Waseda University: Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum

About the Museum:

The Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum was founded in October, 1928, in commemoration of completion of a translation of the complete works of Shakespeare (40 volumes) by Tsubouchi Shōyō (坪内 逍遥), who was a novelist, translator, and professor of Waseda University.  

The museum, also known as Enpaku, is a theater museum where specializes literature, prints, and other objects related to drama and theater arts. The collections include: 46,000 Nishiki-e, 200,000 backstage photos, 150,000 books, and 52,000 of dolls and costumes. These collections were gathered from all parts of the world for the purpose of the comparative study of the theaters of the world.

Enpaku's collections are avialble to the public through various exhibitions.  In addition, the museum has a library section.  They are both open to the public.

Permanent Exhibition

Shoyo Memorial Room: 

Tsubouchi’s life works, including translating complete works of Shakespear, the Western books, which he referred to for translating Shakespear, other books, and manuscripts.

Folk Performing Arts:

In this section, documents related to folk performing arts such as Kagura (神楽), Dengaku (田楽), and Fūryū (風流) are displayed.  They include photo images of the notable festivals and performing arts.

The Ancient Age:

In this section, the musical entertainments in the Nara period (6 to 7th century), such as Gigaku (伎楽)・Sangaku (散楽)　Bugaku (舞楽) are introduced 　These performing arts came from abroad through China, known as Gairaigaku (外来楽).  Meanwhile, Japan developed own performing arts, including Kuniburi (国風) Azuma asobi (東遊), Kumemai (久米舞), Kishimai (吉志舞), Tatefushimai (楯節舞), Kuzumai (国栖舞), Yamatomai (倭舞), and Hayatomai (隼人舞).

The Middle Age:

In this section  Three types of new entertainment, Noh (能) as a result of rising Samurai class , Ennen (延年), performed at shrines , and other performances including Kusemai (平曲・曲舞), Kowakamai (幸若舞), Sekkyo (説経), Hoka (放下), and Senzu manzai (千秋万歳) are introduced.

The Early Modern Age:

In this section, commoners’ performing arts such as Kabuki (歌舞伎), and Shamisen (三味線), Joruri Puppets, and Ebisukaki (えびすかき) are introduced.

The Modern Age (Post Meiji):

In this section, materials related Western influenced performing arts , such as musicals, by Shimpa-Geki (adaptation of Western dramas ), and comedy are displayed.

The Present Age:

In this section, materials from these branches of modem Japanese theater, as well as information provided by the troupes and theatres are presented.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects different romanization system used by an individual institution.

Visiting the Museum 

Admission:

• Admission Fees: Free

Using the Library

Open to the Public.

Accessing Western materials  Building No.6 3rd floor

Prior to the Visit: 

• Please verify the desired material is available by using WINE OPAC (location: Theater Museum ENPAKU/#6 Yosho).

• There are three categories: books, magazines, and microforms.

Upon Arrival:

• Please present some form of personal ID such as passport.

• The library will keep the personal ID in exchange for information materials.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Copy Fee: 10 yen per sheet

Accessing Japanese materials   Building No.5

• Please verify the desired material is available by using  WINE OPAC (location: Theater Museum ENPAKU/#5 WASHO).

Upon Arrival:

• Please fill out material requesting form  (閲覧申請書 Etsuran shinseisho) at the counter.

• Please present some forms of personal ID such as passport.

• The library will keep the personal ID in exchange for information materials.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Copy Fee: 10 yen per sheet

Accessing Rare Materials

Speciall Collections refer to: 

1) Tokubetsu-bon 特別本, 

2) Wasō-bon 和装本

In addition to these special collections, Engeki jōen shiryō 演劇上演資料 requries advance appointment.

Prior to the Visit: Advance Inquiry and Preparation Required

• For Tokubetsu-bon, please fill out Tokubetsu shiryō etsuran mōshikomisho 特別資料閲覧申込書 (PDF)

• Wasō-bon does not require request in advance.

• For Engeki jōen shiryō, please download the form (xls).

• Please send the Engeki jōen shiryō etsuran moshikomisho:

Upon Arrival:

• For viewing microform materials, please fill out マイクロフィルム閲覧証.

• Some materials are xeroxed. For these materials, please check with Fukusei shiryō ichiran (複製資料一覧 ) at the reading room and fill out (Tosho etsuranshō 図書閲覧証), and submit the form to the library staff.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws

• Xeroxed materials can be duplicated by using the copy machine.

• Reader Printers are available

  • Copy Fee: 30 yen per sheet

• For other materials, please fill out  Shashin shiryō teikyō shinseisho (写真資料提供申請書).

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net