Jidaigeki is a Japanese performing arts genre. Jidaigeki literally means “period piece,” and most jidaigeki dramas are set during Japan’s Edo Period, which lasted from the early 1600s to 1868. Some of the pieces are set in even earlier periods of history, with a few even extending into the twentieth century. This performing arts genre is popular both in Japan and abroad, with audiences appreciating jidaigeki pieces for the taste of old Japan they provide.
Although many jidaigeki performances take place in Edo, Japan’s historical capital, characters may also wander the countryside, particularly if they are samurai. Characters such as stereotypical villains, merchants, government officials, entertainers, and craftspeople are frequently featured in these pieces, and the accuracy of a jidaigeki performance can vary greatly. The setting and characters are sometimes meticulously accurate, but in the chambara or “swordfighting” subset of the jidaigeki genre, creators may play fast and loose with history for entertainment value.
Aside from the obvious historical setting, there are several characteristics that distinguish a jidaigeki piece. To emphasize the sense of being in the past, the actors typically use old-fashioned dialects or accents, and these performances are often heavy on the cliches, with very stylized characters who may be especially familiar to Japanese viewers. The hero usually has a catchphrase that is repeated several times throughout the performance, and the hero is usually victorious in the end.
The films Ran and Rashoman are notable examples of this genre, but jidaigeki performances can also be seen on television, on stage, and in videogames, allowing viewers to play a more interactive role. Some animated films clearly borrow from the jidaigeki genre, with scenes and characters meant to evoke the spirit of old Japan.
Japanese enjoy jidaigeki performances for their taste of the past, just as Westerners enjoy period pieces set in Western culture to get a sense of living history. Some of the genre’s actors have become well-known for their roles. Such performances are culturally interesting for Westerners, though many may overlook the fine and subtle references to Japanese culture in a jidaigeki performance. Even if they miss nuanced details, they can still enjoy the sweeping views, characters, and scenes of these performances.