Filmed at The Warfield, San Francisco on 27th June 2011. The three members of YMO are joined by Christian Fennesz on guitar, Keigo Oyamada (Cornelius) on guitar and Tomohiko Gondo on HD operation and euphonium. This date was part of short west coast tour, the first time YMO have played in North America for 31 years. NTSC, Region Code 2, approx 120 mins.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 91 minutes. Saigo no Renjishi, last performance of the dance by Kankuro Nakamura V before taking the name of Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII. Filmed on 6 cameras, includes back stage footage.

NTSC, Region Code 2. Filmed at the Kabuki-za, March, April, May 2005. Comes with documentary bonus DVD and special booklet (story explanations, cast list, photos etc). Kanzaburo Nakamura XVIII is one of the most popular Kabuki actors. On this DVD he plays the roles (March) of Yoshioka Kiichi Hogen in Ichijo Okura Monogatari, Sasaki Moritsuna in Moritsuna Jin'ya and the sardine seller in Iwashi Uri Koi no Hikiami. In April, of the Shirabyoshi Hanako in Kyoganoko Musume Dojoji, Kingoro in Kirare Yosa and Sano Jirozaemon in Kagotsurube Sato no Eizame. In May, Saruwakaza's zamoto in Iyasakae Shibai no Nigiwai, the hairdresser Shinza in Kamiyui Shinza and Moriyama Tatsuji in Nodaban Togitatsu no Utare. Also features Tamasaburo Bando, Kantaro Nakamura, Tomijyuro Nakamura, Somegoro Ichikawa.

Region Code 2, NTSC, 366 minutes. Released to celebrate the assuming of the stage name Tojuro Sakata IV by the great onnagata actor Nakamura Ganjiro III. Filmed between 1982-2000, five of Tojuro Sakata's most famous roles.These include Ohatsu in Sonezaki Shinju. Comes with guide book.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 45 minutes. Kabuki exercises from the NHK children's exercise programm 'Karada de Asobo' (Use Your Body to Play) performed by Somegoro Ichikawa. Introduces the sense of Japanese beauty through Kabuki.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 43 minutes. Documentary about the leading onnagata (female role) actor in kabuki. Includes interviews and insights into his work.

NTSC, Region Code 2, with English subtitles. Stars Kabuki actor Kantaro Nakamura. Story of the Zen Buddhist teacher Dogen Zenji (1200-1253) following his life from training in China to returning to Japan and founding the Soto school of Zen. Special features include making of, photo gallery and trailer. 127 minutes. 2009.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 87 minutes.1958. Samurai film starring kabuki actor Kinnosuke Nakamura directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Genji Kuro, a descendent of the tragic shogun Minamotono Yoshistune, fights his foes with his secret sword.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 105 minutes. 1959. Directed by Tomu Uchida starring kabuki actor Kinnosuke Nakamura with star actress Ineko Arima and based on the kabuki play written by Monzaemon Chikamatsu. The story evolves around a shy young man brought to a brothel who falls for a prostitute and offers to buy her freedom. They end up committing a crime and running away. The films begins at a bunraku show, features a kabuki scene and concludes back at another bunraku puppet theatre show.

NTSC, Region Code 2. 40 minutes. Colour/Black & White. The Bando School of Dance is one of the major schools of Nihon Buyo. Mitsugoro Bando goes back 10 generations, these three DVDs featuring Bando Mitsugoro VII, called the 'god of dance' who held the name from April 1906-November 1961and Bando Mitsugoro IX who held the name from September 1987-April 1999.

NTSC, Region Code 2. 40 minutes. Colour/Black & White. The Bando School of Dance is one of the major schools of Nihon Buyo. Mitsugoro Bando goes back 10 generations, these three DVDs featuring Bando Mitsugoro VII, called the 'god of dance' who held the name from April 1906-November 1961and Bando Mitsugoro IX who held the name from September 1987-April 1999.

NTSC, Region Code 2. 40 minutes. Colour/Black & White. The Bando School of Dance is one of the major schools of Nihon Buyo. Mitsugoro Bando goes back 10 generations, these three DVDs featuring Bando Mitsugoro VII, called the 'god of dance' who held the name from April 1906-November 1961and Bando Mitsugoro IX who held the name from September 1987-April 1999.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. First of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Second of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Third of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Fourth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Fifth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Sixth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Seventh of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Eighth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Ninth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

NTSC, Region Code 2, 85 minutes, black & white. Tenth of a fascinating documentary series that introduces traditional Japanese culture, the various masters in their fields, their techniques, lives and personalities. Filmed in 1959 and 1960 by Iwanami Film Works and broadcast on Fuji Television.

3 DVDs, 1 disc of Playing the Piano Europe 2009, and 2 discs of Seoul / Korea Januiary 2011 plus CD of USA tour October 2010. Plus limited edition comes with 52 page colour photo book.

Live DVD of Ryuichi Sakamoto's 27 date European tour from 7th October 2009 - 2nd December in Germany, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, and UK. Sakamoto plays his most famous compositions on piano, sometimes as virtual duets as he plays to his own backing tracks.

Super eco package edition of a concert in Seoul, South Korea in January 2011, Sakamoto's first concert there in 10 years. Guest is Korean MC Sniper. This is the performance as aired by Ustream, including on 400 public screens.

DVD of Kyogen, the traditional comic theatre of Japan. Yasutaro Yamamoto is the grandson of Yamamoto Tojiro III and first son of Yamamoto Noritada. This is his performance as the winner of this traditional music award. Two performances, Tsukimi Zato and Rakuami. 41 minutes, performed in May 2011.

DVD of Sakamoto and Onuki live at Tokyo International Forum on December 11th 2010. Minimal stage lighting and effects, just the two musicians performing well known compositions such Tango, Energy Flows, High Heels, A Life, Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Bibo no Sora, Sanbiki no Kuma, Akatombo, Natsuiro no Fuku, Tetsudo-in, Shiki and Shikisai Toshi.

8th and final volume of the Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in March and April 2010. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

Re-release of YMO live at Tokyo Dome in June 1993. Comes with new cover artwork. new comments from members and rare photos in special booklet.

International version, NTSC (USA) Region Code Free, with English, Chinese and Japanese narration. Filmed at six of Japan's most famous festivals; Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Awaodori, Akita Kanto Matsuri, Omoji Gosan Okuribi (Kyoto) and Soma Nomaoi (Fukushima). A fascinating insight into matsuri (festivals) an integral part of Japanese cultural life and history. 45 mins.

International version, PAL,(Europe, Australia) Region Code Free, with English, Chinese and Japanese narration. Filmed at six of Japan's most famous festivals; Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Awaodori, Akita Kanto Matsuri, Omoji Gosan Okuribi (Kyoto) and Soma Nomaoi (Fukushima). A fascinating insight into matsuri (festivals) an integral part of Japanese cultural life and history. 45 mins.

Volume 4 of the Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in July and August 2009. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

English subtitles, Region Code 2, NTSC, 233 minutes. NHK and The Theatres of Japan Arts Council have collaborated to bring you the complete Chushingura. Includes archive footage stored by the National Theatres and NHK.

English subtitles, Region Code 2, NTSC, 191 + 107 minutes. Act V, Yamazaki Kaido is a popular act because of the dramatic action of Kanpei hunting wild boar and the blood curdling appearance of Sadakuro in black kimono, who murders Yoichibei. In Act VI, Kanpei Harakiri, Kanpei's Suicide, he mistakenly believes he is responsible for the death of Yochibei and commits seppuku, and just before dying discovers the truth. In Act VII, Gion Ichikirijaya (The Ichikiri Teahouse at Gion) we get a taste of the atmosphere of the pleasure quarters of Gion where Yuranosuke is feigning a life of debauchery when he is in fact plotting revenge.

English subtitles, Region Code 2, NTSC, 147 minutes.

English subtitles, Region Code 2, NTSC, 147 minutes. The final act, Hanamizu Hikiage (Withdrawal over Hanamizu Bridge) takes place at Moreno's mansion on a snowy night. There are a series of tachimawari fight scenes before Morono is captured and killed.

The above four volumes of DVDs in a 6 DVD box set. English subtitles. 609 minutes + 222 minutes. NTSC, Region Code 2. Colour with a little bit of black & white.

Film of a solo concert performed in December 2010 at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. This was the second time Hayashi had performed a series of solo concerts at this famous venue, the first one being eleven years ago. Special guests are Iwao Furusawa (violin), Ryuta Suzuki (organ) and shomyo (Buddhist chants) by Shingon sect Buzan monks.

Taiko group with eight female and four male players formed in 1997 and probably the most active taiko group internationally. Live DVD of a performance at Club Morph, October 2010 in Tokyo. NTSC, 90 mins.

NTSC, Region Code 2, with some English. Film of a Tsugaru Jamisen (shamisen) concert held at the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments in 2008, performd by Atsushi Tada, Shizuka Iwasaki and members of the Tsugaru Jamisen Circle from Hirosaki University in Aomori. Live performance plus talk about the Tsugaru Jamisen. 33 minutes.

Volume 7 of the Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in January and February 2010. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

Live DVD from the Miyako island singer/songwriter. Recorded on 3rd March 2007 in Okinawa. 14 live songs plus interviews with Isamu Shimoji and band members, plus film of studio recording.

Toshiharu Togi was born in 1929 into the family that's inherited gagaku for over a thousand years and was the former head of the Imperial Household Gagaku (court music) Department. This is a live DVD of a performance in Tokyo in 2010 by artists from the Gagaku Doyukai, the organisation who train gagaku performers and leaders founded by Hironori Sono (1926-1998) who was also born into a gagaku playing music family with a long history and tradition. Toshiharu Togi playes koto and performs several ancient dances, including Saishoro a dance which was revitalized by Togi in 2007. This DVD includes footage of the rehearsal as well. With the large orchestra and elegant beauty, this is the ultimate performance of gagaku. 102 minutes, comes with a booklet of performance photos and notes about each song. NTSC Region Code 2.

Live DVD of taiko player who has had long career and plays regulary with Eitetsu Hayashi. Taniguchi is accomapnied by two other taiko players and Hiroyuki Isso (nokan, fue) and Akito Kohama (shakuhachi). A superb collaborative performance that took place in Tokyo in 2010.

Volume 6 of the Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in November and December 2009. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

The great Sadao China performing live in Tokyo, July 2009 , in support of his award winning 6 CD box set. China is in a laidback mood with many guests including two female singers, Yasuko Yoshida (ex-Original Nenes) and his protege, Kanako Hatoma, his son Sadateru China (ryukin), Keiko Higa (taiko) and Kotaro Takada (guitar).

Volume 5 of the Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in September and October 2009. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

Various live footage of Shisas shot between 1997 and 2003, and dedicated to one half of the female duo, Yoshie Uno, who died in 2009.

Live footage of An-chang Project live in Taipei, June 2002. An-chang Project are Jun Yasuba (vocals, sanshin), Yoshie Uno (vocals, sanshin, taiko, sanba, dance), Natsuki Hattori (electric guitar), guests are Wataru Okuma (clarinet), Miwazo Kogure (chindon taiko) and Matahari Boys (dance).

Second of the Sayonara Kabuki-za box sets. This one of performances that took place in March and April 2009. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

Volume 3 of the truly superb Kabuki-za Sayonara box sets. This one of performances that took place in May and June 2009. 12 DVDs with English commentary and English subtitles on particular performances. Comes with 152 page book with colour photos, and play synopses in English.

Collection of performances by the five main schools of Japanese Noh comes with Japanese, English, Chinese subtitles and liner notes. 103 minutes, filmed at National Noh Theatre in May 2010.

DVD Book set that includes 12 DVDs with English subtitles and 152 page book, predominantly Japanese but with some English. NTSC Region Code 2. The final curtain has come down on Kabuki-za, the iconic home of kabuki. The theatre in Ginza, Tokyo, will be demolished and a new 49 story tower will be built in its place with a new kabuki theatre on the lower floors, due to open in 2013. This is nothing new however, as Kabuki-za was originally built in 1889 and has been rebuilt a few times since. This latest version was built in 1950, the design evoking ancient castles and temples, an atmospheric oasis of tranquility amid modern skyscrapers. This theatre had firmly become the spiritual home of kabuki, but failed to meet earthquake safety standards so the owners reluctanly decided to rebuild it.

Live DVD featuring Yoshiyuki Kawaguchi, who plays with Kuricorder Quartet and Shibusashirazu. This DVD is a live concert of his Shibu side. Crazy stuff.

And this live DVD is of Yoshiyuki Kawaguchi mainly of his Kuricorder Quartet side.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 92 minutes. Wonderful DVD of bunraku. Bunraku, puppet theatre, dates back about 400 years. Apart from the striking puppets, the gidayu, the narrator and the shamisen player are entrancing in their roles. The gidayu takes on the role of an actor, speaking for all the characters, in a mixture of speech, chanting and song. The puppeteers work in unision with eachother, the narrator and shaimisen player.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 125 minutes. Vol.2 has two acts - Fushimi Inari Torii Mae (Before the Torii Gate at the Inari Fox Shrine at Fushimi) and Tokaiya (The House of the Boatman, Tokaiya Ginpei). In Fushimi Inari, Yoshitsune flees to Kyushu. The dancer, and his lover, Shizuka-gozen, cannot accompany him on the journey, so Yoshitsune leaves the precious drum with her and Yoshitsune's men tie her to a tree. In Tokaiya, Yoshitsune and his men arrive at Daimotsu to hire a boat from Tokaiya Ginpei, who is actually a Heike general in disguise, his wife a high-ranking court lady and their daughter the child emperor Antoku.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 157 minutes. Vol. 3 is of the following acts; Shii no Ki , Koganego Toshi and Sushiya. Performed in 1991 by Mojihisadayu Takemoto, Seitaro Tsuruzawa, Sakidayu Toyotake, Danshichi Takesawa and others. Sushiya (The Sushi Shop) is a famous act, during which the Heike general Koremori is disguised as the apprentice Yasuke working at the sushi shop of Yazaemon. This is an example of 'jitsu wa' - reality, of which a subcategory is Yatsushi or 'disguise'. Not knowing who Yasuke is, Yazaemon's daughter has fallen in love with him.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 125 minutes plus extra footage 35 minutes. Vol.4 has three acts; Michiyuki Hatsune no Tabi and Kawatsura Hogen Yakata both performed in 1984 and Kawatsura Hogen Yakata Okuniwa performed in 1981 by Nanbudayu Takemoto, Danroku Takesawa and Shimadayu Toyotake. Comes with extra footage of Michiyuki Hatsune no Tabi performed in 1970 by Koshijidayu Tsuruzawa and others, 35 minutes.

Box set of the above 4 DVDs. All come with English subtitles and liner notes. All footage is taken from the national broadcaster NHK and the National Theatre in Tokyo performed by the greatest actors including National Treasures Sumidayu Takemoto, Tsudayu Takemoto, Enza Tsuruzawa VI, Tamao Yoshida and Kanjuro Kiritake II.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 126 minutes. Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami - Sugawara and the Secrets of Caligraphy was first performed in 1746. The story is about the rivalry between the caligraphy master and 'Minister of the Right' at the Imperial Court, Sugawara no Michizane and the evil 'Minister of the Left', Fujiwara no Shihei. In addition there are several sub-plots including triplet brothers and seperation of a child and parent.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 163 minutes. 5 acts are included on this DVD; Michiyuki Kotoba no Amai Kai, Yasui Shiozamurai [performed in 1972], Tsue Sekkan [performed in 2002], Toutenkou and Shousou Nagori [performed in 1983]. The stellar list of performers, many National Treasures include Koshijidayu Takemoto, Tamao Yoshida, Rodayu Toyotake and Seiji Tsurusawa.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 121 minutes.Four acts; Kuruma Biki [performed in 1959], Chasenshu, Kenka and Sakuramaru Seppuku [performed in 1989]. Performers include Yamashiro no Shojo Toyotake, Taunadayu Takemoto, Datedayu Takemoto and Koshijidayu Takemoto.

With English subtitles and liner notes. NTSC, Region Code 2. 156 minutes. Two volumes on one DVD. Vol. 4 consists of Tenpaizan [performed in 2002], Kitasaga [performed in 1972], Terairi and Terakoya. [performed in 1989]. Vol. 5 is Oouchi Tenpen. Performers include National Treasures Kanji Tsuruzawa, Tamao Yoshida and Minosuke Yoshida.

Box set of above 4 DVDs. Archive footage from NHK and the National Theatre in Tokyo perfomed between 1959 and 2002 by the greatest performers such as Yamashiro no Shojo Toyotake, Koshijidayu Takemoto and Tamao Yoshida. Some acts are no longer performed, so this is a rare chance to see them.