A traditional theatrical form intended to be epic, with spectacular stories, sets, make-up and costumes, the invention of kabuki is attributed to a priestess, Okuni, in the early 17th century. This street art quickly moved to theatres and has survived to the present day, remaining very popular in Japan. In 2020, when live theatre performances were cancelled due to the COVID-19, a young kabuki actor, Kazutaro Nakamura, assembled a unique team of artists consisting of classical dancers, traditional musicians, and kabuki actors to propose ART KABUKI, a sumptuous filmed performance enhanced by the latest technological advances in the stage arts. The staging of this show would based on three themes: play, beauty, and life. This message of hope would not only be for the Japanese people, but a source of comfort for people around the world.
