Tokumeigakarinoaoshima · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsTheatre · Osaka
Osaka Shochikuza
大阪松竹座
Osaka Shochikuza stands on Dotonbori behind an arched facade from 1923, when it opened as a movie palace. It was reborn as a stage theatre in 1997 and hosted kabuki, Shochiku comedy, musicals and concerts, about 20 productions a year.
Important: Shochiku ended performances here with the May 2026 programme and closed the building because its equipment had aged. Plans for the building have not been announced. You can still admire the facade from the street, but for kabuki in Osaka now check Shochiku's schedule for other venues.
What to see and do
The arched frontage is one of the last pieces of old theatre-street Dotonbori, worth a photo on a walk along the canal.
Dotonbori grew up in the 1600s as a street of kabuki and puppet theatres; the Shochikuza was its last big playhouse.
Shochiku says kabuki and other shows continue at other theatres and halls in Osaka; see its schedule page.
What’s on
Good to know
- The theatre and its basement shops are closed; view the facade from outside only.
- For kabuki in Kansai, check Shochiku's schedule for current venues before planning a night out.
More art nearby
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsNational Bunraku Theatre
Bunraku puppet theatre was born in Osaka and is on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage list. Three puppeteers move each puppet together.
Mc681 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsDoguyasuji kitchen street
A covered street of chef’s tools, lanterns and the plastic food samples you see in every restaurant window.
Dotonbori signs
The Glico Running Man has glowed here since 1935, next to giant crabs and pufferfish. Advertising as folk art.
Miyuki Meinaka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsNamba Grand Kagetsu
The home stage of Osaka comedy. Manzai double acts and slapstick shows, every day.