The founding of the Minamiza Theatre goes all the way back to the beginning of the Edo Period (1596-1615). It is said that Izumo no Okuni performed 'kabuki odori' ('kabuki dances') in Kyoto in 1603 which attracted great attention, and during the same period, the dry bed of the Kamo River developed as a 'Theatre town' filled with the bustle and excitement of the people.
The Minamiza Theatre started around this time, and has stood at this place for over 400 years always remaining at the center of entertainment, including kabuki.

In 1906, the theatre came under the management of Shochiku General Partnership Company run by Shirai Matsujirō and Ōtani Takejirō. After some restructuring in 1913, the theatre was remodeled in 1929 as a gabled building in the Momoyama style. Various kinds of performances have been staged there ever since, and the 'Kichirei Kaomise Performance', a kabuki production held every year even during the war, is now known as an annual event in Kyoto.

In 1991, Nagayama Takeomi, the chairman of Shochiku Co,. Ltd, renewed the Minamiza Theatre, making it a modern theatre with the latest technology, but still keeping its historical appearance. It reopened in November, 1991, starting with the 'Kichirei Kaomise Performance'.
The Minamiza Theatre was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 1996 and was even registered as a Structure of Historical Design in Kyoto shortly after.

After its large-scale reconstruction to make it earthquake proof, the Minamiza Theatre reopened in November, 2018

While retaining the former theatre's traditional beauty, the new Minamiza Theatre is fitted with the latest stage technology, enabling a wide variety of spectacular effects to be realized. It will stage a wide range of productions throughout the year, from 'traditional Japanese performing arts' to 'the newest live entertainments'.

History of the Minamiza Theatre

1603	Izumo no Okuni performs 'kabuki odori' ('kabuki dances') in Kyoto. (Mentioned in 'Tōdaiki'.)
1608	Troupes of women entertainers perform 'Onna Kabuki' ('Female Kabuki') on the dry bed of the Kamo River which becomes popular. (Mentioned in 'Ozuki Takasuke no Sukune Hitsugi')
1614-1615	Theatres with yagura towers are constructed, mostly around the dry bed of the Kamo River, and performances of 'Onna Kabuki' and puppets flourish. This might be the original form of the Minamiza Theatre. (Seen in the 'Rakuchū Rakugaizu Byōbu Funakibon'.)
1601-1620	The local governor of Kyoto ('Kyōto shoshidai') gives permission for seven theatres to operate to the east of the Kamo River. (Mentioned in 'Yōshūfushi', 'Hinamikiji' written by Kurokawa Dōyū.)
1624-1644	Kabuki theatres on the dry bed of the Kamo River flourish. (Mentioned in 'Tōkaidō Meishoki' written by Asai Ryōi.)
1658 - 1673	Sounds of the drums are heard from the theatre. (Mentioned in 'Tōkaidō Meishoki' written by Asai Ryōi.)
1756	The bustle of the 'Kaomise Performance' is felt. (Mentioned in 'Zaikyō Nikki' written by Motoori Norinaga.)
1804-1829	Only theatres to the North and South are left. (Mentioned in 'Morisada Mankō'.)
1893	The theatre in the North closes in May and that on the South becomes the only remaining theatre.
1906	The Minamiza Theatre (in the South) comes under the management of the Shochiku General Partnership Company
1913	The Minamiza Theatre is completely reconstructed in November. The 'Kichirei Kaomise Production' is held in December and from this time the practice of having actors perform together from both the east and west of Japan is established.
1929	The Minamiza Theatre is reconstructed.
1990	After the performance in February, the Minamiza Theatre undergoes large-scale reconstruction.
1991	It reopens in October.
1996	The building is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
2018	The reopening of the Minamiza Theatre takes place in November, 400 years since the opening of the first Minamiza Theatre.