What type of kabuki play is referred to as Jidai-mono?

Jidai-mono refers to a specific genre of kabuki theater that focuses on historical themes and characters, typically set in the time of the samurai or during significant historical events in Japan. This genre allows the exploration of important figures from Japan's past, showcasing their struggles, morals, and social issues within the historical context. The vivid costuming and elaborate staging in Jidai-mono help to emphasize the grandeur and dramatic effects of these historical narratives, making it a popular and vital part of kabuki repertoire.

While domestic dramas often address more contemporary and everyday life scenarios, Jidai-mono distinctly departs from that by engaging with content grounded in history. Contemporary pieces, on the other hand, deal with modern life issues and often do not connect to historical events or settings as Jidai-mono does. Additionally, while comedic performances, known as wagoto or sewamono, can include humor within their narratives, Jidai-mono focuses on the serious and often tragic aspects of historical events, emphasizing drama over comedy. Thus, Jidai-mono is accurately categorized as a historical kabuki play.