Izumo no Okuni

Name: Izumo no Okuni
Director: Sawako Ariyoshi
Genre: Drama
Released: 2006-01-13T00:00:00.000Z
Duration: 43 min
Rating: 4
Cast: Rei Kikukawa, Yukari Onoe, Masato Sakai, Junkichi Orimoto, Kanji Tsuda

Izumo no Okuni was born about 1571. This time period in Japanese history was fraught with struggle. It was known as the Period of Warring States, that is, the land barrons (daimyo) fought against one another for power. Her father was a blacksmith for the Izumo Grand Shrine and, consequently, the family served as well. It was a custom to send priests and young women, such as Buddhist nuns, among others to solicit contributions. Izumo was sent to Kyoto to perform sacred dances and songs. Her Okuni Kabuki was known and applauded throughout the land. After 25 years she retired.