On Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th, 2024, a regular performance of Yokoo Kabuki, which boasts a history of approximately 200 years, will be held in Inasa-cho, Hamana-ku, Hamamatsu City.

This traditional performing art, which began in the Edo period, is a full-scale stage performance by local residents that attracts many audiences every year. Yokoo Kabuki is characterized by its close relationship with the audience, and the enjoyment of cultural experiences such as Kakegoe and Ohineri.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the history and appeal of Yokoo Kabuki, as well as the highlights of the regular performances held in October.

What is Yokoo Kabuki?

Yokoo Kabuki is a traditional performing art of Hamamatsu City with a history of over 200 years, and is still cherished and passed down by the local residents of the Inasa district.

The origin and history of Yokoo Kabuki

It is not clear when Yokoo Kabuki, as it is known in the Inasa area, began.

However, there are records showing that “rural kabuki” was performed in the Yokoo/Shiraiwa area (present-day Inasa area) around the mid-Edo period (1794/Kansei 6), giving a sense of its deep history.

From the Edo period through the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, the bearers of kabuki were always local young men. Even today, local residents are in charge of everything from the actors to the shamisen players, joruri, makeup, and kimono dressing.

This type of rural kabuki is also passed down in the towns of Sakuma and Yutō in Hamamatsu City, as well as in Kosai City, but has only been revived in recent years after a long hiatus following the end of the war.

Although its popularity was temporarily reduced during the war, Yokoo Kabuki is the only form of kabuki that has been passed down continuously since the Edo period, and in 1974 it was designated a prefectural cultural asset as a valuable folk performing art representing the region.

The appeal and highlights of Yokoo Kabuki

The greatest appeal of Yokoo Kabuki is that it is created by the hands of local residents.

Not only the actors, tayu, and shamisen players, but also the choreography, dressing, making and setting up the props, and even making posters using the Kanteiryu style of calligraphy are all done by local residents.

Though the performances are handmade by local residents, the actors’ performances are impressive and the performance is professional!

Another attraction of Yokoo Kabuki is that the stage is close to the audience, making the performance feel more powerful. When the performance reaches its climax, the audience gives off “ohineri” (throws) along with spirited shouts, creating a lively atmosphere.

The costumes and wigs used in Yokoo Kabuki are not rented, but rather most are handmade or have been preserved in the Inasa area since the Edo period.

There are around 200 wigs and 2,000 costumes on display, which are amazingly well-maintained so that they can be used on stage at any time.

Yokoo Kabuki is now passed down as a traditional performing art, but in the past it was at risk of disappearing due to the effects of war and a lack of performers.

To overcome these crises, the Yokoo Kabuki Preservation Society was established and has expanded the range of performers. Currently, the society is actively engaged in preserving the art, focusing on training local elementary, junior high, and high school students to carry on the art.

Announcement of Yokoo Kabuki Regular Performances in 2024 (October 12th and 13th)

Regular performances will be held where you can enjoy Yokoo Kabuki, a traditional performing art of Hamamatsu that has been passed down without interruption since the Edo period.

Date: Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th, 2024

Start time: 4pm on both days

Venue: Kaimei-za, Yokoo Higashiyonmura Rural Community Center, Inasa Town, Hamana Ward

Organizers: Yokoo Kabuki Preservation Society

Inquiries: Inasa Collaboration Center Phone: 053-542-1112

Why not take this opportunity to enjoy Yokoo Kabuki, a local traditional performing art?