Afterwards, the age of Gagaku came about from the Chinese Buddhists, during ancient times; and was adapted for local use. Today, it still remains as one of the most popular forms of music, and can still be seen at some theatrical performances in Japan. Gagaku music is composed of a large ensemble of traditional Japanese wood, string and percussion instruments. …show more content…
The most traditional play performed in Japan is the Noh plays; which were developed in the mid 1300s, and can still be seen being performed in the theater in Japan even today. During a Noh play, masked actors perform various stories with carefully controlled gestures and movements; as a chorus would chant the most important lines in the play.
There are many other forms of traditional Japanese drama, such as Puppet Theater; which is also known as Bunraku, and the Kabuki play. Both of these Japanese art forms were developed and established in the 1600s. During Bunraku, a narrator would recite the story, which was then acted out with large, lifelike puppets which were being controlled by puppet handlers who quietly worked onstage; in direct view of the audience.
Kabuki plays; on the other hand, are of actual lifelike events; except for the fact that they are often performed in a lively acting style, which was loosely exaggerated to a certain degree. The Kabuki actors often wore costumes and makeup that were both colorful and breathtaking; while the scenery was usually quite spectacular and vivid. Although Kabuki; and various other traditional types of theater, remains popular in Japan today, people still have a tendency to enjoy new dramas; and all other forms of entertainment, by Japanese playwrights, as well as Western