



- Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets
- Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles
- The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki
- Women in Love
- Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy
- Women of the Pleasure Quarters
- Playing Different Onnagata Roles
- Onnagata Costumes
- Four Seasons of Kabuki
- Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata
Mar. 2Hands-on Kabuki: Props and Sets
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the sets and stagecraft of kabuki plays. Discover two new animals, and explore their history and effects.



Jan. 6Hands-on Kabuki: Animals and Vehicles
This time on KABUKI KOOL, we leave the studio to explore the animals and transport systems used in kabuki plays. Discover how these amazing props and their sound effects add to the atmosphere on stage.
Digest




Dec. 2The Laughter of Kamigata Kabuki
This time on KABUKI KOOL, explore the laughter of Kamigata Kabuki. Discover how performing monkeys can add pathos to a touching scene, and the comic twists and turns taken by a lovesick hairdresser.

Nov. 4Women in Love
This time on KABUKI KOOL, discover the stories of this traditional performing art which are all about women in love. Doomed romances, love triangles, and death stalk the stage in the latest episode.
Digest




Oct. 7Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy
This time, a special feature on Sugawara and the Secrets of Calligraphy! A huge hit with the public in the Edo period, its story and stagecraft still enthrall people today.
Digest


Sep. 2Women of the Pleasure Quarters
Many kabuki plays star beautiful courtesans – this time we feature the women of the pleasure quarters. Discover the glamorous allure which entangles both men and women.
Digest




Jul. 1Playing Different Onnagata Roles
How does a man play a woman's role? See the process of this metamorphosis, beginning with makeup, along with highlights of plays that portray women of all kinds of social stations and ages.

Jun. 3Onnagata Costumes
The magnificent costumes of kabuki's female roles add flair to the stage. And their colors and designs can even represent the character's social status or her inner feelings.
Digest




May 6Four Seasons of Kabuki
Spring, summer, autumn, winter – Japan's beautiful seasons are ingeniously portrayed on the kabuki stage with magnificent sets, props and superb acting.
Digest


- Shin Usuyuki Monogatari
—The New Tale of Princess Usuyuki—
新薄雪物語 - Momijigari
—Viewing the Autumn Leaves—
紅葉狩 - Kiichi Hogen Sanryaku no Maki – Kikubatake
—Kiichi Hogen and the Scroll of Strategy Secrets – The Chrysanthemum Garden—
鬼一法眼三略巻 菊畑 - Yuki no Yube Iriya no Azemichi
—The Snowy Road Through the Rice Fields of Iriya—
雪暮夜入谷畦道
Apr. 1Nakamura Kazutaro: The Rising Star of Onnagata
Meet Nakamura Kazutaro -- our new host and the rising star of kabuki. Born into a famous kabuki family, watch how he became a kabuki actor himself, along with some beautiful performances.


Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
—Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees: The Magical Fox Tadanobu—
—Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees: The Magical Fox Tadanobu—
義経千本桜
- Shunkyo Kagami Jishi
—The Kagami Lion Dance—
春興鏡獅子 - Shinju Ten no Amijima – Kawasho
—The Love Suicides at Amijima – The Kawasho Teahouse—
心中天網島~河庄 - Igagoe Dochu Sugoroku – Numazu
—The Vendetta at Iga – The Numazu Scene—
伊賀越道中双六~沼津 - Koibikyaku Yamato Orai – Fuin Giri
—The Money Courier from Hell – Breaking the Seals—
恋飛脚大和往来 ~ 封印切 - Komochi Yamamba
—The Mountain Hag and Her Child—
嫗山姥