Guests' comment 2014

Mun San(Singapore)

December 12 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre, Matinee

We really enjoyed Yoshikata Saigo at the Kabuki theater.All thanks to your mini lecture introducing us to Kabuki and especially the particular act we were watching that morning, we were able to appreciate the nuances of this beautiful art-form.There were Kabuki enthusiasts in the theater that morning as the name Matsushima-ya was called out many times as you had hoped! That added to the excitement of the play.

Thank you for sharing your love for the Kabuki with us and we will definitely watch another Kabuki play the next time we visit Japan.

Cecilia (Singapore)

November 9 eveninng show at Kabuki-za theatre

Appreciated your kabuki explanation which really helped us a lot:) We did enjoy those 3 performances very much. The costume and acting are really interesting. Definitely that will be another time for us to watch Kabuki when we visit Japan again .Unfortunately, I couldn't get "Taiyaki" as you said it was limited, when I went to buy during the second intermission, it was already sold out. Never mind, this also give me a reason to go back to Kabuki-za next time.

Thanks again for your kabuki lecture and lovely photos. Bento were delicious too.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.

Thank you very much for your comment. I am glad to know that you enjoy all programs. detailed comment on Kabuki performamce.
I am sorry about "Taiyaki" this time. I am looking forward to seeing and guiding you again.

Bon (Bangkok, Thailand)

November 6 evening show at Kabuki-za

We would like to thank you for your informative lecture. The information background about Kabuki, the actors, the celebration of the late great actor, the story synopsis, and all other things related to Kabuki performance are helpful and beneficial for us to enjoy the show. Especially, the highlights such as "Kuroko and Kohken" (stage assistance), "mie" (pose), and "Roppo" (Kabuki technique). We really enjoy all the three spectacular shows. During the break, according to your suggestion, we had tried "Taiyaki" (fish-shaped cake with mochi and red bean paste). It was so delicious with not too sweet flavor. We also enjoyed the bento you help us purchasing even though we could not finish it during the very short second break. Thankfully, the seats you selected for us were in front of the "Hanamichi" so we could see the main actors and their performance so close. One suggestion for others who plan to see the show, I would recommend bringing the opera glasses because it extremely helps you seeing details of the face expressions, the beautiful make ups, and extravagant costumes.

We really appreciate your warm hospitality and your helpful guide tour. Our first time for the Kabuki in real Japanese atmosphere was so impressive. We had good memories and look forward to the next trip to Japan.

Anne (Pennsylvania,USA)

October 25 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

We enjoyed the Kabuki performances. Our appreciation was certainly enhanced by your background briefing and suggestion that we use the audio guide. It was very helpful to know the topics of the exchanges on stage. The three different styles - the romantic triangle , the dances and the action drama were all compelling in their own ways. I was particularly moved by the romantic triangle and especially the performance of Shichinosuke as Omitsu and later as Okon. The actor was extraordinarily affective in both roles. I was puzzled by the low key portrayal of the character Hisamatsu in the romantic drama. Is that typical for such a character in Kabuki or a decision by the director tohave that character more in the background?

Again, thank you for your introduction to a uniquely wonderful experience.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.

Thank you very much for your detailed comment on Kabuki performamce.
We have characters as Hisamitsu in other Kabuki programs.And leading actor also work as a director in the play because theydon't have specific directors in the traditional plays. Most of alltraditional programs had been developed and been completed since thefirstperformance.And many Japanese Kabuki fan love the traditional productions.

Yoko (Hawaii, USA)

October 22 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

Yes, we enjoyed Kabuki performance very much. Even though I grew up inTokyo, I did not have much knowledge of it but your lecture helped us to understand the performance and I was able to convey some of the meanings of act to my husband while we watched. Kabuki has a long history and it is not easy to understand fully for foreigners unless they studied Kabuki in advance, but just watching their bright costume and the colorful stage was an eye opening experience for both of us. I love to visit the theater someday again. We enjoyed delivered meals for lunch.

Mary (California, USA)

October 16 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

We really did enjoy the entire Kabuki experience and we felt your preview of what would happen was very helpful. I especially liked your overview sheet that told us what the highlights would be for each piece. Your enthusiasm for Kabuki theater was heartfelt and it definitely made us appreciate the history and art of the production. Thank you.

Alan (California, USA)

October 16 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you very much for the attached pictures. Your lecture was great and we understood the stories in the kabuki performance which was very helpful. We enjoyed the kabuki performances. The leg room was tight.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Mary and Alan, thank you for giving me an opportunity to guide your group. I had a really nice time with you eleven. Unfortunately the seats and leg room for 3A and 3B greads are smaller than those for other grades. I think they may be enough for medium-sized Japanese people.

Mario (Geneva, Switzerland)

October 15 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

First, we would like to thank you for excellent organization of our evening at the theater Kabuki-za. It was an organization quite the level of Japan - so perfect. Thank you again for having spent your morning to explain the course of the show. We can not claim to understand everything, but we were able to follow the action and from this point of view, we were not completely surprised. But what first struck us is the vastness of the theater and the beauty of its internal architecture. The show itself was interesting: the game so expressive of actors, their beautiful costumes. Personally, I found that the actor of side who, with rhythm of instruments, brought the action - voice-off, it gives a special intensity to everything that happens on stage. Moreover, for my next film (I do creative video), I will use this medium to highlight the action. This reminds dramatic introduction of Akira Kurosawa early in the film "Throne of Blood" (Kumo no sujo) ....
Finally, we thank you for making our stay in Tokyo so special moment. It was a pleasure to meet you. We will recommend your services to all of our friends who travel to Tokyo.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.

Thank you very much for interesting comment. Acting in synchronization with the rhythm of instruments was influenced by Bunraku puppet theatre. I would like to see your next film very much if possible. If you need any help, please feel free to contact me.

Trudy(Hawaii, USA)

October 10 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

I don't visit Japan very often, but when I plan a trip, I always contact Yabe San to arrange tickets for me to see a kabuki performance. This was the third time that I used Tokyo Kabuki Guide. As always, her services were superior. She responds quickly and makes every effort to get the best possible seating for you. If you provide her with your available dates early, she's able to get unbelievably great seats! I would never have imagined being able to see kabuki from Box 1, Seat 1, but she arranged it and I was able to view the performance (with some of my favorite kabuki actors) "up close and personal"! Although I have experienced her pre-performance lectures previously and am familiar with the more popular kabuki play plots, there were two couples from the United States that were first-time kabuki attendees on the evening I attended. Listening to Yabe San's presentation again made me realize how valuable and helpful this is. Kabuki performers generally come from kabuki "families", where the craft is passed down from grandfather to father to son, etc. Even if you know nothing about kabuki, Yabe San will provide you with information and materials that allow you to understand the origins of kabuki, its history, the plays that will be performed, the set up of the kabuki theater, the actors' history and family lines, etc. Because of her extraordinary level of service, there's no reason to feel intimidated about going to a kabuki performance. Yabe San will provide you with everything you need to appreciate the history and art of kabuki, a magnificent performance art with such a rich history! If you've ever wanted to see kabuki or are interested but a bit afraid to make arrangements yourself, you MUST use her services. You will not regret it. I'm already looking forward to my next trip to Japan. Of course, I will definitely contact Yabe San to arrange for my next kabuki excursion!

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Trudy san, thank you for your wonderful comment. I love to help people to enjoy Kabuki as I do always. I would like to try to guide you again to help you enjoy Kabuki more and more.

Sheila (Georgia, USA)

October 10 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

I so enjoyed your Kabuki tour;it was informative, entertaining and a great introduction into the world of Kabuki. I enjoyed sitting on the side with the hanamichi stage, allowing for a closer look of the Kabuki performers.
The written program guides you provided were an immense help in understanding the story line. I wish I had taken your suggestion to rent the translation headphones.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Sheila, thank you for your comment. As for the English audio guides, I thought there is no accounting for tastes becuase I sent the English summaries of the programs in advance. However I would like to pay better attenion about to suggest the translation headphones in the future. Thank you again for your comment.

Dennis (California, USA)

October 8 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre

We enjoyed the kabuki performances immensely. Quite amazing! Definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan that we will remember forever. I felt that the English language commentary on the headset provided just the right amount of information for me to follow along. So that, along with your lecture, made it perfect. There were people calling out from the audience, but no one too near us. Thanks for the photos. We had no idea that there was a lunar eclipse that night!

Mari (New York, USA)

September 6 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

We really enjoyed the Kabuki Theater experience – only a few chose to get the English translation headset during the second act. I for one loved the story guide you provided for us in advance because I could follow easily and not be detached from the Japanese immersion (I had the added advantage of sitting next to my Japanese friend if I had questions about the Japanese interpretation). Your pre-show introduction to the actors and Kabuki tradition & culture really added a unique “insider-understanding” and I would recommend to anyone to contact you before they attend Kabuki Theater.

Most importantly, your assistance in purchasing tickets was invaluable – the theater set-up is rather complicated since there is the long side stage that leads to the front stage and you explained it so well with photos in advance. The seating you recommended was perfect – we were privileged to have such extraordinary seats on a day when the theater was so full, so thank you for your patience.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I love to select my guests' seats since the seating is important and I know the good sections to enjoy the programs. I am very glad to know you all, eight people, enjoyed Kabuki and my lecture was helpful.

Bruna (Rebecq, Belgium)

July 15 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

We really had a great time during the kabuki performances.

I really was amazed by the sounds and the voices of the actors, their way of talking could make you understand the context even if you don't understand japanese itself.The story was amusing, the audience sometimes laugh but no one shouted the actors names.

Without your help and lecture, we wouldn't have understand so much about the importance and structure of kabuki. My family and I are really greatful. Thank you for the pictures, I'll put them in my photo album.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for joining my tour. I am glad to know that all of your family enjoyed the performance though you missed the shouting from the audience seats. I hope you have another chance to see Kabuki and I am looking forward to talking with you more in Japanese.

Fiona (New York State, USA)

May 21 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

A tremendous "Thank you" to you for providing us with such an information-filled interactive discussion on the Kabuki art form. You have made Kabuki theater very accessible to, and come alive for, a non native audience.

Exposure to this dramatic genre has been a transformative experience and we are now enthusiastic supporters of Kabuki theater. Yes, the English audio guide was immeasurably helpful.

Your insights helped us to better appreciate the occurrences both on the stage and in the audience. For example, when we heard the stick/drum clap/roll we could anticipate an action or event; When we heard members of the audience shout, we knew they were commending the performance of the actor in question.

We are elated and feel honored that we experienced the acting of your famous and much beloved actors, Otowa-ya, Narita-ya and Takashima-ya.

We appreciated the two bombastic, stylized and exaggerated historical dramas as well as the contemporary, realistic, emotionally-laden drama.

Your substantive overview is highly recommended for all visitors interested in Kabuki theater. We are inspired to try and attend the Kabuki performance in NYC in July you mentioned and will keep you posted.

Thank you again for an invaluable introduction which we will remember and treasure. Thank you also for the lovely pictures. Brava!

May you continue to introduce more audiences to Kabuki theater.

Erica (New York, USA)

May 14 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre

The performance was great. I really enjoyed it.
Your lecture was really helpful. I liked it a lot. I did buy the fish cake--it was delicious! It was good advice to go early because it sold out quickly!
Thank you for the wonderful tour!

Carmen (Now living in Tokyo, originally from Hong Kong)

May 10 at Kabuki-za theatre, Matinee
Thank you so much for the lovely Kabuki experience last Saturday. Thanks to your comprehensive lecture and handout notes, my friend and I were able to enjoy Kabuki to the fullest. It was interesting to learn about Kabuki’s links to Noh theatre and Bunraku puppet theatre, and the elements of staging that allude to the Noh origins of a particular play. I particularly like your timeline of concurrent developments in Kabuki and Western classical music! For the plays we saw, it was helpful to get an idea of the plot beforehand and to learn about the actors and their family background and role specialization. Thanks to you, we could identify and appreciate the famous Kabuki poses as well as the hanamichi, musical ensemble, clappers, and the very visible stage assistants whom the audience pretends not to see. During the intermission, we sampled the special mochi-filled Taiyaki you told us about -- yummy and filling too! It was nice to stroll in the roof garden after the last performance. We would definitely have missed it had you not told us about it.I highly recommend your lecture to all first-time Kabuki goers in Tokyo.

Bartek (Warsaw, Poland)

May 10 at Kabuki-za theatre, The evening show
Thank you for your help and really interesting meeting. We did enjoy the kabuki show. Each part was different and amazing. Funny horse in 1st play, great action in 1st act of second play and of course amazing dance. He turned the head 44 times.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for letting me know the number of times that the actor as lion spirit turned his head. It was more than I saw the performance at the begining of May!

Chad (Now living in Yokosuka, originally from USA)

April 26 at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you for everything, we had a great time! The taiyaki was better with mochi I think, and your lecture was great! Thank you for making that experience happen!

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
I am very glad I could help your surprise event for your girl friend. And I am also happy to know you had a great time at Kabuki-za theatre.

Debra (Taree, Australia)

April 21 at Kabuki-za theatre
It was very nice to meet you and your lecture was very helpful to us in understanding the Kabuki performances.

Our seats were quite good and we had a good view of the stage. The performances were wonderful. I enjoyed them very much, My husband did not enjoy them as much as I did, but he certainly enjoyed the experience of something completely different.　The costumes in the first performance were so colourful and beautiful and I am glad you had explained to us why the costumes would be different in the final performance.

Eating our dinner at the seats was very different!

The Audio guide was very helpful, and I was referring to the sheets of information you had given us as well.

Thank you so much for all the information you had for us. Without it, we would have found it much harder to understand what was happening and what to look for. Your love for and enjoyment of Kabuki Theatre was obvious to us.

Our night at the theatre was wonderful and something I will remember for a long time.

Vasiliy and Ksusha (Sakhalin island, Russia)

April 15 at Kabuki-za theatre, the evening show
Thank you for exceptional lecture and introduction to a marvellous Kabuki! That was a fantastic performance and we enjoyed watching it very much!
At those seats that we booked we felt like president with first lady :-)
We glad that we took your lecture, it helped us to descry a lot of interesting details in a play. Also thanks for a tea and ice-cream! So many more plays to watch so we will contact you again on our next visit to Tokyo!
Arigato Gozaimashita!

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for wonderful comment. You liked my favorite seats! I am very happy to have helped you enjoy Kabuki very much. I am looking forward to seeing and guiding you again in your next trip.

Richard (Sheffield, UK)

April 12 at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you for the photographs of our visit to Kabuki-za on Saturday afternoon.

We really enjoyed the performance. The seats that you chose were very good - we could see all the action on the main stage and we had excellent close-up views of the performers and their costumes when they passed next to us on the hanamichi.

We were able to understand the actions on stage, thanks to the very detailed explanation you gave in your introductory lecture, and the notes that you had sent. The english audio headset was also useful and so the combination of the lecture, briefing notes and audio allowed us to enjoy the show. Because of your good briefing we were able to see and understand some key aspects of Kabuki such as the use of "clappers" sound, the kukoro, stylish poses, quick costume changes as well as the story narrator and the musicians.

I think that I mentioned in one of my earlier e-mails that we would probably not be able to stay to the end of the show because we had a prior commitment which meant that we had to be back at our hotel before 8:30. We had hoped that we could have seen part of the last play and then would left between the one of the breaks between acts in that last play. However we realised from your talk that there would be no intermission between acts in the play and so we had to leave after the Onna Date.

In both Onna Date and Ichijyo Okura we were surprised to see the large number of supporting actors on stage, in addition to the main characters, all in wonderful costumes. We particularly liked the formal costumes in Ichijyo Okura. We did not expect to see the acrobatic supporting dancers in Onna Date and we were also surprised to see so many musicians on the stage for the Onna Date.

Overall it was a special experience of Japanese culture and we thank you for helping us to enjoy our introduction to Kabuki.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.

Thank you very much for your wonderful comment. I am glad to have a chance to guide you and to know you enjoyed the programs.
It seems you didn’t miss any key aspects. I think that to understand key aspects in advance is helpful to enjoy the performance and I always try to show all in my pre-performance lecture. Only my regret is we don’t have intermission in the last program and it deprived you of opportunity to see revolving stage.

Eveline & Marc (Zuerich, Swizerland)

April 11 at Kabuki-za theatre, The evening show

We loved Kabuki. What an amazing experience!

We are so grateful that we had contacted you. Not only did you manage to reserve us the best seats in the whole house; the lecture you gave us while we were enjoying the best matcha tea we ever had and tasting a wonderful desert were extremly insightful. It made us understand and appreciate Kabuki so much more.

It wouldn't have been the same without you!

Thank you!

Mihkel (Taliin, Estonia)

April 10 at Kabuki-za theatre

We had a wonderful time with you and the Kabuki night is definitely one of our nicest memories from this visit to Japan.
The performance wasn't long at all. I remember that before the show I was wondering if it will be a little bit too long, but it worked perfectly. Erlike really liked the dance performance and I enjoyed the dramas. English audio guide was a great idea.
We enjoyed the dinner at our seats. The tea included was good and the seats were perfect. Next time we would definitely want to sit at the same place :) We took a little tour in the Kabuki-za house during the second intermission and thanks to your info, we knew exactly what was where.
Your lecture was very helpful. Before we didn't know much about Kabuki so it was nice to enjoy the performance after your lecture, because it gave a good background info and we knew why one character had red makeup and why there are black shadow workers on the stage during the performance :) It was also good to check the names and faces of the actors from the papers that you gave us. I wasn't Japanese enough to shout any names, because there were a lot of locals that shouted for me. And thanks to your lecture we knew exactly why they shouted.
Thank you for the pictures, they will be a good extra for our photo album of the trip.
So, thank you very much for everything from both of us.
I'm glad that we could give a brief impression of Estonia as well. If you ever visit Estonia, don't hesitate to contact me, I would be glad to show you around - I could also book you some tickets to our National Opera or some drama theaters if you wish.

Robert (California, USA)

April 8 at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you for sending the pictures. They are a wonderful reminder of a great day of Kabuki. Your lecture helped so much in our enjoyment of the performances. Our seats were incredible. Seeing the performers so close was amazing: the makeup, the costumes, their concentration and grace. We could even hear the sound of the costumes swishing through the air when the actors walked by or turned around on the hanamichi. The music was amazing, too as was the audience's focus and enthusiasm. We enjoyed our bento in our seats as well as the taiyaki, the tastiest that I've ever had. Your advice was so helpful and really made the experience magical. Each performance was great, it is impossible to select a favorite.

Susan (Colorado, USA)

April 2 at Kabuki-za theatre

We wanted to let you know how grateful we both are for all the information about Kabuki. The seats and pre-performance information about the actors and how Kabuki is performed, and what we were about to see, added so much more to our experience than if we were to go on our own.

The performance information in English along with your understanding of Kabuki and the Kabuki-za Theater, were very helpful.

Having tea with you before the performance, and preparing us for the wonderful things we would see was instrumental to better understand Kabuki both culturally and from an actor perspective. We found the family linage very interesting and just knowing more about the history of Kabuki and its beginning was great for context and understanding.

I would have to put your information and expertise, along with the Kabuki performance as our #1 thing we did in Japan.

Thank you so much for the timely responses we had prior to our visiting Japan and Tokyo. You were very prompt in your response to our e-mail questions and made the experience one we will always remember.

Marine (now living in UK, originally from France)

March 25 at the National Theatre

Thank you so much for such a professional lecture on Kabuki, this has been one of the best experiences in Japan, we were overwhelmed ! I think your lecture and the show were completely beyond our expectations.

Of course we kept the papers you gave us, they have been really useful during the show or during the breaks so we could read carefully the script and try to recognize the make-up, actors, etc.

In the end, we did not feel the need for an audio guide : the scripts you gave us were clear enough and with enough details to understand the scenes, and the oral performances were absolutely amazing, we felt that an audio guide could 'spoil' it a bit if you know what I mean?

We were also a bit scared we would not last through the whole show, 4 hours seemed a lot for an all Japanese language show, but again, for our great pleasure we enjoyed every single moment of it ! The costumes were amazing, and there were quite a lot of men shouting Kabuki actors' names - Nick almost tried it too !

The music and singing were also adding a lot to the show, the costumes were wonderful, and we felt really privileged to be seating by the Hanamichi.

Oh ! And one of our tickets was selected in the lottery, so at the end of the show we had the honour of meeting the actors and having their autograph. That was really lucky and made the evening even more special - thank you so much for allowing us to discover such a wonderful part of the Japanese culture, that will stay in our memories forever, and hopefully we can come back to Japan and enjoy more Kabuki.

Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.

I am very happy to know you enjoyed the performance and my lecture was helpful. And how lucky you were! The autograph session was the first event and I had not heard about it before. The sessions were held 6 times after the performances in March at the National Theatre for charity of disaster recovery support of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Only 20 audiences got the opportunity to join the session per performance among six performances in March. I am looking forward to seeing and guiding you again in your next visit. Thank you.

Gareth (California, USA)

March 24 at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you so much for organizing our Kabuki visit on Monday. We had a fantastic time and your lecture helped us understand all the elements so that we could truly appreciate the beauty and art of the performances. We couldn't have had a better experience.

Lenore (Now living in Kanagawa, originally from USA)

March 23 at Kabuki-za theatre

I really want to tell you how impressed I was by your organization and explanation. Having you buy our tickets saved me a trip to Tokyo.

The summaries of the 4 dramas that you sent by email were so helpful and informative. My sister and I had already found our favorites before we had even seen the shows. Knowing the stories before hand, then having your detailed descriptions of specifics relating to kabuki, such as the face make-up, or that even learning a woman actually started this kind of dance/drama was fascinating for me and my sister.
I think we chose the best day and time to watch kabuki. The 4 dramas were completely different in themes, eras and even life of Japanese people; high honor or ordinary Japanese citizens.

The whole experience; watching the performances, eating in our seats, tasting and buying souvenirs, was amazing. It was also very exciting to see so many women wearing Japanese kimonos. I realized we were a little under dressed to watch kimono. Japanese really dress up in the same way as Americans dress up to go to the opera
It was an amazing experience, especially for me, since I have always wanted to see the full kabuki for the past 22 years.

Thank you Kazui. I would like to recommend you to my foreign contacts who visit Japan in the future.

Lenore (Now living in Kanagawa, originally from USA)

March 23 at Kabuki-za theatre

I really want to tell you how impressed I was by your organization and explanation. Having you buy our tickets saved me a trip to Tokyo.

Thank you Kazui. I would like to recommend you to my foreign contacts who visit Japan in the future.

Diego (Guatemala)

March 20 at Kabuki-za theatre

I was very interested in go seeing one of the many art forms of Japan, specially kabuki. However when I arrived I was told it was difficult for even japanese people to understand these plays. Mrs. Kazui was very helpful in providing me all the information I needed to get the most out of the play, from the story plots to the makeup and entrance tickets. This is the way to go if one wants to see kabuki as it helps you understand and enjoy. Thank you for all the help!

Mark (Now living in Yamanashi Prefecture or Japan, Originally from USA)

March 8 at Kabuki-za theatre, short tour

Thank you very much for your informative Kabuki guide service. We enjoyed your explanation and handouts for Kabuki performance. It was very helpful.

We had no problem getting seats and took your advice to sit center right in the first row so we could see Kabuki stars on the stage extension. We did not rent the English headset. We could understand what was happening because we had the story synopsis ahead of time. Two acts were plenty for us. The costumes, stage and music were beautiful.

Thank you for sharing the pictures! We will cherish them as a remembrance of our fun Kabuki experience in Tokyo!

Alla (Washington, USA)

January 12 at Kabuki-za theatre

Thank you for your kindness, competence and dedication that illuminated our stay in Tokyo. We have been in different theatres all over the world but never have we been so deeply impressed by a play as we were in Kabuki Theatre. Your pre-show lecture -- both informative and enthusiastic -- definitely made us more open and receptive to the performance.

Carol (California, USA)

January 2 at Kabuki-za theatre

I loved your exquisite country, rich culture, delicious food, and kind people...Everyone was so nice to me. People helped me with directions. I never felt alone or lost. I was able to do/see a lot in 9 days and I'm glad I was able to fit a Kabuki performance in my schedule. Your lecture was very informative and helpful. Thank you for guiding me and providing me with a context and history prior to watching the show. I also found the binoculars to be very useful so I can zoom in and peruse all the details in the actors' wardrobe. I loved the elaborate costumes and makeup and I enjoyed the live traditoinal Japanese music. Each act was diffrent and interesting in its own way. I was especially intrigued by the the unique voice intonations as well as the male actors playing a female role. It was an experience I will never forget!