: traditional Japanese popular drama performed with highly stylized singing and dancing.

Kabuki (歌舞伎, かぶき) is a classical form of Japanese theatre, mixing dramatic performance with traditional dance. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylised performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.

Kabuki has been performed since the early 17th century. Plays originally featured both men and women. But the Edo government felt they would be too provocative and banned women. For hundreds of years, men have played every role and that tradition endures today.