In the first program, we will watch entertaining short clips from great classics of kabuki as an easy key to enjoying the dazzling variety of kabuki. Also, Somegoro will explain why and how he became a kabuki actor and what it means to become part of a long acting tradition.

Enjoying Kabuki with Ichikawa Somegoro VII

This time we will look at one of the truly unique features of kabuki. There are no female actresses in kabuki and all female roles are played by male actors called "onnagata." Where did this tradition come from? What is the beauty of acting that can only be performed by onnagata? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of onnagata.

The Beauty of Onnagata

This time we're looking at the unique stage devices used in kabuki performance -- amazing, ground-breaking mechanisms that have been used for over 250 years.

Unique Kabuki Stage Structures

Heroes with superhuman powers take the stage in aragoto plays which have stayed popular for over 300 years. Learn about its unique make-up and mie poses that gets the audience excited.

Larger-Than-Life Heroes

Kabuki's leading male roles. There are so many different types, and even villains take the lead! But all of them are irresistibly attractive. Learn about their lives and tragic fates.

Kabuki's Leading Male Roles

Chushingura is a particularly important kabuki play, and has been hugely popular since its premiere over 200 years ago. Find out why, and the history behind this dramatic story about loyal samurai.

Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

Explore the world of Chikamatsu Monzaemon, one of Japan's greatest playwrights. His vivid depictions of raw human drama are still hugely popular today. He is nicknamed the "Japanese Shakespeare."

The Shakespeare of Japan: Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Swords and pipes, fantastic objects and things from daily life — kabuki uses a variety of stage props, most of which have not changed since hundreds of years ago. Find out how kabuki actors make use of them to great effect.

Unique Kabuki Props

The heroes of wagoto style of kabuki aren't very strong or dependable. They are soft and romantic, and can also be comical at times. See Ichikawa Somegoro's delightful performance as a ladies' man.

Wagoto: Ladies' Man as Hero

The more attractive a villain is the more enjoyable kabuki becomes. From a murderous criminal to a scoundrel on the street, see the charming villains of kabuki take center stage.

Charming Villains

Meet Nakamura Kazutaro -- our new host and the rising star of kabuki. Born into a famous kabuki family, watch how he became a kabuki actor himself, along with some beautiful performances.

Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata

Spring, summer, autumn, winter – Japan’s beautiful seasons are ingeniously portrayed on the kabuki stage with magnificent sets, props and superb acting.

Four Seasons of Kabuki

The magnificent costumes of kabuki's female roles add flair to the stage. And their colors and designs can even represent the character's social status or her inner feelings.

Onnagata Costumes

How does a man play a woman's role? See the process of this metamorphosis, beginning with makeup, along with highlights of plays that portray women of all kinds of social stations and ages.

Playing Different Onnagata Roles

Many kabuki plays star beautiful courtesans – this time we feature the women of the pleasure quarters. Discover the glamorous allure which entangles both men and women.

Women of the Pleasure Quarters

This time, a special feature on Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy! A huge hit with the public in the Edo period, its story and stagecraft still enthral people today.

Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy

We discover the stories of this traditional performing art which are all about women in love. Doomed romances, love triangles, and death stalk the stage.

Women In Love

This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the laughter of Kamigata Kabuki. Discover how performing monkeys can add pathos to a touching scene, and the comic twists and turns taken by a lovesick hairdresser

The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki

This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the animals and transport systems used in kabuki plays. Discover how these amazing props and their sound effects add to the atmosphere on stage.

Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles

This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the sets and stagecraft of kabuki plays. Discover two new animals, and explore their history and effects.

Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets

Explore the dazzling world of kabuki costumes! An expert joins the studio to explain the intricate details of some of kabuki's most famous clothes. Join us for the first in a new season of KABUKI KOOL.

Kabuki Costume Concepts

Explore three kabuki plays that are based on noh and kyogen originals. Nakamura Kazutaro guides us through the originals to see how and why kabuki changed, or kept, certain dramatic elements.

Discover Kabuki Based on Noh and Kyogen

This time on "KABUKI KOOL" actor Nakamura Kazutaro guides us through two stories that hinge on a woman's seduction of the hero. Join us in an exploration of their very different motives!

Seductive Women

This time on "KABUKI KOOL" explore the music which heightens on-stage action. Musician Kineya Mitaro and his group demonstrate the extraordinary skills that prompt laughter and tears from audiences.

Kuromisu Music in Kabuki

This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the intricate beauty of onnagata dancing with acclaimed actor Nakamura Kazutaro.

The Beauty of Dance: Onnagata

This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the emotional drama of Kamigata plays with actor Nakamura Kazutaro. This style of kabuki developed in the Kansai region of Japan.

Kamigata Kyogen Set in Merchant Families

This time on KABUKI KOOL, discover the role of narimono, the kabuki flute and percussion ensemble. Background music, sound effects, and atmospheric tension, actor Nakamura Kazutaro explains the many sounds of kabuki.

Sounds of Kabuki

This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore a historic masterpiece of kabuki theater. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro explains the appeal of "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees."

Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura

This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the intricate tachimawari or fight scenes, of kabuki plays. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro is joined by a tateshi, or action choreographer.

Tachimawari Fight Scenes

This time on KABUKI KOOL, we move away from the classics to look at two modern kabuki plays. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro explains the challenges of performing new works.

Challenges of Modern Kabuki

Explore 400 years of kabuki history through plays of different eras. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces famous writers from each period.

The Star Dramatists of Kabuki History

Explore the Japanese "Romeo and Juliet", Imoseyama Onna Teikin. Actor Nakamura Kazutaro introduces scenes from this deeply tragic romance.

Imoseyama Onna Teikin (Husband and Wife Mountains)

Explore some of the props used by onnagata, kabuki actors who play female roles. A props expert joins actor Nakamura Kazutaro to explain how these items are made and how they're used in performance.

Onnagata Props

Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke is in the studio with Nakamura Kazutaro and explores some of the male tachiyaku roles of kabuki, including tragic heroes and battle scenes.

Tachiyaku Male Roles

The strong, manly aragoto style of kabuki acting and plays is our focus this week. Join kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke and our guide Nakamura Kazutaro as they examine its history and try out some aragoto moves in the studio!

Powerful Aragoto Heroes

Kabukiza is the only theater dedicated to showing kabuki all year round. Explore unique stage machinery based on centuries-old ideas, the backstage, roof garden, and shop.

A Visit to the Kabukiza

Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro explores the unique nature of kabuki stage sets, stage machinery, how these items are made, and the work done by stagehands during performances.

Kabuki Stage Sets

The universal plays of Chikamatsu Monzaemon were written 300 years ago yet are still used in movies and TV today. Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro explores his genius.

The Peerless Chikamatsu Monzaemon

What's the link between ukiyo-e art and kabuki? Many famous prints are of kabuki actors and were sold to fans. They're key documentation of staging and costumes. Explore this fascinating relationship.

Kabuki & Ukiyo-e

Several old theater buildings around Japan give a feeling of what it was like to see kabuki in the Edo period. Experience these performances from up close.

Japan's Historic Kabuki Theaters

This time Kataoka Ainosuke takes his first turn as our host. Ainosuke is a renowned kabuki actor. He'll be our guide to the attractions of kabuki looking at some of the roles he's played.

Enjoying Kabuki with Kataoka Ainosuke

Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.

Kabuki Conventions

Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

Handsome Heroes of Kabuki

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese hero taking up arms in China for the family his father once served.

The Battles of Coxinga

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the sometimes tragic and occasionally comical relationships between married couples in kabuki. Explore these dramatic tales of fidelity and romance.

Married Love

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

Props for Male Roles

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two acts from this gidayu kyogen play. It's a fantastical, dramatic, and deeply moving piece of theater.

Genpei Nunobiki no Taki: The White Cascade of the Genji Banner

How do the cast and crew prepare for a kabuki performance? Actor Kataoka Ainosuke guides us through the rehearsals and technical complexities of a recent nationwide tour.

Before a Kabuki Tour Begins

Kabuki is full of music played both on- and off-stage. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke and musician Kawase Roshu guide us through the beautiful complexities of sankyoku.

Sankyoku: Kabuki Chamber Music

Dance is an integral part of kabuki, showcasing personality and inner emotion, as well as skill. Explore this mesmerizing facet of kabuki with actor Kataoka Ainosuke.

Kabuki Dance for Tachiyaku Male Roles

Discover the many complex connections between kabuki and the historic capital of Kyoto. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the newly restored Minami-za theater and plays set in Kyoto.

Kabuki in Kyoto and Minami-za

Discover the historic and modern kabuki plays based on bestsellers! Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores two plays from the Edo period and one based on a modern manga series, Naruto.

Bestsellers and Kabuki

Eirakukan is a historic theater in Hyogo Prefecture. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains how traditional seating and a small capacity create an extraordinary and intimate atmosphere.

Kabuki at Eirakukan

Today's play features two sumo wrestlers as protagonists! Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke talks about sumo in the Edo period and the story of "Futatsu Chocho Kuruwa Nikki."

Sumo Wrestlers are the Heroes!

Ishikawa Goemon is a legendary thief from the late 16th century who appears in several kabuki plays. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores what makes this figure so popular.

The Super Thief Ishikawa Goemon

Every hero needs a good villain, and kabuki has everything from ambitious schemers to vile seducers, and even the odd comic villain. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the roles' appeal.

Kabuki Villains

Pattern, color, design, and tradition all play a role in creating kabuki characters. Expert Takahiro Ebisawa joins actor Kataoka Ainosuke to explore the fascinating world of costuming.

Kabuki Costumes

Love for family and romance are central themes in the story of many female characters in kabuki. Studio guest and onnagata actor Nakamura Kazutaro reveals techniques he uses on stage.

Onnagata Romance

"Osome's Seven Roles" is a tour de force where seven parts, male and female, young and old are played by a single onnagata actor. Our guest Nakamura Kazutaro will tell us all about it.

Osome's Seven Roles

The historic figure of Minamoto no Yoshitsune has been immortalized in many kabuki plays as a child, a skilled warrior, and a tragic hero. Explore with actor Kataoka Ainosuke.

Tragic Hero Yoshitsune

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the fantastic play, "The Dance of the Earth Spider," where one actor skillfully switches between 5 very different roles.

Kabuki Dance: Henge Buyo

Chushingura is one of the most popular plays. It is based on a sensational historical incident when 47 masterless samurai avenged the death of their lord. Ainosuke explores it in a two-part series. Samurai lord Enya Hangan attacks the high official Ko no Moronao in the shogun's palace after being bullied.

The World of Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Part 1)

The former retainers of Enya Hangan assemble in front of the gate of their enemy's mansion for the final attack to avenge their lord. In the seventh act, Yuranosuke should be planning a vendetta, but instead plays drunkenly nightly in Gion. Yuranosuke is actually playing to throw off spies, but as he reads a secret letter, he is seen from above by Okaru, a courtesan who is the wife of a former retainer, and from below by Kudayu, a former chief retainer of the clan now become a spy for the enemy. The ninth act shows another tragedy, a story like Romeo and Juliet as the marriage of Yuranosuke's son and the daughter of a senior samurai is caught in the complications of the vendetta. Finally the former retainers attack the mansion of Moronao, the man their lord tried to kill, but couldn't. When Moronao refuses to die honorably by suicide, Yuranosuke must kill him.

The World of Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers (Part 2)

For the first time, the Soga brothers confront the man that had their father killed. Kawazu no Saburo , the father of the Soga brothers was the object of anger and jealousy, eventually getting him killed. Left without a father, the 2 Soga brothers grow up strong, hoping to avenge their father's death. Finally, the Soga brothers confront Kudo Suketsune, the man that had their father killed. Eventually, they kill Kudo at the foot of Mt. Fuji.

The Revenge of the Soga Brothers

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the mythical and sacred Shishi lion. Discover the extraordinary variety of Shishi-mono dances in kabuki, and the famous mane-tossing movement. The father Shishi (R) and the child Shishi (L) tossing their manes in "Renjishi."

Here Come the Kabuki Shishi Lion Dances!

Choreographers create the movement and staging of a kabuki performance, contributing hugely to its appeal. Our guest, expert choreographer Fujima Kanjuro, talks about the intricacies of the job. Kanjuro's grandfather, the famous choreographer Fujima Kanso II created modern versions of classical dances that became standard. "Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden)" shows the spirit of the wisteria blossoms as a young girl in love. The giant set makes the actor look like a small, delicate girl.

The World of Kabuki Choreography

A historic fight between sumo wrestlers and the Megumi firefighting gang is dramatized in this play, which ends in a free-for-all on stage. Kabuki actor Kataoka Ainosuke is our guide. The firemen on the left, headed by their leader Tatsugoro confront the sumo wrestlers on the right, headed by their leader, champion wrestler Yotsuguruma.

The Fight of the Megumi Firemen and Sumo Wrestlers

Scarface Yosaburo is one of the most famous plays of late Edo period kabuki. It's a romance between a young and beautiful couple, with shocking twists that showcases Edo style. A chance encounter between the son of a wealthy family and the beautiful mistress of a gang boss transforms their lives forever.

Stylish Kabuki Melodrama: "Scarface Yosaburo"

A family tragedy when in a civil war, 2 brothers, both brilliant strategists, fight on opposing sides. Moritsuna worries about his younger brother, culminating in having to identify his brother's head. The tense scene when Moritsuna must examine his brother's head.

Moritsuna's Battle Camp

As with live performance worldwide, COVID-19 has affected kabuki. Actors Kataoka Ainosuke and Nakamura Kazutaro talk about the difficulties and reveal some creative solutions. In the first performance after Kabukiza reopened, the fierce lions dance as if to drive away COVID-19.

Kabuki and the Pandemic

Kabuki often depicts traditional Japanese dishes. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke introduces scenes with several examples, and teaches us about what foods were popular in the Edo period. In "Hokaibo," a disreputable begging priest takes time off from abducting a beautiful girl for a bowl of soba noodles from a roadside stall.

Edo Food in Kabuki

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the enduring appeal of 2 outlaws. Despite their crimes, they protect the weak and can be tender lovers. The villainous tea priest, Kochiyama (left) and Naojiro (right), ex-samurai and thief, but also a gallant lover, are our attractive villains.

Two Kabuki Flowers of Evil: Kochiyama and Naozamurai

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores a kabuki dance in which 2 actors play a total of 8 different roles featuring Tokyo's famous Sanja Festival. The most famous part of the dance features the legendary fishermen who caught the Buddhist image in the temple at Asakusa in their net.

Spring Blossoms and the Festival in Asakusa

Unswerving Devotion: The Japanese Twenty-Four Examples of Filial Piety. Kataoka Ainosuke is our guide to a play featuring a kabuki princess in a story of warring clans and the magic of a sacred helmet. Princess Yaegaki holding the sacred helmet and surrounded by the magical foxes. With the help of the magic of the foxes, she goes to save her lover's life.

Devoted Love and Warring Clans

This time, a fantastic dance play "The Snowbound Barrier" from the 18th c. with an ambitious villain defeated by the spirit of the cherry tree in the form of a beautiful woman.

An Evil Villain vs. The Spirit of the Cherry

This time we look at a 17th century historical figure who was the champion of the commoners against the abuses of the samurai. We look at Chobei as a gang boss and then a play that shows his tragic end. Mizuno, the leader of a samurai gang, traps Chobei into going defenseless into the bath so that he can kill him.

The Gallant Commoner: Banzui Chobei

A chance meeting leads to tragic consequences as the divided loyalties of family and duty tear 3 people apart. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "Numazu." Jubei, a cloth merchant, learns that the porter Heisaku and his family are helping a vendetta that aims at killing his lord. Moreover, he finds out that Heisaku is his real father. Here, at the end of the play, Jubei helps the vendetta and can finally embrace the dying Heisaku as his father.

The Vendetta at Iga: Families Meet and Part

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the folklore and history behind Japanese Oni, or demons, and guides us through 3 spectacular kabuki dramas in which they play a central role. While viewing the autumn leaves, a court aristocrat encounters a demon and fights it with a powerful sword.

Demons in Kabuki

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the historic tale of Kiuchi Sogo, a village headman who sacrifices his life begging the shogun to save his fellow farmers from starvation. Even though he has been captured and will be executed, Sogo smiles with satisfaction because he knows that the shogun has heard his plea for mercy.

Sogo from Sakura: A Farmer Martyr

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores a play where 2 people must hide their true characters and feelings to survive a turbulent historic era. In the final moments, Lord Okura appears in this spectacular costume to show that he is revealing his inner self.

The Tale of Lord Okura: Dedicated to Genji's Revival

Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.

All Episodes of KABUKI KOOL

Browse all episodes of KABUKI KOOL

Season 1

Enjoying Kabuki with Ichikawa Somegoro VII

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/16/2014

The Beauty of Onnagata

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 5/21/2014

Unique Kabuki Stage Structures

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 6/18/2014

Larger-Than-Life Heroes

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 7/16/2014

Kabuki's Leading Male Roles

Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 9/17/2014

Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/15/2014

The Shakespeare of Japan: Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 11/19/2014

Unique Kabuki Props

Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 12/17/2014

Wagoto: Ladies' Man as Hero

Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 1/21/2015

Charming Villains

Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 2/18/2015