This ia a picture of a traditional Kabuki actor. The red makeup around the eyes, means that he is a good character and that he is not evil. If a character has blue around his eyes, he would be an evil character. Only men can play in Kabuki, which is explained in the history link. It is a tradition to use Tatami* and Hanamichi* for the stage. When a character is walking down a hanamichi, a very emotional part is being played. They use Tatami to for walking and fighting. The men who play women's parts are called onagata. They onagata actors have to use makeup to look like women, but they are talented actors. You may not know the difference! Kumudori* is what all the Kabuki actors use. Everyone has to were a kimono. The coolest thing that Kabuki features is its revolving stage. One part of the stage could be the garden, then it will revolve to unveil a castle! Its a really interesting mechanism because it doesn't take that long to revolve. All Kabuki theaters have an orchestra. In every orchestra there is a three-stringed instrument called a Shamisen. The music in the orchestra makes yhe play more vibrant and more dramatic. There are five poses that one would make in Kabuki. The first one is called Tata*. The second and the third ones are Tanzen* and Roppo*. The fourth and fifth ones are called Kata* and Mie*. All of these are very important in Kabuki. Usually the plays are based on legends or myths, like the 47 Ronin.

Kimono: A beautiful silk dress

Kumudori: Very elegant makeup

Shamisen: A three-stringed instrument

Tata: Dancing fighting moves

Tanzen: Special moves used during an entrance

Roppo: Special moves used during an exit

Mie: A pose that has been frozen, due to the climactic parts

Kata: A stylish gesture or form

Tatami: A certain type of floor mat

Hanamichi: A flower path used in a climactic part