160202-0029 - Nichigeki Theater

Nihon Gekijo (日本劇場) in Yuraku-cho (有楽町) in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, March 1947 (Showa 22).

Popularly known as Nichigeki (日劇), the theater was designed by Japanese architect Jin Watanabe (渡辺仁, 1887-1973).

It opened on Dec 24, 1933 (Showa 8) and closed its doors on Feb 15, 1981 (Showa 56). Managed by Toho Co., Ltd., it featured several theaters for musicals, plays, dance shows and movies.

The Nihon Gekijo was trend setting. In the October 1934 issue of Variety (バラエティ) magazine, the theater was advertised as “The best theater in the East. Capacity of 5000, with heating and cooling equipment, ventilation, etc. — all the best of the newest scientific facilities.”

The large sign advertises the performance of Fine Romance (ファイン・ロマンス) by the Takarazuka Revue (宝塚歌劇団 Takarazuka Kagekidan). This was performed in Tokyo by the Snow Troupe (雪組, Yukigumi) from April 1 through 21, 1947 (Showa 22).