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Kokuritsu Gekijo or the National Theater of Japan was set up in Tokyo in 1966 with the prime aim of reviving the fast waning Japanese culture. It sought to bring back the glorious cultural heritage by staging Kabuki, an inherent part of the Japanese theatrical tradition. Giving a fresh lease of life to the traditional art forms, Kokuritsu Gekijo had served as the pivot of Japanese culture in the post war years. However, though many plays were produced, the number of production gradually came down after the 70s due to a lack of funds and absence of enterprising actors. As the type of programs diversified, the focus naturally shifted from Kabuki alone, and now the National theatre endorses a number of other traditional art forms like Bunraku or Rakugo. Kokuritsu Gekijo is the only classical art theater of Japan, and still continues to be a major centre of entertainment. The building was constructed to closely resemble the Todaiji Temple near Nara. The Azekura style construction is a beauty in itself, and continues to be one of the most frequented destinations of Tokyo. The hall now stages a variety of performances to cater to its varying audience. While the Large theatre stages Kabuki, the 'Hogaku', or traditional Japanese music, and 'Gagaku', and 'Bunraku', a form of puppet show are performed in the Small Theater of the building. The Engei Hall has Rakugo, a form of sit-down comedy, 'Manzai', a form of stand-up comedy, and 'Kodan', or storytelling. The exhibition rooms have the most authentic display of traditional Japanese art. As preserving Kabuki is the foremost challenge of Kokuritsu Gekijo, the hall stages it for almost the entire year, except in May, September and December. Bunraku is performed in these months. The hall has daily matinee and evening performances, and with tickets costing from ¥1,500 to ¥3,800, one can savor an authentic fragment of the rich Japanese culture. And for the viewers unfamiliar with the language, booklets and earphones are available for a better understanding of the performance. Contact Kokuritsu Gekijo: 4-1 Hayabusa-chô
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102-0092 Telephone: +81 (3) 3265 7411 Telefax: +81 (3) 3265 7412 Monday: 10:00-17:00 Kokuritsu Gekijo or the National Theater of Japan is definitely a milestone in the theatrical history of the country, and it stands today not only as a guardian of traditional art, but also as a popular forum of entertainment.
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