I once had the chance to interview a Kabuki actor. Waiting in the designated tearoom, I sat formally in seiza and looked out the window. Soon, a figure in kimono appeared, lifting his gaze toward the sky. The scene unfolded like something out of a film. Before long, the actor himself entered the room. Glancing at me, he gently remarked, “You’re not used to sitting that way, are you? Please, stretch your legs.” This actor, recognized as a Living National Treasure, took the time to answer each of my questions with care, even though I knew little about Kabuki. A “Living National Treasure” is the common title given to individuals designated by the Japanese government as bearers of Important Inta […]