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Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata

Episode number: 1

Overview: 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.

Four Seasons of Kabuki

Episode number: 2

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

Onnagata Costumes

Episode number: 3

Overview: 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.

Playing Different Onnagata Roles

Episode number: 4

Overview: 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.

Women of the Pleasure Quarters

Episode number: 5

Overview: 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.

Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy

Episode number: 6

Overview: 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.

Women In Love

Episode number: 7

Overview: 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.

The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki

Episode number: 8

Overview: 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

Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles

Episode number: 9

Overview: 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: Props and Sets

Episode number: 10

Overview: 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.