160308-0030 - Tokyo Kabukiza

Kabukiza (歌舞伎座) in Ginza, Tokyo’s principal theater for kabuki.

Kabukiza opened as a wooden theater in 1889 (Meiji 22). This building was destroyed by fire in 1921 (Taisho 10), and a new concrete building was opened in 1924 (Taisho 13). The baroque Japanese revivalist style was meant to remind one of a traditional Japanese castle.

The theater was badly damaged by US air raids in 1945 (Showa 20) but rebuilt in the original style in 1950 (Showa 25). It was torn down in 2010 (Heisei 22) to make place for a modern building.

The theater has been run by the Shochiku Corporation (松竹株式会社) since 1914 (Taisho 3).

From a series called Great Tokyo (大東京, Dai Tokyo).