National Theatre

It is a theater located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, between Hanzomon Station and Nagatacho Station. It presents traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, Bunraku, Japanese dance, traditional Japanese music, Gagaku, Rakugo, and regional performing arts, and also trains successors of these traditions.

It is operated by the Japan Arts Council, an independent administrative institution, and within its grounds were the National Theatre and the National Engei Hall. It was closed in 2023 for reconstruction, and currently continues to present its own productions at theaters and civic centers in Tokyo. The new theater was scheduled for completion in 2029, but as of January 2026, the reopening date is undecided because the bids for the redevelopment project have repeatedly failed to attract successful bidders.

In addition, the Japan Arts Council also operates the National Noh Theatre and the New National Theatre in Shibuya City, the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, and the National Theatre Okinawa, making it a central presence in the succession of Japan’s traditional culture.

A theater responsible for the preservation and revival of traditional performing arts

The National Theatre opened in 1966. It was established out of concern over the decline in bearers of traditional performing arts in postwar Japan, where rapid Westernization was underway. On its grounds, it housed a Large Theatre used for Kabuki, Japanese dance, and plays; a Small Theatre used for Bunraku, traditional Japanese music, Gagaku, Ryukyuan dance, and small-scale Japanese dance performances; and the National Engei Hall used for Rakugo and variety entertainment.

Currently, some areas whose safety of facilities and equipment has been confirmed are being rented out and used for purposes such as stage rehearsals, workshops, and study sessions.

Also plays a role in fostering bearers of traditional culture

At the National Theatre Training Institute, training is provided for Kabuki actors, performers of Kabuki music, yose-bayashi (music for vaudeville theaters) and Daikagura (lion dance, two-person performance in one costume, umbrella juggling, etc.), Noh performers, Bunraku (tayu chanters, shamisen players, and puppeteers), and performers of Okinawa’s Kumiodori. Performances and recitals by trainees and established performers are held regularly, allowing audiences to see the fruits of the younger generation’s training.

Performances are held in various locations until the rebuilding of the National Theatre is completed

Since the National Theatre and the National Engei Hall are currently closed, performances are being held mainly at the Small Theatre and the Playhouse of the New National Theatre, as well as at external theaters.

Traditional performing arts appreciation classes are also held regularly, including performances for children and beginners, and performances with subtitles in six languages for overseas tourists and those interested in Japanese traditional performing arts. Depending on the season and fiscal year, appreciation classes are offered for a variety of performances such as Kabuki, Bunraku, and Noh.

Exhibitions and lectures are being held at various locations throughout Japan

At the National Theatre’s library and audiovisual room, as well as at theaters and facilities around the country, materials such as stage photographs, documentary videos, and audio recordings of the theater’s own productions are made available to the public. On the “National Online Theatre,” digest videos of various performances are also available, allowing people to easily experience traditional performing arts.