Kabuki 歌舞伎

Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theater. It originated alongside Noh, another classical performing art, and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kabuki plays include works by playwrights such as Kawatake Mokuami (1816–1893), whose stories featured characters like thieves that became subjects of public art and ukiyo-e prints.

Kabuki performances feature dramatic narratives, including plays like Aoto Zoshi Hana no Nishikie. Characters from kabuki have been depicted in various art forms, including ukiyo-e prints where they appear as mask designs or figures dressed in elaborate clothing.