My Anime World

Anime spans all kinds of genres, from lighthearted romcoms to heartpounding action. And among the many shows out there, viewers can find ones that have a unique focus on Japanese culture. Today we’re going to shine the spotlight on some traditional forms of performing arts shown in anime, starting with music.

The koto is a Japanese stringed instrument commonly used in traditional compositions, but many koto practitioners also adapt modern songs to play.

In Kono Oto Tomare (Sounds of Life), high school student Takezo Kurata sets off to revitalize the school’s koto club as its only remaining member. The series has been lauded for its accurate portrayal of the instrument and technique due to the creator’s extensive koto background. The anime even features original koto compositions by their family members.

The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument played with a large plectrum/pick called bachi. The shamisen is often used in folk music and traditional theater arts.

The shamisen is the star of the show in Mashiro No Oto (Those Snow White Notes). High schooler Setsu Sawamura gave up playing the shamisen after his grandfather, a renowned player, passed away. The anime follows Setsu’s rekindling passion for the instrument, and the new people in his life who influence his art. The Yoshida Brothers, a renowned shamisen duo, supervised the shamisen parts of the anime’s soundtrack.

Kabuki, a traditional form of Japanese theater, blends performance with distinct costumes, makeup, and staging to tell a story. Most kabuki acts portray historic events or popular folktales with a musical ensemble that often includes the koto and shamisen.

One might expect many high schools to have a regular drama club. But in Kabukibu!, kabuki-enthusiast Kurogo Kurusu loves the art form so much that he decides to start a club at his school. This slice-of-life anime is a good entry point for viewers who want to learn more about kabuki. And long-time anime fans might recognize CLAMP’s signature character design used in the show.

Noh is a type of performance that began in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest forms of theater in the world. Performers often wear masks to signify their roles and tell the story through symbolic dance moves and special vocal techniques.

Science SARU presents a fictional account of the legendary Noh performer Inu-Oh in this animated film of the same name where two outcasts meet and set off on a journey to entertain audiences. With character designs by artist Taiyou Matsumoto and songs performed by Queen Bee vocalist Avu-chan, this film is a visual and musical treat to behold.

And if you’re interested in learning more about the development of Noh, CygamesPictures is producing a new anime set to come out this summer. World Is Dancing is a historical fiction drama that tells the story of a boy named Oniyasha before he becomes Zeami, one of the most influential figures in Noh history.

In the art of rakugo, a single performer known as a rakugoka tells a story that’s often comedic in nature. Changes in the rakugoka’s voice or gestures signify different characters in the story.

Although rakugo is known for humorous stories, historical drama Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju takes a more serious tone. The anime portrays the intertwined lives of rakugoka over the course of 30 years through masterful storytelling reminiscent of rakugo itself.

Rakugo enthusiasts can also look forward to Akane-banashi, a new anime coming out in April. The series focuses on high schooler Akane Osaki who fell in love with rakugo as a child. After her father, a former rakugoka, was cast out from his school, Akane aims to become a rakugoka to avenge him.

Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a curious anime fan, take that first step into the world of traditional Japanese performing arts through these titles. And leave a comment on our pages if they spark your interest!

TOM on FB
TOM on Instagram
TOM on X

Written by Alon Bramble for TOM News