[DeepL Translation - needs review] Volume 1 Introduction: We can dance. So let us stand in a more beautiful world!
Two young actors with different backgrounds and talents.
Two young actors with different backgrounds and talents,
Two young actors with different backgrounds and talents devote their youth to the path of the arts.
This is the 20th anniversary work of the writer's life.
(Synopsis)
January 1, 1964, at a ryotei restaurant "Hanamaru" in Nagasaki.
Amidst the shouts and screams of chi...
This was a fantastic read.
I strongly recommend reading the novel if you’ve only watched the movie, because about 90% of the book is narration. And it is narration that makes this novel stand out.
It's a tough read, even for Japanese people, so expect to struggle a bit too haha. DialectS, Kabuki terminology, 古語 and long sentences written in a 語り口 style are all waiting for you in this beautiful first part. The first chapter is quite hard, but don't worry, once you reach chapter 2 it gets noticeably easier.
This is not a 入門 to Kabuki; there are few explanations. So, I'd recommend doing some research as you're reading. (there are great YouTube videos on the subject) But I'm really glad I did, because I really started enjoying Kabuki!
Story
The setting is great, and the descriptions immerse you in a rapidly changing Japan where traditions struggle to remain relevant. The attention to detail is unbelievable!! I can't imagine how much research went into this novel.
I love all the characters (except 竹野 and 万菊, but that's to be expected), especially the mothers without whom nothing would've been possible. What would anyone do without their mom?