This experiential exhibition is being held at the Kabukiza Gallery and Kabukiza Hall in Higashi Ginza from October 1st to November 16th. Onoe Ukon, who will be appearing at the October Kabukiza, will also be making an appearance at the preview!
[Shochiku Co., Ltd.] Press Release
Shochiku Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Shochiku"), whose mission is to inherit and develop the traditions of Japanese culture and contribute to global culture, is holding a special exhibition, "This is KABUKI Experience! 'Yoshitsune Senbonzakura' Invites You to the World of Kabuki," at the Kabukiza Gallery and Kabukiza Hall in Higashi Ginza from Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as part of the 2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (commissioned).
From the preview held prior to the opening day, we bring you official stills of the special exhibition, where you can see, touch, and become part of the real thing to enjoy to your heart's content.
Onoe Ukon at the preview and the inside of the venue
■About the venue
The venue for this event will be the Kabukiza Gallery and Kabukiza Hall in Higashi Ginza. Located on the 5th floor of the Kabukiza Tower, which is directly connected to the Kabukiza, it is a hidden gem known only to those in the know, even among kabuki fans. Right in front of the Kabukiza Gallery is a rooftop garden where you can view the roof of the Kabukiza, making it the perfect spot to drop in before or after a performance.
■About this exhibition
This exhibition will introduce the diverse charms of Kabuki through "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura," one of the three great masterpieces to be performed at the Kabukiza Theatre in October. Through hands-on exhibits, you can enjoy the world of Kabuki, which stirs your curiosity the more you learn about it, through the passionate performances of the actors, the beautiful stage design that highlights the craftsmanship of artisans, the gorgeous costumes, the props filled with various gimmicks and ingenuity, and the depth of the stories that have continued to capture people's hearts across the ages.
■ "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" invites you into the world of Kabuki
"Torii-mae" in front of the Kabukiza Gallery entrance
Portrait of Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms by Yoshida Eriko
As you arrive in front of the Kabukiza Gallery, you will see Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, familiar from the "Torii-mae" scene in "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura." Once you pass through the large red torii gate, you will be transported to the world of Kabuki, as seen in "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura." As you take photos of the Kyoto scenery that suddenly appears in Higashi Ginza, cherry blossom petals will appear out of nowhere… As you walk, guided by the cherry blossom flurry, the characters from "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" will welcome you at the Kawatsura Hogenkan. Stand next to Sato Tadanobu (Fox Tadanobu) in "Torii-mae," and pretend to be a part of the story, so be sure to take that special photo!
■Learn the basics of Kabuki!
Enjoy the digital illustrations of "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura"
An area to learn the basics of Kabuki
After enjoying the digital exhibition of theatrical art depicting each scene from "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura," visitors can move on to an area where they can deepen their learning about Kabuki in general. In addition to the permanent exhibits "The History of Kabuki," "Classification of Kabuki," and "The Beauty of Kabuki" that began in February this year, a new corner, "Kabuki and Oshikatsu," has been added. The passion of fans for their "oshi," which has remained unchanged since the Edo period, is something that even people today can't help but empathize with. In addition, there is an exhibition of valuable materials documenting the origins of Shochiku and the Kabukiza Theater. This special exhibition offers a unique selection of materials that will allow visitors to see the depth of Kabuki that has been built up since the Edo period.
■Let's go for the "real" experience!
The exhibition inside the Kabukiza Hall
Now that you've deepened your knowledge of Kabuki, step into the main Kabukiza Hall and the world of "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms" unfolds before your eyes, packed with the "real" stage art, props, and costumes. On the stage is a reproduction of "Yoshinoyama," which will be performed in the third part of the October Kabukiza, and in front of it are lined up in gorgeous costumes: Igami Gonta from "Sushi Shop," Tadanobu and Shizuka Gozen from "Yoshinoyama," and Genkuro Kitsune from "Kawatsura Hogenkan (Yonokiri)."
A photo with the setting of "Yoshinoyama"!
A photo with a folding umbrella at "Tokai-ya"!
The event is packed with experiences that are sure to get both kabuki novices and kabuki fans excited, including the opportunity to take photos on stage surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom, with the Tokai-ya folding umbrella and the large anchor from Omonoura, and even touching props from the "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" production that were actually used in previous performances.
This exhibition will be held until November 16th, and tickets that come with a "Tool Book" postcard are currently on sale exclusively online. Don't miss this rare opportunity!
"Mount Yoshino" postcard
"Tokaiya" postcard
■Onoue Ukon will also be appearing at the preview!
Onoe Ukon looking at the exhibit
Onoe Ukon taking a photo with a portrait
On the day of the preview, Kabuki actor Onoe Ukon, who will play Genkuro Kitsune in the October Kabukiza B-Project performance, appeared. After touring the venue, he commented, "If there had been an exhibition like this when I was a child, I would have had so much fun, with elements of costumes, props, and art sets. I believe the appeal of Kabuki is that people can enjoy the theater and the space itself, so this special exhibition is ideal."
Ukon will be appearing in the October Kabuki performance of the full-length play "Yoshitsune Senbonzakura" at the Kabukiza Theatre until October 21st. Be sure to stop by the special exhibition along with your visit to the Kabukiza Theatre!
October Kabuki Performance: "Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Blossoms"
Kabuki official website "Kabuki Beauties"
https://www.kabuki-bito.jp/theaters/kabukiza/play/938
■Event Overview
Event dates: Wednesday, October 1st to Sunday, November 16th, 2025
*The free admission to the Kabukiza Gallery will be suspended until Thursday, November 20th.
Opening hours: 11:30am – 7:00pm (last entrance at 6:30pm)
Location: Kabukiza Gallery and Kabukiza Hall, 5th floor, Kabukiza Tower, 12-15 Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Admission fee: Online only: 700 yen Online only postcard included: 1,200 yen Same-day ticket sales at the counter: 1,000 yen *Free for preschool children *Same-day ticket sales at the counter may be canceled during busy periods.
Special website: https://plan.shochiku.co.jp/thisiskabuki/
Produced by Shochiku Co., Ltd.
[Shochiku Co., Ltd.] Press Release