In Ginza, an unmissable experience with classical theater

The Kabukiza Theatre is a theater in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the traditional Japanese form of theater known as Kabuki. It is located in the Ginza district of Tokyo and is one of the most famous Kabuki theaters in Japan.

It was first built in 1889 and has undergone several renovations since then, with the most recent renovation being completed in 2013. The theater typically stages Kabuki plays from April to December, with each performance consisting of a series of acts, including plays, dances, and music.

Kabuki is known for its colorful costumes, elaborate makeup, and highly stylized performances, and is considered one of Japan's most important traditional art forms.

Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza

Attending a performance of 'kabuki' theater in Ginza is an unforgettable experience for anyone. This classical theater genre consisting of acting and dancing can be seen in the Kabukiza Theater, which can be reached directly from the Higashi-ginza station underpass.

The 'kabuki' theater is distinguished by many features including the presence of only male actors, some of whom, as established by a rule dating back to 1629, play only the female parts and are called 'onnagata.' Another feature are the 'kurogo' who, dressed in black and with their faces covered, quickly spring into action to prepare particularly spectacular moments such as when an actor changes costume on stage.

At the Kabukiza one can also attend just one act of a performance, to get closer to the genre without spending an entire day at the theater and without having to buy a full-price ticket. For the less experienced, there are also visual guides with subtitles.

To visit possibly after the performance, on the fifth floor is the theater gallery where costumes and objects used in the plays are displayed.

 

Bibliography, sources and references

The Rough Guide to Tokyo

By Jan Dodd, Simon Richmond · 2001

https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Rough_Guide_to_Tokyo/alKrRjsAYfEC?hl=en&gbpv=0