<em>Kabuki</em> uses a traditional form of the Japanese language which can be difficult to understand, even for native speakers. Performers distinguish themselves by their extravagance, both in costume design and acting style, using "exaggerated actions […] [and] highly-stylized movements to convey meaning to the audience"<sup>1</sup>, helping to overcome the obscurity of the language.<br><br>Classical Japanese theatre can be broadly divided into three traditional types: <em>kabuki</em>, <em>noh</em> and <em>bunraku</em>. Kabuki differs from the other two types through its staging and acting style. In kabuki, extravagance is not solely limited to the performers. The stage itself, referred to as <em>mawari butai</em>, is dynamically structured, able to revolve for quick scene changes. It is equipped with a raised passageway called <em>hanamachi</em> which extends into the auditorium, helping to intimately engage the audience by bringing them close to the action.<br><br>Particularly unique to kabuki is the continuation of <em>onnagata</em>, a specialism in which men are trained to play female characters. This resulted from a law passed in 1629 banning women from appearing on the kabuki stage, thus requiring men to master accurate portrayals of women in the unique context of kabuki theatre.<br><br>Kabuki has persevered over time, preserving its traditions whilst remaining a popular form of entertainment in Japan today.<br>