Japanese theater is a traditional performing art that tells stories through song and dance. The three main types, which are Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku, were all declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005.
Best 3 Types of Japanese Theater
1. Kabuki Theater
Kabuki is the most popular of the three styles of traditional Japanese theater. The art form is over 400 years old.
The actors are all men and performances are known for their exaggerated actions, elaborate costumes, beautiful make-up, and live music using traditional instruments.
The stage has revolving platforms, trapdoors, and a footbridge that extends into the audience.
The best place to experience Kabuki Theater in Japan is at the Tokyo Kabukiza Theater and Kyoto Minamiza Theater. The Kabuki Official Website has showtimes.
2. Nohgaku
Nohgaku is the combination of Noh and Kyogen.
Noh Theater
Noh is the oldest style of traditional Japanese theater, dating to the 8th century. Like Kabuki, all of the performers are men.
Notable features of Noh are elaborate costumes, slow movements, and traditional masks made from Japanese cypress. There are around 200 different kinds of masks.
Noh is a serious play that relies on song and dance. There are musicians and a chorus on stage that help narrate the story. The stage is open except for the back, which usually has a painting of a pine tree. There is no curtain or large props.
Photo by Kirstein-Heine / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Kyogen
Kyogen are lighter, more comical plays that were originally performed during the intermission. Kyogen relies more on dialogue, satire, witty jokes, and slapstick humor. Themes include misunderstandings and humorous interactions of ordinary people in the 12th to 16th centuries.
The best place to see Nohgaku Theater in Japan is in Tokyo at the National Noh Theater and the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel.
3. Bunraku Theater
Bunraku is a style of traditional Japanese theater that uses puppets. The puppet theater first started in Osaka in 1684 and became popular with local townspeople.
The puppets are hand-crafted by master puppet makers. They are four to five feet tall and appear very realistic. The heads have unique characteristics, such as moving eyes, eyebrows, and mouths.
The performance consists of a perfect balance between the narration, music, and puppetry. The narrator performs all of the voices of the characters. The musicians play traditional Japanese instruments, such as the shamisen, koto, flutes, and taiko drums. The puppets are controlled by three puppeteers each, who train for decades.
The best place to watch Bunraku is at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka or at the Tokyo National Theater.
Etiquette When Visiting a Theater in Japan
Noise
Be careful to not make any noise. You must turn off all electronic devices. You are not allowed to record or take photos. If children start to make noise, they should be escorted to the lobby.
During a Kabuki play, you may hear the audience shout out the names of actors, but this is an acceptable show of support.
Seating
You cannot lean forward in your seat, stand up, sit on the stairs, or move to a different seat. Be in your seat when the performance starts and avoid leaving during the performance.
Dress Code
There is no dress code to attend a kabuki play. However, some Japanese women may wear traditional kimono and men may wear a suit. You should take off your hat or anything that may obstruct the view of others.
Eating and Drinking
You can eat and drink at your seat during the intermission, but there is no eating and drinking during the performance.
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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