07 Japanese Traditional Theatre

07 Japanese Traditional Theatre

Comparing the diverse but unique format of Japanese theaters with theaters in other parts of the world


Japan is a country where theater culture prospered

 Songs and dances are closely related to people’s lives and universally exist beyond time, place, and ethnic groups. Performance arts can be found in any part of the world. However, regions where the venue for performing arts is given a unique shape as a social and functional space, in other words, a “theater,” are much less common in world history. Japan is one of such exceptional regions. Kabuki theater in particular is a commercial theater for commoners, examples of which are found not so often throughout the world. It also holds a prominent position in history, contributing to establishing the indoor space for theatrical functions, just like the Italian theater in Europe (see Panel 03).

Text by SHIMIZU Hiroyuki

01 Shitennoji Ishibutai ( the stone stage )

02 Hongwanji North Noh stage

03-1 Nakamura-za Theatre

03-2 Ichimura-za Theatre

04-1 Kobiki-cho Morita-za

04-2 Saruwaka-cho Morita-za

04-3 Shintomi-cho Shintomi-za



05 Kabuki-za



06 Takemoto-za



07 Shitaya Shrine



08-A Hakuun-za


08-B Kashimo Meijiza



08-C Hōō-za


08-D Azuma-za



08-E Tokiwa-za



08-F Murakuni-za



08-G Uchiko-za



08-H Kaho-Theater



08-I Yachiyo-za



08-J Inukai Rural Community Theatre



08-K Imayama Rural Community Theatre



08-L Haigyu Rural Community Theatre



08-M Kawamata Rural Community Theatre



08-N Sakashu Rural Community Theatre



08-O Hoichi Rural Community Theatre



08-P Daizen Shrine Noh Stage



08-Q The Honma Family’s Noh Stage

Back to the list