映画「国宝」は架空の歌舞伎役者の半世紀にわたる人生を描いた大作で、日本の大衆文化から伝統芸能が徐々に姿を消していく様子を描き出す。
The film National Treasure is a grand epic depicting half a century in the life of a fictional kabuki actor, while also portraying the gradual disappearance of traditional performing arts from Japanese popular culture.
。
Kabuki, which once attracted nationwide attention, has now become a niche field performed by a group of elderly artists.
。
Kabuki is currently facing difficulties in Japan.
。
A traditional art form with a 400-year history, recognized by UNESCO, is struggling to attract audiences.
。
According to data from the Japan Arts Council, the number of visitors to the National Theatre has decreased significantly and has not returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
。
Kabuki has also failed to attract apprentices, for whom pursuing this art was once a practical path.
。
Historically, prestigious kabuki actor families have provided a stable supply of performers, but in recent years, the government has had to make up for this shortage.
。
The training center at the National Theatre has trained one-third of the current Kabuki actors, but in the past two years, only two people have applied for the course.
。
In such circumstances, the film National Treasure was born.
。
The original work is a best-selling novel by Shuichi Yoshida, and the film is directed by Sang-il Lee, who is also known for Pachinko.
。
The lead role is played by Ryo Yoshizawa.
。
Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, this film has captivated the hearts of audiences.
。
すでに2019年以降で最も好調な国内興行にも貢献している。
On the international stage, the appeal of movies is also increasing more and more.
。
This work was nominated for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film as Japans representative, and was recently screened in American theaters to participate in the awards race.
。
In the United States, the movie is scheduled to be released in early 2026.
。
According to reports, this movie is also attracting attention in Tokyos kabuki world.
。
However, more than that, this film may have sparked a general interest in kabuki.
。
The representative of the Japan Arts and Culture Promotion Organization stated that, although there is no clear data yet on the impact of the movie, they feel that interest in kabuki is increasing, especially among young people.
。
The fourth-generation Nakamura Ganjiro participated in the film as both an actor and an acting coach, and when he appeared at the National Theatre together with director Lee, the two of them were there together.
。
200 people registered for 100 seats.
。
Promotion agencies took advantage of this opportunity by distributing flyers about the performances outside the theaters and launching campaigns on social media.
。
They also hold famous kabuki performances with affordable tickets for beginners to attract new audiences.
。
Director Lee said through an interpreter that he was surprised by the phenomenon caused by his work and the impact it had on Japanese kabuki.
。
According to him, behind it lies a universal desire for beauty.
。
The director believes that seeing people like Yoshizawa accomplish something beyond their limits brings great joy, and that this beauty is a commonality between film and kabuki.
。
The story begins in the 1960s, following Kikuo, an orphan of a yakuza boss, on his path to becoming a top kabuki actor.
。
Entering at the age of 15 is still considered late.
。
Kikuo appears on stage as an onnagata a male actor who plays female roles.
。
Mr. Yoshizawa said that he spent a year and a half preparing to play the adult Kikio.
。
He practiced suriashi a style of walking unique to kabuki for three to four months in order to learn how to move his body and use his calf muscles.
。
After that, he started practicing dance.
。
Mr. Yoshizawa said that the more he practices, the more he realizes how difficult it is to reach the level of a true kabuki actor.
。
In the movie, Kikuo gradually grows from an outsider to a star, but love and the jealousy of those around him cast a shadow over his life.
。
However, those conflicts rarely overshadow the tense drama on stage.
。
The script is based on classic kabuki plays, weaving themes such as rivalry for love, transformation, and double suicide into the characters’ inner worlds and the development of the story.
。
Directors and actors also face difficulties when filming stage performances as movies.
。
According to Yoshizawa, the director emphasized that the goal was not to showcase beautiful dancing, but to focus on realistically portraying the character Kikuo as a human being.
。
Grasping Kikuos state of mind—for example, capturing a moment when his fingers tremble—and recognizing that Kikuo pours his entire life into the stage are the most important things.
。
The story came to an end in 2014.
。
When Yoshizawa grew old, and Kikio, in his pursuit of greatness, was forced to confront the wounds and pain he had caused himself.
。
For Yoshizawa, playing the role of an old man is not something ordinary.
。
He thinks that aging for an onnagata in kabuki is different from aging for an ordinary man.
。
According to Yoshizawa and the references, kabuki onnagata actors still maintain a youthful and beautiful appearance, as well as excellent posture.
。
Many of the leading figures in the world of Kabuki are still performing on stage today.
。
This year, the seventh-generation Onoe Kikugorō, who was recognized as a Living National Treasure, participated in a name succession ceremony together with his son and grandson, solidifying the future of the prestigious family line.
。
For kabuki to develop sustainably, participation from a wider range of people is necessary.
。
According to the Japan Arts and Culture Promotion Organization, efforts have been made to increase interest in theaters among both domestic and international audiences, such as offering classes for beginners, parents and children, and students, discounted tickets for those under 30, and English audio guides, even before the National Treasure was made available to the public.
。
A spokesperson for the training center at the National Theatre said they are still considering how best to take advantage of the renewed attention that kabuki has received when it comes to recruiting new talent.
。
However, they admit that many applicants have seen the national treasure.
Home
Video
JLPT Test
Dictionary
Lesson
Topic
