Crawling onto the second floor of one of the popular Japanese Sushi-Bars at the Shibakoen, we were met politely and sat at the high tables to have a fill. In today’s menu there were sushi and Rock sushi, Hawaii rolls, Hibachi, sushimi, tatami, spicy tuna and a Ji Japanese Mackarel, Sushi Sashimi combo. We quickly picked up something with something, not without the help of the local waiters. In half an hour we were off on the Tokyo streets, this time heading at the Ginza to visit the Kabuki Theatre, the principal theater in Tokyo for the traditional Kabuki drama form.
The Kabukiza Theater first operated on this site in 1889 and re-opened in late 2013 after the extensive renovations and the construction of a 29-story modern building behind the facade.
Kabuki Theter was created by Okuni of Izumo in 1603 who gathered female outcasts and misfits at the dry riverbeds in Kyoto and taught them to dance, sing and acct.
Okuni’s troupes were all female (onna kabuki) with women playing all males and females.
In 1629, women were barred from the stage. Today all male troupes are performed.
We bought tickets for a day-time performance (special version for foreigners), but usually the kabuki shows can last for ten hours and continue next day.
Today “RYUKO” was on. This is a modern piece created after the end of World War II on the universal theme of the unending fight, between the dragon, the greatest power in the sky, and the tiger, the greatest power on land. Starring Nakamura Shido, as the Spirit of the dragon, and Bando Minosuke, as the Spirit of the tiger. We liked this play: two people with headpieces decorated with long-long fluffy paper tails, flying everywhere around the stage while actors are dancing, accompanied gentle Japanese music.
After Kabuki we decided to drop by Bic Camera 7-story Store at the Shinjuki. It was a big electronic store, from each corner the loud music was sounding, many products wer of Japanese and Chinese origin.We looked for a Japanes toy, but they all were made in China. Such a life!
Our day was coming to the end, the day was full of cultural, national impressions of different kinds. One more day’s closer to the understanding of such a fascinating country as Japan.
Watch : Kabuki/Noh Theatre