A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn kabuki in Tokyo

Few places hold as much weight as the Tokyo National Theater, a landmark stage where kabuki, classical dance and traditional music have been passed down, refined and performed for nearly sixty years. It’s almost a sacred space in Japan’s entertainment industry, and most people can only experience it from the audience.

But now, for a limited time, visitors have the opportunity to engage directly with the performing arts within the venue. During the temporary closure of the National Theater, this renowned institution is hosting workshops on Japanese dance and music led by experts. Under the guidance of top instructors, guests can learn the basics of Kabuki dance or music in an environment usually reserved for professionals and legends.

Open in January and September, the experience also includes commemorative photos and a spectacular kabuki performance at Tokyo’s New National Theater.

Read on to learn more.

Tokyo National Theater Kabuki Dance Workshop

For the Japanese dance experience, you’ll start the day wearing a yukata. The yukata is a more breathable and flexible version of the kimono suitable for a variety of traditional activities, ensuring you can move around easily during the dance class portion.

Experts, including the prestigious Classical Dance Association (Nihon Buyo Kyokai), will guide you through live demonstrations of the Sensu technique (a symbolic gesture using a folding fan in Japanese dance) as well as a section of the samba fan, showcasing delicate postures and expressions.

You’ll then hear a brief overview of Japanese dance (the Japanese dance style that developed from Kabuki), including its history, long relationship with Kabuki theater, and more. This is a wonderful introduction to the complex world of Japanese dance and Japanese classical music, hogaku.

After understanding the deep cultural roots of this dance form, you’ll participate in your own interpretation of it through a dance called “Genroku Hanami Odori,” which translates to “The Cherry Blossom Viewing Dance of the Genroku Period.” This piece is a gorgeous and joyful depiction of a beloved spring ritual. The morning ends with a commemorative photo session – the perfect souvenir of your trip.

Tokyo National Theater Kabuki Music Workshop

In addition to Kabuki’s visuals, its unique soundtrack is also crucial to the appeal of this art form. The highlight of the Japanese music experience is nagauta – the traditional Japanese music that accompanies kabuki performances – and the opportunity to try playing the shamisen.

The session started with a demonstration by a professional nagauta performer. Guests will enjoy live excerpts from famous theatrical works such as the evocative “Yoshiwara Suzume” and the famous narrative tension “Kanjincho.”

Participants will then experience playing the three-string shamisen, the iconic sound of kabuki. We will provide sheet music and guide you through trying to perform the songs for group ensemble performance.

Also included will be photos with coaches and other participants in front of the vibrant Nakanomachi and Matsume stage curtains.

Tokyo New National Theater

Watch a world-class kabuki performance

With new knowledge gained from the morning’s practical lessons, experience kabuki as it should truly be seen at Tokyo’s New National Theater. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the venue is a center for Japan’s finest opera and ballet performances, as well as kabuki performances.

The featured performance “Kagamiyama Kokyo no Nishikie” serves as an entry point while still maintaining the highest artistic standards. This all-day package includes an audio guide with English narration that explains the plot and key highlights in real time, helping first-time viewers understand a storyline that may be confusing.

More information
For more information, visit this website and reserve your place here.