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How did World War II and the postwar period affect Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku?
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Japanese performing arts
Bugaku, a court dance adapted to Japanese tastes from the dance and music of 8th-century China and Korea.
Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, the American occupation forces briefly banned certain Kabuki and Bunraku plays, such as Kanjinchō and Chūshingura, which were deemed feudal.1
Despite these initial restrictions, the postwar period ultimately fostered a resurgence for these traditional arts:
- Noh: After the World War II era, Noh experienced a significant revival as it attracted a larger audience. It has been sustained by theatregoers who appreciate it as a refined contemporary stage art, and it continues to be studied by thousands of amateurs.12
- Kabuki: Following the brief postwar ban, Kabuki has greatly prospered. It remains a vibrant part of Japanese culture, supported by national theatres and international tours.1
- Bunraku: This form has become increasingly subsidized since the war. In 1963, rival troupes united to form the Bunraku Association, and the art form has since gained international recognition, including its 2003 designation by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.13
Today, these traditional forms are housed in national theatres built between 1966 and 1985, ensuring their continued performance and preservation.1