← KABUKI KOOL

Season 6

10 episodes · 2019

  1. 1Kabuki in Kyoto and Minami-za

    03 Apr 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  2. 2Bestsellers and Kabuki

    01 May 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  3. 3Kabuki at Eirakukan

    05 Jun 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  4. 4Sumo Wrestlers are the Heroes!

    03 Jul 2019 · 28 min

    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."

  5. 5The Super Thief Ishikawa Goemon

    04 Sep 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  6. 6Kabuki Villains

    02 Oct 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  7. 7Kabuki Costumes

    06 Nov 2019 · 28 min

    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.

  8. 8Onnagata Romance

    08 Jan 2020 · 28 min

    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.

  9. 9Osome's Seven Roles

    05 Feb 2020 · 28 min

    "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.

  10. 10Tragic Hero Yoshitsunefinale

    04 Mar 2020 · 28 min

    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.