Which traditional Asian performing art derives its name from Japanese words meaning singing, dancing and acting?

Introduction / Context:
Asian performing arts include a wide range of classical theatre and dance forms, each with its own history and naming tradition. In Japan, one particularly colourful theatre form is named using characters that can be interpreted as singing, dancing and acting. This question checks whether the learner can identify that art form, thereby linking basic knowledge of Japanese culture with word origins and performing arts history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question emphasises that the name comes from Japanese words for singing, dancing and acting.
• All options are names of well known traditional theatre forms from East Asia.
• Only one of these is a Japanese theatre style whose name is commonly associated with that three part meaning.
• Knowledge of basic world culture is sufficient to answer.

Concept / Approach:
Kabuki is a form of Japanese theatre featuring stylised movement, elaborate makeup and dramatic storytelling. Its name is often explained as being derived from three Japanese characters or syllables: ka for song, bu for dance and ki for skill or acting. Noh is another Japanese theatre style characterised by minimal movement and masks, Bunraku is traditional Japanese puppet theatre and Peking Opera is a Chinese form. The approach is to recall which of these specifically has an etymology connected to the three ideas of singing, dancing and acting.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that both Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku are Japanese theatre forms, while Peking Opera is Chinese. Step 2: Recall that Kabuki performances combine music, dance and dramatic acting in a highly stylised way. Step 3: Remember that the usual explanation of the term Kabuki breaks it into ka, bu and ki, associated with singing, dancing and acting or skill. Step 4: Note that the words Noh and Bunraku do not have this three part meaning related to singing, dancing and acting. Step 5: Exclude Peking Opera because it is Chinese, so its name does not come from Japanese words. Step 6: Conclude that Kabuki is the only option whose name reflects the three aspects mentioned in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reference guides on Japanese theatre frequently mention that Kabuki can be associated with the three components song, dance and skill. While scholars may debate the exact historical derivation, this interpretation is widely repeated in educational materials and is clearly the one that question setters have in mind. Noh is linked with the idea of skill or talent alone, Bunraku is the name of puppet theatre and Peking Opera is Beijing centred Chinese opera, confirming that Kabuki best fits the description.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Noh is a Japanese form of classical theatre, but its name does not incorporate separate parts meaning song and dance. Bunraku refers specifically to puppet theatre and is named differently. Peking Opera is a Chinese art form whose name is based on the old English spelling of Beijing and the word opera, not on Japanese words. Therefore, these options do not match the etymological clue provided in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Noh is also Japanese and highly regarded, some learners may pick it simply due to familiarity with the name. Others may be unsure whether Peking Opera has a Japanese connection because it is Asian and theatrical. The key is to remember that the triple combination of singing, dancing and acting is particularly associated with Kabuki, and that Peking Opera is distinctly Chinese rather than Japanese.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: Kabuki