A must-watch traditional theater experience in Ginza
Even if you have been enchanted by the musicals of Broadway or the West End, you will still find the Kabukiza Theatre experience quite out of this world. The theater, which is directly connected to the Higashi-ginza Station, stages regular performances of the classical Japanese dance-drama artform, Kabuki.
Photo courtesy of Shochiku Co.,Ltd. and Kabukiza Co.,Ltd.
Tips
- Gaining a rich cultural experience by watching at least one act of a Kabuki performance
- Kabuki-related goods and souvenirs can be purchased at Kobikicho Square
Under a law that was passed in 1629, the cast of all Kabuki performances are male—even for female roles. Some male actors have embraced this with aplomb, becoming female role specialists known as onnagata and earning quite a rabid following among Japanese fans. Also quite remarkable are the "kurogo" stagehands whom are responsible for stage techniques designed to surprise, such as the costume changes that can occur quite literally in the blink of an eye.
The Kabukiza Theatre quite ingeniously sets aside single-act tickets on the day of the show. This option is best for those who are hesitant to spend too much time or money on a full performance, perhaps due to an unfamiliarity with the genre. Tourists may also wish to rent subtitle guides to make better sense of what is happening on stage.
At Kobikicho Square, Kabuki-related goods and souvenirs can be bought even if you didn’t get to watch any Kabuki. This is popular as a festival plaza where visitors can really sense Japanese culture.
Kobikicho Square Photo courtesy of Shochiku Co.,Ltd. and Kabukiza Co.,Ltd.
