Japan has many different types of costumes, each unique. There are many different features that a Japanese costume must have to be used for the theatre. Each costume has specific rules to follow. Every costume is specially made for a certain actor, but can be used for different parts. Costumes are intricate, formal and extremely imaginative.
There are four main parts of a dress: outer clothing, indoor clothing, lower garments, and headdresses. There are many different kinds of garments in each category, but they can be combined with others to make costumes for the theatre or any other production.
  The ideas for costumes come from the foundation of ceremonial dresses from several centuries ago, although with some minor changes. Since the dates from which certain dresses came from are unknown, clothing from several different time periods may be used at one time during the same play. Clothing is usually bold in color and design, is made of silk and is very carefully embroidered. Even though they look very pretty, they are not over the top.
One of the Noh Theatre’s rules for costumes is that If the outfit’s major color is not white, it cannot be remade in a white fabric. Any dress can be used for more than one character; it does not have to be reserved for one character in one play. Little details of a prototype can be changed, but not a main physical feature such as the cut or length of a sleeve.  
 

 
 

Kabuki

Kabuki costumes use big wigs, and many different types of mask styles to match the character they portray. The color red is excellent and means passion and super human power. Blue is considered to be a bad color and gives a negative feeling that articulates jealousy and fearfulness.
 

 

 

Bunraku

In Bunraku theatre, actors that handle puppets in the background wear black so they can blend in with stage assistants and try to become the puppets that they animate. Japan puppetry is very difficult and may be the most difficult puppet theatre in all of the world.

 
 

 

  Costumes are a big part of the theatre in Japan, and in theatre all around the world. Costumes represent the person who wears them and bring the characters to life. Costumes have a huge impact on the audience and everyone enjoys them.  
 

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