Kabuki in modern Japan: stage, screen, and city

In Japan, the word “Kabuki” can mean many things: a centuries-old performing art, Tokyo’s largest nightlife district, or even a beloved snack. In 2026, however, Kabuki is commanding unusual attention—across culture, business, and society.

A Traditional Japanese Performing Art

Kabuki is one of Japan’s iconic traditional performing arts, alongside Noh and Gagaku. It traces its origins back to the early 17th century with the female performer Izumo no Okuni. By the mid-Edo period (18th–19th centuries), Kabuki had established its distinctive style: characterized by bold acting, striking makeup, and elaborate stage effects.

In the modern era, Kabuki has adapted to the times, incorporating advances in stage technology since the Meiji Restoration. It is now recognized as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The major Kabuki theaters such as Tokyo’s Kabukiza and Kyoto’s Minamiza offer English subtitles and real-time guides, making the art form increasingly accessible to international visitors.

Hit Film Revives Interest in Kabuki

Released in 2025, the film  KOKUHO (translation: National Treasure) became a box-office hit in Japan. Based on a novel by Shuichi Yoshida and directed by Sang-il Lee, the film stars leading Japanese actors such as Ryo Yoshizawa, Mitsuki Takahata, and Ken Watanabe.

At time of publishing it is Japan’s highest-grossing live-action film of all time, and made the shortlist for the 2026 Academy Awards International Feature Film category.

Kabukicho, Japan’s Nightlife Capital

Kabuki-cho, located in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, is one of Japan’s largest nightlife districts, and almost certainly the most infamous. Originally the proposed site of a new theater district (hence the name), since its postwar redevelopment this area is known as a neon-soaked warren of restaurants, cinemas, seedy nightclubs, and especially host clubs—venues where male staff entertain female guests.

In June 2025, the Japanese government amended the Entertainment Business Act to strengthen oversight of nightlife businesses. The advertisements—such as billboards declaring "multi-million-yen player" or "No.1 player"—were banned. Authorities emphasized that promotional methods encouraging excessive spending could result in penalties, including suspension of business licenses.

Kabuki, Part of the Japanese Fabric

Kabuki is not simply an historical remnant, it is very much baked into Japanese culture. Those of you who have enjoyed madcap Japanese television shows might have wondered how it could be the product of a culture famed for its emphasis on calm and quiet composure. The answer lies in Kabuki. Likewise, if you’ve tried watching Japanese television dramas and found them a bit much, the blame can probably be placed at Kabuki’s feet too.

Kabuki continues to have a standing effect not just in entertainment, but in the very core of the Japanese psyche.

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