The origin of the word “Kabuki” comes from the term “kabuku,” which means to incline or to be unconventional. Kabuki’s roots are said to be in the “kabuki odori,” where performers imitated eccentric individuals who were unconcerned with current trends and societal norms, showcasing avant-garde fashion. By incorporating trends without being bound by existing ideas and entertaining people, Kabuki has continuously inherited this spirit.
Kabuki is composed of three elements: drama, dance, and music. By pursuing entertainment through these three elements, Kabuki has been refined into a comprehensive art form. By eagerly incorporating interesting elements and making efforts to entertain, Kabuki has become diverse. Centered in Edo (Tokyo) and Kamigata (Kyoto and Osaka), Kabuki has reflected the tastes of audiences from various eras, expanding its repertoire with the activities of famous actors and playwrights, leading to the Kabuki we see today. One of its significant features is that it was nurtured by common people without relying on the government.
With a repertoire of over 700 plays, Kabuki’s basic principle is “long run.” Countless efforts by actors and staff are poured into each production, resulting in the culmination of their efforts being displayed on stage. That is what Kabuki is.
Kabuki Nurtured by a Spirit of Defiance The “kabuki odori” is said to have been started by Agemaki from Izumo in Kyoto in 1603 (Keicho 8). Therefore, Kabuki has a history of over 400 years. Incidentally, Kabuki began in Edo when Nakamura-za was established in Kyobashi in 1624 (Kanei 1).
Due to the popularity of kabuki odori, “onnagata kabuki” involving women, including courtesans, and “wakashu kabuki” involving young boys with remaining bangs, began. However, both were banned by the shogunate for disturbing public order. The next to emerge was “yarō kabuki,” centered around adult men. As Kabuki became exclusively performed by men, “onnagata” also emerged, laying the foundation for modern Kabuki.
Overcoming any adversity and turning it into a source of growth—this spirit of defiance, flowing through theater owners (zamoto), Kabuki actors, and the staff supporting them, has been indispensable in Kabuki’s continued inheritance.