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Japan Culture and Taishu Engeki Association (a general incorporated association)

Taishu Engeki originated from actors who left the classically traditional Kabuki theatre during the Edo period to become travelling entertainers. It grew in popularity throughout Japan as the theatre for the masses. Today there are about 120 troupes, which tend to be formed within families. Their leadership is usually handed down from generation to generation. Taishu Engeki consists of plays and dance shows. The plays are characterised by easy-to-understand historical dramas with a clear sense of right and wrong, comedies that provoke laughter, and tear-jerking, human-interest dramas. The dance shows are delicate yet extravagant. Taishu Engeki is jam-packed with the traditional characteristics of Japanese culture that appeal to foreigners - Kimono, Geisha, Oiran (courtesans), Samurai, swords, Chambara (sword fighting), Shamisen, Kabuki and more! In particular, Onnagata, in which male actors perform as women, is filled with unique beauty and quality.

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Sword plays

Along with humanistic plays, sword plays are popular forms of Taishu Engeki.
The main attraction is the scene called “Tachi-mawari”, in which the performers’ swords clash with each other.
The actors run around the stage and fight with swords, which is filled with highly realistic and spectacular scenes.

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