(Voice actor) Mr.Akira Daniel Duncan

The Kabuki-za in 4-chome, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. Here, the traditional arts of Japan, Kabuki, is performed daily and very popular. In recent years many foreigners visit the theater as well, demonstrating Kabuki’s international acclaim as entertainment. Why is Kabuki popular? The artistry is a big factor, but that’s not the only thing. In its 400 years of history, it represents the values that the Japanese people have established. “Hogan-biiki (Underdog charm)” and “hankotsu-seishin (adversarial spirit)” are among them. “Hogan-biiki” is a term born from sympathy toward Yoshitsune Minamoto. Yoshitsune Minamoto was a hero who destroyed his rival Heike in 1185. However, he got on the wrong side of his brother and chieftain of Genji, Yoritomo Minamoto, with whom he should be celebrating Heike’s defeat, and Yoshitsune was driven to death by his brother’s army. The government post of Yoshitsune, who had such a sad life, was called Hogan, and thus sympathy toward Yoshitsune became known as “hogan-biiki.” It is a term that represents the kind gaze the Japanese have for those who lost. The other value is “hankotsu-seishin.” This is common among the ordinary people of criticizing those with power, while they extoll those who oppose the authority. A famous play that features hankotsu-seishin is “Kana dehon Chushingura.” The subject was an actual incident that occurred in the Edo period. There was an incident where the head of the Ako domain, Takumi no Kami Naganori Asano attacked Kozuke no Suke Kira with a sword at the Edo castle, which resulted in Takumi no Kami Naganori Asano committing seppuku, and the Ako domain territory was confiscated. At the time, the general rule supposedly was that “both sides are equally responsible,” but Takumi no Kami Naganori Asano’s adversary Kozuke no Suke Kira was not held responsible at all. For this reason, Ako domain samurais plotted and executed a revenge against Kozuke no Suke Kira to avenge their lord. The ordinary people of Edo extolled the Ako domain samurais, and made a Kabuki play to pass their deed down for generations. That is “Kana dehon Chushingura.” What sort of hankotsu-seishin is featured? You will have to find out in the story. “Kana dehon Chushingura,” which incorporates a critical spirit towards the Tokugawa regime is still one of the popular programs. Kabuki lets you feel the Japanese people’s spirit and values and are played all over Japan. However, this is the only theater in the world that was made for Kabuki. By knowing Kabuki, you will understand the feelings and sentiments of the Japanese people. If you want to know about Kabuki the Japanese people, we invite you to read the story.