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Japan

Kabuki-za

Business Theatre

Kabuki-za, Traditional kabuki theatre in Ginza, Japan

Description

Kabuki-za is a theatre in Ginza, Tokyo, recognized by its facade with multiple tiers, curved rooflines, and a green copper roof. The building blends Western construction techniques with Japanese design elements, forming a clear contrast to the surrounding high-rises.

History

The theatre opened in 1889 on the initiative of journalist Fukuchi Gen'ichiro, aiming to make kabuki accessible to a wider audience. Following fires, the 1923 earthquake, and wartime damage, it was rebuilt several times, most recently in 2013 with modern safety standards.

Culture

The theatre's name combines "kabuki" with "za," a term meaning playhouse that reflects traditional performance spaces where actors and audiences share the same room. During intermissions, many visitors head to the rooftop garden or enjoy bento boxes sold inside, continuing a ritual tied to long performances.

Practical

The theatre offers nearly 2,000 seats spread across several tiers, giving visitors different angles on the stage. English subtitles are available via handheld devices, allowing guests without Japanese to follow the storyline.

Did you know?

Stage technicians dressed in black, called kurogo, change scenery and operate special effects directly on stage while the audience traditionally ignores them. A narrow walkway, hanamichi, runs through the seating area to the stage, allowing performers to make dramatic entrances among the spectators.

Location

Ginza

Inception

November 21, 1889

Founders

Fukuchi Genichiro, Chiba Katsugorō

Official opening

November 21, 1889

Architectural style

modern Japanese-style architecture

Capacity

1964

Part of

Ginza Kabukiza

Phone

+81335456800

Website

https://kabukiweb.net/theatres/kabukiza

GPS coordinates

35.66972,139.76806

Latest update

December 13, 2025 19:42

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