As the first Western-style theater in Japan, the Imperial Theater continues to play a pivotal role in the cultural landscape of Tokyo. The theater is located in the Marunouchi district, facing the Imperial Palace. The opulent and impressive interior of this building is something marvelous to behold as soon as you enter the building. The lobby is lush with an abundance of red carpet and several artworks decorating the space. A light installation by Inokuma Genichiro (1902–1992) stands at the foot of the staircase, and four masks by Hongo Shin (1905–1980) decorate one side of the wall. However, what catches attention is the beautiful stained-glass made by Inokuma. The theater also boasts advanced stage technology that includes six underground floors of revolving stages that can be raised and lowered with hydraulic power. The whole theater is designed such that different sets can be taken down and changed within a minute.
The Imperial Theater produces a wide variety of performances every year, including Western musicals such as Les Misérables, Elisabeth, The Man of La Mancha, and Miss Saigon, as well as spectacular shows by Japanese entertainers such as King & Prince – Johnny’s Island. The auditorium can accommodate up to 1,900 people, while the ninth floor houses an art museum with a rotating exhibition.
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