National Theatre Okinawa

The National Theatre Okinawa is a performing arts venue in Jitchaku dedicated to staging traditional shows. It contains a main auditorium with 632 seats and a smaller hall with 255 seats, each designed for different types of performances.

The building opened in 2004 as a dedicated home for Okinawa's performing arts, designed by architect Shin Takamatsu. Its opening marked an important milestone in securing a permanent venue for traditional performances.

The venue presents Kumiodori performances, a UNESCO-recognized theatrical form blending traditional Ryukyuan song and dance that was created for royal court entertainment. Visitors can experience this ancient art form as it has been passed down through generations.

The venue is easily accessible with ample free parking available for guests. The ticket counter operates during daytime hours, allowing visitors to purchase tickets at their convenience.

This is one of only six national theaters in Japan dedicated to preserving the country's local art forms. This special status has made it a center for documenting and passing forward Okinawa's distinct theatrical heritage.

Location: Jitchaku

Inception: July 31, 2003

Architects: Shin Takamatsu

Official opening: January 18, 2004

Website: https://nt-okinawa.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 26.24639,127.68861

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28