Tokyo theatres

Kabuki-za This faithfully restored theatre can be found in the Ginza district, and presents performances of traditional Japanese Kubuki. The actual building itself is something of an anomaly, being constructed of western type materials yet in a traditional Japanese architectural style. Originally the residence of the Kumamoto Clan, the building was opened as a theatre in 1889. The theatre has been destroyed no less than three times, the first time was during a fire in 1921, the second time was during the Kanto earthquake in 1923, the final time was during World War II when it was destroyed by Allied bombers.

The final reconstruction in 1924 saw the building sporting its unique combination of materials and design. The theatre features performances of Kabuki, which is a form of musical pantomime art. Tickets are sold for the entire show, or for individual acts, the shorter term tickets are designed to allow the visitor to judge the performance before buying a full feature ticket. 4-12-5 Ginza Chuo 104-0061 Japan, Telephone: 03-3541-3131

Suzumoto
The Suzumoto Theatre is believed to be among the oldest surviving theatres in Tokyo . Suzumoto Theatres was especially constructed to house performances of Rakugo, a form of comic performance, in recent years the theatre has also made itself available for other types of performances. A Rakugo performance features a single comedian, who sits upon a purple cushion, and recites stories and tales to the audience, these stories will almost always come straight from the 300 classis tales told as part of a Rakuga performance. Almost no form of props are used, usually only a handkerchief, a set of pipes and a fan.

The comedian will assume the parts of each character in the tale, switching from one to another as needs require. The Rakuga artist uses a particularly confusing form of Japanese, rich in innuendo and pun, and often spoken in local Japanese dialects, it takes years of training before a Rakugoka is ready to perform for the public. 2-7-12 Ueno Taito Japan Telephone: 03 3834-5906