From Kabuki to Androgyny

[Joy Chao]

I did a bit of research on Kabuki and realized that it was first performed by a woman named Okuni. But the sensuous character of the dances (and the prostitution of the actors) proved to be "too disruptive for the government," in 1629 banned women from performing. It was at that time that young boys are chosen to dress as women for the performance and the tradition continued on until now. Kabuki has over 400 years of history and still gains popularity in present day Japan. Nowadays a new wave of street fashion focused on the androgynous look of boys (and girls) that make them appear to be nicer and more feminine. It is interesting to think that, is Kabuki an old way to display that androgynous look in the old times? While most people stereotype Japanese men being chauvinist and women being submissive, what drives the men to take on the role of playing women more than women can, according to Prof. Miyake? It is fascinating for me to think about the historic and modern aspects of how Japanese culture views androgyny and the blurriness between two genders.