National Theatre of Japan

National Theatre of Japan

The National Theatre of Japan is located in Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and is operated by the independent administrative institution Japan Arts Council. It is dedicated to preserving and revitalizing traditional Japanese arts, not only staging a wide variety of traditional performances but also focusing on the training of successors and performing artists.

The entire theatre complex consists of three parts: the Large Theatre, the Small Theatre, and the Annex Theatre. The Large Theatre hosts Kabuki, Japanese dance, and drama, all designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, while the Small Theatre primarily features Bunraku (Japanese puppet theatre), hogaku (traditional Japanese music), gagaku (imperial court music), and folk performances. The Annex Theatre serves as a venue for rakugo (comic storytelling) and manzai (comedy duos). In addition to traditional Japanese performing arts, the National Theatre also houses the Traditional Performing Arts Information Centre, where visitors can read materials related to traditional arts and watch performance documentaries.

Every April, the National Theatre of Japan hosts the ceremony for the Japan Prize, which honors and encourages individuals who have made outstanding achievements in science and technology. Key figures such as the Emperor and Empress of Japan, as well as the Prime Minister, attend the event.

National Theatre of Japan

Must-visit reason: The premier venue for traditional Japanese performing arts

Continent: Asia [Asia]

Country/Region: Japan [Japan]

Prefecture/State: Tokyo Metropolis [Tokyo Metropolis]

City: Chiyoda Ward [Chiyoda]