Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

At the Kabukiza Gallery, we are planning to hold a brief guidance show about how to enjoy Kabukiza Theatre.

An acquaintance asked me, "Is there a simple Kabuki guide?" And I was looking for the Kabukiza website and found this guide. "This is!" "How should I explain?"

According to JNTO statistics, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in 2015 will reach 19.74 million, and in 2013 it exceeded 10 million for the first time to 10.36 million, which can be said to be "terrific". There are many repeaters, and according to media reports, the purpose has changed from "shopping" to "taste and experience Japanese culture". It has been reported that traditional performing arts such as "Noh kyogen" are trying to develop new fan base using IT so that more and more foreign tourists can enjoy Japanese culture before the Olympics.

About 30 to 40 people, about 30%, look like a foreigner at the venue of the Kabukiza Gallery, which is an experience space for performing, seeing, touching, and trying Kabuki. (I was also given a questionnaire in English!)

It seems that this is the first gallery lecture for foreigners. First of all, there was a brief story about Kabuki, and then the two staff members talked about the history of the stage, the actual equipment on the stage, the actual equipment of the black screen, the black screen, etc. The last is the explanation of the third part of today. The name of the characters in Kabuki is long, so the explanation is difficult. I was very satisfied with the enthusiastic story that showed me the stage photos. The date for “for foreigners” was also set in the “Kabuki Appreciation Class” at the National Theater in June. Since this is originally a project for junior and senior high school students, a program with commentary called "How to View Kabuki" is composed of English on that day. I applaud the attempt to increase the number of foreign tourists interested in traditional Japanese culture by making it easier to take the first step.

Kabukiza Gallery Kabukiza Tower 5F 10:00~17:30　

Admission fee 600 yen (100 yen discount for Kabukiza theater theater ticket this month)

A new exhibition by Professor Kozo Kato, who is known for Koshino, has begun. This is the first time in 2 years at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi. The first thing that enters the venue is Ochashino, which first jumps into the eyes. It's a generous size, but it's soft and warm (Is it a personality?) The tea seal of "Benino" lined up in a row (mostly sold) is affixed. Mr. Kozo Kato = Koshino has a strong image, but "Setoguro", which was certified as an important intangible cultural property holder in 2010, is also an outstanding presence. There are several "Kiseto" and this is also wonderful. It's not a price that can be easily purchased, but at the exhibition, I think "If you can buy it, this is good if you can get it", but I can't decide "that, this too". This time, there are also paintings and books by the teacher who came to be a painter when he was young outside the water finger and Hanairi.

I'm a teacher born in 1935, but from my work, I feel the same youth. For more than a dozen years, I had the opportunity to visit a kiln and look at the garden of snow and start watching the garden before the tea ceremony in Shino.

"The World Exhibition of Living National Treasure, Kozo Kato", Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store 6F Art Special Gallery until 14th (Tuesday). Closed at 17:00 on the last day

●Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, which has been recognized as an important cultural property as a department store building, is conducting an in-store tour.

Apply for telephone 3241-3311 (large representative) or in-store reception by the second day before 11:30 and 14:30 on the second Saturday.

June 4 The antenna shop "Nihonbashi Toyamakan" in Toyama Prefecture opened. Toyama Prefecture already has "Ikiiki Toyamakan" as the first store in Yurakucho, but compared to the first store that mainly focuses on merchandise, this is about four times the size of this store, even a Japanese restaurant and a bar lounge. I took a look at it.

It is open at 10:30, but it is very popular with queues before opening. You can get permission from the shop and click the inside of the shop. Please see the bustle around 14:00 on the day.

At the sightseeing salon near the entrance, Inami sculptures from Nanto City, known for their ranma decorations, are displayed in a row and spectacular. The shop has traditional Toyama crafts (Ecchu Washi and Suzu crafts) and stylishly designed household goods (up to "sushi socks"). In addition to the famous Daimon Somen and Himi udon, I found a playful sweets at the "Betsubara Toyama" corner (I like naming). The photo shows "Fig and sesame sable" (580 yen) Koshihikari 100% "COMECO sesame cookie" is affordable at 600 yen.

The sake corner and restaurant with Toyama's famous sakes are thriving. Please look forward to it.

On the wall of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi, where the designation of heavy sentence was announced. → I found the banner of "Nihonbashi Toyamakan Open". The feeling of supporting the entire Nihonbashi area is very nice.

Ginza 1-chome was the largest antenna shop in Chuo-ku, but here in Nihonbashi, Nara and Niigata, Nagasaki in March, Toyama and this time. It seems to be a new fierce battlefield, and the pleasure of shopping has increased.

When you go to Takashimaya-san, "sacred winesho" is beginning to be made. That's right. The festival "Sanno Festival" at Hie-jinja Shrine is approaching. The festival is of course fun during that period, but I can't say anything that the whole city is getting excited for the festival.

Nihonbashi Toyamakan 1-2-6 Nihonbashi Muromachi 1F, Nihonbashi Daiei Building TEL6262-2723

Business hours Shop 10:30~19:30

　　　　　Japanese restaurant 11:30~14:30 17:00~22:30

　　　　　Bar lounge 11:00~21:00　

　　　　　Closed from December 31 to January 3

I came to the third part of Kabuki in June. It's a bit exciting on the first day. According to a pamphlet by Shochiku, "Three men at the mercy of Yoshitsune-Yoshitsune's first feature-length history romance is performed in three parts."

Part 1 "Chimori Ikari", Part 2 "Gonta of Igami", Part 3 "Tadanobu of Fox"

Since it is a three-part system, it is a new attempt for foreigners and young spectators in about 2 hours and about 2 and a half hours including intermission. Certainly, the third part is overwhelmingly young because of the start of 18:15.

The aim of the third part is Sarunosuke's "first air ride after the new opening." Shizuka Gozen of "Dogyo" is a female figure of Somegoro and Somegoro seen for the first time in a long time, but it is beautiful enough to sigh. Mr. Saruya of Henmi Fujita is laughing. Shizuka Gozen of "Four Cut" is Mr. Shoya. The movement of Sarunosuke's fox is as light as real. "First air ride" seems to be fun with plenty of time. From the first day of Sarunosuke-san, it is "Zenkai". This month, the eldest son Takeru Takeda, Ukon Ichikawa's eldest son, appeared for the first time in the first part, and Koshiro, who plays Gonta in the second part, seems to be the "Edo-style" Gonta that Koshiro Gosei proposed. You can't miss any of them!

I have a three-part system that hurts my wallet.

For inquiries, please contact Ticket Hon Shochiku 0570-000-489 (10:00 to 18:00).

Part 1 11:00, Part 2 14:45, Part 3 18:15. Be careful

Senakiraku will be held on the 26th