Apr 05 (Kabuki In-Depth) - This video focuses on the outstanding playwright Chikamatsu Hanji, who contributed countless works to the repertoires of kabuki and the puppet theatre.
The Strange World of Chikamatsu Hanji (1725 – 1783)
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The Japan Meteorological Agency announced it will significantly revamp its disaster-related weather information system from April 28th, introducing a new category called “Danger Warning” in addition to existing warnings and advisories.
The body discovered in a forested area of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on April 12th has been identified as that of Adachi Yuki, an 11-year-old elementary school student who had been missing since March 23rd, with authorities saying the cause of death remains unknown.
Typhoon No. 4 (Sinlaku), a large and extremely powerful system, is moving west-northwest over the Mariana Islands and is expected to make its closest approach to Saipan on April 15th while maintaining its intense strength.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will withdraw from Antarctic research vessel operations after nearly six decades, with private-sector entities expected to take over following the retirement of the icebreaker Shirase in fiscal 2034.
A growing shortage of products derived from naphtha is beginning to affect everyday industries, as instability surrounding supply routes linked to tensions involving Iran raises concerns across Japan’s economy.
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A theater directly connected to Tokyo Station is set to open in May inside a large-scale redevelopment complex scheduled to fully launch in autumn, marking a new step in efforts to strengthen the area’s cultural and artistic presence.
A cosplay event featuring participants dressed as characters from anime and games was held in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, on April 12th, drawing large crowds as around 200 participants paraded through the city’s shopping district.
A farewell performance titled "Farewell April Grand Kabuki" is being staged at Osaka Shochikuza in Chuo Ward, Osaka, which is set to close in May due to the aging of the building, marking the beginning of a two-month run of kabuki performances that have drawn audiences with comedies and dances featuring a colorful cast of characters, continuing through April 26th.
Today we have a look at the kabuki performances taking this April at the Shochiku-za theatre in Osaka! (Kabuki In-Depth)
A talk event was held at a bookstore in New York on March 9th to commemorate the publication of the English translation "SAKURA" of the bestselling novel "Sakura" by Naoki Prize-winning author Kanae Nishi, who appeared alongside American translator Allison Powell to discuss the book’s central theme of family love.
The winner of the 2026 Japan Booksellers Award, in which bookstore staff across the country vote for the book they most want to sell, was announced on April 9th, with Ryo Asai, 36, receiving the top prize for the novel "In the Megachurch," published by Nikkei Publishing.
Athletes from across Japan boasting finely trained physiques are set to gather in Okinawa for a major fitness competition, as more than 300 participants prepare to compete in the "Muscle Gate" body make contest, marking the event’s first-ever staging in the prefecture.
This video focuses on the outstanding playwright Chikamatsu Hanji, who contributed countless works to the repertoires of kabuki and the puppet theatre. (Kabuki In-Depth)