In Shinjuku Kabukicho, Tokyo, there is a stage performance called the Ninja + Kabuki Show.
Ninja × Kabuki Performance
The first part features a Japanese taiko drum performance, followed by a samurai show. The final part offers a short hands-on experience for visitors.
The show is mainly designed for international visitors, and the explanations are given in English. Most of the audience are tourists rather than local Japanese.
The performance mixes elements of Samurai, Ninja, and Kabuki, offering a simplified version of what many travelers imagine as “Japanese culture.”
You can learn the meanings of not only Ninja and Kabuki, but also Mie, Tsuke, Tachimawari, and Kuji-ho.
The Story
However, it was hard to follow the story during the show. They gave us a paper at the end, and that’s when I finally understood that it was a battle between two ninjas.
The Goddess of Light descended from the heavens and entrusted the white ninja, Dragon, with a sacred sword that would bring peace to the world. However, his destined rival, the black ninja Tiger, ambushes him and steals the sword. Devastated, Dragon falls in love with an Oiran—a courtesan who is the incarnation of the Goddess. Determined to fulfill his mission, he challenges Tiger once more.
https://ninja-kabukitokyo.com/about
Will Dragon reclaim the sacred sword and restore peace to the world?
There are missions for the customers, but I felt the show was a bit too commercial.
The venue is located in the center of Kabukicho, making it easy to drop by if you are already in Shinjuku. It is a light entertainment option rather than a full-scale kabuki or samurai play.
Ninja + Kabuki Tokyo
WARP Shinjuku / Address: Daini Toua Kaikan B1, 1-21-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
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