Exhibition：2026 Exhibition Ⅲ “KABUKI: A Collection of Villains”
Organizing：Hankyu Cultural Foundation Itsuo Art Museum
Venue：Itsuo Art Museum
Nearest Station：Hankyu Takarazuka Line “Ikeda”Station
Dates：2026-07-04（Sat）〜2026-08-30（Sun）
Open：10：00～17：00（Entry until 16:30）
Closed：Monday（Except 7/20）、7/21
Admission：Adult 700yen, High school students and above 500yen
*Free for junior high school students and younger
Contact Information：TEL 072-751-3865
URL：https://www.hankyu-bunka.or.jp/itsuo-museum/exhibition/20260704/
More Information：In Kabuki, the term “kataki-yaku” refers to a villain. There are various types of villains. “Jitsu-aku” literally means a truly evil character. “Kuge-aku” refers to villains of noble birth, such as court nobles. “Iro-aku” are villains whose chilling beauty exudes a seductive allure. A villain powerful enough to overthrow a nation is called a “kunikuzushi.” There are even “charigataki” who are meant to elicit laughter.
When you line up these villains, you’ll notice the distinctive costumes that make it clear at a glance—the moment they step onto the stage—that they’re “bad guys.” Let’s also explore how they differ from characters who seem like bad guys at first glance but, as the story unfolds, turn out to be kind-hearted good people at heart. These villains aren’t just supporting characters who oppose the hero; some even take center stage. Let’s focus on their captivating charm—even though they’re cruel, cold-hearted, and ruthless through and through, they somehow draw us in!
*All signage and explanations at the exhibition venue will be in Japanese. There will be no descriptions of the works in other languages.
