TV Show

KABUKI KOOL

Documentary

Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.

Apr 16, 20148 seasons80 episodesReturning SeriesEN

Start Watching

Cast spotlight

Jump into full cast pages for bio, socials, and recent work.

Ainosuke Kataoka

Himself

View profile

Seasons

Season 1

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 16, 2014

Season 2

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 1, 2015

Season 3

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 6, 2016

Season 4

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 5, 2017

Season 5

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 4, 2018

Season 6

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 3, 2019

Season 7

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 1, 2020

Season 8

10 episodes

Premiered Apr 7, 2021

Episodes

1–6 of 10

No preview

Ep 1

Enjoying Kabuki with Ichikawa Somegoro VII

Apr 16, 2014

28m

In the first program, we will watch entertaining short clips from great classics of kabuki as an easy key to enjoying the dazzling variety of kabuki. Also, Somegoro will explain why and how he became a kabuki actor and what it means to become part of a long acting tradition.

No preview

Ep 2

The Beauty of Onnagata

May 21, 2014

28m

This time we will look at one of the truly unique features of kabuki. There are no female actresses in kabuki and all female roles are played by male actors called "onnagata." Where did this tradition come from? What is the beauty of acting that can only be performed by onnagata? Join us as we explore the fascinating world of onnagata.

No preview

Ep 3

Unique Kabuki Stage Structures

Jun 18, 2014

28m

This time we're looking at the unique stage devices used in kabuki performance -- amazing, ground-breaking mechanisms that have been used for over 250 years.

No preview

Ep 4

Larger-Than-Life Heroes

Jul 16, 2014

28m

Heroes with superhuman powers take the stage in aragoto plays which have stayed popular for over 300 years. Learn about its unique make-up and mie poses that gets the audience excited.

No preview

Ep 5

Kabuki's Leading Male Roles

Sep 17, 2014

28m

Kabuki's leading male roles. There are so many different types, and even villains take the lead! But all of them are irresistibly attractive. Learn about their lives and tragic fates.

No preview

Ep 6

Chushingura: The Treasury of Loyal Retainers

Oct 15, 2014

28m

Chushingura is a particularly important kabuki play, and has been hugely popular since its premiere over 200 years ago. Find out why, and the history behind this dramatic story about loyal samurai.

Page 1 of 2