Airline Video Becomes Theatrical With Kabuki Actors
Airline safety videos may be a bit boring but are every bit necessary for the safety of passengers. To make the videos a little more exciting, Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways, has taken actual kabuki performers in its newest in-flight safety video, to demonstrate the safety procedures.
The actors featured are apart of Japan’s premier venue for traditional and unique art, the Kabuki-za Theater in Tokyo. This collaboration with ANA blends fine details of kabuki and air travel, making an entertaining video and catching the attention of the passengers.
The traditional form of Japanese theater has roots tracing back to the Edo Period and is recognized as one of three major Japanese classic theaters (along with Noh and Bunraku). Kabuki was also named as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This form of Japanese theatre is known for the combination of elaborate make-up and stylized drama. It is an art form rich in showmanship and involves elaborately designed costumes, eye-catching make-up, outlandish wigs, and most importantly, the exaggerated actions performed by the actors.
“Japanese culture is important to us here at ANA, and we are very proud to be able to bring our unique traditions to new audiences in a way that is both educational and entertaining, with the primary aim to let our passengers pay close attention to the safety features,” said Yutaka Ito, Executive Vice President of ANA. “As an official partner of Tokyo’s famous Kabukiza theater, ANA has the opportunity to showcase a classic play using the real costumes and characters incorporated into our safety video.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
