Kabuki in Japan | Hey Japan!

Kabuki is a classic Japanese theater style that has been enthralling audiences for over 400 years. The word “kabuki” means “sing-dance drama,” which accurately describes this art form. Kabuki boasts impressive costumes, intricate makeup, and dynamic performances, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

Festival

Seihakusai Festival

This over 1,000-year-old Ishikawa festival parades three enormous wheeled floats adorned with life-size Kabuki figures and is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

3–5 May 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

Otabi Festival

A spring celebration in Komatsu blends Shinto ritual, elaborate festival floats, and children's kabuki performances at two historic shrines.

8–10 May 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

Yamaage Festival

Karasuyama's largest festival combines a nationally designated folk performance tradition with outdoor Kabuki dance, organized rotationally by six local districts.

Kabuki is a classic Japanese theater style that has been enthralling audiences for over 400 years. The word “kabuki” means “sing-dance drama,” which accurately describes this art form. Kabuki boasts impressive costumes, intricate makeup, and dynamic performances, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.

Festival

Seihakusai Festival

This over 1,000-year-old Ishikawa festival parades three enormous wheeled floats adorned with life-size Kabuki figures and is recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

3–5 May 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

Otabi Festival

A spring celebration in Komatsu blends Shinto ritual, elaborate festival floats, and children's kabuki performances at two historic shrines.

8–10 May 2027Ishikawa · Chubu

Festival

Yamaage Festival

Karasuyama's largest festival combines a nationally designated folk performance tradition with outdoor Kabuki dance, organized rotationally by six local districts.

24–26 Jul 2027

Tochigi · Kanto

Historic Site

Okinaza (Theatre)

A wooden theatre of 1927 in the old post town of Joge, the only pre-war wooden playhouse still standing in the Chugoku region.

Fuchu · Hiroshima

Performing Art

Ninja＋Kabuki Tokyo

This nonverbal stage experience blends traditional kabuki and taiko drumming to tell a mythological tale of rival ninja, opening in August 2024.

Tokyo

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