Izumo no Okuni

Izumo no Okuni is a pivotal figure in the history of Japanese theatre, credited with the creation of Kabuki—a vibrant and dynamic performance art that emerged in the early 17th century.

Born around 1571 in the Izumo province, she initially gained recognition as a shrine maiden and performer, captivating audiences with her unique blend of storytelling, dance, and music. Her groundbreaking style challenged traditional norms, allowing women to perform in a male-dominated theatre landscape.

Okuni's influence extended beyond mere performance; she crafted narratives that reflected the complexities of her time, merging social commentary with entertainment. Through her innovative spirit, Izumo no Okuni laid the foundation for one of Japan's most celebrated cultural treasures, ensuring her legacy endures within the annals of theatre history.

All Quotes by Izumo no Okuni

Featured

Deep within this valley

The light of spring

Comes late, so

‘Tis buried ‘neath the snow:

The bush-warbler’s song.

Sugawara no Michizane

In a roadside field stands

A leafless willow tree-

Spring will come, and then

The wonders of long ago,

Will all return.

Sugawara no Michizane

I’ve traveled

That dark path to the world

Which comes down from this mountain

Just to see you

One last time.

Ono no Komachi

Is this love reality

Or a dream?

I cannot know,

When both reality and dreams

Exist without truly existing

Ono no Komachi

The color of the flower has faded,

while I lost myself in

idle thought in this long rain

Ono no Komachi

What is it about this twilight hour? Even the sound of a barely perceptible breeze pierces the heart.

Ono no Komachi

Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

Miyamoto Musashi

Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.

Miyamoto Musashi

If you wish to control others you must first control yourself

Miyamoto Mushashi

Step by step walk the thousand-mile road.

Miyamoto Musashi

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

Miyamoto Musashi

there is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.

Miyamoto Musashi

Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.

Miyamoto Musashi

To know ten thousand things, know one well

Miyamoto Musashi

Truth is not what you want it to be; it is what it is.

And you must bend to its power or live a lie.

Miyamoto Musashi

You can only fight the way you practice

Miyamoto Musashi

You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain

Miyamoto Musashi