Social Programs
Traditional Performing Arts
Tokyo is home to a long tradition of arts and crafts dating back centuries. A visit to an open house to see some of the artisans is yet another only-in-Tokyo experience. The following are the representative traditional performing arts that are inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Intangible Cultural Heritage.
KABUKI
© Shochiku Co., Ltd.
Kabuki has always been a popular form of entertainment, taking its themes from historical events, stories from ordinary life and dance performances. One of the main attractions of kabuki is its use of extravagant make-up and costumes.
Kabuki-za Theater in the Ginza district of Tokyo is one of the most famous venues for kabuki. Each performance comprises three to four acts, although one-act tickets are available for those with limited time.
KABUKI-ZA THEATER
4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza/theater
Performances usually take place twice daily (matinees from 11:30 a.m.; evening shows from 4:30 p.m.). Group admissions are possible. An audio commentary headset is available. Closed at end of month.
NOHGAKU
© Kiyokazu KanzePhotos: Yoshikatsu Hayashi
The traditional performing arts of noh and kyogen, jointly referred to as the art of nohgaku was developed in the 14th century. Noh is a symbolic dramatic performing art, structured around song and dance and performed with a chorus and instrumentalists. In contrast, kyogen is a spoken drama that relies on word play to create laughter and comedy.
NATIONAL NOH THEATRE
4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/index.html
Performance dates are irregular. Check with theatre for details.
Kanze Noh Theatre / Kanze Nohgakudo
11-16-4 Shoto,Shibuya-ku,Tokyo 150-0046
TEL: +81-3-3469-5241
BUNRAKU
Bunraku is the traditional puppet theater of Japan. Bunraku is an intricate and demanding art with each puppet requiring three puppeteers to be brought to life. Uniquely to bunraku, it is usual for the puppeteers to appear openly, in full view of the audience. This is in contrast to puppet theaters in other cultures, where generally the puppeteers are hidden from the audience.
Performance in Tokyo can be seen in February, May, September and December.
NATIONAL THEATRE OF JAPAN
4-1 Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8656
http://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/english/index.html
Audio commentary headsets are available for rent at the theater.
