[Music] Kabuki is a Japanese traditional theater form which originated in the Ido period at the beginning of the 17th century and was particular ularly popular among towns [Music] people after 1868 when Japan opened up to Western influences actors strove to heighten the reputation of Kabuki among the upper classes and to adapt the traditional styles to Modern tastes today Kabuki is the most popular of the traditional styles of Japanese [Music] [Music] Drama important characteristics of Kabuki theater include its particular music costumes stage devices and props as well as specific plays language and acting Styles such as the Mia in which the actor holds a characteristic post to establish his character originally both men and women acted in Kabuki plays but eventually only male actors perform the plays a tradition that has remained to the present day male actors who specialize in women's roles are called Onaga two other major role types are aragoto rough style and wagu soft [Music] style the actors speak in a monotone voice and are accompanied by traditional [Music] [Applause] instruments Kabuki plays are about historical events and moral conflict in Affairs of the [Music] [Applause] heart the Kabuki stage is equipped with several devices such as revolving stages and trap doors through which the actors May appear and disappear another specialty of the Kabuki stage is a foot bridge hanamichi that extends into the audience kesi the special makeup provides an element of style that is easily recognizable even by those unfamiliar with the art form