The Exoticism of "Hara-kiri" : Japan on the Stage

Tawata Shintaryo

How did the“Hara-kiri”become popular word? It was a concept called“own death of the honor” forbidden under Christianity that attracted attention in theatrical art of“Japonism”which was full of the prosperity from the end of 19th century through the early 20th century. However,“Hara-kiri”on the stage was represented after the troupe of Otojiro Kawakami had played a scene of the“seppuku”. It was really dramatic, and“Hara-kiri”which might be drawn funny scene because it could not be understood was played as ghastly description till then by the Japanese Troupe.“Hara-kiri”was not satisfied with naturalistic theatre and had a strong influence on theorists of the new 20th century’s the- atricality“, Avant-grade”.ponisme”representation enough to wipe out an image of“Hara-kiri”.
 “Hara-kiri”already settled in the middle form of“Japonisme”theatre that gives the audience more expression which has an exotic effect than mysterious Japanese manners and customs.

STUDIES IN ART―Bulletin of Tamagawa University, College of Arts

Tamagawa University, College of Arts

8

29

43

1881-6517

1881-6517

120006241333

http://ci.nii.ac.jp/naid/120006241333