What Is a Mie Pose?

In this video, we take a look at the mie (見得) poses, one of the most important and distinct elements of kabuki performance.

Some important have been left out of the final edit, including some important poses, such as the impressive ebizori performed by onnagata, the soku mie and the yūrei, "ghost" mie, and the many character or play-specific examples. Much more could be said about the acting and the music, including the interaction with the narimono and shamisen. Hopefully I can cover them on another occasion!

Special thanks to the Patreon members who make these videos possible, including C. H. White, Eric Pan, SuperGingernutz, calvin, Valerie, Tina Draughon, Faith, Kieran Byfield, Jonatan Alvarado, Adrian Smetsers and jokermxyzptlk!

You can also support Kabuki In-Depth on Patreon:

[nikanoru]

I can listen to Kabuki music all day long👹

[SuperGingerBickies]

Thank you for your latest video looking at mie poses in Kabuki. I've learned so much about them, including when the actor crosses his eyes when doing some of them.
In a way, they remind me of silent movie close-ups, when the audience is busy anticipating what happens next or in mostly Western theatre/film or TV performances when the actor breaks the fourth wall with a look or a gesture. Kabuki performances may have had a hand in developing the actor's techniques!
It is another beautifully executed video that enhances my enjoyment of Kabuki by whatever means possible (until I can hopefully see it for real in Japan). Many thanks, K-i-D!
PS: I got the book 'Meiji Kabuki' for my birthday. It may be an academic book but it is nicely readable for anyone who is interested in this beautiful Japanese traditional art form.
Keep doing what you do so well.

[heidishropshire]

I am so inspired and very lucky to see such a fine thing. Maybe I can see one performance in person someday 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[jeanvocalist]

I am enchanted with everything related to Kabuki❤

[melcoool]

i've experienced the Kabuki show in the Minamiza Theater Gion district in Kyoto is really impressive! Gion district is also very beautiful.

[SewingBoxDesigns]

Not to insult the awesomeness of Kabuki, but politicians need to do this every now and then. 😂 "We're going to pass this bill!" (mie pose!)

[NgocTran-nfhr]

The mie of Danjuurou Ichikawa XIII 👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️

[Dharengo]

Wait... Looking at this... Is the makeup designed to draw attention to the facial expressions?

[karloantoniogalaydavid]

Would the Danjuro Nirami qualify as a mie?

[Callithyia]

Thank you for posting this! I have a question: I notice that sometimes when they cut a mie pose, they freeze in place and sometimes they let the movement ripple through their body so their head bobs a few times. Is there significance to the bobbing motion vs stillness?

[alessandrogiglisongwriter]

2:54 reminds me of GUNDAM SAZABI..I am sure this was among some of the inspirations to create the various Gundam like the ASTRAY one...so amazing! Japan is the most original country in the world.

[jai]

Fudo Myoo doesn't hold a juzu or a Buddhist rosary. Its rope