kudoki

The term "kudoki" refers to a lyrical section within Japanese music, particularly associated with the samisen (a three-stringed lute) and its use in theatrical forms like Kabuki. It is characterized by its romantic and melodic nature, often featuring less percussion compared to other sections.12

The samisen itself has a history tracing back to the Chinese sanxian and arrived in Japan in the mid-16th century. It evolved with a rectangular body and is played with a plectrum called a bachi. The instrument has three basic tunings that remain standard today.2

Kudoki is part of a larger tripartite arrangement in classical Kabuki dance, typically appearing in the second section (chūha or ha), following introductory parts and preceding the main dance section.1