The History of Japanese Theater Dates Back Over Three Thousand

The history of Japanese theater dates back over three thousand years. Kabuki was originally a theater form originated in 1557 CE with the actress O-Kuni. “Women’s” Kabuki lasted until 1629 when a riot ensued. The riot was spurred when a prostitute acted in a Noh performance. At that time the government banned women from the theater and men had to assume the female roles. To this day women are still not allowed in Grand Kabuki.

The Ichimura Theater in Edo was built in 1634 and remained in constant use for nearly three centuries. It was destroyed by fire in 1932.

Even the art of the Tattoo often paid homage to the art of  the Kabuki

Three early photo portraits of Kabuki actors from the 19th Century

Contemporary Kabuki actor Bando Contemporary Tamasaburo as Princess Sakura in Sakura-Hime.  Act I

Contemporary Kabuki actor Bando Contemporary Tamasaburo as Princess Sakura in Sakura-Hime.  Act V

Shortly after the beginning of  men’s kabuki, in 1660, began the dynasty of actors known as Danjuro

To the right is the current Danjuro, number XII. He is of  direct lineage to the original Danjuro I

Danjuro I 1660-1704 Here is the image of Danjuro I as Kagemasa in Shibaraku one of his most famous roles.

The print by Torii Kiyonubu

Danjuro II 1688-1758 Here Danjuro II is shown in the role of Soga no Goro.

The print by Okumura Masanobu

Danjuro III 1721-1724 Here Danjuro III is shown in one of the Soga brothers themed plays

The print by Torii Kiyonobu

Danjuro IV 1711-1778 Kagekiyo, one of “Eighteen Favorite Plays” of the Ichikawa family of actors

Print by Torii Kiyomitsu

DanjuroV 1741-1807 Here Danjuro V reprises the role of Kagemasa in Shiraraku

Print by Utagawa Kunimasa

Danjuro VI 1778-1799

Print by Utagawa Kunimasa

Danjuro VII 1791-1859 This dramatic image is of Dan juro VII as Kan Shojo

Print by Utagawa Kunisada

Danjuro VIII 1823-1954 Here Danjuro VIII is shown in the title role of  Sukeroku.

Print by Utagawa Toyokuni

Danjuro IX 1838-1903 Danjuro IX was an innovator of Kabuki, here in a new play of the Meiji Period.

Danjuro X 1880-1956

Danjuro XI 1909-1965 The father of the new Danjuro XII. Here shown as Yoemon in  Kasane.

Danjuro XII 1946The current Danjuro as Kamakura Gongoro no Kagemasa

 A modern woodblock print of Kabuki

 A modern woodblock print of Kabuki

Japanese Prints

Daily Life

 A Kunisada print from 19th Century

 A 19th Century print by Kunisada

 A 19th Century print by Kunisada

 A woodblock print of  Toyonobu

 A woodblock print of Shigenaga