A special exhibition "This is KABUKI: Experience the World of Kabuki through Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" will open at Kabuki-za Gallery and Kabuki-za Hall from October 1 (Wednesday) to November 16 (Sunday), 2025, as part of the Japan Expo 2.0 Project.
This exhibition, held in conjunction with the performance schedule of the complete play "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" during Kabuki-za's Kinshū October Grand Kabuki, introduces the diverse charms of Kabuki through one of the three great masterpieces of Kabuki - including stage sets, costumes, props, and the Kabuki actors who perform the work - with hands-on exhibitions.
See, touch, and become one with the art. Visitors can enjoy an authentic experience with this immersive exhibition.
About "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"
"Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" is one of the three great masterpieces of Kabuki, alongside "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" and "Kanadehon Chūshingura." It is a five-act Joruri play centered on Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who follows a mysterious fate after the Genpei War, with parallel stories of Taira no Tomomori, Igami no Gonta, and Satō Tadanobu (Kitsune Tadanobu). This magnificent story, which skillfully weaves together historical facts and fiction, has captivated many people's hearts from its premiere over 270 years ago to the present day, and has been performed repeatedly.
At Kabuki-za, which is directly connected to the venue, the complete play "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" is scheduled to be performed from October 1st, and by viewing it together with the exhibition, you can deepen your understanding of the repertoire.
Kinshū October Grand Kabuki Complete Play "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" Performance Information
Official Kabuki Website "Kabuki Bijin (Kabuki Beauty)"
https://www.kabuki-bito.jp/theaters/kabukiza/play/938
Exhibition Highlights
① "Yoshinoyama" with Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom Appears on the Kabuki-za Hall Stage!
Stage where "Yoshinoyama" is recreated ※This is a conceptual diagram. The actual exhibition may change.
Stage art craftsmen create authentic stage sets. You can explore the stage and observe the craftsmen's techniques up close, as well as hold props that appear in the performance and take photos and videos as if you were a Kabuki actor.
② First Public Display of Actor Prints from the Edo Premiere of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"!
Three actor prints scheduled for exhibition
The exhibition will display for the first time three actor prints depicting the premiere of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" at Edo's Nakamura-za theater in May 1748. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the beginning of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" history.
※Exhibition changes will be made during the period to protect the works.
In addition to the above, there are many other enjoyable exhibitions, including an area displaying numerous actor prints of Kabuki actors performing "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" as digital installations, and photo spots where you can take pictures with the "Tokaiya" umbrella and "Daimonoura" large anchor actually used in past performances. This is an event that is sure to captivate everyone from Kabuki beginners to Kabuki fans.
Special Tickets with Two Postcards Now on Sale!
Special tickets are available exclusively online that include a set of two original large-format postcards designed with the tool notebooks of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura." The postcards feature "Toriimae," depicting Fushimi Inari with early spring plum blossoms, and "Yoshinoyama," with cherry blossoms in full bloom, both specially drawn for Kabuki-za performances. These postcards showcase the craftsmanship of stage art designers and beautiful Japanese landscapes.
※Special tickets with postcards are available in limited quantities, so please understand in advance.
※Postcards will be distributed at the venue reception upon arrival.
★What is a tool notebook?★ A completed view of the stage as seen from the front. Stage art designers hand-draw each scene with a brush.
Post Photos of the Venue on Social Media and Receive a Sticker!
In principle, photography and video recording are allowed inside the exhibition venue. Guests who share their experience on their own social media accounts with the hashtag #thisiskabuki will receive an original kumadori sticker as a gift! This luxurious aurora-finish sticker is sure to catch the eye—whether you slip it behind your smartphone case or stick it onto your laptop.
※Stickers are available in limited quantities. Distribution will end when the planned number is reached.
※When taking photos and videos inside the venue, please be considerate not to disturb other customers and ensure other customers are not in your shots.
※Stickers will be provided when showing the completed post screen to venue staff.
Event Overview
Dates: October 1 (Wednesday) - November 16 (Sunday), 2025
※Free admission to Kabuki-za Gallery will be suspended from September 20 (Saturday) to November 20 (Thursday).
Hours: 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM (※Last admission at 6:30 PM)
Venue: Kabuki-za Tower 5F, Kabuki-za Gallery & Kabuki-za Hall
〒104-0061 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Admission:
- Web-only: 700 yen
- Web-only with postcards: 1,200 yen
- Same-day window: 1,000 yen
※Children under school age: Free
※Same-day ticket sales may be suspended during busy periods.
Tickets: Web-only ticket sales start at 10:00 AM on September 10 (Wednesday), 2025!
ART PASS https://art-ap.passes.jp/user/e/kabuki
Same-day window tickets will be sold at the special window in front of Kabuki-za Gallery during the exhibition period.
※Not sold at Kabuki-za ticket office.
Special Website: https://plan.shochiku.co.jp/thisiskabuki/
