Did you know that Asakusa Kaguwa is actually the third incarnation of the legendary Kaguwa show restaurant? The current location, nestled in the lively Sushiya Street of Asakusa, was brought to life by former dancers of the original Roppongi Kaguwa—but the journey between these two locations holds a fascinating story of reinvention, resilience, and a passion for performance.
In this inaugural blog post, let’s take a deep dive into the history of Kaguwa, exploring how it transformed from a raucous Roppongi nightlife staple into the culturally rich Asakusa experience it is today.
The Birth of Kaguwa: Roppongi’s Glittering Show Restaurant (2004-2018)
The first Kaguwa opened its doors in 2004, right in the heart of Roppongi—a district then undergoing a dramatic transformation. The completion of the Roppongi Hills development had begun reshaping the area, but Roppongi’s soul still pulsed with its infamous nightlife: neon-lit bars, pulsating clubs, and underground entertainment.
Kaguwa was a product of that era—a lavish, no-holds-barred show restaurant unlike anything else in Japan.
A Colossal Venue with Unforgettable Performances
The original Kaguwa wasn’t just big—it was the largest show restaurant in Japan. The building spanned four floors, with audiences seated on the second and third floors, surrounding a stage that could move between the second and third floors, allowing performers to dance across multiple levels. There were also cable suspended from the ceiling allowing dancers to fly through the air. With a 180-person capacity, the place was often packed, buzzing with energy as guests sipped cocktails under dazzling lights.
A Mix of East and West, Risqué and Refined
The performances were a bold fusion of traditional Japanese spectacle and Western flair. Yes, there were geisha-inspired dances and thrilling samurai swordplay, but the shows also featured glamorous cabaret numbers and even sultry burlesque-style acts.
The New-Half Phenomenon: Kaguwa’s Trailblazing Legacy
One of the most unique aspects of Roppongi Kaguwa was its celebrated "new-half" performers—transgender entertainers who dazzled audiences with their beauty, grace, and show-stopping choreography.
The term “new-half” is uniquely Japanese, referring to transgender women in nightlife settings. In 2004, this was still a relatively underground scene, and Kaguwa became one of the most famous venues showcasing their talent. Fans traveled from across Japan just to witness their breathtaking beauty, cementing Kaguwa’s reputation as a hub of innovative contemporary entertainment.
The Short-Lived Revival: Roppongi Kaguwa 2.0 (2018-2020)
In 2018, the original Kaguwa closed its doors—not due to lack of popularity, but because the land was slated for the Roppongi Hills 2 development and their lease was not renewed. The team quickly relocated to a smaller venue nearby, but with only 70 seats, it lacked the grandeur of its predecessor.
Then, COVID-19 struck.
The pandemic devastated Tokyo’s nightlife, and by 2020, the second Kaguwa was forced to shut down. But the story didn’t end there.
A Phoenix Rises: Asakusa Kaguwa (2024-Present)
Kazumi, who was the leader at the time, and Nana, the vice leader, stepped up to carry on the spirit of Kagawa.
Responding to their desire, Kazushi, Sakura, Maina, Chiaki, and Tenkumo, who had written plays together at Kagawa, gathered again.
New members also joined the group, and they embarked on a new challenge.
A Fresh Vision for a New Era
Gone were the risqué dances and Western number. Instead, Asakusa Kaguwa was reborn with a goal to use a combination of tradition and innovation to give foreign customers a taste of Japanese culture in an exciting, easy to watch program.
The team spent years refining their craft during the pandemic, meticulously rehearsing new choreography and songs. While most dancers learn a routine in 1-2 months, the Asakusa Kaguwa cast had the luxury of perfecting every detail before their grand opening in January 2024.
A Rocky Start, A Loyal Following
The first few months were tough. Some nights, only two people showed up—but the performers gave each show their all, as if the room were packed. Slowly, word spread. Devoted fans from the Roppongi days made the pilgrimage to Asakusa, and by March 2024, business began to pick up.
Even on sold-out nights, the staff would clear a table for any longtime supporter who called ahead—a testament to the Japanese dedication to regular customers.
The Spirit Lives On
Asakusa Kaguwa may be different from its Roppongi ancestors, but its heart remains the same: a place where spectacle, culture, and passion collide. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, stepping inside is like joining a living legacy—one that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Ready to experience the magic? Come see a show, and become part of Kaguwa’s next chapter! 🎭✨
🖊 Written by Paul Thiemann
An American university student interning at Asakusa Kaguwa, helping to share its unique charm with the world!
Comments