In
kabuki, a long raised
walkway that goes from the back of the
auditorium to the left side of the
stage. It is used for the more spectacular
entrances and
exits of the
actors.
Hana-michi means 'flower-way'. (This might refer to flowers that decorated gifts laid out for the actors; or it might be because actors arrive as brilliant as flowers.)
When acting is performed on the hanamichi itself it is usually at the point seven-tenths of the way along, the shichisan 'seven-three'.
The lift for reaching the hanamichi (which is at head height for the audience) is called the suppon 'turtle'. This is used for the arrival of ghosts and ninjas.
The space below it and the stage is called naraku 'hell'. A hanamichi on the right side (what we call stage left) is known as kari-hanamichi (temporary) as opposed to the left-hand hon-hanamichi (main).
An exaggerated exit made by the principal character is called a roppo 'six directions': the tobi roppo or flying exit has the acting skipping along while gesticulating, and in the kitsune roppo the hands are held curled like the paws of a fox. These are accompanied by special rhythms of the tsuke or wooden clappers.