n. A type of popular Japanese drama, evolved from the older Noh theater, in which elaborately costumed performers, nowadays men only, use stylized movements, dances, and songs in order to enact tragedies and comedies. [Japanese, art of singing and dancing : ka, singing (from Middle Chinese ka; also the source of Mandarin gē) + bu, dancing; see BUTO + ki, art, artist (from Middle Chinese kɦi`; also the source of Mandarin jì).] (click for a larger image) Kabuki |
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