JAPANESE CULTURE, EXPLAINED
歌舞伎座
Kabukiza is the named kabuki theatre in Tokyo’s Ginza district, first opened in 1889. Alteration, fire, earthquake and war shaped its successive buildings. The fifth theatre opened in 2013, combining a familiar appearance and performance space with new construction and equipment.
Kobikicho had a theatrical history before Kabukiza, but this theatre was a Meiji creation. The 1889 building paired a Western exterior with Japanese-style interiors. Its 1911 remodelling retained the foundations and frame while adopting a Japanese palace-like appearance. Continuity of name does not mean that the original timber theatre remains intact.
Fire destroyed the second theatre in 1921. The 1923 earthquake interrupted rebuilding; the third building was completed late in 1924 and opened the following year. Air raids in 1945 left its outer shell. Postwar reconstruction reused parts of the foundations and side walls, reaching completion late in 1950 before reopening in 1951. Completion and first performances mark different events.
After closure in 2010, the fifth theatre was completed in February 2013 and began its opening performances on 2 April. Designers reproduced much of the preceding exterior, reused selected decorative components and incorporated an office tower, lifts, escalators and updated stage technology. This was a new reconstruction with deliberate continuities.
| Phase | Space and change |
|---|---|
| 1889 | First: Western exterior, Japanese interior |
| 1911 | Second: remodelling retaining frame |
| 1924/1925 | Third: completion/opening |
| 1950/1951 | Fourth: completion/postwar opening |
| 2013 | Fifth: new theatre and office tower |
Extends into the audience
Rotates to change scenery
Moves a stage section vertically
Functions only, not Kabukiza’s actual plan or scale.
The hanamichi extends into the audience, allowing entrances and performance among the seats. A revolving stage changes the scenic arrangement through rotation, while stage lifts move sections vertically. The fifth theatre retained its predecessor’s principal stage dimensions while adding a large lift. Familiar spatial relationships can survive changes in equipment and construction.
The Kabukiza property company, Shochiku’s theatrical work and food or retail services involve distinct functions. The historical booklet Kabukiza Hyakunen was published in 1988: its references to the “present building” concern the fourth theatre. Identifying the phase matters whenever an old photograph or description is used to explain today’s theatre.
No. It is the fifth theatre, opened in 2013.
The building was completed in February; opening performances began on 2 April.
No. It is part of the performance space, used for entrances and acting among the audience.