Seasons & Episodes
Enjoying Kabuki with Ichikawa Somegoro VII
In the first program, we will watch entertaining short clips from great classics of kabuki as an easy key to enjoying th
The Beauty of Onnagata
This time we will look at one of the truly unique features of kabuki. There are no female actresses in kabuki and all fe
Unique Kabuki Stage Structures
This time we're looking at the unique stage devices used in kabuki performance -- amazing, ground-breaking mechanisms th
Larger-Than-Life Heroes
Heroes with superhuman powers take the stage in aragoto plays which have stayed popular for over 300 years. Learn about
Kabuki's Leading Male Roles
Kabuki's leading male roles. There are so many different types, and even villains take the lead! But all of them are irr
Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers
Chushingura is a particularly important kabuki play, and has been hugely popular since its premiere over 200 years ago.
The Shakespeare of Japan: Chikamatsu Monzaemon
Explore the world of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, one of Japan's greatest playwrights. His vivid depictions of raw human drama
Unique Kabuki Props
Swords and pipes, fantastic objects and things from daily life — kabuki uses a variety of stage props, most of which h
Wagoto: Ladies' Man as Hero
The heroes of wagoto style of kabuki aren't very strong or dependable. They are soft and romantic, and can also be comic
Charming Villains
The more attractive a villain is the more enjoyable kabuki becomes. From a murderous criminal to a scoundrel on the stre
Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata
Meet Nakamura Kazutaro -- our new host and the rising star of kabuki. Born into a famous kabuki family, watch how he bec
Four Seasons of Kabuki
Spring, summer, autumn, winter – Japan’s beautiful seasons are ingeniously portrayed on the kabuki stage with magnif
Onnagata Costumes
The magnificent costumes of kabuki's female roles add flair to the stage. And their colors and designs can even represen
Playing Different Onnagata Roles
How does a man play a woman's role? See the process of this metamorphosis, beginning with makeup, along with highlights
Women of the Pleasure Quarters
Many kabuki plays star beautiful courtesans – this time we feature the women of the pleasure quarters. Discover the gl
Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy
This time, a special feature on Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy! A huge hit with the public in the Edo period, i
Women In Love
We discover the stories of this traditional performing art which are all about women in love. Doomed romances, love tria
The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the laughter of Kamigata Kabuki. Discover how performing monkeys can add pathos to a t
Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the animals and transport systems used in kabuki plays. Discove
Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the sets and stagecraft of kabuki plays. Discover two new anima
Kabuki Costume Concepts
Explore the dazzling world of kabuki costumes! An expert joins the studio to explain the intricate details of some of ka
Discover Kabuki Based on Noh and Kyogen
Explore three kabuki plays that are based on noh and kyogen originals. Nakamura Kazutaro guides us through the originals
Seductive Women
This time on "KABUKI KOOL" actor Nakamura Kazutaro guides us through two stories that hinge on a woman's seduction of th
Kuromisu Music in Kabuki
This time on "KABUKI KOOL" explore the music which heightens on-stage action. Musician Kineya Mitaro and his group demon
The Beauty of Dance: Onnagata
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the intricate beauty of onnagata dancing with acclaimed actor Nakamura Kazutaro.
Kamigata Kyogen Set in Merchant Families
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the emotional drama of Kamigata plays with actor Nakamura Kazutaro. This style of kabu
Sounds of Kabuki
This time on KABUKI KOOL, discover the role of narimono, the kabuki flute and percussion ensemble. Background music, sou
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore a historic masterpiece of kabuki theater. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro explains the appeal
Tachimawari Fight Scenes
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the intricate tachimawari or fight scenes, of kabuki plays. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro is
Challenges of Modern Kabuki
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we move away from the classics to look at two modern kabuki plays. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro exp
The Star Dramatists of Kabuki History
Explore 400 years of kabuki history through plays of different eras. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces famous writers f
Imoseyama Onna Teikin (Husband and Wife Mountains)
Explore the Japanese "Romeo and Juliet", Imoseyama Onna Teikin. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces scenes from this deep
Onnagata Props
Explore some of the props used by onnagata, kabuki actors who play female roles. A props expert joins actor Nakamura Kaz
Tachiyaku Male Roles
Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke is in the studio with Nakamura Kazutaro and explores some of the male tachiyaku roles of k
Powerful Aragoto Heroes
The strong, manly aragoto style of kabuki acting and plays is our focus this week. Join kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke an
A Visit to the Kabukiza
Kabukiza is the only theater dedicated to showing kabuki all year round. Explore unique stage machinery based on centuri
Kabuki Stage Sets
Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro explores the unique nature of kabuki stage sets, stage machinery, how these items are mad
The Peerless Chikamatsu Monzaemon
The universal plays of Chikamatsu Monzaemon were written 300 years ago yet are still used in movies and TV today. Kabuki
Kabuki & Ukiyo-e
What's the link between ukiyo-e art and kabuki? Many famous prints are of kabuki actors and were sold to fans. They're k
Japan's Historic Kabuki Theaters
Several old theater buildings around Japan give a feeling of what it was like to see kabuki in the Edo period. Experienc
Enjoying Kabuki with Kataoka Ainosuke
This time Kataoka Ainosuke takes his first turn as our host. Ainosuke is a renowned kabuki actor. He'll be our guide to
Kabuki Conventions
Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings o
Handsome Heroes of Kabuki
Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, acto
The Battles of Coxinga
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese
Married Love
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the sometimes tragic and occasionally comical relationships between married couples in k
Props for Male Roles
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-im
Genpei Nunobiki no Taki: The White Cascade of the Genji Banner
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two acts from this gidayu kyogen play. It's a fantastical, dramatic, and deeply moving p
Before a Kabuki Tour Begins
How do the cast and crew prepare for a kabuki performance? Actor Kataoka Ainosuke guides us through the rehearsals and t
Sankyoku: Kabuki Chamber Music
Kabuki is full of music played both on- and off-stage. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke and musician Kawase Roshu guide us through
Kabuki Dance for Tachiyaku Male Roles
Dance is an integral part of kabuki, showcasing personality and inner emotion, as well as skill. Explore this mesmerizin
Kabuki in Kyoto and Minami-za
Discover the many complex connections between kabuki and the historic capital of Kyoto. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores
Bestsellers and Kabuki
Discover the historic and modern kabuki plays based on bestsellers! Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two plays from the E
Kabuki at Eirakukan
Eirakukan is a historic theater in Hyogo Prefecture. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains how traditional seating and a small
Sumo Wrestlers are the Heroes!
Today's play features two sumo wrestlers as protagonists! Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke talks about sumo in the Edo peri
The Super Thief Ishikawa Goemon
Ishikawa Goemon is a legendary thief from the late 16th century who appears in several kabuki plays. Actor Kataoka Ainos
Kabuki Villains
Every hero needs a good villain, and kabuki has everything from ambitious schemers to vile seducers, and even the odd co
Kabuki Costumes
Pattern, color, design, and tradition all play a role in creating kabuki characters. Expert Takahiro Ebisawa joins actor
Onnagata Romance
Love for family and romance are central themes in the story of many female characters in kabuki. Studio guest and onnaga
Osome's Seven Roles
"Osome's Seven Roles" is a tour de force where seven parts, male and female, young and old are played by a single onnaga
Tragic Hero Yoshitsune
The historic figure of Minamoto no Yoshitsune has been immortalized in many kabuki plays as a child, a skilled warrior,
Kabuki Dance: Henge Buyo
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the fantastic play, "The Dance of the Earth Spider," where one actor skillfully switches
The World of Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Part 1)
Chushingura is one of the most popular plays. It is based on a sensational historical incident when 47 masterless samura
The World of Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Part 2)
The former retainers of Enya Hangan assemble in front of the gate of their enemy's mansion for the final attack to aveng
The Revenge of the Soga Brothers
For the first time, the Soga brothers confront the man that had their father killed. Kawazu no Saburo , the father of th
Here Come the Kabuki Shishi Lion Dances!
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the mythical and sacred Shishi lion. Discover the extraordinary variety of Shishi-mono d
The World of Kabuki Choreography
Choreographers create the movement and staging of a kabuki performance, contributing hugely to its appeal. Our guest, ex
The Fight of the Megumi Firemen and Sumo Wrestlers
A historic fight between sumo wrestlers and the Megumi firefighting gang is dramatized in this play, which ends in a fre
Stylish Kabuki Melodrama: "Scarface Yosaburo"
Scarface Yosaburo is one of the most famous plays of late Edo period kabuki. It's a romance between a young and beautifu
Moritsuna's Battle Camp
A family tragedy when in a civil war, 2 brothers, both brilliant strategists, fight on opposing sides. Moritsuna worries
Kabuki and the Pandemic
As with live performance worldwide, COVID-19 has affected kabuki. Actors Kataoka Ainosuke and Nakamura Kazutaro talk abo
Edo Food in Kabuki
Kabuki often depicts traditional Japanese dishes. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke introduces scenes with several examples, and te
Two Kabuki Flowers of Evil: Kochiyama and Naozamurai
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the enduring appeal of 2 outlaws. Despite their crimes, they protect the weak and can be
Spring Blossoms and the Festival in Asakusa
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores a kabuki dance in which 2 actors play a total of 8 different roles featuring Tokyo's fam
Devoted Love and Warring Clans
Unswerving Devotion: The Japanese Twenty-Four Examples of Filial Piety. Kataoka Ainosuke is our guide to a play featurin
An Evil Villain vs. The Spirit of the Cherry
This time, a fantastic dance play "The Snowbound Barrier" from the 18th c. with an ambitious villain defeated by the spi
The Gallant Commoner: Banzui Chobei
This time we look at a 17th century historical figure who was the champion of the commoners against the abuses of the sa
The Vendetta at Iga: Families Meet and Part
A chance meeting leads to tragic consequences as the divided loyalties of family and duty tear 3 people apart. Actor Kat
Demons in Kabuki
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the folklore and history behind Japanese Oni, or demons, and guides us through 3 spectac
Sogo from Sakura: A Farmer Martyr
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the historic tale of Kiuchi Sogo, a village headman who sacrifices his life begging the
The Tale of Lord Okura: Dedicated to Genji's Revival
Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores a play where 2 people must hide their true characters and feelings to survive a turbulen
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