noun. a form of Japanese drama based on popular legends and characterized by elaborate costumes, stylized acting, and the use of male actors for all roles See also No 1.

Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form that originated in the Edo period (17th-19th centuries). The term "ukiyo-e" can be translated as "pictures of the floating world." It encompasses a genre of woodblock prints, paintings, and illustrations that depicted scenes from the urban culture and lifestyle of that era.

Important characteristics of Kabuki theatre include its particular music, costumes, stage devices and props as well as specific plays, language and acting styles, such as the mie, in which the actor holds a characteristic pose to establish his character.

Kabuki literally means “sing, dance, skill.” A shrine dancer named Okuni is credited with giving birth to Kabuki by performing a series of dances in a dry riverbed in Kyoto. Early Kabuki (Onna Kabuki) consisted mainly of dance performances done by women.