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Japan Culture and Taishu Engeki Association (a general incorporated association)

Taishu Engeki originated from actors who left the classically traditional Kabuki theatre during the Edo period to become travelling entertainers. It grew in popularity throughout Japan as the theatre for the masses. Today there are about 120 troupes, which tend to be formed within families. Their leadership is usually handed down from generation to generation. Taishu Engeki consists of plays and dance shows. The plays are characterised by easy-to-understand historical dramas with a clear sense of right and wrong, comedies that provoke laughter, and tear-jerking, human-interest dramas. The dance shows are delicate yet extravagant. Taishu Engeki is jam-packed with the traditional characteristics of Japanese culture that appeal to foreigners - Kimono, Geisha, Oiran (courtesans), Samurai, swords, Chambara (sword fighting), Shamisen, Kabuki and more! In particular, Onnagata, in which male actors perform as women, is filled with unique beauty and quality.

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Humanistic plays

One of the most popular forms of Taishu Engeki is the humanistic play.
Many of the plays are based on the theme of “mata-tabi” (travelling of gangsters/gamblers and geisha) and “ninkyo” (stories in which the main characters risk their lives for the sake of righteousness to help the weak and defeat the strong). Every play is easy to understand jam packed with tears and laughter for everyone to enjoy.

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