Japan is a nation that is well known for its rich traditions and unique culture. Many of its art forms have gained recognition worldwide and have a following in almost every country. Despite its popularity among the locals, most tourists miss out on the chance to witness a traditional Japanese theatre performance. Therefore, the Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo is an attraction that anyone who is interested in art and culture should not miss.
Kabuki-za Theatre which is located in Ginza, Tokyo, is a cultural hotspot in Japan, being the main place for traditional Kabuki theatre performances. The original wooden building was first built in 1889 in the traditional Japanese architectural style, which is evident by its distinctive façade. In the following years, the theatre was destroyed a few time by fire and Allied bombing raids.
Today, the Kabuki-za theatre holds traditional theatre performances daily for appreciative audiences. The traditional kabuki drama form is still quite popular in Japan and is highly stylized, with elaborate make-up and costumes being worn by the performers. The word kabuki when loosely translated into English means “bizarre theatre”. This is a somewhat accurate description of the highly stylized fusion of dance and drama that goes on onstage.
Following the Second World War, the Kabuki heater went through a bleak period, but is today experiencing a renaissance fuelled by the nation’s desire to rediscover its cultural roots. A handful of traditional theaters still exist in places like Osaka, Kyoto and of course Tokyo, today these locations are considered to be the home of Japanese traditional drama.
For a tourist enjoying Tokyo accommodation, a kabuki performance is something that must be experienced.