How much do you know about "Ji-shibai?"
What is your image of it?
What is the difference between Ji-kabuki and O-kabuki?
How are Bunraku puppets manipulated?
Noh Kyogen has a stiff and formal image, but what is it really like?
This is the first I've heard about Shishi-shibai. What kind of performances are they?
Now that you've become acquainted with Ji-shibai, why don't you take the plunge and go see one of these plays?
Here, we will introduce how you can enjoy these unique plays.
The original form of Ji-shibai has been passed down from the Edo period and even earlier times on to the present day through surviving scripts and oral tradition.
The appearance of the original plays remains unaffected by changes in the times.
For example, even if the lines are a little difficult, the actors' expressions and voices will move and entertain you.
With Ji-shibai, the actors and audiences may be acquaintances or neighbors. While most of the attention is of course directed towards the acting onstage, listening to the conversations and shouts of the audience around you is another type of amusement unique to these performances.
One of the pleasures of Ji-shibai is that of the boxed meals and drinks that come out during the intermission. Kabesu is a word consisting of the initial characters of three Japanese words: “Kashi” (sweets), “Bento” (boxed meal) and "Sushi.”
There are also playhouses with spots in the neighborhood where you can reserve a bento and enjoy the area's rustic, delicious flavors.
"Ohineri" are coins wrapped in paper and thrown by the audience onto the stage when a favored actor appears or the moment an actor strikes a pose; "Ōmukō" refers to vigorous calls of encouragement for an actor performing on stage. Both are valuable opportunities for the audience to take part and enliven the performance.
Timing is very important. While even beginners can likely understand when to throw Ohineri by watching the people around them, it may be best to go to a couple of performance first before trying Ōmukō.
Some playhouses where Ji-shibai performances are held were built between the late Edo period and into the Meiji era, in structures that have been repeatedly repaired and relocated. Points such as the gloss of the pillars and beams, the box seats that gently slope down to the stage, and others help to create a space where you can get a sense of history - this is one of the true pleasures of Ji-shibai.