From March 2025, All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of Japan’s largest airlines, started the in-flight screening of “Welcome to the Kanamaruza Theatre”, a documentary video about kabuki. It is now streaming with English subtitles on international flights from March to April.

“Welcome to the Kanamaruza Theatre” is a documentary film featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the last April Program at the Kanamaruza Theatre, Japan’s oldest existing kabuki playhouse in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture. The video also includes interviews with Matsumoto Kōshirō and other kabuki actors, as well as rehearsal footage.

In the video, Kōshirō investigates every nook and cranny of the Kanamaruza Theatre and tries his hand at backstage work that is unique to such playhouses. Other highlights include the people of Kotohira, who support kabuki at the Kanamaruza Theatre, the beautiful townscape, and the local cuisine recommended by kabuki actors.

The kabuki season at the Kanamaruza Theatre will soon arrive again this year. Please watch “Welcome to the Kanamaruza Theatre” on ANA’s in-flight entertainment service and enjoy a comfortable flight!

*In-flight programs are subject to change. For details, please visit ANA’s website.