The Kabuki-za Theater in Ginza is the leading home of the traditional form of Japanese theater known as kabuki. Kabuki was first performed in the early 17th century, with unique performances and costumes it is now a symbol of Japanese culture.
The Kabuki-za Theater was first opened in 1889 and burnt down in October 1921. In June began the reconstruction of the popular theater. The unfinished Kabuki-za theater was damaged again by the great earthquake that shook the Kanto area in September 1923. The new theater was finally completed in December 1924.
During the war years, the games continued in Kabuki-za, until the massive air raid by Tokyo in May 1945 completely gutted the building. The building was rebuilt in 1950 and designed in the same architectural style as the 1924 building.
In 2010, the theater complex was renovated and the postwar building was completely replaced by another facsimile of the 1924 building. As part of the 3-year project, the building was rebuilt and complemented with 29 storey office tower behind the building. Although this is not a new building, the developers have done a fantastic job of restoring the heritage of the former Kabuki-za, and today the theater is more popular than ever.