JTCO
JTCO strives for inheritance, creation and development of Japanese traditional culture.
Japanese Traditional Arts

Shimojo Kabuki
Art Category Kabuki
Name Shimojo Kabuki



Shimojo Kabuki《Feature》
Shimojo Kabuki, a traditional performing art which has been practiced for nearly 300 years, is designated as one of the intangible folk cultural assets of the Shimojo village.

According to the old records, it originated from a performance given in Yoshioka by actors based in Nagoya area. It was the most commonly practiced during Tempo and Ansei era (1830-60) in the Edo period.

In the Meiji period, more specialised techniques were brought from Nagoya and Shimojo Kabuki was performed competitively among young amateurs in many districts within the village. It was acclaimed by other neighbouring villages and towns to which they were invited to perform.

Shimojo Kabuki Preservation Committee, established in 1971, makes a constant effort in handing down this cultural heritage and training the inheritors by supporting the Shimojo Kabuki Society for junior high school students, for example.

[An intangible folk cultural asset designated by Shimojo Village]
Photo by: Shimojo Village Office.
Translated by: Moe Shoij, reviewed by Marina Izumi

City/Town Shimojo Village, Shimo-Ina County, Nagano Pref.
Location Shimojo Cosmo Hall (A regularly scheduled performance takes place on 23rd November every year.)
Contact Shimojo Village Office Tel: +81 (0)260-27-2311
Highlight/POI Shimojo Kabuki is an intangible folk cultural asset with a long history of nearly 300 years. Some plays which are less commonly performed in other regions are inherited in Shimojo Kabuki, such as Hinin Kagekiyo Hyuugajima: Hitomaro On-ai no Dan and Akoya no Matsu: Kosaku Yakata no Dan. Students in elementary school and junior high school are also involved in the regularly scheduled performance.



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