Q 01/05

Kabuki is a classical form of theatre from which country?

A) Japan

B) China

C) Korea

D) Thailand

Answer · why

A) Japan

It grew up in the early Edo period and is known for its heavily stylised acting and elaborate costumes.

Q 02/05

Who is regarded as the founder of kabuki?

A) Chikamatsu Monzaemon

B) Izumo no Okuni

C) Ichikawa Danjuro I

D) Zeami

Answer · why

B) Izumo no Okuni

She was a former shrine maiden, possibly a miko of Izumo-taisha, and was soon asked to perform for the Imperial Court.

Q 03/05

In which year did kabuki begin, with Okuni's troupe of female dancers?

A) 1803

B) 1703

C) 1603

D) 1868

Answer · why

C) 1603

A statue of her was erected in 2002 to mark 400 years of the art.

Q 04/05

In which city did Okuni's troupe first perform?

A) Nara

B) Edo

C) Osaka

D) Kyoto

Answer · why

D) Kyoto

Her statue stands across from the city's last remaining theatre, by the bridge over the Kamo River.

Q 05/05

What do the three kanji of the word kabuki mean?

A) Sing, dance and skill

B) Mask, drum and story

C) Face, robe and sword

D) Song, spirit and shrine

Answer · why

A) Sing, dance and skill

The word probably derives from the verb kabuku, to lean or be out of the ordinary, so it can also mean avant-garde theatre.