On the Stage
Kabuki jōshiki butai zushū 歌舞伎定式舞台図集Call Number: PN2924.5 K3 T3Includes "Supplement for English readers of Pictorial collection of Kabuki standard stages."
Costumes and Makeups (illustration-heavy; useful for non-Japanese readers)
- Kabuki no katsura : Kisohen 歌舞伎のかつら : 基礎編 byCall Number: PN2924.5 K3 K57 1969Check out how kabuki wigs are made.
These titles may be helpful for those who want to learn how kabuki stage props are created.
- Kabuki kumadori zusetsu 歌舞伎隈取圖說 byCall Number: PN2924.5 K3 T6Illustrations and explanations of kumadori makeup
Impact of kabuki on Japanese language
Many words and phrases in contemporary everyday Japanese are drawn from kabuki.
Check this website for examples:
「歌舞伎から生まれた言葉」 国立音楽大学図書館企画 ["Words that Originate in Kabuki" by the Library of the Kunitachi College of Music]
Read Plays in English
Kabuki Plays on Stage by Call Number: PL782 E5 K36 2002 v. 1-4ISBN: 0824825748Limited preview available through Google Books. v. 1: Brilliance and bravado, 1697-1766; v. 2: Villainy and vengeance, 1773-1799; v. 3: Darkness and desire, 1804-1864; v. 4: Restoration and reform, 1872-1905.
Kabuki : five classic plays by Call Number: PL782 E5 K3 1992 (College Library)ISBN: 0824814266Limited preview available through Google Books. Older edition in Mem Lib