Along with the ancient ritual kagura dances and dramatic theater, the art of kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese performance art. One version translates the word as «the art of singing and dancing», the other as «to deviate» or «to act outside the rules». Nevertheless, both definitions perfectly describe the form and content of kabuki theater and do not contradict each other.

The art of kabuki dates back to the early 17th century. It originated in the Edo period from folk songs and dances, evolved and developed during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Today, it is a strong fusion of dramatic staging, live music, dance sketches, and melodious singing. Although there are many preserved genres and varieties of kabuki performances, they all necessarily share common elements: lavishly decorated costumes, vivid makeup, elaborate movements, and spectacular poses with hidden meanings.

Kabuki-za is not only the main kabuki theater in Japan but also the most popular theater in all of Tokyo. It was founded by local journalist and playwright Gen'ichiro Fukuchi in 1889 when the Meiji era was still in full swing. 

The original theater building did not survive to this day because of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. The next structure could not survive the horrors of World War II. In the early 1950s, architect Isoya Yoshida rebuilt Kabuki-za. Later, his colleague Kengo Kuma reconstructed the building. Wishing to preserve the beauty and identity of traditional architecture, the master retained the characteristic tiled roof, Chinese pointed gables, and Japanese balustrades. The new look of the theater was reminiscent of ancient castles and temples.

The interior of Kabuki-za is just as impressive as its facade. For example, the theater's main hall is decorated with magnificent vaulted ceilings. By the way, it is never empty, even though it seats almost 2,000 people. A full house is common at Kabuki-za.