Japanese pop artist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) who is known for her visual and musical style blending historical Japanese and more contemporary kawaii elements performed at the legendary kabuki theatre Minami-za (南座) in Kyoto yesterday. The venue was errected during the Edo period in 1610 at a time when kabuki performances enjoyed increasing popularity among the growing middle class. The art form itself is famous for only allowing men acting in male and female roles on stage.
The artist hence somewhat broke conventions when performing songs from her latest album ‘Japamyu’ (じゃぱみゅ) in front of a traditional kabuki background screen during this one-time performance titled ‘Kyary Kabuki Kabuki’ (きゃりーかぶきかぶき). The singer herself was dressed in a Heian period-inspired kimono with her background dancers, female and male, donning conventional kabuki costume and make-up. Having received a proper training in the art of kabuki performance, the choreography incorporated the mie (見得) pose and roppo (六方) walk, as well as props such as so-called sensu (扇子) hand fans and sturdy bangasa (番傘) umbrellas.
Source: Rolling Stone Japan
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DR CAROLIN BECKE 