Takizawa Kabuki

“Haru-no-odori ha..Yo-iya-sa!!!”

This is the beginning words of Takizawa Kabuki.

By the way, do you know what “Yoiyasa” means?

The meaning of “Yoiyasa” is to pray for family or business prosperity.

I didn’t know that even though it was Japanese.

How about “Tozai-Tozai” means?

It means “Your attention please!”

To-zai, or “from East to West” means all the audience from the end to the end of the seats.

Originally, the theater was built toward the south. Then, one end of the seats was in the east, and the other end of the seats was in the west. So, these words are used to attract the attention of all the audience in the theater.

It was not until Eru-chan, who was Malaysian MAD-tan girl, translated Takizawa Kabuki that I knew the meaning of those words. She translated the lines in Takizawa Kabuki.

In this way, Takizawa Kabuki gave me a chance to know new understanding for Japanese Language.

Once I get into the theater, Shinbashi Enbujo, extremely gorgeous decorations attract my eyes. The atmosphere in the theater is very lively, merry and full of laugh. It is in complete contrast to western style theater like the Imperial Theater. I like both of them.

But especially, Shinbahi Enbujo reminds me of beautiful Japanese “Omotenashi” spirits, which I have loved very much.

Today, I’d like to look through the history of Takizawa Kabuki, which is spectacle, traditional but leading Japanese show, very briefly.

In 2006, Takizawa Enbujo started. Luckily I could watch the show in the third line. “Onna-gata”, Tackey in woman, was very beautiful even though I watched it very closely. Beknei, acted by Okura Tadayoshi was so cute!

In 2008, Takizawa Enbujo was subtitled as LOVE, 命, and the new song, “With Love” was born. Some member from M.A.D., who is now named Fo-Yu or They budo, appeared in “Hamamatsuya”. It was so funny and cute.

I didn’t go to Takizawa Kabuki in 2009and2010. But, in 2010, because of the renovation of Kabukiza, they changed their theater to Nissay Theater. Yara-kun joined. Nissay Theater has fewer stage sets than Sinbashi Enbujo, so Tackey placed emphasis on “Kabuki” and so, Takizawa Kabuki powered up a lot. Mis Snowman, who are now essential for Takizawa Kabuki started to join it from this year. Kodomono-hi special stage was also newly produced.

In 2011, the show was performed just after big earthquake. We had still aftershock, 余震, frequently, and we were all in great depression. In such depression, I appreciated Tackey’s decision to perform Takizawa Kabuki. I donated more money than I thought, because the members of Snowman were just over the box.

In 2012, Kanasai Johnny’s Jr. Joined. Many many Johnny’s Jr. were also casted. It was very lively stage.

In 2013, Takizawa Enbujo came back finally. Kyomoto Masaki was casted, and he and his son, Kyomoto Taiga acted together in the same stage for the first time. That’s why I have much impression on Yoshitsune 2013.

In 2014, the new story, Nezumi-Kozo was produced. Spectacular scene with tremendously many Koban was born. Fukkin Daiko was also added. We saw very powerful stage in that year.

2015 was anniversary year for Takizawa Kabuki. The show was performed in Singapore and it turned out to be a success.

I’ve never seen real “Kabuki” show, but I got interested in Kabuki thanks to Takizawa Kabuki. I bought a book of Kabuki for biginners, and realized that I had already been familiar with some of the ABC’s of Kabuki.

For example, we are familiar with Revolving stage, Mawari-Butai, and Elavated Walkway, Hanamichi. It is said to have originated in Kabuki, and became popular in the world.

One of the stories recommended to see first is “”Kanjincho” and the most popular scene is “Ataka-no-Seki”, which is also popular scene in Takizawa Kabuki “Yoshitsune”.

The line with beautiful rhythm, “知らざあ言って聞かせやしょう”or”問われて名乗るもおこがましいが” are very famous among Kabuki fans. It is said in “Shiranami- Gonin Otoko”, in which Jr.s are always so cute.

“Oshichi” in Takizawa Kabuki, whose stage decoration is one of my favorite, almost perfectly recreate real Kabuki stage.

Now, I really want to see Kabuki show.

That’s all for my presentation. Finally I really hope the success of Takizawa Kabuki in 2016. I’m sure that Takizawa Kabuki will not only be the bridge between Japan and overseas, but also the bridge between people in old days and today.