Today, 'kabuki' is recognized internationally as one of Japan's great performing arts. Essentially a popular theatre, it has always reflected the tastes and fashions of the townspeople. With a history stretching back over 400 years, this all-male theater form has a vast repertoire that is still performed, ranging from antique pieces that are hundreds of years old right up to brand new theatrical experiments. The word 'ka-bu-ki' itself is made up of three characters that mean 'song' (ka-歌), 'dance' (bu-舞) and 'acting skill' (ki-伎), indicating the composite nature of this art that includes elements of music, dance and drama, disciplines that would in most other cases be performed separately.

Since it was first built in 1889 on land in the Kobikichō district, the Kabukiza Theatre has continuously staged not only the most refined of classics, but also new kabuki productions reflecting each new epoch.

Over the years, the theatre has suffered from several catastrophes, but each time it has managed to renew itself in a strong and vigorous way. It can be said that the history of the Kabukiza Theatre is the history of modern Japanese drama.

The present Kabukiza Theatre (the fifth reconstruction) opened in April 2013, and even today it remains a lively cultural spot that welcomes many kabuki fans and tourists.