Konpira Grand Theatre

Located in Kotohira, Japan, the Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za) is a restored Kabuki theatre that was built in 1835. It is Japan's oldest Kabuki theatre, with a capacity of 740 people. Prior to its construction, people gathered around the nearby Kompira Shrine for various forms of entertainment.

The theatre is named after the Kompira Shrine, which is dedicated to the Hindu/Buddhist deity Kumbhira. Initially controlled by a local Buddhist temple, the theatre changed ownership several times, with the name changing to Kanamaru-za in 1900. It fell into disuse and was even used as a movie theatre until 1953 when it was designated an Important Cultural Property by the prefecture and later by the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the national government in 1970. It was restored in 1976 to its Edo period appearance. In 1985, a troupe led by Nakamura Kichiemon II and Sawamura Sojuro IX performed at the Kanamaru-za and were impressed by its atmosphere and traditional design, leading to a month-long program every spring since featuring major Tokyo/Osaka actors.