365 days before Kabuki-za theater in Ginza closes
 

I hope to see a performance before they close

Aloha!

I went for a one act taste of Kabuki at Kabuki-za when I was in Tokyo last month. It was standing room only but for an hour and change it was worth it....needless to say, that was the day I took my binoculars out of my tote bag.... ;-)

We took in the one-show special in January at Kabuki-za. It was a terrific experience. I'd recommend arriving an hour (at least) before the performance and then waiting in line after purchasing them to ensure you'll get seated. That waiting experience was wonderful though--some Japanese kabuki veterans with good English took us under their wing and explained in detail what we'd be seeing. One of them, who sat beside us, turned out to be a member of the guild who "cries out" the actors' stage names at strategic parts of the show. Rent a translation device to appreciate kabuki even more.

Thanks, I will definitely put this on our October schedule if I can find the theater schedule. Anyone know where it is in English?

http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabuk...ing-times.html

There was a gentleman standing across from me who was shouting out as WillJame described - those shout outs are called Kakegoe....

Yes, kakegoe it is, skilfully timed and pitched to coincide with certain scenes and the entrance of particular actors. What is shouted out is the actor's house name (Yago) and generation. Our friend (Shigaraki Junzo) was in in 70s and had been coming to Kabuki-za since he was a small boy with his father. He passed us a note after we were seated to "warn" us that he would be doing kakegoe. The next day we were talking to a kabuki expert who told us that Mr. Shigaraki Junzo's father probably also did the kakegoe.
Beforehand we talked about the history of Kabuki-za and about Mishima, the author of The Princess and the Sardine Seller (the play we saw). I had read one of his novels and knew about his suicide. The whole evening was one of those fortunate experiences you sometimes have in Japan that takes your right out of yourself. My wife and I talked about it for days.

Thanks Mara for the site. How was your recent trip? ;)

WillJame sounds like a great experience you had. Makes me want to go all the more, thanks

You're welcome, ht - my recent trip was great - I am trying to get my pictures online so maybe I will post them along with a quick trip report. And I came home in one piece. ;-)

Has anyone been to the Kabuki in Kyoto. I will be there in September and am splitting my time between Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakonne. As we are going to a Sumo match in Tokyo I'd like to go to the Kabuki in Kyoto. I have emailed the theatre for dates/performances but don't know anyone who has been to the Kyoto Kabuki.

Last show at Kabukiza today on 28th April. Closing ceremony on 30th and that's it. Re-opening is expected in 2013. Until then Tokyo Kabuki will be played at Shinbashi Enbujo Theater near Ginza.

Thanks for the info - missed it the first time round. Guess I can take that theater off the things to do list!