オフィシャル
Experimental Kabuki shows for people new
to Kabuki world
The number of tourists to Japan is expected to reach the record high, 35 millions in 2024. They are jamming Ginza streets and flooding Tsukiji food market, both within 10 min. walk from Kabuki-za theatre. But they walk pass Kabuki-za, the great hall of Japan's traditional performing art.
Ask these visitors if they like to spend 4 hours for a Kabuki drama which is based on unfamiliar stories with a foreign cultual background, spoken in a language they don't understand.
The managing company of Kabuki play, Shochiku knew the answer and came up with special experimental billingual shows.
The shows started with "Welcome to Kabukiza" video guided by a Kabuki actor and a live performance of unique Kabuki movements. After learning basics of Kabuki in English, a famous drama "SANNIN KICHISA - three villains " came into play with English subtitle displayed on a small monitor that you hang on your neck. Only one scene out of the four scene drama was played. The final was the dance of Shishi, lion-like animal with colorful long mane. When shaking and swinging the mane reached its climax, people - new commers and old fans alike - didn't spare big hands as if the energy of Shishi was infused to them.
This show was shortened to two and a half hours including two 30 min intermissions. With the English captioning service, it seemed non-Japanese audience, enjoyed the show. One of the show organizers believed the show was a success but the reproduction schedule is not yet fixed.
But there already is a way to access to short Kabuki plays with English captioning service.
Single Act Tickets
Out of about 1800 regular seats, 90 are allocated to one scene viewing. Tickets for "Hitomakumi Seki - Single Act seats" are avilable at website Kabukiza Theatre Single Act Seats online tickets or at the Kabukiza ticket booth. One scene lasts about 1hour, seat price is 1000- 2000 Yen. English captioning service 1000 Yen. These seats are located on the 4th floor. I suggest you to bring a telescope with you. If you find yourself wishing to see the three remaining acts, you already are a fan of Kabuki!
My favorite Kabuki souvenir is red mask for good people
One the first floor and in the basement, you see thousands of Kabuki related souveniors.
Kabuki actors wear exaggerated make up called Kumadori to enable the audience in the distance to see the facial expression clearly. Red lines stand for good guys and blue lines for bad guys.
Wet this mask towel with moisturizer and place it on the face. You may want to wear it in a masquerade party. 350 yen for both good and bad guys. Happy Kabuki!