It is often said that make-up gives you another personality. Even daily make-up makes you cheerful, gentle, intelligent, elegant etc. Let alone Kabuki make-up.
Kabuki makeup has several standard styles, each of which indicate the character’s personality and status. Therefore, the audience can grasp the basic characteristics of the characters only from their makeup. It was developed to make facial expressions easier to understand on the dimly lit stages of the Edo period, when Kabuki began.
After the show, some actors (popular actors) press their face on a cloth to leave the imprint of makeup on it. It becomes a special present for their fans.
Let’s experience
Let’s actually try Kabuki makeup for yourself.
First of all, you have to do some preparation.
<Preparation>
1. Choose the type of makeup you want: red face or white face. Based on your choice, the color of your face powder will be decided.
2. Wash your face thoroughly with soap.
Then, the actual makeup starts. Let me explain by dividing it into two steps.
Let’s try Kabuki makeup
- Let’s wear a white special head gear called Habutae (羽二重).
- Place kabuki oil in your palms and rub your hands together to spread it.
Use the oiled palms to apply the oil all over your face. If you don’t do this properly, the makeup will not stick well. - Apply an eyebrow extinguisher (太白) to your eyebrows and harden them
- Mix the face powder with water to create a foundation for your makeup.
- Apply the powder all over your face with a brush.
- After applying several times, pat your face with a puff to set the makeup.
- Referring to the sample photo, apply makeup around the eyes, mouth, eyebrows, etc. with a brush.
Let’s put on Yukata
Once your makeup is finished, let’s put on your yukata.
Let’s make Kabuki pose
After putting on wigs, holding umbrellas, and wearing geta sandals, let’s make a dramatic Kabuki pose under the instruction of Shimojo Kabuki actors.
It’s also a time for commemorative photos.
<Advice on kabuki poses>
Stretch your arms and legs widely.
Use your knees effectively to make your body and movements appear larger.
When striking the most dramatic pose called Mie, your face should be at its coolest to fully immerse yourself in the role.
It’s Oshiguma time
After the photo shoot, press your face on the specially designed towel for this activity and leave the imprint of makeup you did.
Surely, it will be a great souvenir.
This action is called Oshiguma and is widely conducted by Kabuki actors. In this case, the imprinted towel is given to their fans as a token of gratitude for their enthusiastic support.
<Tips and tricks for a more enjoyable experience>
1. Kabuki oiling and eyebrow flattening are the most important.
2. Apply makeup with all your might.
3. Move enough to sweat for a beautiful oshiguma.
Shiranami-goninn-otoko (five male thieves)
In this activity, you can try makeup from one of the most popular programmes called Shiranami-goninn-otoko, which literally means five male thieves. “Shiranami” is a general term for Kabuki plays in which thieves play a major role.
As the name suggests, five male thieves are main characters of this programme. Of course, each character has a different style of makeup.
Choose your favourite one and try them on your own face with the assistance of the lecturer.
Nippon Daemon
A merciful bandit leader
Benten Kozo Kikunosuke
A master of love scams (disguised as a woman)
Tadanobu Rihei
an Elusive Man (appears out of nowhere)
Akaboshi Juzaburo
A beautiful young man who was formerly a page
Nango Rikimaru
A boat robber who was formerly a fisherman
If you are interested in this activity, don’t hesitate to contact us.
