Imperial Theatre

What it is

• A major performance venue in Marunouchi founded by Eiichi Shibusawa and Hirobumi Ito.
• The original 1911 Renaissance-style structure was destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
• The current building opened in 1966 and has been operated by Toho since 1940.
• A new twenty-nine story building is scheduled to replace the current structure by 2030.

What to see

• The integrated building complex designed by renowned architect Yoshiro Taniguchi.
• A massive revolving stage mechanism measuring over sixteen meters in diameter.
• The Idemitsu Museum of Arts located on the top floor of the building.
• The mid-century modern architecture before the site closes for reconstruction.

When to go

• Visit before February 28, 2025, when the current theater closes for reconstruction.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.