The art of Kabuki
1988. VHS (36 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.K3 A66 1988
Summary: Provides an introduction to the 400-year-old tradition of Kabuki, explaining its origins and purposes, its literary sources, and the meaning of its symbolism.
Bēshikku Japan. Gendai supōtsu to taishū geinō = Images of Japan. Contemporary sports and entertainment (ベーシックジャパン. 現代スポーツと大衆芸能)
2002. DVD (ca. 20 min.)
Call#: DVD GV125 .B465 2002
Summary: "Japan's long traditional of athleticism includes sumo, judo and kendo. But base ball, golf and other sports from the US and Europe are also extremely popular. Conversely, in addition to movies and TV, Japanese also enjoy various forms of traditional entertainment. These include the comic storytelling art of rakugo, the manzai brand of stand-up humour and folk songs that are handed down from one generation to the next, and a characteristically Japanese style of singing. The programme presents various examples of contemporary sports and traditional entertainment." -- NHK International's catalog.
Bunraku (文楽)
Tomoo Ueno
2001. DVD (53 min.)
Call#: DVD PN1978.J3 B777 2002
Summary: "Presents the story of Bunraku through two of its greatest masters, puppeteer Tamao Yoshida and chanter Sumitayu Takemoto. ... Cameras go backstage to capture the immense preparations and grueling rehearsals for their rendition of the masterpiece Shinju Ten no Amijima."--Container.
Busu = Poison sugar
1995. VHS (28 min.)
Call#: PL790 .B8724 1995b
Summary: Video of a short comic play from the Kyogen repertoire. Depicts the antics of the clever servants Taro Kaja and Jiro Kaja, who are entrusted with a container of poison while their master is away.
Danshi!
1995. VHS (59 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.R34 D36 1995
Summary: Japan's famed traditional "rakugo" storyteller, Danshi Tatekawa, presents two of his favorite tales in Japanese, with English subtitles.
Ennosuke sūpā kabuki no tanoshimi (猿之助スーパー歌舞伎の楽しみ)
1991. VHS (50 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.K3 E55 1991
Ise ondo koi no netaba (伊勢音頭恋寝刃)
2004. DVD (109 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 I824 2004
Summary: Based on an actual multiple murder in the Aburaya Tea House, this play is one of the most popular in the Kabuki repertoire, combining action, intrigue and murder. This play is a staple of summer Kabuki performances in the belief that the audience will be cooled as they shiver with fear through the horrific killing scene.
Japan sumo basho
John Antonelli
1994. DVD (30 min.)
Call#: GV1197 .J37 2002
Summary: This documentary provides an in-depth view of Japan's sumo wrestlers. Also includes footage from the first accredited sumo wrestling tournament held in the United States.
Kagamijishi (鏡獅子)
1992. DVD (89 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 B36 2003 vol. 4
Summary: "[Lion Dances] features a young castle maid who is ordered to perform with a wooden lion head that she holds in one hand" -- Container.
Kanjinchō (勧進帳)
2004. DVD (78 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 K32 2004
Summary: Performance of a kabuki play set in the 12th century, an age of civil war, when two military clans battle for political supremacy.
Katsura Shijaku, Eigo rakugo = Rakugo in English Shijaku Katsura (桂枝雀, 英語落語)
1990. VHS (71 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.R34 R34 1990
Summary: Rakugo storyteller Shijaku Katsura performs two rakugo pieces in English and, with Masaaki Yamamoto, gives a demonstration of the elements of rakugo.
Kumagai jinya = Kumagai's battle camp (一谷嫩軍記. 熊谷陣屋)
2002. DVD (86 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 I35 2002
Summary: One of the classics of the jidaimono or historical plays, this famous act chronicles a dramatic incident during the Battle of Ichinotani, during the long war between Genji and the Heike Clans. General Kumagai is, like many Kabuki tragic heroes, a victim of the medieval Japanese code of honor. Confronted with the prospect of having to kill the Emperor's son, he beheads his own son instead. Released from further duty, he spends his last days as a wandering priest.
Kyōkanoko musume Dōjōji (京鹿子娘道成寺)
2003. DVD (70 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 B36 2003 vol. 1
Summary: The maiden falls in love with a young Buddhist monk of the Dōjōji temple and later kills him.
The lovers' exile
Marty Gross
1980. DVD (90 min.)
Call#: DVD PL793.4 .K5824 1980
Summary: The story, one of Chikamatsu's domestic tragedies, recounts the love between a penniless clerk and an indentured prostitute. In Bunraku, as the reciter tells the story, the master holds the puppet against his chest, and his right arm gives life to the right arm of the puppet. His two assistants are clothed in black; one assistant gives life to the left arm of the puppet, the other gives life to the body, skirts, or legs.
Music of Bunraku
1991. VHS (29 min.)
Call#: video ML340 .M88 1991
Summary: Shows the exotic drama of Bunraku, the puppet theater of Japan, and is intended to enable the viewer to understand its music as well. The musical styles, notation and performers of Bunraku are introduced by Prof. William P. Malm of the University of Michigan, while the historic roots of Bunraku, as illustrated in antique paintings and prints, are explained by Prof. Sidney D. Brown of the University of Oklahoma. Artists from the National Bunraku Theater of Japan demonstrate the musical styles of Bunraku, and perform Ise ondo koi no netaba (The massacre of a geisha house in Ise).
Nagauta : the heart of Kabuki music
Eugene Enrico
1993. VHS (30 min.)
Call#: video ML340 .N33 1993
Summary: Presents the Nagauta version of the piece Sue hirogari = The folding fan by Kineya Rokuzaemon X. Performed on a practice stage by students at the National University of Fine Arts and Music in Tokyo. Examines the instruments and techniques used in the performing of Nagauta music.
Nihon no dentō bunka. Bunraku = Traditional Japanese culture. Bunraku (日本の伝統文化. 文楽)
1999. DVD (ca. 20 min.)
Call#: DVD PN1978.J3 N48 1999
Summary: "This programme enables viewers to grasp an idea of the classic bunraku puppet theatre." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nihon no dentō bunka. Kabuki = Traditional Japanese culture. Kabuki (日本の伝統文化. 歌舞伎)
1999. DVD (ca. 20 min.)
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 N54 1999
Summary: "The history of kabuki goes back four centuries. This programme offers a very basic introduction to this fascinating, complex tradition." -- NHK International’s catalog.
Nihon no dentō bunka. Nō = Traditional Japanese culture. Noh drama (日本の伝統文化. 能)
1999. DVD (ca. 20 min.)
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.N6 N46 1999
Summary: "Noh drama is one of Japan's great theatrical traditions. With its history of 600 years, noh is the world's oldest continuous tradition of poetic drama." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Jūdō = Traditional Japanese sports. Judo (日本の伝統スポーツ. 柔道)
1994. DVD (ca. 15 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1114 .N54 1994
Summary: "Although judo dates back to the Middle Ages, the rules of the sport as it is practised today were laid down in the late 19th century. In 1964, judo bacame an Olympic sport. This programme uses slowmotion to analyse the various techniques used in judo and demonstrate how, through quick thinking and fast reactions, a small person can throw a big one." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Karatedō = Traditional Japanese sports. Karatedo (日本の伝統スポーツ. 空手道)
1994. DVD (ca. 15 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1114.3 .N54 1994
Summary: "In karatedo, opponents use their hands and feet as weapons. This programme shows just how destructive these weapons can be and the supreme necessity for control and accuracy in what is essentially a form of self-defence." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Kendō = Traditional Japanese sports. Kendo (日本の伝統スポーツ. 剣道)
1994. DVD (ca. 15 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1142 .N54 1994
Summary: "Originally, kendo was practiced with real swords, now replaced by a shinai, a bamboo stick. The fascination of this sport is the speed with which opponents move from defense to attack, uttering loud exclamations. As this programme shows, footwork is the key to success." NHK International's catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Kyūdō = Traditional Japanese sports. Kyudo (日本の伝統スポーツ. 弓道)
1994. DVD (ca. 15 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1188.J3 N54 1994
Summary: "'Kyudo' is the Japanese sport of archery on foot. In 'yabusame,' the archers shoot from horseback. This programme looks at both types, illustrating the importance of correct stance and pose as well as accuracy in hitting the target --- catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Naginata = Traditional Japanese sports. Naginata (日本の伝統スポーツ. なぎなた)
1994. DVD (ca. 15 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1150.4 .N54 1994
Summary: In the Middle Ages, the 'naginata,' a Japanese pike, was the weapon of the infantry. Interestingly, this martial art is today practiced mainly by women. Using techniques of hitting and jabbing, opponents must strike only certain parts of the body --- catalog.
Nihon no dentō supōtsu. Sumō = Traditional Japanese sports. Sumo (日本の伝統スポーツ. 相撲)
1994. DVD (ca. 24 min.)
Call#: DVD GV1197 .N54 1994
Summary: "What is the meaning of a sumo wrestler's top-knot? How are sumo werstlers ranked? Why do they throw salt into the ring? This programme presents a guide to appreciating the finer points of sumo. Its also shows life in a sumo training stable, and features the Hawaiian stars Akebono and Musashimaru and the popular brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nihon-bi saihakken. Yume to utsutsu o samayoite : nō, onna-men = A modern eye for traditional beauty. Noh masks beauty transient, beauty eternal : noh the female mask (日本美再発見. 夢と現をさまよいて : 能・女面)
1995. DVD (ca. 30 min.)
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.N6 N43 1995
Summary: "Noh is a form of drama dating back to the 14th century in which the actors wear masks. Noh masks, which are highly stylized and never deviate from traditional forms, possess an uncanny power to communicate the whole range of human emotions. The same mask can convey both tenderness and cruelty, courage and cowardice, dream and reality. This programme seeks to reveal the little-known world of Noh in general and the art of mask-making in particular." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nō "Izutsu" = Noh Izutsu (能「井筒」)
Takao Toshioka
2000. VHS (40 min.)
Call#: PL792.S4 I924 2000
Summary: Based on the 17th episode of Ise monogatari, this is a noh performance of the scene where a traveling priest meets a woman beside a grave, who tells him it is the grave of Ariwara no Narihira whom she has throughout her life, and the priest sees in a dream the woman dance in Narihira's hat and robe.
Nō (能)
1999. VHS (45 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 K23 1999
Nō = Music of Noh drama
Eugene Enrico
1997. VHS (30 min.)
Call#: video ML340.5 .N63 1997
Summary: Artists from the Noh troupe led by Kinzo Komparu demonstrate the styles and forms of Noh music. The program explains the variety of musical traditions in Noh, the use of musical instruments, and the relationship between music, drama, and dance. The program also surveys the historic tradition of Noh and explains the connections to Buddhism and Shinto.
Nō Dōjōji = Noh Dojoji (能道成寺)
2001. 2 DVDs (143 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.N6 N528 2001
Summary: Presents highlights of the Noh play "Dōjōji" performed by three different schools of Noh performers and discusses the origins of the play, the staging of Noh plays and designs of masks and costumes.
Nō, Kyogen kanshō nyūmon (能・狂言鑑賞入門)
1980-1989. 6 VHSs
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 N542 1980
Nomura Mansai waga ko o kitaeru kyōgen sandai no hatsubutai = Three generations, one stage : first steps to mastery (野村萬斎わが子を鍛える 狂言三代の初舞台)
2003. DVD (ca. 43 min.)
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K9 N66 2003
Summary: "Nomura Mansai is a very popular and highly skilled kyogen master in the Izumi style. His eldest son Yuki (3) is about to give his first stage performance. In the Nomura family, the kyogen play Utsubo-zaru is traditionally performed at 3 years of age. From father to son, son to grandson, we examine three generations of the Nomura family as they pass down time-honoured techniques in a changing world." -- NHK International's catalog.
Nyūmon Kyogen no waza to kokoro (入門狂言の技と心)
1999. VHS (20 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 B53 1999 vol. 2
Summary: Introduction to Kyōgen.
Nyūmon Nō no ongaku (入門能の音楽)
2000. VHS (20 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 B53 1999 vol. 3
Summary: Introduction to No music.
Nyūmon Nō no waza to kokoro (入門能の技と心)
1999. VHS (20 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 B53 1999 vol. 1
Summary: Introduction to No plays.
Okina (翁)
2000. VHS (65 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 B53 1999 vol. 4
Summary: Performance of the Nō play "Okina". Recorded Jan. 16th, 2000 at the Umewaka Nōgakuin Kaikan.
On to eizō ni yoru Nihon koten geinō taikei (音と映像による日本古典芸能大系)
1992. 25 VHSs
Call#: PN2920 .O68 1992
Summary: Examples of classical Japanese entertainment forms with background history, general remarks, and commentary.
Onatsu kyōran (お夏狂乱)
1993. DVD (119 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 B36 2003 vol. 5
Summary: Kabuki dances that represent early 20th century Kabuki reform. Musical style is Tomei School, established by Hiraoka Ginshu and featuring the voice and three-stringed shamisen.
Portrait of an Onnagata
1992. VHS (30 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.K3 P67 1992
Summary: Examines the role of the Onnagata in Kabuki theater, the male actor who plays a female role, who exemplifies ideal and ultimate womanhood. Because Kabuki theater is played entirely by men, the role of the Onnagata is very important.
Sagi-musume (鷺娘)
2003. DVD. All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 B36 2003 vol. 2
Summary: Presents performances of five works of Bando Tamasaburo's brilliant Kabuki dance.
Sugiura Kanze Noh Theater Troupe
2000. VHS (118 min.)
Call#: PL765 .S84 2000
Summary: Takasago: A Noh dance with music depicting a long and happy life. Kaminari: A comic drama about a quack doctor who successfully treats the god of thunder. Aoi no Ue: A Noh performance that tells of a prince's wife, the Lady A-o-i, who falls ill because she is possessed by the spirit of her husband's former mistress. A shaman and a priest both attempt to exorcise the spirit.
Theater in Japan
Philip Day
1999. VHS (53 min.)
Call#: PN2924 .T517 1989
Summary: This program explores the cultural debate within Japan regarding traditional forms of theater and more contemporary theater and avant-garde performing arts. Interviews with many of Japan's leading playwrights intercut with generous portions of theater performances, presents an encompassing and engrossing overview of the traditional and modern Japanese theater scene.
This is kyogen
1996. VHS (21 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.K9 T47 1996
Summary: Actors from the Ōkura school of kyogen comedy perform selected fragments and scenes from the 14th century kyogen repertoire. The rhythmic vocalization, stylized physical movement, and exquisite timing characteric of kyogen are evident in these vignettes depicting lazy servants, angry wives, foolish masters, and pretentious mountain priests.
This is noh
Takao Toshioka
[2000]. VHS (39 min.)
Call#: PN2924.5.N6 T45 2000
Summary: Explores the basic elements developed over 600 years in Japanese noh theater.
Togitatsu no utare (研辰の討たれ)
2004. DVD (112 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 T64 2004
Summary: First staged in 1925, this version has been updated by noted director Noda Hideki. A comic drama, inspired by a real life event from 1827, this piece takes the age-old theme of samurai honor and revenge presenting it in a refreshingly modern light with touches of irony.
Yari no Gonza = Gonza the spearman
1986. VHS (126 min.)
Call#: PN1997 .Y3282 1986
Summary: During the Tokugawa shogunate Japanese provincial lords were obliged to spend alternative years in Edo, the capital city. Wives and children were left behind, often causing tragic results. This classic tale of love, honor and tragedy was written by well-known bunraku playwright Monzaemon Chikamatsu.
Yōkihi (楊貴妃)
1992. DVD (108 min.) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 B36 2003 vol. 3
Summary: Tamasaburō Bandō, Kabuki's famous performer of female roles, appears in five Kabuki dance stories. The dance Yōkihi, featuring the character well known in China and the West as Yang Guifei, is a modern creation written and choreographed especially for Tamasaburō Bandō. It is a fusion of Kabuki dance and Peking opera with extra modern elements. Lyrics by the well-known contemporary author Yumemakura Baku. Takao is the name of a great courtesan. The dance is performed with Ogie-bushi style of music, designed for intimate surroundings of a private pleasure house. Orochi is based on the final act of a long puppet play written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. Yūgiri is the name of a high ranking courtesan. Based on an older work from 18th century this version in Kiyomoto style was first performed in 1863. Kane ga Misaki was first performed by Nakamura Tomijuro I in 1759 as a version of the Kabuki dance "Kyōganoko musume Dōjōji."
Yoshitsune senbonzakura (義経千本桜)
2004. DVD (99 min) All region
Call#: DVD PN2924.5.K3 Y674 2004
Summary: Kawatsura Hōgen yakata no ba -- Okuniwa no ba -- Zaōdōhanayagura no ba
Zangiku monogatari = The story of the last chrysanthemum (残菊物語)
Kenji Mizoguchi
1938. VHS (115 min.)
Call#: PN1997 .Z362 1939
Summary: When Kikunosuke, a mediocre actor from a famous Kabuki family, falls in love with a maid, he is cast out. The faithful Otoku supports her husband as he struggles to perfect his art. In the end, she is quite ill, yet willing to leave her husband so that he may take his rightful place at the head of the Kabuki community.
top