Tokyo, December 9 — Kabuki, the stylized Japanese theatre that emerged more than 400 years ago and was codified during the Edo period, is expanding beyond its long-standing domestic fan base to attract more international viewers.
Shochiku Corporation, which began staging Kabuki about 130 years ago, played an early role in taking the art overseas. Executive Naoto Funakoshi says founders Matsujiro Shirai and Takejiro Ohtani championed foreign tours as a kind of “traveling Japanese embassy,” insisting performances remain authentic rather than altered to please outsiders. That dedication to traditional stagecraft has especially captivated overseas audiences drawn to the visual spectacle of onnagata—male actors who perform female roles—whose stylized movement and dance are a signature of the form.
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted live theatre, but Shochiku staff and young volunteers pivoted to digital distribution. A “Kabuki On Demand” service now streams high-quality productions worldwide. Initially some veteran performers worried that filmed shows would dilute Kabuki’s live energy, but volunteers helped persuade artists to participate, widening the art’s reach.
Contemporary pop culture has also helped. The kabuki-themed film Kokuho (National Treasure) topped the Japanese box office, featuring two young actors in female roles and marrying centuries-old tradition with modern staging and youthful vigor. Increased streaming access, growing tourism interest, and inventive new productions suggest Kabuki is entering a phase of international renewal, evolving into a form of entertainment with a broader, global audience.
