Study of Kabuki Performances in the Shinshū (Nagano) village of Kawaji, in the Late Edo Period

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26770090
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Japanese literature
• Research Institution: Waseda University
• Principal Investigator: KIMURA RYO 早稲田大学, 坪内博士記念演劇博物館, 招聘研究員 (70546150)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 歌舞伎役者 / 信州川路村 / 地方興行 / 地域社会

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Research into rural Kabuki performance has not yet attracted the attention it deserves. The present study focuses on Kabuki performances in the village of Kawaji (in present-day Nagano), using historical materials handed down by village leaders. Looking in particular at Edo-based players performing in Kawaji, the study presents a broad view that elucidates the functions of actors and performances within rural society, the activities of organizers from preparation to completion, and the attitudes of audiences. Although the study looks only at a single, limited area, it is an important step toward working out a wider picture of the general structure of rural Kabuki activity.

Free Research Field

日本近世文化史