Mar 25 (Japanese Comedian Meshida) - Around the early 1600s, following the Battle of Sekigahara, some defeated samurai began behaving wildly. They were known as kabuki-mono—eccentric troublemakers who dressed in outrageous clothing, sometimes even wearing women’s kimono in unconventional ways, forming gangs and causing disturbances.
One woman, Izumo no Okuni, adopted their style and began performing dances along the riverside. She transformed their rebellious behavior into performance art. This became known as kabuki odori, or Kabuki dance. At the time, it was shocking—women dancing while imitating criminals—and it quickly gained popularity, partly due to its bold and sensual elements.
After performances, some entertainers would also interact with male patrons in more intimate settings. Kabuki was not just entertainment; it also carried an anti-establishment spirit. Many performers came from marginalized communities and faced heavy discrimination, occupying the lowest ranks of society. In essence, the origins of Kabuki—a now highly refined cultural art—were rooted in raw, unconventional street performances by socially excluded groups.
It is also said that Okuni, who pioneered Kabuki, may have been a shrine maiden at Izumo Taisha. If true, Kabuki may have begun as a blend of sacred ritual and provocative performance.
Source: Japanese Comedian Meshida
