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Welcome to Kabukiza: The Allure and Magic of Ginza’s Legendary Stage

  • Nakamura Takanosuke poses on a rooftop balcony at Ginza’s Kabukiza. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Nakamura Takanosuke poses on a rooftop balcony at Ginza’s Kabukiza. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • A view of the Kabukiza stage from the balcony seating. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

    A view of the Kabukiza stage from the balcony seating. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

  • Nakamura displays the mie pose in front of a display featuring his Matsuōmaru character on the theater’s fifth floor. (© Matsuo Tadao)

    Nakamura displays the mie pose in front of a display featuring his Matsuōmaru character on the theater’s fifth floor. (© Matsuo Tadao)

  • The theater façade sits in front of the 29-story Kabukiza Tower, newly added in 2013. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

    The theater façade sits in front of the 29-story Kabukiza Tower, newly added in 2013. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

  • The theater seats 1,904 guests in all. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

    The theater seats 1,904 guests in all. (Courtesy Shōchiku)

  • Takanosuke performs in Funabenkei in February 2023 at Kabukiza as a special act marking the thirteenth year since his father’s passing. (© Matsuda Tadao; courtesy Shōchiku)

    Takanosuke performs in Funabenkei in February 2023 at Kabukiza as a special act marking the thirteenth year since his father’s passing. (© Matsuda Tadao; courtesy Shōchiku)

  • Takanosuke reminisces in the seats of the theater he calls “home.” (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Takanosuke reminisces in the seats of the theater he calls “home.” (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • At left, Takanosuke in the grand lobby of the theater; at right, posting with a fourth-floor display commemorating his father’s accomplishments. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    At left, Takanosuke in the grand lobby of the theater; at right, posting with a fourth-floor display commemorating his father’s accomplishments. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • Dreaming of the day he can rival his father’s Kanjinchō performance on the Kabukiza stage. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Dreaming of the day he can rival his father’s Kanjinchō performance on the Kabukiza stage. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • Kabuki-themed snacks and souvenirs are plentiful in the shopping arcade beneath the theater. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Kabuki-themed snacks and souvenirs are plentiful in the shopping arcade beneath the theater. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • The Kabuki Inari Shrine on the premises is a popular stop among fans. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    The Kabuki Inari Shrine on the premises is a popular stop among fans. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • At left, some of the stationery supplies emblazoned with images of Takanosuke that are available at the shops; at right, Takanosuke with his favorite tencha lozenges next to a display of the Ekijutō sweets available while he is performing. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    At left, some of the stationery supplies emblazoned with images of Takanosuke that are available at the shops; at right, Takanosuke with his favorite tencha lozenges next to a display of the Ekijutō sweets available while he is performing. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • Clockwise from top: the rooftop garden, a stone lantern relocated from Mokuami’s estate, and a stone monument commemorating the achievements of historical figures who built the art of kabuki. (© Nippon.com)

    Clockwise from top: the rooftop garden, a stone lantern relocated from Mokuami’s estate, and a stone monument commemorating the achievements of historical figures who built the art of kabuki. (© Nippon.com)

  • The Kabukiza gallery (at top) is at the entrance to Jugetsudō, where Takanosuke poses with posters advertising “new kabuki” features, including (at left) a 2023 show he starred in based on the popular video game/anime property Tōken Ranbu. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    The Kabukiza gallery (at top) is at the entrance to Jugetsudō, where Takanosuke poses with posters advertising “new kabuki” features, including (at left) a 2023 show he starred in based on the popular video game/anime property Tōken Ranbu. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • The Goemon Staircase connects the fourth-floor corridor and the rooftop space. It offers splendid views of the theater’s tiled roof, calling to mind the “O what a splendid sight!” line from the famed bandit and kabuki character Ishikawa Goemon. (© Nippon.com)

    The Goemon Staircase connects the fourth-floor corridor and the rooftop space. It offers splendid views of the theater’s tiled roof, calling to mind the “O what a splendid sight!” line from the famed bandit and kabuki character Ishikawa Goemon. (© Nippon.com)

  • Takanosuke looks forward to new achievements on stages across Japan. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Takanosuke looks forward to new achievements on stages across Japan. (© Matsuda Tadao)

  • The Kabukiza ticket booth at the theater entrance. (© Nippon.com)

    The Kabukiza ticket booth at the theater entrance. (© Nippon.com)

  • Takanosuke at the entrance to Kabukiza, expressing his hope that visitors to Tokyo will make it part of their trips. (© Matsuda Tadao)

    Takanosuke at the entrance to Kabukiza, expressing his hope that visitors to Tokyo will make it part of their trips. (© Matsuda Tadao)

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