiden with a very unusual style of dancing. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at Kabuki. Its timeless appeal rests on a unique sense of beauty and a great generosity of spirit.
Episodes in Season 5
Ekiden
28 min
Batteries
28 min
Cafes
28 min
Hot Water Bottles and Pocket Warmers
28 min
Ikebana
28 min
Excavators
28 min
Woods & Forests
28 min
Japanophiles - Dhugal Lindsay
28 min
Japanophiles - Richard Emmert
28 min
Japanophiles - Art Lee
28 min
Japanophiles - Philip Harper
28 min
Kabuki
28 min
Wild Vegetables
28 min
Horses
28 min
Massage Chairs
28 min
Shikoku Pilgrimage
28 min
Regional Fast Food
28 min
Department Stores
28 min
Kimonos
28 min
Aquariums
28 min
Confectionery
28 min
Dolls
28 min
Moss
28 min
High School Baseball
28 min
Planetariums
28 min
Japanophiles - Adam Booth
28 min
Japanophiles - Dave Spector
28 min
Japanophiles - Euan Craig
28 min
Shamisen
28 min
Crested Ibises
28 min
Abalone
28 min
Tokyo Station
28 min
Tokyo Skytree
28 min
Tokyo Bay
28 min
Potatoes, Taros, and Yams
28 min
Name Seals
28 min
Mushrooms
28 min
Vending Machines
28 min
Scissors
28 min
Satsuma Mandarins
28 min
Gift-giving
28 min
