Few places hold the weight of Tokyo’s National Theatre — a landmark stage where kabuki, classical dance and traditional music have been passed down, refined and performed for nearly six decades. It’s almost a sacred space within Japan’s performing arts world, one that most people can only experience from the audience.
But now, for a limited time only, visitors have the chance to participate directly in the performing arts — inside the venue itself. During the National Theatre’s temporary closure, the storied institution is offering expert-led workshops in Japanese dance and music. With guidance from top-class instructors, guests can learn the fundamentals of kabuki dance or music in a setting usually reserved for professionals and legends.
The experience is available in January and September, and also includes commemorative photos and a spectacular kabuki performance at the New National Theatre, Tokyo.
Read on to learn more.
Kabuki Dance Workshop at the National Theatre in Tokyo
For the Japanese dance experience, you’ll start the day with a yukata dressing. Yukata, a more breathable, flexible variation of kimonos worn for a variety of traditional events, ensures that you can easily move around for the dance lesson portion.
Experts, including the prestigious Classical Dance Association (Nihon Buyo Kyokai), will guide you through a live demonstration of sensu techniques — symbolic gestures of Japanese dance using folding fans — and a segment of sanbasou, showcasing refined gestures and expressions.
You’ll then get to hear a brief overview about Nihon Buyo, the Japanese dance style developed from kabuki, including its history, long relationship with kabuki theater and beyond. It’s a great introduction to the intricate world of Japanese dance and hogaku, classical Japanese music.
Upon learning about the profound cultural roots of the dance form, you’ll participate in your own interpretation of it, through the dance named “Genroku Hanami Odori, which” translates to “Cherry Blossom Viewing Dance of the Genroku-era.” The piece is a lavish and cheerful depiction of the beloved spring ritual. The morning concludes with a commemorative photoshoot session — the perfect souvenir from your trip.
Kabuki Music Workshop at the National Theatre in Tokyo
Beyond the visual splendor of kabuki, its distinct soundtrack is also essential to the art form’s charm. The Japanese music experience focuses on nagauta — traditional Japanese music accompanying kabuki performances — and the opportunity to try your hand at playing shamisen.
The session begins with a demonstration from a professional nagauta performer. Guests will be treated to live excerpts from celebrated dramatic pieces, such as the evocative “Yoshiwara Suzume” and the famous narrative tension of “Kanjincho.”
Participants will then experience playing the three-stringed shamisen, the signature voice of kabuki. Sheet music will be provided, and you will be guided to try to play a song, working toward a group ensemble performance.
A photo session with the instructor and fellow participants, in front of the vibrant “Nakanocho” and “Matsubame” stage curtains, will be included as well.
New National Theatre, Tokyo
View a World-Class Kabuki Performance
With your new knowledge base fresh from the mornings’ hands-on session, experience the kabuki as it’s truly meant to be seen at the New National Theatre, Tokyo. Located in central Tokyo, the venue is a hub for the country’s finest opera and ballet performances, and of course, kabuki performances.
The featured performance, “Kagamiyama Kokyo no Nishikie,” serves as an entry point while still maintaining the highest artistic standards. An audio guide with English commentary that explains the plot and key highlights in real time is included in this full-day package, helping first-time viewers follow along with storylines that might otherwise feel confusing.
More Information
For more information visit this website and reserve your spot here.
