A centuries-old Japanese Kabuki theatre tradition falls to one six-year-old www.independent.co.uk

Mao is six and swaddled in a heavy kimono, her face covered in the thick white greasepaint of a Kabuki actor.
The crowd roars its approval, throwing sachets filled with coins at the stage, where they land in a metallic patter.
The task of teaching the children Kabuki now falls to Suzume Ichikawa, 82, who travels the festival circuit with a small group of old theatre hands, coaching young actors through their performances.
Ichikawa believes Damine’s Kabuki festival is the oldest of its kind in the region.
Kabuki: Traditional theatre in modern times Show all 11 left Created with Sketch.