"Documentary 7," a "gentle" documentary program that spotlights people who "contribute to society without being flashy" and "stand by those in vulnerable positions" discovered during daily news coverage.

The 38th installment follows the final days of the "Osaka Shochikuza" theater, which closed in May 2026, and the thoughts of the people who lived alongside it.

38th Installment: Goodbye Osaka Shochikuza ~Behind the Scenes of Farewell and Resolve~

© TV Osaka

Osaka, once called "Great" Osaka, boasted splendor surpassing Tokyo. Dotonbori was lined with many theaters that had existed since the Edo period. While many people visited Benten-za, Asahi-za, Naniwa-za, Kado-za, and Naka-za, known as the Dotonbori Goza (Five Theaters), they all disappeared with the changing times.

Amidst this, the "Osaka Shochikuza" remained as a theater until the Reiwa era. Born in the Taisho era, it supported Kamigata culture, taking the place of the Dotonbori Goza.

© TV Osaka

However, in the summer of 2025, it was announced that the theater would close after its "Sayonara Koen" (Farewell Performance) in May 2026. The sudden news sent shockwaves through fans and actors.

Senju Kataoka, who entered this world at the age of 15 as a first-term student of the "Kamigata Kabuki Juku" (Kamigata Kabuki Training School) established in 1997, said, "It feels like the home where we were born is disappearing, and it's truly sad." He reminisces as he walks through the Osaka Shochikuza.

© TV Osaka

In preparation for the closure in May, a "Sayonara Koen" (Farewell Performance) lasting two months was announced. The cast includes popular actors from both the East and West, such as Living National Treasure Jinzaemon Kataoka, Ganjiro Nakamura, Koshiro Matsumoto, and Shido Nakamura.

© TV Osaka

Jinzaemon Kataoka, who made his stage debut at Naka-za, said, "In the past, Dotonbori was full of theaters, like Broadway in America. It's inevitable that things change with the times, but I want to preserve at least a corner of it... I want to perform with gratitude for the theater." He shared his inner thoughts.

© TV Osaka

Sad voices were also heard from the local community. "Miyachan," the owner of a bar near the Osaka Shochikuza and a regular haunt for Senju, has known Senju for over 20 years. "Nobody thought this day would come," he says, lamenting the disappearance of a familiar sight.

© TV Osaka

"Imai," a udon restaurant celebrating its 80th anniversary, is one of the establishments connected to Jinzaemon. A photo from the Taisho era held by a staff member shows a bustling Dotonbori with banners, a vibrant theater district. "We absolutely want it to come back while there are still people who hold the idea of 'Dotonbori as a theater town' in their hearts," the owner appeals.

© TV Osaka

© TV Osaka

The May Grand Kabuki, marking the end of Osaka Shochikuza's 103-year history. The lead role of "Giken" is played by Ainosuke Kataoka, a popular actor from Sakai City, Osaka. He had a special feeling for this role.

The "Butsudore" (Buddha's Fall), a dramatic highlight where the character falls face-first while standing rigidly, is a key scene. Two years ago, he suffered a severe facial injury during stage rehearsal and had since refrained from playing this role. However, the Osaka Shochikuza was the first place he was entrusted with this major role.

That is why he decided on "Giken Saigo" (The End of Giken) as the play for the farewell performance.

© TV Osaka

May 26th finally saw the final performance of "Osaka Shochikuza." From before the opening time that morning, people gathered to bid farewell. Intense performances unfolded, filled with the emotions of Jinzaemon, Ainosuke, Senju, and other actors.

© TV Osaka

At the end of the performance, Jinzaemon Kataoka concluded by saying, "I am convinced that the Shochikuza stage will rise again in this Dotonbori."

© TV Osaka

A poster held by Ainosuke Kataoka reads, "The light of the theater town will not be extinguished." Not extinguishing the light of the town. Everyone shares the same sentiment.

Several weeks after the closure, Senju Kataoka is seen in the rehearsal room of the Osaka Shochikuza... He is rehearsing a new Kabuki play supervised by Jinzaemon Kataoka. Practicing with him are colleagues who have learned and walked the path of Kamigata Kabuki at the Osaka Shochikuza.

What are their efforts to keep the flame of Kamigata Kabuki alive?

The future beyond the closure of Osaka Shochikuza. There lies the passionate desire of the actors to pass on Kamigata Kabuki.

Program Information

[Title] "Documentary 7: Goodbye Osaka Shochikuza ~Behind the Scenes of Farewell and Resolve~"

[Broadcaster] TV Osaka

[Broadcast Date and Time] July 2, 2026 (Thu) from 1 AM

[Program HP] https://www.tv-osaka.co.jp/documentary7/

[Program available on TVer after broadcast] https://tver.jp/series/sr9b4wa97m

[Past broadcasts available on YouTube channel]

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXglZY9f1Kw3kt9JiwuO2qcXr4mKDt08P

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: ドキュメンタリー