high-ranking noh actor
Specifically a top-ranked performer in noh, often the lead shite actor. Cross-referenced with 能太夫.
See also: 能太夫
He is active as a high-ranking noh actor in the Noh Association.
head of a noh school
Refers to the leader or iemoto of a school of noh performance.
The head of the Kanze school of noh announced a new piece.
high-ranking courtesan (Edo period)
Historical term for a top-tier courtesan, especially in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters during the Edo period.
The high-ranking courtesans of Yoshiwara excelled in culture and the arts.
jōruri narrator; manzai narrator
A narrator or chanter in traditional performing arts such as jōruri (puppet theater) or manzai (comic storytelling).
The jōruri narrator recited with great emotion.
female role actor in kabuki
An onnagata, a male actor specializing in female roles in kabuki. Cross-referenced with 女形.
See also: 女形
He performs as a female role actor in kabuki.
lord steward (fifth court rank)
Only when written 太夫
Historical court title; formerly the fifth rank in the imperial court hierarchy. Restricted to the kanji 太夫.
The lord steward was one of the fifth-rank court positions.
head of a sarugaku troupe
Historical term for the leader of a sarugaku (early form of noh) performance group.
See also: 猿楽座
The head of the sarugaku troupe led the company.
senior Shinto priest
A high-ranking priest at a Shinto shrine, often equivalent to a 禰宜 (negi).
See also: 禰宜
The senior priest of the shrine conducted the ritual.
A Shinto priest; 太夫 can be a senior rank within the shrine hierarchy.
Standard kanji form for most senses, including noh, courtesan, narrator, and kabuki uses.
Alternate kanji form; historically used for court ranks and some performing arts contexts.
The historical derivation is uncertain. The kanji 太夫 and 大夫 both originally referred to high-ranking officials in ancient China and were adopted in Japan for various prestigious roles in court, religion, and performing arts.