Question 1

Akahime (Red Princess)とは？

Accepted Answer

A general term for princess roles in kabuki, named after their predominantly red costumes. The red color symbolizes beauty, noble status, passionate devotion in love, and sometimes a fierce temperament.

Question 2

Akattsuraとは？

Accepted Answer

A minor villain with a red-painted face, indicating a rough and simple-minded bad guy.

Question 3

Akuba (Wicked Woman)とは？

Accepted Answer

A female role type that emerged in the late Edo period. Despite the name (literally 'wicked old woman'), she is not elderly but rather a bold, streetwise woman who engages in extortion and other crimes. Unlike male villains, she remains devoted to the man she loves.

Question 4

Chari (Clown/Buffoon)とは？

Accepted Answer

A comic or buffoon role. Similar to sanmaime but more focused on physical comedy and clowning. An important role for lightening the mood.

Question 5

Fuke (Elderly Role)とは？

Accepted Answer

Elderly character roles, typically kind-hearted, requiring veteran actors of great skill. These roles in parent-child farewell scenes reveal not just acting ability but the actor's own humanity.

Question 6

Gara (Physical Presence)とは？

Accepted Answer

An actor's physique, looks, and aura that lend credibility to a role. 'Gara ga ii' means an actor is well-suited for a particular role.

Question 7

Hagataki (Minor Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

A minor villain or henchman of the main antagonist. A secondary enemy who obstructs the protagonist.

Question 8

Hando Gataki (Comic Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

A comically inept villain who amuses the audience. Not truly threatening, but bumbling and oddly lovable.

Question 9

Iroaku (Handsome Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

A handsome man who commits evil deeds — a charismatic villain combining sensuality with cruelty. Ono Sadakuro is a famous example.

Question 10

Jitsuaku (True Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

A full-scale villain of grand proportions — cold, calculating, yet commanding respect with intelligence and dignity. Nikki Danjo is the prime example.

Question 11

Jitsugoto (Man of Substance)とは？

Accepted Answer

A dignified, sensible male lead who carries himself with gravity and good judgment. Unlike the power of aragoto or the softness of wagoto, jitsugoto acting is relatively realistic. Oboshi Yuranosuke in Chushingura is the classic example.

Question 12

Katahazushiとは？

Accepted Answer

Originally a wig style used for samurai wives and women serving warrior households. Also refers to the role type itself — strong, courageous women with resolve equal to any warrior, like Masaoka in Meiboku Sendai Hagi.

Question 13

Katakiyaku (Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

An antagonist or villain who opposes the protagonist.

Question 14

Keisei (Top-Rank Courtesan)とは？

Accepted Answer

The highest-ranking courtesan role, representing the pinnacle of feminine beauty and wisdom. The term literally means 'city-toppler' — a beauty so stunning she could bring down kingdoms. Mastering this role was considered the ultimate achievement for onnagata actors.

Question 15

Kioi (Spirited Man)とは？

Accepted Answer

A role type representing courageous, spirited men like firefighters and roofers who fearlessly rush into danger. Embodies the Edo aesthetic of bold masculine pride, seen in plays like Kaga Tobi and Me-gumi no Kenka.

Question 16

Kumadori (Face Painting)とは？

Accepted Answer

Kabuki's most distinctive face painting technique, exaggerating the lines of muscles and blood vessels. The term literally means 'taking shadows' (not 'drawing'). Colors carry specific meanings: beniguma (red) represents justice and heroism; aiguma (indigo/blue) represents villains and vengeful spir

Question 17

Kunikuzushi (Nation-Toppling Villain)とは？

Accepted Answer

The grandest villain type — a mastermind plotting to overthrow an entire domain. Despite being evil, the role demands commanding presence and is played by top-ranking actors. Nikki Danjo in Meiboku Sendai Hagi is a famous example.

Question 18

Nimaime (Romantic Lead)とは？

Accepted Answer

A handsome romantic male lead. The term originates from the handsome actor's name appearing on the second sheet of the program. Ranges from the soft wagoto style to more dignified types.

Question 19

Nin (Natural Fit)とは？

Accepted Answer

When an actor's physique, aura, and artistic style naturally suit a particular role. 'Nin ni au' means an actor is a natural fit.

Question 20

Onnagata (Female Role Player)とは？

Accepted Answer

A male actor who plays female roles, expressing femininity through gesture, movement, and voice.

Question 21

Otokodate (Chivalrous Commoner)とは？

Accepted Answer

A chivalrous commoner who stands up against the arrogant samurai class. Sukeroku from Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura is the quintessential otokodate hero.

Question 22

Pintokona (Quiet Tough Guy)とは？

Accepted Answer

A handsome, gentle-seeming man who reveals inner steel when it counts. Soft on the surface but sharp and decisive in a crisis. Mitsugi in Ise Ondo is a typical example.

Question 23

Sabakiyaku (Problem Solver)とは？

Accepted Answer

A wise and compassionate character who appears toward the end of a play to resolve conflicts with style and authority. A gratifying role for both actor and audience. Hosokawa Katsumoto in Meiboku Sendai Hagi is a classic example.

Question 24

Sanbaba (Three Great Old Women)とは？

Accepted Answer

Three of the most challenging elderly woman roles in kabuki: Kakuju in Sugawara, Mimyo in Omi Genji, and Koshiji in Honcho Nijushiko. All are strong-willed women bearing the weight of their families' fates.

Question 25

Sanhime (Three Great Princesses)とは？

Accepted Answer

Three of kabuki's greatest princess roles: Yaegaki-hime, Toki-hime, and Yuki-hime. Each is noble, beautiful, and demonstrates extraordinary strength and passion in desperate situations, including fantastical scenes of supernatural rescue.

Question 26

Sanmaime (Comic Role)とは？

Accepted Answer

A comic or funny supporting role. The term originates from the comic actor's name appearing on the third sheet of the program (banzuke).

Question 27

Shinbo Tachiyaku (Enduring Hero)とは？

Accepted Answer

A male lead who endures suffering with patience and dignity, no matter how painful the circumstances. Kampei in Chushingura is a classic example.

Question 28

Tachiyaku (Male Lead)とは？

Accepted Answer

A general term for actors and roles playing male characters.

Question 29

Tateoyama (Leading Onnagata)とは？

Accepted Answer

The highest-ranking onnagata (female role actor) in a company.

Question 30

Tedai Gataki (Villainous Clerk)とは？

Accepted Answer

A villain in domestic plays, typically a corrupt shop manager who embezzles the business and lusts after the master's daughter, often meeting a comically fitting comeuppance.

Question 31

Tsukkorobashi (Pushover Dandy)とは？

Accepted Answer

A handsome but hopelessly weak and naive young gentleman — so timid he'd topple if pushed. A sheltered rich boy type. Manjiro in Ise Ondo is a typical example.

Question 32

Waka Oyama (Young Female Role)とは？

Accepted Answer

Young and beautiful female roles and the actors who play them, including princesses, courtesans, and young women. Distinguished from older female roles (kashagata) like wives and matrons.

Question 33

Wakashu (Young Man)とは？

Accepted Answer

A pre-coming-of-age youth role, depicted as a beautiful boy with forelocks (maegami). Portrayed with delicacy and a hint of allure, wearing the collar in a feminine style. Rikiya in Chushingura is a representative example.

Question 34

Yoten (Stage Fighters)とは？

Accepted Answer

Originally the name of a distinctive costume with slits, now refers to roles wearing such costumes — typically soldiers and pursuers who perform fight scenes. 'Kuro yoten' (black) appear in Terakoya; 'Hana yoten' (flower) perform fights carrying cherry branches.

Question 35

Zagashira (Company Leader)とは？

Accepted Answer

The leading actor of a company, responsible for the entire production.

Roles & Characters — Kabuki Glossary

📖 Roles & Characters 35 terms