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[Breaking News]Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

OSAKA, Japan, May 26 Kyodo - People visit the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, when the final kabuki performance is held before the closure of the 103-year-old theater. (Kyodo)

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

Kabuki actors wave to the audience at the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, following the final kabuki performance at the 103-year-old theater. (Pool photo)

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

The shutter of the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in the western Japan city is closed on May 26, 2026, following the final kabuki performance of its 103-year history.

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

Kabuki actor Kataoka Nizaemon (C) makes remarks at the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, following the final kabuki performance at the 103-year-old theater. (Pool photo)

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

People visit the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, when the final kabuki performance is held before the closure of the 103-year-old theater.

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

People visit the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, when the final kabuki performance is held before the closure of the 103-year-old theater.

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Last performance at 103-year-old Osaka theater

People visit the Osaka Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka on May 26, 2026, when the final kabuki performance is held before the closure of the 103-year-old theater.

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World Exposition in Osaka

Japanese movie director Naomi Kawase holds online talks with Ukrainian photographer Vladyslav Hryshchenko (back) to explore ways to end conflicts in various parts of the world during an event at Dialogue Theater produced by her at the Signature Pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka on Aug. 9, 2025.

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Osaka Expo pavilion

Photo taken on Oct. 11, 2024, shows a theater housed in the Mitsubishi Pavilion for the 2025 World Exposition on an artificial island in Osaka, western Japan, ahead of the Expo's six-month run starting in April 2025.

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Kabuki actors cruise on Osaka river

Popular kabuki actors cruise on a river in Osaka on June 29, 2024, to advertise their summer performances at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 26.

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Kabuki actors cruise on Osaka river

Popular kabuki actors cruise on a river in Osaka on June 29, 2024, to advertise their summer performances at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 26.

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Kabuki actors cruise on Osaka river

Popular kabuki actors cruise on a river in Osaka on June 29, 2024, to advertise their summer performances at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 26.

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Theater company Takarazuka apologizes to family over actress death

TOYONAKA, Japan, March 28 Kyodo - Yasuo Shimada (C), president of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., the parent company of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, bows in apology during a press conference in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on March 28, 2024, after the railway operator apologized to the family of an actress who died in September 2023 after being harassed by senior actresses and revue officials. (Kyodo)

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Theater company Takarazuka apologizes to family over actress death

Yasuo Shimada (L), president of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., the parent company of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, is pictured after attending a press conference in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on March 28, 2024. Earlier in the day, the railway operator apologized to the family of an actress who died in September 2023 after being harassed by senior actresses and revue officials.

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Theater company Takarazuka apologizes to family over actress death

Yasuo Shimada, president of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., the parent company of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, attends a press conference in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on March 28, 2024, after the railway operator apologized to the family of an actress who died in September 2023 after being harassed by senior actresses and revue officials.

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Theater company Takarazuka apologizes to family over actress death

Yasuo Shimada (C), president of Hankyu Hanshin Holdings Inc., the parent company of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, bows in apology during a press conference in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on March 28, 2024, after the railway operator apologized to the family of an actress who died in September 2023 after being harassed by senior actresses and revue officials.

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Takarazuka theater chairman at press conference in Osaka

Kenshi Koba, chairman of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, bows in apology at a press conference in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Nov. 14, 2023, over the recent death of one of its actresses, who was said to have committed suicide due to overwork and bullying within her troupe.

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Takarazuka theater chairman at press conference in Osaka

Kenshi Koba (C), chairman of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, speaks at a press conference in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Nov. 14, 2023. He said he would step down over the recent death of one of its actresses, who was said to have committed suicide due to overwork and bullying within her troupe.

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Takarazuka theater chairman at press conference in Osaka

Kenshi Koba (C), chairman of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, speaks at a press conference in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Nov. 14, 2023. He said he would step down over the recent death of one of its actresses, who was said to have committed suicide due to overwork and bullying within her troupe.

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Takarazuka theater chairman at press conference in Osaka

Kenshi Koba, chairman of Japan's all-female musical theater company Takarazuka Revue, speaks at a press conference in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan on Nov. 14, 2023. He said he would step down over the recent death of one of its actresses, who was said to have committed suicide due to overwork and bullying within her troupe.

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Kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka

Popular kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka on June 29, 2023, to advertise their summer performance at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 25.

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Kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka

Popular kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka on June 29, 2023, to advertise their summer performance at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 25.

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Kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka

Popular kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka on June 29, 2023, to advertise their summer performance at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 25.

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Kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka

Popular kabuki actors cruise through central Osaka on June 29, 2023, to advertise their summer performance at a theater in the western Japan city from July 3 to July 25.

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Watanabe wins Game 3 of shogi Meijin series

Defending champion Akira Watanabe (facing camera) reviews his match against Sota Fujii after winning Game 3 of a best-of-seven series for shogi's Meijin title at an art theater in Takatsuki in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on May 14, 2023, following losses in the first two games. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will hold seven out of shogi's eight titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Watanabe wins Game 3 of shogi Meijin series

Sota Fujii (facing camera) reviews his match against defending champion Akira Watanabe after losing Game 3 of a best-of-seven series for shogi's Meijin title at an art theater in Takatsuki in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on May 14, 2023, following victories in the first two games. If Fujii, 20, wins the series, he will hold seven out of shogi's eight titles and become the youngest holder of the prestigious Meijin title, which dates back to the early 1600s.

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Takarazuka performers at bean-throwing ceremony in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - Three members of the all-women Takarazuka Revue musical theater troupe throw beans during a "setsubun" ceremony at Tsutenkaku tower in Osaka on Feb. 1, 2014. The 300-meter tall Abeno Harukasu skyscraper can be seen in the background to the right. Bean-throwing ceremonies are held across Japan around the day before the beginning of spring.

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Kabuki actor succeeds traditional name Nakamura Ganjiro

OSAKA, Japan - Kabuki actor Nakamura Kanjaku (C) waves to fans in Osaka, western Japan, on Dec. 28, 2014, following his succession to the traditional name Nakamura Ganjiro as he moves on a boat on the Dotombori River toward a theater. His younger brother Nakamura Senjaku (far R) is among his followers.

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'Bunraku' puppet masters to give special show in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - "Bunraku" (puppet theater) chant master Toyotake Nozomidayu (L) poses with puppet masters and a "shamisen" (three-stringed guitar) player during a press conference held in Osaka on Dec. 24, 2014, to announce a special Bunraku performance to be staged in the western Japan city in February 2015.

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Osaka pop ballad diva greets fans after show

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese popular ballad "enka" singer Reiko Kano, known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, greets fans after her performance at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

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Osaka pop ballad diva on stage with songwriter

OSAKA, Japan - Reiko Kano, a singer of Japanese "enka" popular ballads who is known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, and others pose on stage during a music show produced by songwriter and composer Taiji Nakamura (3rd from R) at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

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Osaka pop ballad diva sings during show

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese popular ballad "enka" singer Reiko Kano, known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, sings during a show with a miniature Tsutenkaku tower lit on her head at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

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Osaka pop ballad diva sings with ornament on head

OSAKA, Japan - Reiko Kano, a singer of Japanese "enka" popular ballads who is known as the "Diva of Tsutenkaku," a landmark tower in Osaka, sings with a cabbage ornament on her head during a show at the Dotonbori ZAZA theater in the western Japan city on Dec. 19, 2014.

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Mock Japan army notices passed out on war anniversary

OSAKA, Japan - A member of a civic organization advocating women's rights and peace hands out mock "akagami" (red paper) army induction notices to senior high school students in front of Namba Station in Osaka, western Japan, on Dec. 8, 2014, the 73rd anniversary of the launch of World War II in the Pacific theater triggered by the country's attack on Pearl Harbor in the U.S. state of Hawaii.

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Master 'Joruri' chanter Takemoto ends final performance

OSAKA, Japan - Master "Joruri" narrative music chanter Takemoto Sumidayu hugs a puppet in tears after the 89-year-old performer's final stage appearance before retirement at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 27, 2014.

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Master 'Joruri' chanter Takemoto ends final performance

OSAKA, Japan - Master "Joruri" narrative music chanter Takemoto Sumidayu, 89, performs in his final stage appearance before retirement at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka, western Japan, on April 27, 2014.

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National Bunraku Theatre marks 30th anniversary

OSAKA, Japan - Living national treasure Takemoto Sumitayu performs "Kotobukishiki Sanbaso" during a celebratory event marking the 30th anniversary of the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, western Japan, on March 27, 2014. Bunraku is Japanese traditional puppet theater.

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National Bunraku Theatre marks 30th anniversary

OSAKA, Japan - "Kotobukishiki Sanbaso," a piece in Japanese traditional puppet theater known as bunraku, is performed on March 27, 2014, at an celebratory event marking the 30th anniversary of the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka, western Japan.

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Woman shaking hands with Bunraku puppet

OSAKA, Japan - A woman shakes hands with a puppet at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka on Jan. 26, 2014, after the final spring performance. The Osaka city government has decided to reduce its subsidies to the Bunraku association.

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Korean writer Chong surprises theater world once again

SEOUL, South Korea - Playwright Chong Wishing talks about his recent theatrical piece starring Japanese and South Korean actors at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on Feb. 2, 2013. The play, titled "Boku ni Honoo no Sensha wo" (Bring Me My Chariot of Fire), received a standing ovation in Seoul earlier this year after successful showings in Tokyo and Osaka last year.

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Film director Koji Wakamatsu dies

TOKYO, Japan - File photo taken at a theater in Osaka on Feb. 27, 2010, shows Japanese film director Koji Wakamatsu (R), and actress Shinobu Terajima holding up the Silver Bear trophy for Best Actress awarded at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival for her performance in Wakamatsu's film "Caterpillar." Wakamatsu, known for his works on violence, politics and erotic themes, died Oct. 17, 2012 at age 76, after being hospitalized for serious injuries sustained in a traffic accident.

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Bunraku faces crisis

OSAKA, Japan - Performers of the Bunraku puppet theater promote the Japanese traditional shows at JR Osaka Station in Osaka on July 19, 2012. Bunraku is facing a crisis as the city of Osaka, a major patron, has threatened to cut off its financial support.

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Rakugo artist Sanshi succeeds late master's name

OSAKA, Japan - The sixth Katsura Bunshi gives a "Rakugo" comic storytelling performance at an Osaka theater on July 16, 2012. Formerly known as Katsura Sanshi, he succeeded the same day his late master's name to become the sixth-generation holder of the name Katsura Bunshi.

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Humanoid 'actress' at Nagoya theater

NAGOYA, Japan - An actress (R) takes part in a rehearsal with humanoid robot Geminoid F, developed by researchers at Osaka University, at a theater in Nagoya on Sept. 28, 2010. The remote-controlled robot ''reads'' poems in front of the actress who plays a dying person in the play ''Sayonara'' which opens Sept. 30 at Aichi Triennale, an international arts festival in Nagoya.

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Humanoid 'actress' at Nagoya theater

NAGOYA, Japan - An actress (R) takes part in a rehearsal with humanoid robot Geminoid F, developed by researchers at Osaka University, at a theater in Nagoya on Sept. 28, 2010. The remote-controlled robot ''reads'' poems in front of the actress who plays a dying person in the play ''Sayonara'' which opens Sept. 30 at Aichi Triennale, an international arts festival in Nagoya.

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'The Cove' screening starts

OSAKA, Japan - A movie theater in Osaka exhibits a poster of ''The Cove,'' a U.S. documentary about a controversial dolphin hunt practiced in a western Japanese town, on July 3, 2010. Six theaters in Japan began screening the Oscar-winning film despite protests that caused earlier screenings to be canceled.

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Terajima receives Silver Bear for Best Actress trophy

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese actress Shinobu Terajima (L) holds up the Silver Bear for Best Actress trophy awarded at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival at a theater in Osaka on Feb. 27, 2010, with film director Koji Wakamatsu standing by her side. Wakamatsu accepted the trophy on behalf of Terajima, who starred in his film ''Caterpillar,'' at the award ceremony in Berlin on Feb. 20. (Pool photo)

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Terajima receives Silver Bear for Best Actress trophy

OSAKA, Japan - Japanese actress Shinobu Terajima kisses the Silver Bear for Best Actress trophy awarded at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival at a theater in Osaka on Feb. 27, 2010, after receiving it from film director Koji Wakamatsu. Wakamatsu accepted the trophy on behalf of Terajima, who starred in his film ''Caterpillar,'' at the award ceremony in Berlin on Feb. 20. (Pool photo)

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Osaka theater decorated with traditional New Year's red snapper

OSAKA, Japan - Workers put up a 3-meter-long papier-mache red snapper at the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka as a New Year's decoration on Dec. 25, 2009. Glaring red snappers, or ''nirami tai,'' were a popular seasonal decoration at theaters in western Japan before World War II and the puppet theater is reviving the tradition.

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Blind 'rakugo' storyteller makes debut in Osaka

OSAKA, Japan - Fukuten Katsura, a 41-year-old blind performer of ''rakugo'' -- a traditional Japanese art of humorous story-telling -- makes his debut performance before an audience of more than 200 at a theater in Osaka on Nov. 16, 2009.