[1] The site, by chance, was formerly that of the Matsudaira clan residence which serves as the setting for the kabuki play "Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie."

Since becoming associated with Shochiku, the theatre has regularly seen productions ranging from modern drama and musicals to the shinpa (New School) genre developed in the Meiji period, as well as kabuki.

It plays somewhat the role of a storehouse of tradition, and its stage is usually dominated by the top star actors in the genre.

By contrast, many more experimental forms within the kabuki genre, as well as plays starring younger actors, are performed at the Shinbashi Enbujō.

Major renovations were undertaken in 1982, incorporating technological upgrades, extra seating, and expanding to take over the nearby Nissan Motors Building.