On what cycle are kabuki costumes maintained?

Two performances a day and a costume absorbs a great deal of sweat — and kabuki costumes are heavy, thick, and worn through violent movement. Left alone they deteriorate, and they would have to be put on damp the next morning. Maintenance is therefore built in as daily work.

The daily cycle runs like this. As soon as the costume comes off after the curtain, air is put through it and it is hung out of direct sun to draw the damp of sweat away, so that by the next curtain it is dry again. The washable inner layers go to the laundry and spares are set out. Parts soiled by makeup, such as the half-collar, are replaced. This sequence repeats every day.

When the run closes, the second cycle begins. The costume returns to the company that keeps it and its condition is examined. Worn pieces are unstitched and washed as flat cloth; faded ones are re-dyed; loosened embroidery is repaired; re-tailoring is done where needed. Then it goes into storage until the next production — which may be years away. Continually tended in this way, a costume can remain in service for decades. That several generations of actors may pass through the same sleeves is a consequence of this cycle working. A moment's brilliance on stage rests on the plainest repetition behind it.