【NHK Culture】New 5-part course to learn Kabuki with a "me-her" approach starting this spring. We support your "Kabuki debut"!

■ Kabuki is so interesting with a "me-her" approach!

When you hear "Kabuki," many people probably have an image of it being somewhat intimidating and difficult to approach.

However, influenced by the blockbuster movie "National Treasure," the number of people who have started to show interest in Kabuki has increased, and it is currently experiencing a small boom.

This course, which we are introducing, is recommended for "absolute beginners to Kabuki" and "those who have started to take an interest in Kabuki with a 'me-her' (fan-like) approach."

This course is Akiko Taguchi's special "Me Her Kabuki" series, presented by a fan for fans.

It is a "5-part series" where you can learn Kabuki casually.

The greatest pleasure of Kabuki is, after all, watching the actors.

This is because Kabuki stories are written to showcase the performances of the actors.

But that alone doesn't reveal the true charm of Kabuki.

If you know the story of the play and touch upon the way of life of the protagonists, the characters will become life-sized and capture your heart.

At that moment, you will understand the true value of Kabuki and its meaning as a traditional performing art.

■ The "Curriculum" is also so interesting!

Instead of learning difficult plays, each session will proceed with themes that will tug at your heartstrings!

Kabuki can feel as familiar as a trendy drama.

First Session (4/4): "Can you die for the one you love?"

Second Session (6/6): "Can you give up on love?"

Third Session (7/4): "I will die and take revenge."

Fourth Session (8/1): "I only see you."

Fifth Session (9/5): "There are things more important than money."

■ Instructor: Akiko Taguchi Profile

Completed her master's degree at Gakushuin University in 1985. Her research theme focuses on traditional performing arts, especially Kabuki.

She develops theories of Japanese culture with performing arts and artistic paths as keywords. Since 2002, she has produced and hosted the continuous public lecture series "History of Japanese Performing Arts." She is also involved in planning traditional performing arts performances.

She received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's New Artist Award (Criticism Category) for her book "Kabuki Actors of the Edo Period." Other works include "Me-Her Kabuki," "Onna Chushingura," "Japanese Classics to Read in the 21st Century: Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan," "History and Culture Library 170: Kabuki and Bunraku," "Minerva Biography Series: Ichikawa Danjuro II: The Actor's Patron Deity," "Kabuki Gallery 50," "Restoration of Genroku Kamigata Kabuki: The Phantom Stage of Sakata Tojuro I," "Reinterpreting Edo through Kabuki: Shame and Emotion," "Kyoto's Kuruwa: A Festival Place for Renewing Life," "Minerva Biography Series: Bando Mitsugoro VIII: An Unprecedented Person," "Understanding Japan: History of Performing Arts (Volumes I & II)," and "Anime and Japanese Culture."

(From Kyoto University of the Arts website)