For those of you who were attracted to Kabuki by the movie "National Treasure": 5 basics you need to know before visiting the Ginza Kabuki-za

Many of you may have become interested in the world of Kabuki after watching the movie "Kokuho" (based on the novel by Shuichi Yoshida).　In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the points beginners should know to avoid making mistakes, such as "which performance to see," "choosing your first seat," and "when to buy tickets at the best price. In particular, summer "Noryo Kabuki" is a great introductory opportunity with excellent cost performance!

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What this article will tell you

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What to do next after watching the film "National Treasure": First steps into the world of Kabuki

The "I want to watch but don't know what to watch" problem

Hi, this is the author who watched the movie "National Treasure" and felt like "I want to see a real Kabuki performance! I'm the author of this article, and I've been thinking "I want to see a real Kabuki performance! But to be honest, the plays seem to be difficult and the ticket prices seem to be high, so it takes a lot of courage to take the first step. In this article, as a beginner myself, I would like to share my knowledge of the world of Kabuki with you, while outlining the key points for making a successful debut in the theater.

*This author is also looking forward to Hachimine's "National Treasure Accompaniment" or something similar.

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Two pitfalls beginners tend to fall into and countermeasures

(1) High ticket price problem

The current main ticket prices for the Kabuki-za are as follows

Compared to TWICE's dome tour and Takarazuka (S seats 9,500 yen), it may seem relatively expensive.

2) Risk of feeling "bored" if you make a mistake in choosing the right performance?

Kabuki performances are hit or miss, and some are quite quiet and slow in development, depending on the content. The first piece you see should be powerful and easy to understand.

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The first choice should be "1st class" or "2nd class A" seats

Beginners should be excited! The reason is "immersion difference"

I myself was very confused as to which seat to get. But after doing some research, I found that the first floor seats are by far the best seats to start with, as you can see the actors' facial expressions and detailed movements, and you are drawn into the performance more closely. I heard that you can see the actor's facial expressions and even the smallest gestures, and you will be drawn into the stage more. 3rd floor seats are a distance away, so you may lose the sense of realism. ...... It's worth spending the extra money for the first play!

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Performances to watch in 2025: Performances linked to the movie "National Treasure" are hot!

Not to be missed! Onoe Kikugoro and Kikunosuke's Name-Assumption Announcement

• July: Osaka Shochikuza

• October: Nagoya, Gionza

• December: Minami-za Theater, Kyoto

Each of these performances will feature a special "Kuchijo" scene, in which the actor announces his successor's name. This is a chance to actually experience the "Kuchijo" that appeared in the movie!

Gorgeous program lineup

• Kumagaya Jinya" by Nizaemon Kataoka

• Onoe Kikugoro's "The Spider

These are profound works that require drama and acting skills. Preparation by purchasing a plot book ("banzuke" in Kansai) in advance is recommended.

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In August, experience "Noryo Kabuki" at a discount!

An ambitious summer-only performance at the Kabuki-za Theater

Noryo Kabuki is held every August and is relatively reasonably priced:

Part II: The best program for those who are fascinated by women's art.

• New work "The Firebird" by Tamasaburo Bando

• Nihon Furisode Hajime" by Nakamura Shichinosuke

This is a dynamic dance drama based on the myth of the eight-forked serpent (Yamata no Orochi). I have never seen it myself, but I heard that the story is easy to understand and there is a lot of movement, so even beginners can easily get into it. If you are wondering what kind of performance to choose for your first kabuki performance, you might want to try this kind of work.

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The third part is the remarkable "Noda's version of Kentshin no Uketare".

• Written and Directed by Hideki Noda

• The leading role of Tatsuji is played by Kankuro Nakamura (in his first role)

This piece was specially written for the late Kanzaburo Nakamura. Now, his eldest son, Kankuro, is playing the role for the first time, carrying on his passion for the role. I can imagine the role being passed on to his son Kantaro in the future. Kabuki is an art that deepens through the accumulation of time. There are emotions that can only be found by watching Kabuki over a long period of time.

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Summary: Why you should experience Kabuki right now.

If you were moved by the movie "National Treasure", why not experience the continuation of that excitement in the theater? I would like to see it on stage myself. Let's step into the world of "real Kabuki" together!

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