PROJECT

Kabuki

Kabuki

Kabuki has more than 400 years of history, yet it is still the leader in live entertainment and Japa...

Kabuki has more than 400 years of history, yet it is still the leader in live entertainment and Japanese culture today. Shochiku is the only commercial producer and distributor of this performance tradition. The variety of productions ranges from the traditional classics to innovative Kabuki that integrates leading technology: themes vary from the pursuits of unwavering human drama to humorous and witty comedy, as well as dances filled with stylized beauty, in the infinite repertoire.

CHO KABUKI

Tradition meets Digital

“Cho Kabuki” is a completely new Kabuki performance that combines Kabuki and cutting-edge technology. In this one-of-a-kind production, Nakamura Shido, one of today’s most popular kabuki actors, and the world’s biggest virtual diva Hatsune Miku perform together to enthrall audiences. Since its premiere in 2016, “Cho Kabuki” has been performed at some of Japan’s most renowned venues, including the oldest theatre in Japan, the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto. In 2023, for the first time, it is presented at the Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo, the largest and most iconic theatre dedicated to Kabuki.

Overseas Performances

Since 1928, Over 38 countries

Since 1928, Shochiku has been presenting performances in various countries based on invitations and requests from local foreign governing organizations and affiliates. In the past 90 years, Kabuki performances have taken place in 38 countries, 115 cities, adding up to 76 overseas productions contributing to various forms of cultural exchanges, likening the traveling Kabuki troop to a diplomatic envoy.
The scale of the performance can be adapted to full-scale Grand Kabuki presented in major venues to events created for smaller spaces that can also focus on educational workshops. According to your program, audience, and budget, we can propose various project plans most suitable to your request.

The history of Shochiku Kabuki performances overseas
Overseas Performance

The five performances presented at Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center’s Lyric Theater (approx. 900 seats) sold-out in four days. The auditorium was mostly filled with young under 30s.

Shochiku Grand Kabuki in Beijing, China in 2017
In celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between China and Japan

Théâtre National de Chaillot, where Shochiku Grand Kabuki took place on the occasion of “Japonismes 2018,” next to the Tour Eifel with special illumination.

Shochiku Grand Kabuki in Paris, France in 2018
Performed as one of the main events of “Japonismes 2018”
https://www.kabukiweb.net/news/overseas/japonismes_2018/
https://www.kabukiweb.net/news/overseas/report_of_the_shochiku_grand_kabuki_in_paris/

In contrast to the traditionally horizontal Kabuki stage, Mossovet Theatre in Moscow extended vertically in the auditorium and the stage stretched further back, adding depth and height. ©Chekhov Festival Shochiku, Chikamatsuza.

Shochiku Grand Kabuki by Chikamatsu-za in Russia in 2018
Performed as one of the main events of “Japan Year in Russia 2018”
https://www.kabukiweb.net/news/overseas/report_of_the_shochiku_grand_kabuki_performed_by_the_chikamatsuza_in_russia/

The colorful nobori banners decorated the main entrance of the University of Hawaii’s Kennedy Theatre where the Kabuki performance took place.

2019 HONOLULU KABUKI
In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Group of Japanese Immigrants to Hawaii
https://www.kabukiweb.net/news/overseas/2019honolulukabuki/