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April 1, 2015

Season 2

01. Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata

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.

28min
April 1, 2015

02. Four Seasons of Kabuki

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

28min
May 6, 2015

03. Onnagata Costumes

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.

28min
June 3, 2015

04. Playing Different Onnagata Roles

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.

28min
July 1, 2015

05. Women of the Pleasure Quarters

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.

28min
September 2, 2015

06. Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy

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.

28min
October 7, 2015

07. Women In Love

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.

28min
November 4, 2015

08. The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki

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

28min
December 2, 2015

09. Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles

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.

28min
January 6, 2016

10. Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets

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.

28min
March 2, 2016