A categorized list of representative Kabuki plays, a traditional Japanese performing art.
Overview
Kabuki Program List
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theatrical form that began in 1603 by Izumo no Okuni and was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009. Plays are broadly classified into four categories: Jidaimono (historical plays), Sewamono (domestic plays), Shosagoto (dance pieces), and Matsubamemono (Noh-style plays), each with unique characteristics. The Kabuki Juhachiban (Eighteen Best Kabuki Plays), the traditional repertoire of the Ichikawa Danjuro family, remains particularly famous, with plays like 'Kanjincho', 'Shibaraku', and 'Sukeroku' still popular today.
Kabuki
Japanese theater
traditional performing arts
Jidaimono
Sewamono
Shosagoto
Kabuki Juhachiban
| code | slug | name | description | author | category | premiereYear |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | kanjincho | Kanjincho (The Subscription List) | A masterpiece adapted from the Noh play 'Ataka'. Depicts Benkei's loyalty and wisdom. | 伝統的演目（能『安宅』より） | Matsubamemono | 1702 |
| 02 | shibaraku | Shibaraku (Just a Moment) | The 3rd play in Kabuki Juhachiban. Features the magnificent entrance of a righteous hero. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1697 |
| 03 | sukeroku | Sukeroku | The 7th play in Kabuki Juhachiban. A popular play depicting Sukeroku, an Edo dandy. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1713 |
| 04 | chushingura | Kanadehon Chushingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers) | One of the Three Great Masterpieces of Kabuki. A story of loyalty depicting the vendetta of the Ako ronin. | 2世竹田出雲・三好松洛・並木千柳 | Jidaimono | 1748 |
| 05 | yoshitsune-senbon-zakura | Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees) | One of the Three Great Masterpieces of Kabuki. A fantastical tale depicting the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and a fox spirit. | 2世竹田出雲・三好松洛・並木千柳 | Jidaimono | 1747 |
| 06 | sugawara-denju-tenarai-kagami | Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (Sugawara's Secrets of Calligraphy) | One of the Three Great Masterpieces of Kabuki. A courtly play based on the legend of Sugawara no Michizane. | 1世・2世竹田出雲・並木千柳・三好松洛 | Jidaimono | 1746 |
| 07 | yotsuya-kaidan | Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan (Yotsuya Ghost Story) | A representative ghost story play. Widely known as Yotsuya Kaidan, a masterpiece of domestic plays. | 4代目鶴屋南北 | Sewamono | 1825 |
| 08 | shiranami-gonin-otoko | Aotozoshi Hana no Nishikie (Shiranami Gonin Otoko / The Five Thieves) | A masterpiece of shiranami-mono (thief plays). Famous for the line 'Shirazaa itte kikaseyashou!' | 河竹黙阿弥 | Sewamono | 1862 |
| 09 | sonezaki-shinju | Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki) | A masterpiece of shinju-mono (love suicide plays). A masterpiece by Chikamatsu Monzaemon based on a real incident. | 近松門左衛門 | Sewamono | 1703 |
| 10 | renjishi | Renjishi (Parent and Child Lions) | A masterpiece of lion dance. A popular play often performed by parent and child. | 伝統的舞踊 | Shosagoto | |
| 11 | dojoji | Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji (The Maiden at Dojoji Temple) | The pinnacle of onnagata (female role) dance. A masterpiece based on the legend of Kiyohime and Anchin. | 伝統的舞踊 | Shosagoto | 1753 |
| 12 | sagi-musume | Sagi Musume (The Heron Maiden) | A graceful dance featuring a white heron. Famous as a signature role of Bando Tamasaburo. | 伝統的舞踊 | Shosagoto | 1859 |
| 13 | narukami | Narukami (The Thunder God) | The 2nd play in Kabuki Juhachiban. An aragoto play featuring the Thunder God. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1689 |
| 14 | ya-no-ne | Ya-no-ne (The Arrowhead) | The 9th play in Kabuki Juhachiban. Features spectacular scenes using arrows. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1729 |
| 15 | kagekiyo | Kagekiyo | The 12th play in Kabuki Juhachiban. A heroic play depicting Kagekiyo, a fierce general of the Taira clan. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1739 |
| 16 | tsuchigumo | Tsuchigumo (The Earth Spider) | A Kabuki adaptation of the Noh play 'Tsuchigumo'. The battle between Minamoto no Raiko and the earth spider spirit. | 河竹黙阿弥 | Matsubamemono | 1881 |
| 17 | sanmon-gosan-no-kiri | Sanmon Gosan no Kiri (Kanjincho) | The full title of 'Kanjincho'. A masterpiece depicting Benkei's loyalty. | 伝統的演目（能『安宅』より） | Matsubamemono | 1702 |
| 18 | sakura-hime | Sakura-hime Azuma Bunsho (Princess Sakura) | A representative work of kizewamono. A masterpiece by Tsuruya Nanboku IV. | 4代目鶴屋南北 | Sewamono | 1813 |
| 19 | fuwa | Fuwa | The 1st play in Kabuki Juhachiban. Depicts a rivalry over a Yoshiwara courtesan. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1692 |
| 20 | uwanari | Uwanari (The Jealous Wife) | The 5th play in Kabuki Juhachiban. A story of a jealous spirit possessing a daughter. | 伝統的演目 | Kabuki Juhachiban | 1699 |
- Kabuki Bito - Shochiku Official Site official
- National Theatre of Japan official
- Kabuki on the web reference
- JAANUS - Kabuki Juuhachiban reference
- Kabuki Actor Directory - Title Expressions reference