Sewa-mono is a term used to describe which type of kabuki?

Sewa-mono, a term used in the context of kabuki theater, specifically refers to a type of domestic drama that portrays the lives and struggles of ordinary people. This genre focuses on personal and relational conflicts, often emphasizing emotional depth and realism in comparison to its counterpart, which tends to highlight historical or mythological narratives. By centering on everyday life and interpersonal relationships, sewa-mono engages audiences with themes that resonate on a more personal level, making it distinct from the more stylized components of kabuki that emphasize spectacle or historical events.

Understanding sewa-mono’s focus on domestic issues allows one to appreciate the genre's influence on kabuki as it provides social commentary and insight into the lives and challenges faced by the common people during the period when kabuki developed. This distinction underscores the importance of narrative style and thematic content within the kabuki tradition.