National Theatre

Kokuritsu Gekijo, the National Theatre of Japan, stands in Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda ward, as the state-run venue for traditional Japanese performing arts. It opened in 1966 with two halls: a large one for kabuki and a smaller one for bunraku puppet theatre and chamber works. The exterior quotes the azekura log-storehouse silhouette of the Shosoin in Nara, signalling that the state had taken responsibility for preserving classical stage arts. Since 2023 the building has been closed for a full rebuild expected to reopen later this decade; meanwhile kabuki and bunraku troupes perform at alternate venues. The house has long offered English audio guides and pre-show talks that made even a first kabuki performance accessible.