Minamiza Theatre
A theater that features Kabuki which originated in Kyoto. Kabuki is said to have originated from the “Kabuki Odori” dance, invented by a woman named Izumo no Okuni. As the dance started to popularize during the early Edo period, around this time the Minami-za also opened. It is Japan’s oldest theater with more than 400 years of history located in the same place.
The performance at Kyoto Minamiza was truly wonderful. With my friend translating each scene for me in real time, I could not only follow the story but also better appreciate the actors’ incredible skills. I got a lot out of the experience.











