TOKYO -- The hair is startlingly yellow, the nose slightly large and the fingers a little too chubby. And while the clothes are fashionably feminine for a woman in her 70s, the voice is a shade too deep. All in all, Akihiro Miwa is not very convincing as a woman. That has not stopped him from having a successful television and movie career in Japan, however, where he and fellow heirs to the "onnagata" tradition are in great demand as respected commentators on issues ranging from spiritual sustenance to fashion and the latest political brouhaha. Onnagata are men who dress as women and specialize in women's roles in kabuki theater. Miwa, Kenichi Mikawa, Kaba-chan, Sakuraduka Yakkun and others have brought that up to date with their daily appearances on television. And they revel in their ability to be outspoken, catty and downright rude about politicians, movie stars, others in the TV profession and pretty much anyone in public life. "These people can get away with more than the average 'talent' on Japanese TV shows because they're viewed as being ditzy old ladies," Japan Times TV critic Philip Brasor said. "By wearing dresses, they have placed themselves outside conventional society, and they can say things that others can't."...
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.