Kids Web Japan

November 21 is the big day they've been rehearsing for. It's a Sunday, and the community hall in Ogano is packed with people. Just outside the hall, banners flutter in the late autumn breeze, and stalls selling hot snacks and drinks do a brisk business. Local kid drummers pound away on the Chichibu daiko to build up excitement.

Backstage, the kid actors are busy getting dressed and made up. They take turns sitting in front of the makeup artist, who covers their faces white and then draws red or black lines around their eyes or on their cheeks.

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  Kumadori makeup is applied.
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  After the face is made up, it's time to put on the costume.

It takes just three minutes to make up each face. The kids then move on to the next room to be outfitted with their costumes, including swords and armor. After they get their wigs, they're ready to take the stage. Eighth grader Kenta Takahashi is surprised that the coat of arms is so heavy. Masami Shibazaki also claims that her wig for Shizuka weighs her down.

The curtain opens to a full house of nearly 700 people. Members of the audience yell out "Yoshitsune", "Shizuka" and the names of other characters in the play after each well-recited line or convincing gesture. The scene where Yoshitsune bids farewell to Shizuka has the audience captivated.

Along comes the enemy Tota and his bumbling retainer. Their humorous exchange elicits peals of laughter. Shizuka, who is in danger of being caught, is rescued by Sato Tadanobu, a trusted Yoshitsune aide, and the plays draws to a climax. The curtain closes to a resounding round of applause.

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  Wigs are put on at the last minute.
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  The costumes and acting were as convincing as a professional performance.

The "little actors" who appeared larger than life on stage were exuberant as they trotted off to their dressing rooms. Tsutomu Takahashi, who played Tota, said, "I think it went really well. I'd give myself 99 points out of 100!" Yohei Yamazaki, who portrayed Tota's retainer, added, "The audience was really with us today. It was a lot of fun." Masami Shibazaki, whose role was Shizuka, admitted she fumbled the timing at the end. "But I'm just glad it's over now."