There were three main types of traditional Japanese theatre - Noh, Kabuki, and Bunraku. Noh featured ghosts/spirits and a serious tone. Kabuki used elaborate costumes and melodramatic/exaggerated performances that could last up to 6.5 hours. Bunraku featured giant puppets manipulated by 3 puppeteers, with a narrator to accompany the action. Each type had distinct acting styles, costumes, stages, and target audiences drawn from different social classes.

1. THE ASPECTS OF THEATRE By Mensheng Romano & Grace Dietz