Koshiro Matsumoto and Yuka Washizu | Where Kabuki Make-up Meets Modern Make-up | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Traditional Kabuki meets contemporary makeup in an artistic collaboration.

Transcript

Hello, everyone. Welcome to "Talks at Google." I'll be your moderator today, Shinobu Yamazaki, and I work at Google Partner Plex. We have two wonderful guests today. I wanted to meet them in person, but they'll be participating remotely, Mr. Koshiro Matsumoto, who is a Kabuki actor, and Ms. Yuka Washizu who is a make-up artist. They will talk about... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤑 Kabuki's history and evolution provide a rich backdrop for artistic exploration.
• 👀 Yuka Washizu's dedication to makeup artistry reflects her passion and drive to create meaningful looks.
• 🥶 The "Kesho" project showcases a fusion of old and new techniques in a visually stunning display.
• 😑 Kabuki actors utilize makeup as a tool for storytelling and character expression on stage.
• 📽️ The commitment to authenticity and innovation drives the success of collaborative projects like "Kesho."
• 🎨 The process of creating makeup designs involves a careful balance between tradition and innovation.
• 🛰️ Reflecting different themes and emotions, each makeup design in "Kesho" tells a unique story.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Kabuki makeup differ from traditional makeup used in other Japanese arts?

Kabuki makeup is vibrant and expressive, often reflecting the character's emotions and personality, whereas traditional makeup in other arts tends to be more understated and symbolic.

Q: How did the collaboration between Koshiro Matsumoto and Yuka Washizu begin?

The collaboration started after meeting during a Kabuki and ice skating play, where the idea of combining Kabuki makeup with modern techniques sparked their artistic partnership.

Q: What inspired the unique makeup designs in the "Kesho" project?

The designs in "Kesho" were inspired by a blend of traditional Kabuki elements and modern artistic expression, with each work exploring different themes and emotions.

Q: How do the actors in Kabuki performances manage to convey emotions while wearing elaborate makeup?

Kabuki actors focus on subtle facial movements and body language to convey emotions, as the makeup emphasizes beauty and expression rather than hindering their performance.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kabuki actor Koshiro Matsumoto discusses Kabuki's evolution and role as a mirror of Japanese history.

• Makeup artist Yuka Washizu shares her journey from a makeup enthusiast to a professional artist.

• The duo's project "Kesho" combines Kabuki and modern makeup, exploring new artistic expressions.