#acfkabuki

[tanghanwa]

G.E.M. Series Naruto Shippuden Naruto & Sasuke Kabuki Ver.

The G.E.M. Series Naruto Shippuden Naruto & Sasuke Kabuki Ver. set celebrates a special illustration drawn by Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto tied to the live-action kabuki theatre adaption of the manga. These 9.1” figures of Sasuke and Naruto can be purchased separately or as a set and placed side-by-side. Fans who buy the set are treated to a spectacular gold and black nameplate stand that can hold both of them! The vivid kimono Naruto and Sasuke wear are like art paintings that suit their personalities. Each carries a katana in one hand, accompanied by a removable hat commonly worn during the samurai period of Japan. Both the matching katana and hats reflect the lifelong brotherly bond that these two share, while the mirrored poses allude to the duality of their ninja ways!

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Tachiyaku

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Kabuki lovers, heads up! Here's an excellent reimagining of two anime characters as kabuki protagonists! It appears that they’re both characters from the play "Ukiyozuka Hiyoku no Inazuma.” Naruto appears to be Fuwa Banzaemon Shigekatsu, while Sasuke appears to be the character Nagoya Sanza. The Naruto/ Banzaemon character famously wears a flashy kimono with a clouds-and-lightning print, while the Sasuke/ Sanza character wears a signature swallows-in-the-rain printed kimono. The climax of the play is when both samurai encounter each other in the Yoshiwara and fight over the affections of the same oiran (i.e. high ranking courtesan). Check how the figurines' costumes compare to the original kabuki kimono below.

(Source: https://enmokudb.kabuki.ne.jp/phraseology/3633/)

I think these kabuki protagonists map well onto Naruto and Sasuke respectively. Naruto's character, Banzaemon, is considered a dandy, who dresses in flashy & eccentric styles; not unlike Naruto's signature neon orange outfit. The lightning motif connects back to Naruto via his father (Minato Namikaze) who perfected a lightning-based technique! Banzaemon's backstory features a lot of nefarious schemes, betrayals, and death; similar to Naruto's origin story. Sasuke's character, Sanza, is a character who has lost his home and family, much like Sasuke did. The swallows on his kimono connect back to Sasuke via his signature "chidori" technique, which translates to either "1,000 birds" or "plovers," a type of bird, as well as his Cursed Seal form, which gave him the ability to fly. Interestingly, Sanza is also infamous for having lots of women fawning over him and being considered quite handsome, which is also very true of Sasuke! Together, these characters also fit the overall themes of their stories because they're meant to be rivals! In the kabuki play, it's over a woman, which is one of the many rivalries Naruto & Sasuke shared in the anime. Overall, an amazing pair of figures for fans of both kabuki and Naruto!

[tanghanwa]

Portrait of Pirates One Piece Luffy Kabuki Edition (Re-run)

The spirited powerhouse Luffy is the newest addition to MegaHouse’s Portrait of Pirates line! From Oda Eiichiro’s One Piece, this figure reaches a height of 7.5” at 1/8th scale. His outrageous personality mixes perfectly with the theatrical spirit of Kabuki. With that exaggerated expression, swirling body paint, and traditional costume, you’ll feel as though you’ve landed a front row seat at the theater! A sleek black base and a wooden plaque add even more charm to this beautifully colored and intricately sculpted work of art. Also available: Portrait of Pirates One Piece Vinsmoke Reiju Limited Edition

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Tachiyaku

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Kabuki lovers, pay attention! This is the most one-to-one representation of a traditional kabuki character I've ever seen! Luffy is meant to be the character Tadanobu Sato from the kabuki play, Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura. This character is actually a disguise worn by a kitsune (played by the same actor in a different costume) that uses it to get close to the mistress of Minamoto Yoshitune, who has a hand drum made from the skin of its kitsune parents. You can compare the figurine's costume to the kabuki character's original appearance below.

(Source: https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/973412/)

The details are striking! Firstly, he's hitting the mie (or pose) very similar to the signature mie for the character. They also simulated the ipponguma-style kumadori makeup, which is often used for roles that are seen as strong and reliable, but also rough and rascally. Sounds like Luffy, doesn't it? Secondly, his kimono is tit-for-tat with the traditional costume! He wears a fringed men's kimono with the sleeves bound up using a nio-dasuki as a tasuki. The nio-dasuki (仁王襷) is the thick, purple-and-white braided cord that's often seen worn by guardian kings surrounding Buddhist dieties and sumo wrestlers; anyone wearing nio-dasuki is trying to evoke the power and majesty of those fierce Buddhist guardians. Lastly, he has the signature twin swords of a samurai with a maroon-colored sheath and bright green sageo (i.e. hanging cord) as well as the big sloppy bow for his obi musubi! The only real difference is that Luffy's kimono has a black background, while the original costume's is bright red. I find the difference negligible, however, since it still features the golden fringe design on the hem and the genji-guruma (源氏車, imperial cartwheels) motif throughout. Excellent figure for both fans of One Piece and kabuki!

[tanghanwa]

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Tohru -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Prepare yourself for the ultimate combination of elegance and kawaii with this stunning 1/4 scale Japanese doll figure of Tohru from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid! Sculpted by Moineau and manufactured by F:NEX, Tohru measures a magnificent 16.7" tall. Her priceless kimono has been handcrafted by expert Yoshiktoku artisans! The kimono is a celebratory mix of red, gold, green and many other colors. Tohru's maintains her status as a maid by keeping her signature frilly hairband on her head, but the band is now decorated with pretty pink and blue flowers, as well as a fetching red ribbon! Tohru carries a drum in her hand to make wonderful Japanese music, a simple task for a dragon as her. She boasts a soft, inviting smile on her face with just a touch of blush added to her cheeks. This is truly a masterful Yoshitoku figure to be the centerpiece of a premium collection, and Tohru will look simply astonishing when displayed next to the Kanna Yoshitoku figure (sold separately)! Also Available: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Kanna -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Nihonbuyo - Onnagata

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Nihon-buyo, also known as Japanese traditional dance, is derived from kabuki and features elements from Noh drama, bunraku, Western dance styles, and other modern styles. In fact, the types of dances performed in the nihon-buyo repertoire are classified into "male" and "female" using the same names as kabuki does, "tachiyaku" and "onnagata" respectively. Thankfully, both sets of roles can be played by either gender! While some nihon-buyo performances were direct translations of existing Noh, kabuki, or bunraku dramas into pure choreography, others weren't meant to portray specific characters. This allowed performers to put together costumes and choreograph the dances more freely. 

This doll is a collaboration with Yoshitoku Dolls, a 300-year-old traditional Japanese doll company based in Tokyo, to create an anime figurine that embodies the elegance and style of traditional Japanese dancing dolls. Key to that traditional look is the practice of katahada (片肌脱) when a performer has one shoulder of their uppermost kimono undone. The reasons for this undoing are many. When kimono were everyday clothing, katahada and morohada (諸肌脱ぎ, the practice of undoing the top half of your kimono) were done by people of all classes to allow for greater comfort and mobility while they worked (Source 2). However, it didn't take long for nihon-buyo performers to use katahada/ morohada as a way to emphasize the splendor of their costumes (Source 3) and reinforce visual elements of storytelling (Source 4 & 5).

Source 1: https://www.yoshitoku.co.jp/ 

Source 2: https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/the-mysteries-of-the-kimono-part-2

Source 3: http://blog.kanhosen.net/?eid=965892

Source 4: http://kimiryu.jugem.jp/?eid=12 

Source 5: http://blog.livedoor.jp/masahime1112/archives/52832320.html

[tanghanwa]

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Kanna -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Kanna, our favorite little dragon from Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, ventures into the fine art of Yoshitoku, antique Japanese dolls! Sculpted by Moineau and manufactured by F:NEX, Kanna-chan measures 11.4" tall and 1/4 scale. Her breathtaking kimono is made of real fabric and covered in a gorgeous pattern of flowers and butterflies. The colors on her kimono range from purple, gold, red, blue, pink, white, green, and more. Her usual twintails have been tied up into adorable buns and dressed up with delicious candy-colored flower ornaments. Kanna holds up her golden folding fan high, captured in a traditional dance pose. Her big, round, blue eyes produce a uniquely soft expression on her face that will melt your heart. Just as everything else about this Yoshitoku figure will! Also Available: Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid Tohru -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Nihon-buyo - Onnagata

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Nihon-buyo, also known as Japanese traditional dance, is derived from kabuki and features elements from Noh drama, bunraku, Western dance styles, and other modern styles. In fact, the types of dances performed in the nihon-buyo repertoire are classified into "male" and "female" using the same names as kabuki does, "tachiyaku" and "onnagata" respectively. Thankfully, both sets of roles can be played by either gender! While some nihon-buyo performances were direct translations of existing Noh, kabuki, or bunraku dramas into pure choreography, others weren't meant to portray specific characters. This allowed performers to put together costumes and choreograph the dances more freely. 

This doll is a collaboration with Yoshitoku Dolls, a 300-year-old traditional Japanese doll company based in Tokyo, to create an anime figurine that embodies the elegance and style of traditional Japanese dancing dolls. Key to that traditional look is the practice of katahada (片肌脱) when a performer has one shoulder of their uppermost kimono undone. The reasons for this undoing are many. When kimono were everyday clothing, katahada and morohada (諸肌脱ぎ, the practice of undoing the top half of your kimono) were done by people of all classes to allow for greater comfort and mobility while they worked (Source 2). However, it didn't take long for nihon-buyo performers to use katahada/ morohada as a way to emphasize the splendor of their costumes (Source 3) and reinforce visual elements of storytelling (Source 4 & 5).

Source 1: https://www.yoshitoku.co.jp/ 

Source 2: https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/the-mysteries-of-the-kimono-part-2

Source 3: http://blog.kanhosen.net/?eid=965892

Source 4: http://kimiryu.jugem.jp/?eid=12 

Source 5: http://blog.livedoor.jp/masahime1112/archives/52832320.html

[tanghanwa]

Portrait of Pirates One Piece Wa-Maximum Yamato

From MegaHouse’s Portrait of Pirates Wa-Maximum series of figures from One Piece’s Wano Country arc comes a long-awaited figure of Yamato! The daughter of Kaidou of the Four Emperors and the self-proclaimed “Kozuki Oden” stands at 10.6" fighting for her country with her beautiful long hair fluttering in the breeze as she holds her giant club Takeru behind her back and smiles bravely. Like all Maximum figures, she features high quality sculpting and paintwork to faithfully capture her look from the anime down to the different textures of her outfit and club, making her a sight to behold at any angle.

Asian Clothing Figurines Review

Asian Clothing: Japanese Kimono

Kimono Type: Kabuki Kimono: Tachiyaku

Accuracy Rating: 5/5

Explanation: Much like her hero Kozuki Oden, Yamato's design doesn't copy an existing character but is an amalgamation of various elements of kabuki and Noh theatre. Beginning with the most obvious, Yamato is clearly meant to represent a traditional Japanese oni (鬼, ogre, or demon). His horns, kanabo, and home island of Onigashima (lit. demon island) are evidence enough of that. Visually, the giant kanabo, wild curly blue-ombre hair, and bright red hannya-style horns reinforce that connection on the figurine. His core outfit is a white tomesode with a wavy wisp print and red nagajuban with the sleeves cut off, accompanied by a pair of bright red hakama. He also wears nio-dasuki (仁王襷) around his waist. The nio-dasuki is the thick, purple-and-white braided cord that's often seen worn by guardian kings surrounding Buddhist deities and sumo wrestlers; anyone wearing nio-dasuki is trying to evoke the power and majesty of those fierce Buddhist guardians.

His original disguise outfit has mild crossdressing vibes for me because, while the hakama and nagajuban are essentially gender-neutral garments, it would be highly unlikely for the white kimono to be a men's kimono due to how high the purple wisp print rises on the body. The print rises way up over the waistline and even features designs on the sleeves, which is much more standard of how patterns are placed on women's kimono than on men's. In fact, the overall image of white short-sleeved kimono on top with red hakama on the bottom is very reminiscent of very traditionally feminine looks worn by miko priestesses as uniforms and noblewomen of the Heian period as undergarments. This interplay between male and female garments in the same outfit may play into the symbolic association of hannya as representing women who become twisted due to pain, rage, and sadness. This plays right into Yamato as a One Piece character since his backstory features a lot of cruelty from his father's constant abuse as well as his own understandable frustration of understanding himself to be a man in a particularly feminine body. Overall, nicely done!