Born in Tokyo in 1959, Masahiro Kobayashi has developed a unique theory of the body, settling it at the apexof medicine, philosophy and art. He cross-disciplinarily examines the concept of the body as seen through the lense of medical history, medical anthropology, classical theatre (Kabuki, Bunraku, Noh, and Rakugo) and modern thought ( particularly, Studies of Culture and Representation). He holds various public lectures on kabuki and rakugo.