歌舞伎 – 英語で説明するには – 英会話形式で学ぶ

Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Kabuki lately. I want to know more about it and maybe watch a performance. Have you ever been to a Kabuki show?

No, I didn’t. That’s interesting. So, it’s pretty old, right?

I’ve seen pictures of the makeup. It’s really striking. What kinds of plays do they perform?

That sounds varied and interesting. Are there any specific plays you would recommend for a beginner like me?

Those sound great. Where can I watch these performances?

I’ll definitely check out Kabuki-za. What about tickets? Are they hard to get?

That’s a good tip. How much do the tickets usually cost?

That sounds reasonable. Is there anything else I should know before going?

Thanks, Key. I’m really excited to experience Kabuki now. It sounds like a fantastic way to dive into Japanese culture.

Origin and History
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form that started in 1603. It was created by a woman named Izumo no Okuni in Kyoto. At first, women performed Kabuki, but later, only men were allowed to perform. Today, Kabuki is performed only by men.

Features
Kabuki is known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated acting. The makeup, called Kumadori, highlights the characters’ roles and emotions. The actors use strong poses and movements to express their characters.

Types of Plays
There are three main types of Kabuki plays:

1. Historical Plays : These plays tell stories about historical events and samurai.
2. Domestic Plays : These focus on the lives of ordinary people and everyday events.
3. Dance Plays: These are centered around dance performances.

Popular Plays
Some popular Kabuki plays are:

1. Kanjincho: A play with a clear story and famous scenes. It’s good for beginners.
2. Renjishi: This play features dynamic lion dances, which are very visually impressive.
3. Kanadehon Chushingura: A classic story about loyalty and revenge.

Watching Kabuki
For beginners, it is good to buy a single act ticket. This allows you to watch one part of the play. Most theaters offer earphone guides in English and other languages to help you understand the story. Kabuki-za in Tokyo is a great place to watch Kabuki. You can buy tickets online from their official website. Single act tickets cost around 1,000 to 2,000 yen, and full performance tickets range from 4,000 to 20,000 yen.

Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in Kabuki lately. I want to know more about it and maybe watch a performance. Have you ever been to a Kabuki show?

ねえキー、最近歌舞伎にすごく興味があるんだ。もっと知りたいし、もしかしたら公演も観たいと思ってるんだ。歌舞伎を観たことある？

No, I didn’t. That’s interesting. So, it’s pretty old, right?

いや、知らなかったよ。それは興味深いね。つまり、かなり古いんだね？

I’ve seen pictures of the makeup. It’s really striking. What kinds of plays do they perform?

メイクの写真を見たことがあるよ。本当に印象的だよね。どんな種類の演目があるの？

That sounds varied and interesting. Are there any specific plays you would recommend for a beginner like me?

それは多様で面白そうだね。初心者の僕におすすめの演目はある？

Those sound great. Where can I watch these performances?

それは良さそうだね。どこでこれらの公演を観ることができるの？

I’ll definitely check out Kabuki-za. What about tickets? Are they hard to get?

絶対に歌舞伎座をチェックするよ。チケットはどう？手に入れるのは難しい？

That’s a good tip. How much do the tickets usually cost?

それはいいアドバイスだね。チケットはいくらくらいするの？

That sounds reasonable. Is there anything else I should know before going?

それは手頃だね。行く前に他に知っておくべきことはある？

Thanks, Key. I’m really excited to experience Kabuki now. It sounds like a fantastic way to dive into Japanese culture.

ありがとう、キー。今すごく歌舞伎を体験するのが楽しみだよ。日本文化に触れる素晴らしい方法みたいだね。

Origin and History
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater form that started in 1603. It was created by a woman named Izumo no Okuni in Kyoto. At first, women performed Kabuki, but later, only men were allowed to perform. Today, Kabuki is performed only by men.

歌舞伎は1603年に始まった日本の伝統的な演劇形式です。京都で出雲の阿国という女性によって創られました。最初は女性が歌舞伎を演じていましたが、後に男性のみが演じるようになりました。現在では、歌舞伎は男性のみが演じています。

Features
Kabuki is known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated acting. The makeup, called Kumadori, highlights the characters’ roles and emotions. The actors use strong poses and movements to express their characters.

歌舞伎は豪華な衣装、ドラマチックなメイク、誇張された演技で知られています。クマ取りと呼ばれるメイクは、キャラクターの役割や感情を強調します。役者は強いポーズや動きを使ってキャラクターを表現します。

Types of Plays
There are three main types of Kabuki plays:

1. Historical Plays: These plays tell stories about historical events and samurai.
2. Domestic Plays : These focus on the lives of ordinary people and everyday events.
3. Dance Plays : These are centered around dance performances.

歌舞伎の演目には主に3つの種類があります。

1. 時代物: 歴史的な出来事や侍の物語を描く演目。
2. 世話物: 普通の人々の生活や日常の出来事を描く演目。
3. 所作事: 舞踊を中心とした演目。

Popular Plays
Some popular Kabuki plays are:

1. Kanjincho: A play with a clear story and famous scenes. It’s good for beginners.
2. Renjishi: This play features dynamic lion dances, which are very visually impressive.
3. Kanadehon Chushingura: A classic story about loyalty and revenge.

いくつかの人気のある歌舞伎の演目は次の通りです。

1. 勧進帳: 明確なストーリーと有名なシーンがある演目。初心者におすすめです。
2. 連獅子: ダイナミックな獅子舞が特徴の演目。視覚的に非常に印象的です。
3. 仮名手本忠臣蔵: 忠誠と復讐の古典的な物語。

Watching Kabuki
For beginners, it is good to buy a single act ticket. This allows you to watch one part of the play. Most theaters offer earphone guides in English and other languages to help you understand the story. Kabuki-za in Tokyo is a great place to watch Kabuki. You can buy tickets online from their official website. Single act tickets cost around 1,000 to 2,000 yen, and full performance tickets range from 4,000 to 20,000 yen.

初心者には、一幕見席のチケットを買うのが良いです。これにより、演目の一部を観ることができます。多くの劇場では、物語を理解するのを助けるために英語や他の言語のイヤホンガイドを提供しています。東京の歌舞伎座は歌舞伎を見るのに最適な場所です。公式ウェブサイトでチケットを購入できます。一幕見席のチケットは約1,000円から2,000円、全公演のチケットは席によって4,000円から20,000円です。

The Origins of Kabuki
Kabuki began in 1603 in Kyoto, Japan. A woman named Izumo no Okuni created this unique theater form by combining dance and acting. She performed on a dry riverbed and attracted large audiences. Her performances were colorful and exciting, and people quickly became interested in this new form of entertainment.

歌舞伎の起源
歌舞伎は1603年に日本の京都で始まりました。出雲の阿国という女性が、この独特な演劇形式を踊りと演技を組み合わせることで作り出しました。彼女は河原で公演を行い、多くの観客を集めました。彼女の公演は色鮮やかで刺激的であり、人々はすぐにこの新しい娯楽に興味を持ちました。

Changes in Performers
In the early years, women performed Kabuki. However, in 1629, the government banned women from performing, believing it was inappropriate. Young men replaced the women, but their performances were also restricted because of social issues. Finally, only adult men were allowed to perform, and this tradition continues today. Male actors play both male and female roles.

出演者の変遷
初期の歌舞伎は女性が演じていました。しかし、1629年に政府は女性の出演を不適切と考え、禁止しました。その後、若い男性が代わりに出演しましたが、社会的な問題からこれも制限されました。最終的に、成人男性だけが出演を許されるようになり、この伝統は現在も続いています。男性俳優が男性と女性の両方の役を演じます。

Kabuki in Modern Times
Today, Kabuki is a respected art form in Japan. It combines drama, music, dance, and elaborate costumes to tell stories. In 2008, UNESCO recognized Kabuki as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its cultural importance. Modern theaters like Kabuki-za in Tokyo keep this traditional art alive while welcoming new audiences from around the world.

現代の歌舞伎
現在、歌舞伎は日本で尊敬される芸術形式です。ドラマ、音楽、踊り、豪華な衣装を組み合わせて物語を伝えます。2008年には、ユネスコによって無形文化遺産として認定され、その文化的重要性が強調されました。東京の歌舞伎座のような現代の劇場が、この伝統的な芸術を生かし続け、世界中から新しい観客を迎えています。

Hanamichi: The Flower Path
One of the most unique features of Kabuki is the hanamichi, a raised walkway that extends from the stage into the audience. Actors use this path for dramatic entrances and exits. It allows the audience to see the actors up close, creating a stronger connection between the performers and viewers. Important moments, like the famous “mie” pose, are often performed on the hanamichi.

花道：観客と舞台をつなぐ通路
歌舞伎の最も独特な特徴の一つが「花道」です。これは舞台から観客席に向かって伸びる高い通路です。役者はこの道を使って劇的に登場したり退場したりします。観客が役者を間近で見られるため、パフォーマーと観客の間に強い一体感が生まれます。有名な「見得」のポーズなど、重要なシーンはこの花道で行われることが多いです。

Revolving Stage: Seamless Transitions
The revolving stage (mawaributai) is another innovation in Kabuki. This circular stage rotates to quickly change scenes without interrupting the performance. For example, a battle scene can seamlessly transition to a peaceful village. This feature adds dynamism and keeps the audience engaged.

回り舞台：スムーズな場面転換
「回り舞台」は歌舞伎のもう一つの革新的な仕掛けです。この円形の舞台は回転して、演技を中断せずにシーンを素早く切り替えます。例えば、戦いのシーンから静かな村の場面へとスムーズに移行することができます。この仕掛けが演劇にダイナミズムを加え、観客を惹きつけます。

Trapdoors: Magical Appearances
Trapdoors (seri) are used to create magical entrances and exits. Parts of the stage can move up and down, allowing actors to suddenly appear or disappear. This is especially effective in scenes involving supernatural characters or dramatic surprises.

セリ：魔法のような登場と退場
「セリ」は魔法のような登場や退場を演出するために使われます。舞台の一部が上下に動き、役者が突然現れたり消えたりします。特に超自然的なキャラクターやドラマチックな驚きがあるシーンで効果的です。

Enhancing the Story
These stage features are not just technical tools but are essential to telling the story in Kabuki. They create visual excitement and make the performances more immersive. Kabuki’s use of unique stage devices is one of the reasons it remains a fascinating art form today.

物語を引き立てる仕掛け
これらの舞台装置は単なる技術的な道具ではなく、歌舞伎の物語を語る上で重要な役割を果たしています。視覚的な興奮を生み出し、公演をより没入感のあるものにしています。独特の舞台仕掛けの利用こそが、歌舞伎が今日でも魅力的な芸術形式であり続ける理由の一つです。

Kanjincho: A Tale of Loyalty and Deception
Kanjincho is one of the most famous Kabuki plays. The story follows Benkei, a loyal servant, and his master, Yoshitsune. To help Yoshitsune escape his enemies, Benkei pretends to be a monk collecting donations. The highlight of the play is Benkei’s dramatic reading of a fake donation list, showing his intelligence and loyalty. The play is full of tension and emotion, making it a must-watch for beginners and experienced fans alike.

勧進帳：忠義と策略の物語
「勧進帳」は最も有名な歌舞伎演目の一つです。この物語は、忠実な家臣である弁慶と彼の主君、義経の物語です。弁慶は義経を敵から逃がすため、僧侶に扮して寄付を募っているふりをします。この演目の見どころは、弁慶が偽の寄付リストを読む劇的なシーンで、彼の知恵と忠誠心が示されます。緊張感と感動に満ちており、初心者にもベテランファンにも必見の演目です。

Renjishi: The Powerful Dance of Lions
Renjishi is a dance play that features two lion spirits, a parent and a child. The story symbolizes the bond between parent and child and the challenges of growing up. The highlight is the powerful lion dance, where the actors use dynamic movements to represent the lions’ strength and courage. The bright costumes and energetic music make this play visually stunning.

連獅子：力強い獅子の舞
「連獅子」は親獅子と子獅子の物語を描いた舞踊劇です。この物語は親子の絆や成長の困難を象徴しています。見どころは力強い獅子舞で、役者はダイナミックな動きで獅子の力強さと勇気を表現します。鮮やかな衣装とエネルギッシュな音楽が、この演目を視覚的にも魅力的なものにしています。

Kanadehon Chushingura: The Story of the 47 Ronin
Kanadehon Chushingura is a classic Kabuki play based on the true story of the 47 ronin (masterless samurai). The plot revolves around their mission to avenge their master’s unjust death. The play is known for its dramatic fight scenes, emotional moments, and themes of loyalty and honor. It is a long performance but offers a deep and meaningful experience.

仮名手本忠臣蔵：四十七士の物語
「仮名手本忠臣蔵」は、四十七士（主君を失った侍）の実話を基にした古典的な歌舞伎演目です。この物語は、主君の不当な死を仇討ちするための彼らの使命を中心に展開します。この演目は、劇的な戦闘シーン、感動的な瞬間、そして忠誠や名誉のテーマで知られています。長い公演ですが、深く意義のある体験を提供します。

Sukeroku: A Romantic Hero’s Tale
Sukeroku is a Kabuki play that combines romance and action. The hero, Sukeroku, is a stylish and brave man who fights for justice and love. The play features humorous scenes, sword fights, and beautiful costumes. Sukeroku is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it an enjoyable performance for all audiences.

助六：ロマンチックなヒーローの物語
「助六」は恋愛とアクションを組み合わせた歌舞伎演目です。主人公の助六は、正義と愛のために戦うおしゃれで勇敢な男性です。この演目にはユーモラスなシーン、剣の戦い、美しい衣装が含まれています。「助六」はその明るい雰囲気でも知られ、すべての観客に楽しめる公演となっています。

A Journey Through Kabuki’s Greatest Plays
These popular plays showcase the variety and richness of Kabuki. From the dramatic loyalty in Kanjincho to the energetic dance in Renjishi, each play offers a unique experience. Whether you are new to Kabuki or a long-time fan, these performances provide an unforgettable journey into Japan’s traditional theater.

歌舞伎の代表作を巡る旅
これらの人気演目は、歌舞伎の多様性と豊かさを示しています。「勧進帳」のドラマチックな忠誠心から「連獅子」のエネルギッシュな舞踊まで、それぞれが独自の体験を提供します。歌舞伎が初めての人でも長年のファンでも、日本の伝統的な演劇への忘れられない旅を楽しむことができます。