Kourakukan Theater

康楽館

Historical Background

Kourakukan, located in Kosaka-cho, Kazuno county, Akita prefecture, is a National Important Cultural Property.

Constructed in 1910 by Fujita-gumi, an unlimited partnership associated with the Kosaka Mine (see "more information" section), this two story wooden edifice boasts a gabled roof adorned with copper shingles (originally cedar shingles). The playhouse features desgins credited to Tastunosuke Yamamoto, the head of the Kosaka Mine's repair section at the time.

The view from the second floor seats

The view from the stage

Despite its Western-style exterior, characterized by clapboarded, white-painted walls, raised windows, and serrated eaves, the interiro of Kourakukan reflects a typical Japanese-style Shibai-goya (playhouse). Complete with a pier, hanamichi (flower path), and kiri-ana (cut hole), the building seamlessly blends Japanese and Western architectural elements.

Remarkably, Kourakukan stands as the oldest wooden playhouse with this unique fusion of styles that has endured without relocation or extensive restoration and remains operational to this day.

Characteristics

Fusion style Light Fixture

The ceilings are covered with Western style wooden panels, and the tulip shaped electric lamps are still in use from the Meiji era.

Backstage

Two large rooms on the first, and five private rooms on the second floor.

The walls and doors are covered with graffiti left by actors who have performed on the Kourakukan stage

Main Flower Path
(Hon Hanamichi)

It is an extension of the stage where important performances take place, and is equipped with the "kiri-ana" device for seri, in the style of the playhouses of the Edo period.

stage turning mechanism

Go visit!

Since Kourakukan is a working playhouse, many plays are performed here from spring to fall. Except during special performances such as Kabuki Grand Theatre and when the theater is closed, visitors can tour the facility and try their hand at turning the stage even during the season when plays are being performed. It is a very valuable experience to see the old-fashioned stage turning mechanism being moved by human power.

During the winter season, when plays are not being performed, visitors can also tour the backstage area, which is usually closed to the public. Graffiti left by actors who have used the playhouse since the Meiji era, including Mikijiro Hira, Tatsuya Nakadai, Eijiro Higashino, and Yusuke Takita, is also a highlight of the tour.

To know more!

NHK Special on Kourakukan (no subtitle, Japanese only)

- provides an overview on Kourakukan and its characteristics, ends with a Kabuki actor preparing to go on stage

Akita Tourism Federation. Quick look on what the in house tour would look like.

Quick look on the tricks and stage setups you can experience when you visit

How to get there

Matsunoshita-2-banchi Kosakakozan, Kosaka, Kazuno District, Akita 017-0202 Kourakukan

2 h 10 min by car from Akita Station

Take Ou line train from Akita Station to Odate Station for 1 h 45 min. Take Odate Kosaka line bus from Odate Eki Mae to Korakukan Mae for 50 min.