Osaka's Historic Theatre To Close In 2026

Aug 30, 2025 | News On Japan

OSAKA - The Osaka Shochikuza Building in Dotonbori, Osaka’s Minami district, will close in 2026, prompting fans to voice their regret at the decision. The theatre has been a hub for kabuki and musicals and will bring down the curtain on more than a century of history.

Opened in the Taisho era and long nicknamed Dotonbori’s Arc de Triomphe, the building has been cherished for generations. Due to the aging of the structure and facilities such as elevators, Shochiku will end stage performances with the May 2026 program and will close the entire building, including the basement-level shops.

“It feels lonely,” said one visitor. Another remarked, “This was the first place where I saw a stage performance, so it makes me a little sad.”

Shochiku said it will study how to utilize the building after closure.

Source: YOMIURI

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