Gifu Local Kabuki | Experience handmade traditional performing arts at the Houou-za and Hakuun-za Theatres

In Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, the traditional performing art of Jikabuki continues to be passed down to the present day by local residents. Among these, the Hououza in Kanayama Town and the Hakuunza in the Kadowasa district are valuable cultural assets, with everything from stage construction to performers and backstage staff being handled by local people.

・Ho-o-za Kabuki - A local kabuki performance with over 100 years of history in Kanayama Town


・Hakuunza Kabuki - A traditional stage performance rooted in the mountain villages of Kadowasa

This page provides detailed information about the history and highlights of each theater.

Hououza Kabuki

History and origin

The Ho-o-za Theatre was built in the late Meiji period, and has been a venue for Kabuki performances by local people for over 100 years. Having overcome war and depopulation, the theatre continues to keep its flame burning to this day as a source of pride for the local community.

Stage features and programs

The stage is equipped with a full-scale hanamichi (walkway) and a revolving stage, and the repertoire is centered around classics such as "The Five Men of Shiranami" and "Chushingura." Most of the performers are Kanayama town residents, and they range from beginners to veterans.

Connections with the local community

Rehearsals take place over several months, and all costumes and lighting are handled by local volunteers. The performance day becomes a major event for the local community, drawing large audiences.

Hakuunza Kabuki

History and Preservation

Hakuunza originated as a playhouse built in the Kadowasa district in the early Meiji period, and has frequently hosted local kabuki performances since the postwar period. Thanks to the efforts of the preservation society, performances have been revived on an irregular basis in recent years.

A simple and warm setting

The charm of Hakuunza is its handcrafted stage, located in a quiet village in the mountains. The audience is close to the stage, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere in which to perform.

Value as local culture

In the sparsely populated Kadowasa district, Hakuunza is a hub for cultural activities that fosters a sense of community among local residents, and is an important stage for passing on traditions and fostering local love.

Gifu's traditional performing art, Jikabuki, preserved by the local community

Both the Hououza and Hakuunza are precious local kabuki stages remaining in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture. Unlike kabuki in big cities, these performances are handcrafted by local people and are filled with simple, heartwarming charm. These are must-visit spots for anyone who wants to experience local culture firsthand.