古典芸能(こてんげいのう)

Compound of 古典(こてん) (classical, classic) and 芸能(げいのう) (performing arts). An umbrella term for Japan's traditional performance forms.

Major forms

• 能(のう): noh — masked musical drama dating from the 14th century
• 歌舞伎(かぶき): kabuki — highly stylized theater with elaborate costumes
• 文楽(ぶんらく): bunraku — traditional puppet theater
• 雅楽(ががく): gagaku — ancient court music and dance
• 狂言(きょうげん): kyogen — comic theater traditionally performed between noh plays
• 落語(らくご): rakugo — comic storytelling by a solo performer

Common collocations

• 古典芸能(こてんげいのう)を鑑賞(かんしょう)する: to appreciate classical performing arts
• 古典芸能(こてんげいのう)の継承(けいしょう): preservation/transmission of classical performing arts
• 古典芸能(こてんげいのう)の世界(せかい): the world of classical performing arts

Similar words

• 伝統芸能(でんとうげいのう): traditional performing arts — largely synonymous; 伝統(でんとう) emphasizes the tradition being passed down
• 芸能(げいのう): performing arts — broader; in modern usage often refers to entertainment and showbiz