Japan's Emperor, Empress watch Kabuki at National Theatre

TOKYO, Oct 24 (News On Japan) - Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended a Kabuki performance on Monday for the first time in 5 years.

Arriving at the National Theatre, located near the Imperial Palace, just after 11:30 AM, the royal couple received a big round of applause from the audience.

Their Majesties seemed enthralled in the play, "Sisters of Imoseyama Onna Teikin," featured performances by Onoe Kikunosuke and others. When the actors made their entrance on the hanamichi (a stage extension), the couple could be seen leaning forward slightly from their seats on the second floor, watching intently.

The National Theatre is closing this month for renovations to enhance its functionality, and this play is being performed as a "Farewell Special Performance."

by Staff Writer

Half-Century Ban Ends: Fukuoka Hosts Fin Whale Trade Show

A trade exhibition featuring domestically caught fin whale meat, harvested under Japan’s resumed commercial whaling program, was held in Fukuoka. Fin whale meat is known for its mild flavor and rich fat content.

Nagoya High Court Rules Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

The Nagoya High Court has ruled that Japan’s ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, upholding a lower court decision in a case filed by a same-sex couple from Aichi Prefecture.

Japan Approves Bill to Strengthen Penalties Against Host Clubs

In response to cases where female customers were burdened with excessive debts and coerced into prostitution, the Japanese government approved an amendment to the Entertainment Business Law during a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Shimadzu Unveils World's First Optical Lattice Clock

Shimadzu Corporation has launched the world's first optical lattice clock, which measures time using the oscillation frequency of atoms trapped by lasers. The clock boasts an unparalleled accuracy, with an error of just one second over 10 billion years.

Gunkanjima Faces Collapse Risk as Buildings Deteriorate

The historic buildings of Hashima Island, commonly known as Gunkanjima, are facing a risk of collapse due to ongoing deterioration, it was revealed on March 3rd. The island, part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution," a UNESCO World Heritage site that marks its 10th anniversary this summer, has seen its structures degrade significantly over time.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

'Shinkansen Explosion' Trailer Released

A tense phone call reaches the JR East Shinkansen Command Center. The message is clear: a bomb has been planted on the Tokyo-bound Hayabusa No. 60. If the train’s speed drops below 100 km/h, it will explode immediately...

Sad and Happy News From the Puppet Theatre

Today's video will recap news from 2024 in the bunraku world, and cover the first show of the year. (Kabuki In-Depth)

The Next Generation of Kabuki Stars, Part 4

Today, we focus once again on the new generation of young kabuki actors! (Kabuki In-Depth)

Childhood Friends | A Whisker Away

A peculiar girl transforms into a cat to catch her crush's attention. But before she realizes it, the line between human and animal starts to blur.

Mizushiri's 'Ordinary Life' takes Berlin's 2nd place short film prize

Japanese movie director Mizushiri Yoriko's "Ordinary Life" has won the runner-up Silver Bear Jury Prize at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in the international short film section. (NHK)

A Look at Kamigata Kabuki in 2025!

In this video, we focus on the February kabuki show at the Shochiku-za in Osaka! (Kabuki In-Depth)

A Story of Love and Destiny Unfolds on Jeju Island

The trailer for Otsukaresama has been released, offering a glimpse into the intertwined lives of Esun, a free-spirited and innocent soul, and Gwangsik, a devoted and sincere individual.

Lazarus, Witch Watch and Anne Shirley open the anime season for the most anticipated titles in 2025

The 2024 anime season ended, and it left us with some of the best visuals and stories so far.

< 2 3 4 5 >