kabuki
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Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki (Chūshingura: Story of Flower, Story of Snow) (1962)
Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki The end of the year approaches, and with it all the usual holiday stress. Escape with me now to 18th century Japan, a world of grace and beauty, honor and courage. This is the world of… Continue reading
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Teki wa Honnō-ji ni ari (Honnō-ji in Flames / The Enemy is at Honnō-ji) (1960)
Directed by Tatsuo Ōsone This should be all the incentive you need to watch Teki wa Honnō-ji ni ari immediately: That is the great Kabuki actor Matsumoto Kōshirō VIII. I’ve mentioned him before, and will no doubt be mentioning him… Continue reading
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Tenpō Rokkasen – Jigoku no Hanamichi (Passage to Hell / Runway to Hell) (1960)
Directed by Masahiro Makino In a departure from his upright samurai detective character the Bored Hatamoto, Utaemon Ichikawa is on the wrong side of the law this time around. I’m not sure which crimes he’s supposed to be guilty of.… Continue reading
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Real Men Wear Eyeliner
A casual viewer of Japanese period dramas might wonder what to make of some scenes. The men wear makeup, and they are sometimes depicted weeping openly. What’s going on? Let’s deal with the makeup first. This doesn’t faze me because… Continue reading
Ukiyo-e Owl 