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A journey through Japan's rich cultural tapestry is incomplete without immersing yourself in the world of kabuki. Each precise movement, each dramatic facial expression, is an art of profound significance, drawing you into its spellbinding performance. Find out what makes kabuki stand out and some practical tips before watching a performance.

What is Kabuki?

Kabuki is a Japanese traditional performing art with a history of over 400 years and has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Its name comes from the word kabuku, which describes someone who acts eccentrically, often in the context of fashion and behavior. Interestingly, the Chinese characters of kabuki signify music (歌 = ka), dance (舞 = bu), and act (伎 = ki), embodying its core elements.

Types: This all-male theater art form features diverse performances: Jidaimono depicts noble and samurai tales, Sewamono portrays Edo-period townsfolk's daily lives, and Shosagoto focuses on classical dance dramas. On the other hand, Matsubamemono incorporates Noh or Kyogen theater elements, while Shin Kabuki and Shinsaku Kabuki blend traditional techniques with a modern flair.

Makeup: Kabuki's artistry extends to vibrant costumes and striking makeup known as kumadori. This makeup style uses bold colors and patterns to enhance dramatic expressions, with red symbolizing heroism and strength, blue for villains or evil spirits, and brown for supernatural beings. However, not all plays feature kumadori, so performance selection is key.

Stage Mechanisms: The kabuki stage itself is a marvel, divided into kamite (right side) and shimote (left side). At its center is the ingenious mawari butai, a revolving stage invented over 250 years ago in Japan that enables seamless scene changes and is now a staple in global theater. The seri, a rectangular trap similar to an elevator, adds surprise by raising and lowering actors and scenery. Music and narration enrich performances, with the kuromisu hosting musicians behind black blinds on the shimote side and the yuka on the kamite side for narrators delivering tales with blinds either up or down. The hanamichi, a runway extending from the main stage through the audience on the shimote side, allows actors to make dramatic entrances and exits, fostering a close connection with the audience. Together, these elements create an exciting and immersive kabuki experience.

Preparing to Watch Kabuki

Where to watch

Several theaters across Japan showcase the beauty of kabuki, each with its own unique set of performances. Unlike Kabukiza, which offers kabuki shows every month, other theaters may not have them as frequently. However, visiting different theaters still provides a fresh and exciting experience, as no two performances are ever the same.

● Kabukiza Theatre (Tokyo)
● National Theatre* (Tokyo)
● Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre (Tokyo)
● Misonoza (Nagoya)
● Minamiza Theatre (Kyoto)
● Osaka Shochikuza Theatre (Osaka)
● Hakataza Theater (Fukuoka)
*Currently undergoing renovation. Performances will take place at other facilities in Tokyo.

How to Choose Tickets

In the Edo period, kabuki performances lasted all day, from morning until night. Today, theaters like Kabukiza typically offer three different acts for each program, each lasting two to four hours. Many plays originally spanned an entire day, but today, only the most famous scenes are performed. Knowing the plot beforehand can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the show, as many kabuki performances today focus on selected scenes rather than the full story. This understanding can help deepen your appreciation, regardless of whether you're watching the entire performance or just a single act. You can find plot summaries for many kabuki shows in English through this website: Kabuki Plays | INVITATION TO KABUKI (https://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/kabuki/en/play/index.html), which will help you better understand and appreciate the performance.

Types of Tickets

Full-show tickets, which are reserved seats, are for an entire kabuki performance. These are an excellent option to explore the theater or enjoy a meal at the in-house restaurant before the show starts or during intermissions. Among the seating options available with these tickets, the sajiki stand out —traditional box seats where you can also order exclusive bento boxes, which can be delivered to your box seat during intermission. As mentioned earlier, kabuki theaters have a unique feature called the hanamichi. Actors often strike dramatic poses, known as mie, on this walkway, making sajiki with a good view of the hanamichi especially popular. For more details about the hanamichi and other unique features of the stage, feel free to check here.

Single-act tickets* (Makumi-seki) allows you to watch just one act of a kabuki performance, which is usually made up of several acts. These tickets are more affordable, making them a good option if you just want a glimpse of kabuki. They are also convenient to fit into your schedule if you have other places to visit. However, please note that these seats are usually located towards the back of the theater, and there are some restrictions, such as being unable to use the theater's restaurant.

*As of 2024, single-act tickets are on the 4th floor of Kabukiza or the 2nd floor of Shochikuza and Minamiza theaters. Please note that availability may vary depending on the performance schedule. For some shows, reservations are required, while others offer these seats without reservations.

Types of Performances

If you're unsure what to watch, why not start by looking at the different types of performances? You can also choose a performance based on photos that catch your eye on the theater's website, social media, or posters.

Traditional Kabuki: These classic plays have been performed for centuries and offer the most authentic kabuki experience. Since the dialogue can be challenging to understand, even for native speakers, it's a good idea to read a synopsis beforehand or use an English support guide to help you enjoy the performance.

Modern Kabuki: These performances incorporate modern elements, such as collaborations with characters like Hatsune Miku or popular manga and anime adaptations, blending tradition with entertainment.

Kabuki Dance: These performances focus more on dance and music with very little dialogue, making them easy to enjoy regardless of language.

How to Buy Single-Act Tickets at the Kabukiza Theatre

The most convenient way to buy tickets is online, especially for popular shows, as they sell out quickly. Check the official websites of the theaters mentioned above for their performance schedules and follow the prompts on how to purchase tickets. You can also do the old-school way and go directly to the box office located at each theater. Note that tickets for an entire show are usually sold a month before the premiere.

Buying Online: For those not ready to commit to a whole show, especially tourists with limited time, the single-act ticket is a great option. The duration ranges from 30 minutes to an hour for shorter dramas and about one to two hours for longer performances. It is available for purchase online (reserved seats) at noon the day before the performance. Simply use a credit card, and you'll receive a QR code via email, serving as your ticket. Buying up to four tickets per person is allowed. For schedules and online tickets, visit https://www.e-tix.jp/shochiku_makumi/en/.

Buying in Person: For last-minute decisions, you can still buy tickets at Kabukiza's box office. Single-act tickets are available from 10:00 AM until 10 minutes after the start of the last act of the day on a first-come, first-served basis (non-reserved seats), with a limit of one ticket per person. Make sure to bring cash, as no other payment forms are accepted.

Let's Watch Kabuki

Witness Kabuki in Kabukiza Theatre

Tokyo's Kabukiza Theatre is a treasure for kabuki enthusiasts as it holds various shows every month. This makes booking and planning your schedule easier compared to theaters with limited performances. Established in 1889 in the Kobikicho district in Ginza, it stages both classic and contemporary kabuki productions year-round. Despite enduring multiple disasters and undergoing five reconstructions, the current Kabukiza, which opened in April 2013, maintains traditional elements such as the tiled roof and karahafu (undulating gable) while incorporating modern features like improved accessibility and earthquake resistance. The theater is directly connected to the Higashi-ginza Station, making access a breeze.

Upon entering its lobby, you'll be wowed by a spacious foyer adorned with a vivid scarlet carpet featuring a diamond design inspired by the paintings on the pillars of Kyoto's Byodo-in Temple. Crimson lanterns hanging around every corner cast a warm and inviting glow.

Enjoy Kabuki to the Fullest

Even if you can't understand Japanese, kabuki is a feast for the senses. The actors' facial expressions and body language alone are entertaining. The costumes, hairstyles, and makeup are intriguing, and the sound effects and music, all played live by artists on stage, transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement.

Key Kabuki Moments

A mie is a striking pose that actors take during important moments in the story or when emotions run high. It's a cue for the audience to respond with cheer and applause. The actor typically holds the pose after a sequence of three distinct movements, and often, you'll hear a loud clapping sound made by striking wooden boards (called tsuke) to emphasize the moment.

Omuko is a shout from experienced kabuki fans at just the right moment during the performance. While it may seem surprising to hear audience members calling out during the show, this is a special skill reserved for seasoned kabuki enthusiasts who know the performance and actors well. When you hear these calls, it's a good idea to pay attention to the actor being praised, as these moments often highlight their exceptional performance.

Helpful Tools to Enhance Experience

English captions are available via tablet devices at Kabukiza Theatre. The captions translate dialogue and lyrics and provide explanations to help you better understand the story's nuances. Arrive early to have ample time to rent one before the show. Single-act ticket holders can rent English guide devices on the fourth floor Singe-Act Reception counter.

Opera glasses are also available for purchase on the fourth-floor counter for single-act-ticket holders, while full-show-ticket holders can rent them on the first floor. It will give you a better look at the intricate details of the actors' kumadori, costumes, and stage design.

General Rules and Etiquette

Thankfully, there are no complicated rules or strict dress codes implemented when watching kabuki. However, feel free to dress up in a yukata or kimono to enhance the experience. A few things you must watch out for are similar to watching a movie at the cinema.

Punctuality is essential. The doors open 30 minutes before the show; you should be seated at least five minutes before it starts.
Photography is only allowed before the performance starts. Video or audio recording is strictly prohibited during the show and at the curtain call.
Silence is golden. Avoid entering or leaving during the show, refrain from speaking or making noise, and ensure all electronic devices are turned off.
Do not lean forward, as it might block the view of the person sitting behind you due to the structure of the seats.
Eating or drinking is not allowed during the performance.

Take time to explore the theater

Admire the architecture and interior of Kabukiza Theatre and feel its rich history. On the fifth floor, visit the Kabukiza Gallery (even without a ticket) to learn more about kabuki or sip a cup of fresh green tea paired with Japanese sweets at their Japanese café. You can also relax in their beautiful rooftop garden, perfect for taking photos to commemorate your experience.

Savor Japanese food like mede taiyaki (fish-shaped pancake filled with red bean paste) sold on the third floor or enjoy a bento during intermissions between each act. Food from the outside is also allowed. Various refreshments, including Japanese sake, are also available. Intermissions usually last 20 to 30 minutes, giving you time to enjoy Japanese cuisine at your seat or in designated eating areas within the theater.

Check out the wide range of souvenirs and trinkets sold on the first and third floors of Kabukiza Theatre and at Kobikicho Square, located in the basement, before or after a show.

National Theatre's Kabuki Appreciation Event

If you want a better understanding of the world of kabuki, then "Discover KABUKI" is the perfect event for you. Hosted by the National Theatre, this event is held annually in June and July and is specifically tailored for international audiences held at various theaters across Tokyo until the National Theatre renovation is completed. Enjoy a complimentary booklet guide in multiple languages, a free English audio guide, and subtitles to enhance your understanding. After a brief introduction to kabuki’s unique key elements, you'll be treated to a classic kabuki masterpiece, offering a comprehensive experience that combines learning and entertainment. This special event is held to introduce kabuki to newcomers without worrying about the language barrier. Don't miss this golden opportunity to experience the wonders of kabuki!

For more information, visit https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/en/theatre/national_theatre/.

The World of Kabuki Awaits

Embracing the rich tradition of kabuki is not just about watching a performance; it's about immersing yourself in an experience that blends history, culture, and artistry. From the mesmerizing expressions and elaborate costumes to the innovative stage mechanisms and live music, kabuki offers a captivating journey into Japan's theatrical heritage. With convenient English captions, delicious Japanese cuisine, and a plethora of cultural insights, kabuki theatres provide an accessible and enriching way for everyone to enjoy this timeless art form. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or a curious traveler, watching a kabuki performance promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your cultural exploration in Japan.