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Kabuki-za, Ginza, Tokyo

Kabuki-za TheaterKabuki-za Theater
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kabuki-za_theater_2010.jpg
Author: Wiiii
photo licensing


Kabuki-za is the main theatre in Tokyo where Kabuki dramas are performed. Located in the Ginza district, Kabuki-za opened in 1889. At that time, it was a splendid example of an eclectic mix of Western materials with Japanese architectural style that best represents Meiji-era construction. It was originally intended to be the residence of the Kumamoto clan.

Entrance of the Kabukiza before the reconstructionEntrance of the Kabukiza before the reconstruction
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kabuki-za_front_cropped.jpg
Author: Melanom


The Kabuzi-ka of 1889 had long gone, having been destroyed in a fire in 1921. While a new Kabuki-za was under construction, the Great Kanto Earthquake struck, causing massive destruction. It was eventually completed in 1924, in the Japanese revivalist style, modelled after Japanese castles of the 16th century. But it was destroyed under Allied bombings during the Second World War. What we see today is the Kabuki-za that was built after the war. It is modelled after the 1924 structure.

Kabuki dramas are performed daily at the Kabuki-za, and tickets are available for both individual acts as well as for entire plays. These individual acts tickets are sold so that audiences can get a feel whether or not they want to sit through the whole play.

Kabuki is a form of pantomime, Japanese style, combining dance, traditional music and humor. However, I suppose one has to understand Japanese (or rather, understand the Japanese) sufficiently in order to appreciate Kabuki.

2010 Update

Concerns over the theater's ability to survive earthquakes as well as accessibility issues compelled the Kabuki-za to be demolished. A new Kabuki-za is expected to be rebuilt and will be ready by 2013. Until then, Kabuki performances will be held at the nearby Shinbashi Enbujo theater.

Kabuki-za Tourist Information

Kabuki-za
Ginza, Chuo-ku
Tel: 81-3-3541-3131
Opening Times:
Matinees: 11:00am-3:45pm
Evening shows: 4:30pm-9:00pm

Getting there

The Higashi-ginza Station (A11, H09), Entrance 3 is located right in front of Kabuki-za.

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.
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