JLPT N1 Advanced

歌舞伎

Traditional Japanese theater featuring stylized drama and elaborate makeup

Readings

Other forms

歌舞妓 rarely used

Noun

Kabuki Theater

Refers to a classical style of Japanese drama incorporating stylized music, dance, and mime, notably performed exclusively by male actors.

Good to know

歌舞伎（かぶき） is a traditional Japanese theater style known for stylized acting, music and dance, colorful costumes, and dramatic makeup.

The word is linked to 傾く（かぶく）, meaning to lean or to act in an eccentric, unconventional way. This fits kabuki’s early image as bold and flashy entertainment.

The kanji are 当て字（あてじ）, characters chosen mainly for sound. They are also often explained as the three parts of the art: 歌（うた） “song,” 舞（まい） “dance,” and 伎（ぎ） “skill.”

Traditional kabuki uses an all-male cast. Male actors who specialize in female roles are called 女形（おんながた）.

A famous visual feature is 隈取（くまどり）, the bold stage makeup that makes expressions easier to read and signals a character’s nature, such as heroism, anger, or villainy.

Example

歌舞伎のチケットを予約しました。

I booked tickets for the Kabuki show.

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歌舞伎

かぶき

Traditional Japanese theater featuring stylized drama and elaborate makeup

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