Michiyuki
Encyclopedia
Michiyuki is the term for a journey scene in Japanese theatre, which shows the characters dancing or conversing while travelling.
The term michiyuki in its generic sense of michi wo yuku "to go on a road" is used in lyrical descriptions of journeys from the 8th century. It was also a term for the music in bugaki dances of the Heian period
, played while a dancer was moving onto the stage. As a technical term in Noh
and Kabuki
theatre, michiyuki is used from the 16th century.
In Noh, the michiyuki customarily takes the function of a prologue, the characters introducing the play while travelling to the location where the main action will take place.
In Kabuki, by contrast, the michiyuki often takes place in the last act.
The michiyuki is performed by the travelling characters moving about in a steady pace either on the main stage or on the hanamichi
(a walkway or "corridor" attached to the main stage).
The term michiyuki in its generic sense of michi wo yuku "to go on a road" is used in lyrical descriptions of journeys from the 8th century. It was also a term for the music in bugaki dances of the Heian period
Heian period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. The period is named after the capital city of Heian-kyō, or modern Kyōto. It is the period in Japanese history when Buddhism, Taoism and other Chinese influences were at their height...
, played while a dancer was moving onto the stage. As a technical term in Noh
Noh
, or - derived from the Sino-Japanese word for "skill" or "talent" - is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama that has been performed since the 14th century. Many characters are masked, with men playing male and female roles. Traditionally, a Noh "performance day" lasts all day and...
and Kabuki
Kabuki
is classical Japanese dance-drama. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.The individual kanji characters, from left to right, mean sing , dance , and skill...
theatre, michiyuki is used from the 16th century.
In Noh, the michiyuki customarily takes the function of a prologue, the characters introducing the play while travelling to the location where the main action will take place.
In Kabuki, by contrast, the michiyuki often takes place in the last act.
The michiyuki is performed by the travelling characters moving about in a steady pace either on the main stage or on the hanamichi
Hanamichi
The is an extra stage section used in Japanese kabuki theater. It is a long, raised platform that runs, left of center, from the back of the theater, through the audience, to connect with the main stage. Generally it is used for characters' entrances and exits, though it can also be used for...
(a walkway or "corridor" attached to the main stage).