After catching a film at Meguro Cinema, I found myself with a bit of time before my flight. Why not, I thought, and ducked into the single-act gallery at the Kabukiza. What I saw was Iyasakae Shibai no Nigiwai (a celebratory dance scene set outside an Edo-period theater) — all of 18 minutes. Another great day, as always.
More from this production → Saruwaka Festival: February Program at the Kabukiza Theatre, Matinee (February 2026)
More from this production → Saruwaka Festival: February Program at the Kabukiza Theatre, Evening Show (February 2026)
Just 18 minutes of celebration
The single-act seats (makumi-seki — the fourth-floor gallery in which you can watch just one act) let me catch a scene known as “Saruwaka-za Shibai-mae,” the moment in front of the theater. The za-moto (the theater’s proprietor) appears, and the people gathered there raise their voices to wish kabuki long life and prosperity. A bright, festive little scene.
That said, the gallery really is high up and far away. But bring a pair of opera glasses and you’re fine. And since it’s all over in 18 minutes, the curtain falls before the height even has a chance to bother you (laugh). A slice of time from movie to flight, just one cheerful act, nice and quick. Not a bad way to spend it at all.
A spare twenty minutes before the next thing on the agenda — solo mobility at its finest.
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