[Tokyo/ the Kabukiza Theatre]🌸Why not enjoy a casual Kabuki performance while feeling tipsy? ♪🌸

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At the Kabukiza Theatre, a different Kabuki play is performed every month. the Kabukiza Theatre is the only place in the world where you can see Kabuki every month! Even for the same play, the scenes performed at different times are different, and the atmosphere changes depending on the Kabuki actor...

Written by

Shochiku Co., Ltd. (Kabuki)

Shochiku Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive entertainment company whose main pillars are theater, video, and real estate businesses. Since our founding in 1895, we have inherited and developed the traditions of Japanese culture and contributed to world culture. In particular, we are deeply involved in Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art, and are the only private company responsible for its production and performance. We provide information on Kabuki performances to be performed at Kabukiza, Shinbashi Enbujo, Minamiza, and Osaka Shochikuza, as well as the charm of Kabuki in an easy-to-understand and timely manner.

On the left is the main character, Danshichi. On the right, Tokubei is initially hostile towards Danshichi, but is impressed by his way of life and the two swear to be blood brothers.

Synopsis

Danshichi Kurobei was imprisoned after a fight. Danshichi's wife Okaji and son Ichimatsu, along with Tsurifune Sabu, welcome Danshichi, who has been released from prison, in front of the torii gate of Sumiyoshi Shrine. Danshichi, who is a man of great sense of duty and compassion, works hard with Tsurifune Sabu, Issun Tokubei, and Tokubei's wife Otatsu to save Tamashima Isonojo, the son of his great benefactor, and his lover Kotoura from danger. However, when the greedy Giheiji, blinded by money, tries to hand Kotoura over to the wrong hands, Danshichi...

Based on an actual incident that occurred in Osaka, the play depicts the life of a Naniwa (Osaka) chivalrous man (a man who helps the weak and defeats the strong). Set against the backdrop of Osaka summer atmosphere, the play is packed with highlights, including the scene in the first half where Danshichi, dressed as a criminal, changes into a dashing yukata robes, and the scene in the second half where Danshichi commits a brutal murder full of stylized beauty.

Evening session at Somekumatsuiro Yomiuri (16:30-17:30)

Both Nizaemon and Tamasaburo are Living National Treasures. As you can tell from their expressions, Kihei (top right) and Oroku (top right) are a villainous couple who appear in "Osome Hisamatsu Iroyomi Hanbai." The head scaffolder (now a firefighter) on the bottom left was one of the three major professions in the Edo period and was admired by everyone, while the woman on the bottom right is a beautiful geisha who plays the leading role in "Kanda Festival."

At Somehisamatsuiro Yomiuri

Synopsis

Oroku, who runs a tobacco shop, receives a letter from Takekawa, whom she used to work for. The letter says that the lost famous sword Goo Yoshimitsu and its origami (appraisal certificate) are in the aburaya (pawn shop), and he asks for the money needed to recover them. While Oroku is pondering this, her husband Kibei returns home, but it turns out that Kibei is the one who stole the items. Oroku and Kibei come up with the idea of tampering with the corpse of a man who has been poisoned by puffer fish, and blackmailing him to get his money. So they go straight to the aburaya, but...

This popular play, written by Tsuruya Nanboku IV, who produced many masterpieces, depicts the double suicide of Osome Hisamatsu, which took place in Osaka, but is set in Edo. You will be able to experience the world that only Nanboku can create, where the charming flowers of evil bloom as the couple Oroku, the "evil woman," and Kibei, the wicked man, bloom.

Quiz

② Oroku is a character in the category of "evil woman." What kind of person is an "evil woman"?

1. A woman who helped others commit crimes
2. A woman who commits evil deeds for someone she loves or is indebted to
3. The middle-aged woman who stole someone else's husband

The answer will be posted at the bottom of the page.

Kanda Festival (18:05-18:25)

Synopsis

Today is the Kanda Festival, one of Edo's two major festivals. As this is a festival long awaited by the common people of Edo, the town of Edo is in a festive mood as festival music plays. Then, a slightly tipsy tobigashira (firefighter) arrives. He performs a clean Edomae dance, livening up the festival mood. Next, a geisha arrives and performs a seductive dance. It seems that the two of them have a mysterious past...

This is a dance performance depicting the Kanda Festival. It is a gorgeous performance depicting the spirit of Edokko people, featuring a stylish construction worker and a glamorous geisha.

Quiz

　
③This image shows the costume worn by a construction worker.
This pattern features the tails of an animal arranged in a radial pattern. What animal is this?!

1. Horse
2. lion
3. Dogs

The answer will be posted at the bottom of the page.

🌸We also have many other performances🌸
Please check out the synopsis on the website!

April performance information (Japanese)
April performance information (English)

Places to enjoy alcohol

There are many ways to enjoy yourself during intermission at the Kabukiza Theatre.

Shopping, dining, strolling around Ginza, etc.

There's even a bar where you can enjoy drinks and snacks while looking down on the city of Ginza! 🍷

3rd floor Hanago Bar

3rd floor "Hanago Bar"

There are three main features of Hanakago Bar.

1. Enjoy a drink while looking out over the Ginza cityscape

From the large windows you can enjoy views of modern buildings, beautiful skies and trees.
It's a standing style performance, so you can stretch your body, which may have become stiff from sitting during a performance, and enjoy a relaxing time.

②Limited edition sake
The sake in the foreground is from the brand "Hakutsuru".
This is a top-quality product made in Hyogo Prefecture, an area that boasts the highest sake production in Japan.
The limited edition bottle, created in collaboration with the Kabukiza Theatre, can only be purchased at the Kabukiza Theatre.
The 180ml bottle is the perfect size for easy drinking.

*In addition to Hanakago Bar, you can also purchase them at the Kobikicho Square!

3. See Kabuki costumes up close

We are exhibiting costumes actually used on stage related to this month's performance.

You can feel the details of textures and patterns that you can't get on stage!

Details

Location: Hanago Bar, 3rd floor

Written by

Shochiku Co., Ltd. (Kabuki)

Tokyo

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