On February 28, 2025, the iconic Imperial Theatre (Teikoku Gekijo) located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, celebrated its grand finale before it temporarily closes for demolition and redevelopment. Opening its doors initially as Japan's first Western-style theatre over 100 years ago, the venue hosted some of the most significant theatrical performances, including the wildly popular musicals "Les Misérables," "Miss Saigon," and "The Phantom of the Opera." This last performance, titled "The BEST New HISTORY COMING," marked the end of an incredible 59-year run for its current structure.
The theatre's closing festivities began with approximately two weeks of concerts showcasing musical numbers from all 372 productions performed at the venue over the years, culminating in this grand finale. At the conclusion of the concert, cast members, including renowned stars like Masachika Ichimura (76) and Ranshu Otori (79), joined together for one final rendition of "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from "Les Misérables," evoking powerful emotions among the audience and participants alike.
Before the curtain calls, several veteran actors took the stage, introducing themselves to the audience one by one. Notable performers from the theatre's storied history, such as Yoshio Yoshinari, Koichi Domoto, and Kinjiro Kitao, expressed their heartfelt sentiments over the venue's closure.
Ichimura shared his emotional connection, kissing the designated "zero point" center stage as he proclaimed, "It's hard to say goodbye. I'm grateful for these wonderful memories. I even intend to audition for roles at the new theatre!" His determination to continue his artistic career was echoed by fellow performers like Yoshio, who was visibly moved, stating, "The Imperial Theatre has shared many dreams with us over the years. It's sad, but we are not retiring. We hope to see you all again at the new venue. We love the Imperial Theatre!"
Celebrations included glittering confetti falls and standing ovations as former stars took to the stage. The audience, packed with dedicated fans who have attended the theatre for decades, reflected shared sentiments of nostalgia and appreciation for the venue's storied glory.
The Imperial Theatre first opened its doors as the first authentic Western-style theatre built in Japan back in 1911, followed by its second iteration reopening its doors in 1966. Not only did it showcase international phenomena like "Gone with the Wind" and the original Japanese production of "Les Misérables," but it has also served as the birthplace for several compelling and groundbreaking performances over decades.
The overwhelming response from the audience highlighted the deep emotional bond many attendees had formed over years of theatrical experiences. For many, the theatre served as the backdrop for defining moments of their youth. Attendees like Setsuko Yamada (64) voiced their cherished memories, stating, "This theatre has been beloved for 25 years. I couldn't miss the farewell performance today. I have attended around 280 performances here!"
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