Kabuki
If Japanese arts can be likened to Western ones, then Kabuki is Opera. Dramatic story-lines with sword fights, ghosts, and love affairs are performed by heavily made up and gorgeously-costumed actors speaking in hypnotically sing-song voices.
Though traditionally acted by men in both male and female roles, kabuki was originally invented and preformed by women. Men’s only kabuki dates from 1653, and actors specialise in either male or female (onagata) roles. Once wildly popular, with actors holding movie-star status and featured on ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Kabuki still has a strong following in Japan and famous actors are known both on the stage and on the screen.
Like opera, kabuki is dramatic and spectacular enough to transcend language, though recorded English explanations and commentaries are usually available. Seeing a performance is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese culture. Regular performances are held in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Into Japan is happy to book kabuki tickets for you during your visit to these cities.