The Konpira Grand Theater (also known as Kanamaru-za) is the oldest surviving kabuki theater in Japan.
Located in Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, it was constructed in 1835 and has been completely restored to its Edo period appearance.
Outside of the occasionally held performances, the theater is open to the public. Unlike modern playhouses, it retains the traditional tatami seating and manually-operated rotating stage.
A visit is well worth it for people interested in Japanese theater and makes for a nice addition to visiting nearby Kotohira-gu or Konpira Shrine. These pictures were taken in summer 2015.
Anne Lauenroth @anne.lauenroth
German writer, translator and editor with a passion for travel, photography and all things Japanese. More about me and my work on www.allwordz.com and www.floating-worlds.com.
