The Original Kabukiza Theatre (November 21, 1889) It was
built decorated with a western style exterior and Japanese interior, centered
on the ideas of Genichiro Fukuchi, a theater reformist. It was named after the
genre it presented, and perhaps this may seem simple, but it was quite original
at a time when venues were often named after people or locations.
The Second Period (1911) Rebuilt with a traditional Japanese
palatial exterior. The founders of Shochiku Co., Ltd. began to operate the
theater in 1914. The building was completely destroyed in October 1921 by fire.
The Third Period During the reconstruction of the theater in
1923, work was interrupted due to the Great Kanto Earthquake on September 1.
After three years, the building was completed with the combined decoration of
the Nara and Momoyama period architectural design. In May 1945, an air raid
almost completely destroyed the theatre.
The Fourth Period (January 1951) The theater was rebuilt
using surviving sections, and also preserved the design of the Third Period
while incorporating modern facilities. Kabuki developed along with the rapid
changes in society, and regained its popularity as we see today, such as
through various illustrious ceremonies of inheriting prestigious family names
and also performing kabuki in various cities overseas. The theater closed in
April 2010.
The Fifth Period (April 2013) The theater you see today was
conceived under the motto of "reconstructing the theater retaining the
spirit of the Fourth Period." The exterior hosts the beautiful decor of
the two periods from its predecessor and displays traditional Japanese
craftsmanship and designs in the interior.
The Phoenix The symbol of the phoenix is used in various
places throughout the Kabukiza Theatre including banners, lanterns, the roof,
and even seats. This mythical bird is a symbol of high virtue. The phoenix, who
had taken off after its final performance in 2010, returns to welcome the
audiences and watch over the first year of the performance celebrating the
reopening, which will mark the first year of the next 100 years to come in
kabuki.
