Use 'Kokuho' Movie's Success to Revitalize Traditional Performing Arts

The film Kokuho ("National Treasure") has become the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film of all time. This is a remarkable achievement, since it broke a record that had stood for 22 years.

The film, which depicts the life of a kabuki actor, also opened many eyes to the allure of Japan's traditional performing arts.

According to entertainment company Shochiku, which stages kabuki performances, the number of new theatergoers between July and October following the film's release increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2024. It added that the increase was especially notable among young people under age 30.

Younger generations have tended to avoid traditional performing arts due to a perceived difficulty in understanding them. Therefore, it is gratifying to see their growing interest.

Hopefully, this will not be just a passing fad involving only kabuki. All involved parties should continue efforts to communicate the appeal of traditional performing arts and train future generations.

However, it would be a stretch to say that there is an environment in place to facilitate this. For example, the National Theatre in Tokyo, a mecca for traditional performing arts, has been closed for two years. The reason? It's physical deterioration.

*The National Theatre in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward.*

How to Reopen the National Theatre

On October 25, kabuki actor and Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon and other cultural luminaries visited the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). They submitted a request for the National Theatre to be reopened as soon as possible.

Since its initial opening in 1966, the National Theatre has been the venue for the performance of full-length kabuki plays, as well as "revived" forgotten works. In addition to its role as a venue for traditional performing arts, the facility has also focused on training the next generation of cultural leaders.

On two separate occasions, the theater has unsuccessfully solicited bids to renovate the facilities. As a result, the Cultural Affairs Agency has revised its plans. It has announced that it now aims to reopen the venue in 2033. However, the additional 10-year hiatus will deal a major blow to the traditional performing arts.

'Home Ground' for Training Young Artists

The petition from Nizaemon and the others also touched on the theater's training function. It points out that the damage done from the loss of a "home ground" for young performers to display the results of their training would be immeasurable.

Kabuki and other performing arts can only continue to exist if there is a "stage" to perform them on.

Performers move the hearts of the audience with the power of their art. And through their applause, the audience's reactions resonate with the performers. That interplay serves to create a unique sense of emotional unity.

*Kabuki dance Bo Shibari performed at the Chigyo no Kai / Kabuki-kai Joint Performance, a showcase for actors from outside the traditional guilds. (Courtesy of the National Theatre)*

We hope the national government will take the appeals from Nizaemon and others seriously. MEXT should do everything in its power to ensure the venue reopens as soon as possible, well before 2033.

Osaka, Too, Needs Attention

Lamentably, Osaka Shochikuza, the main theater for kabuki in Osaka, will also close its doors in the spring of 2026. In its case, too, the reason is due to wear and tear, it was announced.

There are only a limited number of theaters that have the hanamichi (walkway) essential for the performance of kabuki and Japanese dance (buyo). Unfortunately, it is not easy to reproduce the effect in other theater configurations.

Hopefully, the public and private sectors will pool their wisdom and work to ensure the survival of Japan's precious cultural heritage.

(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun