Guests' comment 2015
Maren (California, USA)
December 26 at Kabuki-za theatre, the evening show
Kazui Yabe clearly loves Kabuki and it's wonderful to have her insider perspective. Her handouts and knowledgeable explanationas make you appreciate the performance that much more. Take her tour and get the most out of this singular experience!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui's comment.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I was happy to have a chance to guide you three on the last day of 2015 show.
Carrie (Now living in Tokyo, originally from USA)
December 14 at Kabuki-za theatre, the evening show
Thank you for following up with us, We had a wonderful time last night. My 10 year old daughter lover it! The third act was a bit long, but she made it through and was happy to have done so. (Some of the people we were seated with left before the final act.) We also enjoyed the seats. Haveing the shelf in from made it easier to eat and follow along with out papers. Not seeing the right side of the stage was no problem, really-the only thing we couldn't see were the musicians playing, We were happy that we could see the entire Hanamichi runway-last time I couldn't see it.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui's comment.
Thank youf joining my tour again and for your nice comment. I am glad to know you two enjoyed the performance nad liked your seats. I love to provide my lecture from a child's point of view also because I have seen Kabuki since I was five years old and my little nieces are also Kabuki fans.
Perry (Manitoba, Canada)
December 2 at Kabuki-za theatre, Matinee
I want to thank you for the excellent insight you gave us into Kabuki. We were both surprised by how much we enjoyed the performances. I’d expected to have a much cooler response to an alien art form, and so many reports we read online, etc., seemed to suggest that while interesting, this form of theatre was slow-moving and boring to Western eyes and ears. But we weren’t bored at all. It was like watching Western opera and dance both at the same time. We found the differences between the three plays we saw fascinating: the first a melodramatic soap opera, the second an amusing comedy of errors, the third a stately dance ritual. And yet all were clearly Kabuki, all shared similar uses of stage conventions, makeup, etc. It kind of reminded me of the Japanese meals we ate while we were there — a little of this and a little of that, tastefully arranged and all forming a harmonious whole. We were intrigued by the combinations of sights and sounds and movements ― and especially perplexed and intrigued by the switches between the actors and the narrator in describing the feelings and responses of the same character. We were sometimes bewildered by the characters' assumptions about the proper way to behave to one's master or servants and such, and intrigued to be bewildered in that way. It implied a whole range of cultural assumptions previously unknown to us, and gave us new ways ot thinking about the contemporary Japan outside the Kabuki theatre. While renting the English translations guide was a big help, I'm quite sure that it was less so than all the informaion you provided us with before we arrived at the theatre. We were especially intrigued to learn about the relationships among the Kabuki actors. All in all, the whole experience ― the tea shop, your informative conversation about Kabuki, and then the theatre ― made for an excellent and worthwhile day. I've already been telling people about it, and recommending it to anyone visiting Tokyo who wants some insight into Kabuki and into Japanese culture.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your wonderful detailed comment. It is very nice for me Kabuki was a good conclusion of your stay in Japan. I like it very much!
Maria (Now living in Tokyo, originally from USA)
November 25 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre, Kabuki short tour
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. Your tour was really helpful for understanding the Kabuki performance. It was both a very good general introduction to Kabuki and a detailed presentation of the specific performance we watched. Thanks to you we knew who the actors were, what the story was, and what to look for on the stage. I would highly recommend your tour.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui's comment.
Thank you for your good comment. I am happy to know you enjoyed the performance and my lecture was helpful. I think you enjoyed the performance as we Japanese Kabuki fans do.
Bradley and Amy Wolff (California, USA)
November 21 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre & Tsukiji Fish Market tour
Thank you for the pictures - they came out very nicely. We both enjoyed all the performances very much: the English traslation tool is a must (I chatted with our box seat neighbor who told me their audio device also gave help with interpretationan, etc.) and it certainly makes sense given the history of the material and the speech that may no be in modern use.
I felt that all Nobunaga's monologues felt honest and genuine - as if coming from the Lord himself - amazing acting. Amy also felt the acting to be splended, and the costumes gorgeous. The taiyaki were yummy, and not expensive! Ohm the horse was cool too.
The littile boy did a great job too.Fish market tour was quite a memory - once in a lifetime to be sure.
Your lecture was very helpful - we would not have had nearly the depth of enjoyment without you.
All in all, we would see Kabuki again without a doubt!
P.S. The box seats were awesome - the table in front ad nthe great view! Although, I would not suggest them for anyone who is as tall as me - I could not have my legs straight under the table. So I straddled the seat instead --but it all worked out OK!
Your guide, Kazui's comment.
Thank you for your informative comment about box seat. I understand the maximum in the box seat is 6'2" tall. I am glad to know you enjoyed my Tsukiji Fish Market tour as well as Kabuki tour.
Greg (Now living in Tokyo, originally from USA)
November 5 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre
We absolutely loved Kabuki. Seats were great, the theatre was beautiful. Your tour was very helpful in making us understand the history and what we should expect in watching kabuki for the first time. I would highly recommenr your service to anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Kabuki, and it's especially relevant for first viewers.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I am glad to know that you enjoyed performance and liked your seats. I hope Kabuki is one of your great memories for you three.
Rica(Manila, Philippines)
First of all, please let me thank you for all the help you extended us for our recent visit to Tokyo - for the hotel and restaurant recommendations (we had wonderful tonkatsu at imakatsu!) and for the Kabuki arrangements.Sophie and I feel so privileged to have seen super Kabuki second! we truly enjoyed "one piece" Kabuki performance. It was very different from "Sessho gappu ga tsuji" which we saw in May. I can imagine why some traditionalists would not enjoy one piece but for me, I think it brought in a different kind of audience to Kabuki. The energy was vibrant, the spectacle and special effects were amazing, and it was so much fun! you're right, the second act held a lot of surprises which everyone in the audience enjoyed. The show seems to have incorporated some elements from cirque du soleil but was still distinctly Kabuki. I think productions like this will ensure Kabuki's continued evolution, popularity and accessibility to a new audience!
Your lectures really helped deepen our appreciation of Kabuki because we got to know the nuances of this art form. A Kabuki guide is indispensable to foreigners like us!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Rica, Thank you for your wonderful comment again. I am glad to have chances to guide you two diffent types of Kabuki, the traditional one and New Kabuki in this May and October. And I am happy that I could make an effor to meet your request. It will be nice to see you all again in your next stay.
Leon(Talinn, Estonia)
October 22 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre
Many thanks for the nice tour last week. It provided useful insights and helped us understand and follow the performance much better.
Of course, kabuki is very different from what we are used to. Alis, 11 years old daughter, first impression was that it is rather slow and bit boring. However, when I asked her after couple of days about major highlights of our trip, she mentioned kabuki first. It means that though it was different and strange to her, it left strong impression and will be remembered for long.
Overall, all three of us are really glad that we got the experience and knowledge of kabuki. Next day we visited Edo Tokyo museum and were happy to recognize the part of exhibition devoted to kabuki.
The photos you sent have been received, thanks a lot.
Thank you very much for your service and help. Wish you all the best in your activities.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Leon, Thank you for your nice comment. I like to provide my lecture from a child's point of view. The news that Alis's one of highlights is Kabuki was the ultimate happiness for me. Thank you for giving me a chance to guide you three.
Jakub (Poland)
October 16 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
It was definitely worth seeing - visually it was really great. Movements of the actors on the other hand were so stylized that at some points I had trouble figuring out what they are doing. The lecture definitely proved its worth - without it especially during the first play I would have no idea at all what is going on. I even helped two other tourists that were rather confused about how the ticketing and seat assignment works. The trip continues to be great - I visited Meiji Shrine and harajuku. I also found two new ways to get lost in Shibuya station, which at this point is just additional entertainment.
So thank you again for the lecture today - it helped a lot.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Jakub, Thank for your nice comment and for helping other tourists at the theatre. I am glad to know that the information I provide you in my short tour was helpful for others as well as you.
Nancy (Oklahoma, USA)
October 15 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre
Arigato! Thank you so much for the wonderful introduction to our first Kabuki experience. We enjoyed the performances tremendously and your lecture and orientation beforehand helped us understand even better. The bento box was delivered right on time and was lovely! We can see now why you are such an enthusiast of this special tradition! Unfortunately, we did not get to stay for the entire performance as we had such an early start the next day. But it was still a great experience and afternoon. We hope we have a chance to see more before long.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Nancy, Thank you for wonderful comment. It was good to know that you enjoyed your time in box seats very much though you had to leave the theatre before the show ends. I hope Kabuki will be one of your great memories in Japan.
Lauren (Virginia, USA)
July 26 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
Kabuki is one of Japan's traditional performing arts, combining traditional stories, dance, intricate makeup, and exaggerated performances. As a result, it is nearly impossible to understand without explanation. Kazui Yabe is an expert on kabuki; her pre-performance lectures--typically over local sweets and tea--provide important context that is essential in order to understand the performance. Her explanation focuses specifically on the performance about to be viewed, but also more generally on the history of kabuki, the kabuki stage, the lineage of kabuki actors, and the meaning behind the intricate makeup designs. I have attended four of her kabuki lectures, and have learned something each time. If you are planning to see a kabuki performance, I very strongly encourage you to retain Kazui's guide services.
Jim (Virginia, USA)
July 26 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
This is the third time we have used this service when taking small groups to Kabuki in Tokyo, and each time has been wonderful. Kazui Yabe is not only a Kabuki expert, but also an excellent communicator about the art form. In her presentations, she gives newcomers a good sense of what to look for and listen for, as well as provides helpful historical context. Her passion for Kabuki is infectious. I highly recommend this service.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Lauren and Jim, Thank you for joining my tour with peopel who have not seen Kabuki. It is my pleaser to help many people to enjoy Kabuki. 300-400 Kabuki plays are performed at present. I try my best for pre-performance lecutre of all programs my guests will be seeing.
Fanny (Lille, France)
July 20 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
We had a wonderful time during the Kabuki play. We stayed during the 3 plays, it was fantastic! We enjoyed the last play the most (the spider): costumes, rhythme, music, special effects. It was captivating. It was easy for us to understand what happened. We didn't taste Taiyaki unfortunetly. But the bento we bought with you were delicious! And the tea and sweet we had with you was a really nice experience.
Your lecture helped a lot, it was important for us to know the history of kabuki and how it works. The documents you gave us were really helpfull specially for the 2nd play (Yosaburo ans Otomi). We couldn't have understood the story and the twist if you didn't give us the synopsis.
A lot of people in the audience screamed actors name during the play, it was really nice. We bought pictures from the show when we left and Kabuki clothes at Uniqlo as well as souvenirs!
The rest of our stay in Japan was wonderful. We really enjoyed Japan, even it was really hot at the end of july in Tokyo (but we knew it...). We plan maybe to come back to Japan next year, to visit Kyoto and Osaka. We will definitly come back to Kabuki if we will be in Japan again.
Thank you again a lot for the lecture and the pictures, we really appreciated it. It was one of the highlights of our stay.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Fanny, thank you for your comment. I am glad to know you enjoy the perfomrance and my lecture was helpful for you.
Barbara (Nova Gorica, Slovenia)
August 20 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
We safely returned home. And now we' re already back to our daily routine.But the head is still full of memories of Japan. The kabuki performance was great. The actors are true masters. We enjoyed the performance in every minute. Also the comic one (although we saw it in Kyoto) was excellent. It can't be compared to the Kyoto's one because is something very different. So everything was great. Your lecture helped us understand the performance. We noticed the rotating stage. And of course the calls from the audience.
And we also managed to get the fish pancake. Delicious! :-) So, I hope to meet you again someday. I definitely recommend the visit of Kabuki performance. And thanks again for everything.
Mike (California, USA)
June 24 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
I had a very good time at the shows. Even though I didn't understand the language, I was able to follow pretty well thanks to your summaries. I appreciated your lecture and having some background, especially about yelling the actors' names. I would not have known what was going on with that. I also appreciated knowing about the museum and the rooftop garden upstairs, which I would not have found on my own.
I also tried the fish pancake and it was quite tasty. I had a very good time. It was one of my favorite things I did while in Tokyo, and meeting with you helped to enhance the experience. Thank you for all your help. If I am in Tokyo again, I will be in touch!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your comment. Hopefully see you at Kabuki performance in Las Vegas in May 2015!
Rica (Manila, Philippines)
May 26 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
It was really nice to meet you today. The information you shared about Kabuki was very helpful. We enjoyed all the more our first experience with Kabuki. My daughter, age 14, is eager to watch the whole play next time. We will surely ask you to be our guide then.
Rica, thank you for joining my short tour and for your comment. I was glad to know you had seen "Kabuki Cool", NHK international TV program, and were interested in live Kabuki performance. And it is wonderful news for me that your daughter wants to see the whole play next time. I like to provide my pre-performance lecture to kids as well as to adults because I have seen Kabuki with my neices since they were elementary students and enjoy the performance together. I am looking forward to guiding your family again.
John (California, USA)
May 21 Matinee at kabuki-za theatre
Just got back from Japan late yesterday, and I'd like to thank you again for your time and the excellent introduction to Kabuki. The Kabuki performances were truly special, beautifully done, and made my trip to Japan even better than it would have been otherwise. Kabuki is such a unique, special, and beautiful art form -- and when I return to Japan I definitely will do my best to attend another Kabuki performance. I loved it.
Thanks again for your time, the lecture, and the great introduction to Kabuki!
John, thank you for comment during your busy time after your travel. I was glad to know my lecture was helpful for you and you will do your best to attend another Kabuki performance in your next visit.
Arnold (New York, USA)
May 8 Matinee at kabuki-za theatre
My wife and I recently spent 17 days traveling and touring Japan on our own, using a Japan Rail pass. The highlight of our trip was the kabuki matinee performance we saw in Tokyo's Kabuki-za theatre, arranged by Kazui Yabe. Over the past 5 years, we had been privileged to see 3 prior kabuki performances in New York City as part of Lincoln Center's summer series. For the first 2, we only had the written synopsis to give us an indication of what we were seeing on the stage. It was less than ideal, but watching kabuki was exciting enough to keep us coming back for more. Last summer, Lincoln Center brought over a kabuki performance and for the first time provided earphones for simultaneous translations. This gave us a better understanding of what was happening in front of us in real time. It was clearly a step up in understanding the action. For Tokyo, however, the Kabuki-za recently instituted the use of an iPad-like device, which magnetically attaches itself to the back of the seat in front. Much like sub-titles in a foreign movie, or sub-titles at the opera, you could follow the dialogue in English visually while at the same time hearing the spoken Japanese declaimed with all its intensity and inflections intact. It worked wonderfully. It was positioned such that you could easily go from viewing the device and watching the stage action simply by shifting your gaze, without the need to move your head up and down. You rented it for 1000 yen (about 8 dollars) and it was well worth the price. We saw 2 separate kabuki plays that day, starting at 11 am and lasting until about 4 pm, what with pauses and intermissions. Not for one moment were we bored or disappointed. The time flew by.
I had tried to get tickets on my own before the trip but they were only available for purchase in person at the box office, not over the Internet. I wanted the very best seats I could get; after all, how many times in my life was I going to be in Tokyo! We saved money using AirBnb and taking advantage of the Japan rail pass. I was ready to splurge on kabuki. I had seen Kazui Yabe's website and read some of the reviews of her kabuki tour, so I contacted her. She had suggested some box seats, which were nicely situated along the sides of the theatre and which came with a bento box lunch as part of the price. I would have had no problem with those seats and certainly would have been very happy in them, but I wanted a 'close-up' kabuki experience. I told her I wanted 2 seats in the second row orchestra and to the right of the 'hanamichi', which is the long, raised platform that runs from the back of the theater to the stage, and on which many of the performers enter and exit. That is just what she got me -- 2 tickets in the second row, on the aisle, immediately to the right of the hanamichi! It was a theatrical experience that I will never forget.
Our tickets came from the most expensive section of the orchestra and cost 18,000 yen each. That was probably a little more than $150 at the then rate of exchange. This maybe is more than you would expect to pay for orchestra seats for a Broadway show, but substantially less than similar seats at the Metropolitan Opera. In addition to the ticket price, Kazui Yabe changes 3000 yen per person (~36 dollars) for the tour itself. She meets you an hour and 15 minutes before the curtain, takes you on a brief tour of the theatre, then to a lovely roof-top tea house in the Kabuki-za, where you have a geisha-like experience being served traditional Japanese frothy green tea and a special Japanese sweet. When we met her, there were only two other people on the tour, sisters from Singapore. She told us more about what we were about to see, brought out pictures and genealogies of some cast members to supplement the synopses she had previously sent by email. (Kabuki performers are often born into families of kabuki performers. Stage names are often passed down through the generations.) She highlighted the fact that one man (all kabuki performers have only been male for the past 400 years or so!) plays the part of a self-sacrificing grieving mother in the first play, and then returns in the second as a scheming, unprincipled, violent and thoroughly evil young man. The acting was so good, the portrayals so convincing, that I doubt that I would have recognized it without her pointing it out before hand. All in all, the cost of Kazui Yabe's tour is a bargain.
We went to see kabuki on our 4th day in Japan. I came out of the performance puzzled by one aspect of the action and emailed a question about it to her, asking for clarification. Not only did she address my question in an email reply, answering what she could, but also promised to expand upon her answer by asking a friend who taught a course in kabuki. For the next 3 weeks, I continued to receive information as she kept to her promise. I was thoroughly impressed by her knowledge and diligence.
Kabuki may be rather strange to Western taste and many visitors are probably reluctant to attend a complete performance. Most tourists to Japan will take advantage of Kabuki-za's making available for viewing an hour only of the performance -- typically one of the acts. These tickets are designed for foreign tourists, are available the day of the performance and are not too expensive. You sit (or stand sometimes) in the balcony or at the back of theatre. If you have never seen kabuki, then this may work for you. However, if you enjoy foreign films, or appreciate opera or ballet (even if you do not fully understand them), or are open to new cultural experiences, then do not hesitate to attend (with Kazui Yabe's assistance) an entire kabuki performance. You will not be sorry.
Arnold, thank you for your detailed comment. I was looking forward to seeing you since you had seen the same Kabuki performance in July 2014 in New York City and the perior performances there. I am very happy to know that you enjoyed Kabuki here in Tokyo as I do always, after my pre-performance lecture.
Kabuki-za theatre started to sell the tickets on line after the new theatre was opened in 2013. Unforunately my American friend living in Tokyo gave up purchase of tickets becuase the process was complicated. I had seen Kabuki sitting many varieties of seat and I like to provide the better seats for my guests.
Sara (Wisconsin, USA)
April 21 evening show at kabuki-za theatre
My 15 year old son and I recently met with Kazui Yabe for her Kabuki tour prior to seeing the evening show. It was money well spent, as Kazui was very personable and came well prepared with lots of information for us that we later found to be essential in understanding and appreciating the historical and cultural significance of what we were seeing. Kazui also takes care of getting your tickets for you, which is very convenient. If you're thinking about going to a Kabuki show, I highly recommend her tour to get the most out of your experience. I would also recommend seeing Kabuki if you are considering it and appreciate historical plays like those of Shakespeare. It is a Japanese experience like no other.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Sara, thank you for your wonderful comment. I am happy to know that you two enjoyed the performacne and my lecture was helpful for you two!
Ray (Washington, USA)
April 13 Matinee at kabuki-za theatre
Thank you so much for your lecture, the information was extremely fascinating! Hopefully someday I will be able to come back and see the costume museum, many of the students said it was very cool and interesting.
The performance was amazing as well! It was everything you said it would be! There were a few people that would shout out family names, it was very fun. The set and scenery were so gorgeous! My favorite part was during a fight scene, when one of the actors took a pause and looked out at the audience with this just incredible facial expression. The entire crowd was all in awe and started clapping. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much for everything, it was so incredible!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
I had a really nice time with your group, nine high school students and four teachers. Kabuki fight scene is one of big features of Kabuki performance. I will be waiting for your come back.
Katherine (Now living in Tokyo, originally from USA)
April 11 Matinee at kabuki-za theatre
Overall, I LOVE THE SHOW.
Just as you had recommended, both Pearl and I enjoyed those short dances. They were really cute. However, personally, I love the last story the best. Mr. Namamura Ganjiro’s (please excuse me if I am not using or calling their names correctly, and please feel free to correct me so I won’t make the same mistake) performance was captivating as Izaemon. Yet, I found Mr. Tojyuro Sakata’s role as Yugiri the most “mesmerizing.” Yugiri did not enter the scene until half way through the show. Yet, she had such power over me the moment she entered the scene.
There had been other onnagata from the very first story. However, none of them could play the female role as good as Mr. Sakata. I found myself constantly reminding myself that Yugiri was actually played by an old man. From the moment she entered the room and walked towards the sleeping Izaemon, one could feel the love and longing she had for him. The way she was shaking him lightly trying to wake him up was just heart-wrenching. Just thinking about that scene brought tears to my eyes—beautiful acting indeed. My heart went out to Yugiri and I wanted to slap Izaemon for playing with her heart because he had such a big ego.
I don’t know if I liked the last story because of the Kansai style Kabuki or was it due to Mr. Sakata’s excellent performance. Perhaps my upbringing in the western style performing arts makes me enjoy the Kansai style Kabuki better. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and I am hooked! Please, if you don’t mind, if you know of any good performances in the future, would you please let me know? Since I live in Tokyo now I will have the opportunity to visit Kabuki-za more often.
Thanks again, Kazui. Your tour was great and I will definitely recommend your tour to my friends. Let’s keep in touch and I wish you a great day at work.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your detailed comment. I am very happy to know you enjoyed the performance and you pointed out many points on Kabuki. Yes, I wouldl like to recommend the performances.
Hari (now living in Tokyo, originally from Indonasia)
February 21 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
It was the 2nd time we used your service, and as before, your service really helped us to fully enjoy, understand and appreciate the Kabuki performance. Your lecture and the materials you provided were very useful and informative - and the taiyaki that you recommended was indeed very tasty!
Thanks again, and I look forward to meeting you again on future occasions.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for joining my tour again. It was nice to see you and your mother last time and your friends this time. And I am happy to know that you finally tasted my favorite Taiyaki. Hopefully see you again.
Peter and Leonor(Sydney, Australia)
February 21 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
Thanks so much for your email and the beautiful photos. Your guidance into the Kabuki world was one of the highlights of our short trip to Tokyo. It was so nice that you could share your passion and extensive knowledge of Kabuki Theatre so clearly with us. It enhanced our experience of Kabuki immensely.
It is difficult for foreigners to understand Kabuki given the language and the intricate social and cultural aspects of the theatre. Your tour and explanations opened the door enough to make the experience very enjoyable despite our limitations.
We would highly recommend your tour to anyone who wishes to experience the beauty of Kabuki.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for joining my tour in your short stay for Tokyo Marathon. I had a wonderful chance to guide Tokyo Marathon runner and her husband. It was great to see you again on the bridge of the course. Did you remember Kabuki performance when you passed in front of Kabuki-za theatre? Congratulations!
Jasmine (Malaysia)
February 12 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
This time marks the second time I follow this kabuki tour & I never regret going again. Thanks to Kazui Yabe for helping to get the BEST seat in the entire theatre: just beside the hanamichi. That is the best seat to see the costumes, make-up & performances up-close.
I can never forget the moment Ono no Komachi made her grand entrance from the hanamichi & performed right in front of my seat. It was a mesmerizing moment for me. The costumes & the performances were simply breathtaking.
Kazui gave me detailed sypnosis, maps & information on the plays as well as other attractions there, such as the Kabukiza Gallery (which is a must-go for kabuki fans). It helps a lot to move around the place & understand the plays. Love the lecture given by Kazui as well, especially on what to look out for in each play.
For foreigners, best to rent the English audio guide which helps a lot in understanding the plays.
I will definitely come back for third round. Thank you Kazui for making it such a pleasant & enjoyable experience. I look forward to seeing you again in future!
*P/S: Btw, I love the tea salon's tea & sweets...I wanna go there again, haha!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for joining my tour again and for useful information for people who are interested in Kabuki. I love to select better seats for my guests. The good locatoin differ depending on the program. I am very glad to know my seat choice was successful for you.
Giovanni (Bologna, Italy)
February 2 evening show at Kabuki-za theatre
Concerning the kabuki I found all three acts really nice but the first is definitely the one that most impressed me while the third, to be honest with you, I found less interesting.
For the first despite being the oldest I found it the most modern in many aspects. I loved the narrator and the musics. Also one of the things I found very interesting were the people dressed in black. I think those with the narrator and the music were able to really put the actor at the center of the scene fully elevating his performance. I also had the great opportunity to enjoy few freezing moment! That very nice! Also the simultaneous translation has done very well although often I loved to hear the true voice of the actors: very pleasing.
The only thing I was not particularly impressed was the face paintings. I was expected specials face paintings but maybe this was not the right drama..a good excuse to return to a kabuki-za.
Your explanation was very nice as well as very useful to better understand the kabuki especially the first act (which is what I liked the most).
Please tell me if I can leave a positive feedback somewhere I 'll be glad to do it.
By the way the think that I most appreciate was the atmosphere in the theatre. It is amazing the way that Japanese people live this theatre. I found it a great place of aggregation: there are people that came only for 1 act, for all the three, having dinner in a bento box all together in the interval or only for buy some gift in the gadget shop.
This is the aspect that I most appreciate: a theatre as a place for spend time together. Also in UE once was like that but now we lost this important aspect that we have only during festivals.
This way of living the kabuki impressed me a lot and shows how interesting the Japanese culture.
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui’s comment.
Thank you for your wonderful comment. I am happy to know that you enjoy the atomosphere in the theatre as well as programs. Unfortunately actors in stripe make-ups don't perform in all programs of Kabuki. It depends on the program. For example, the first program in Matinee was only one in April 2015. I think you may be able to see stripe-make up in your next visit.
Lenore (Now living in Kanagawa, originally from USA)
January 2 Matinee at Kabuki-za theatre
We had a great time watching Kabuki from our seats today. The performance on the Hanamichi were so striking from the seond floor box seats! Today there were lots of fun dramatic effects like the flower petal falling, the ladder climbing, the house lowering, the spider suddenly appearing form the Hanamichi, so many... And those two littile boys were so cute!
Your Kabuki guide, Kazui7s comment.
Thank you very much for joining my tour again. I am glad to know you enjoyed the performance and to liked my favorite seats. Your comment are full of the fasination of Kabuki!