After holding the first official performance at Osaka's Nakaz, the company gradually converted the five theaters in Dotonbori into company-owned venues.
Opening of the company-owned Kyoto Minza.
The first official tour of Nakazawa in Osaka
Subsequently, began direct management of the five Dotonbori theaters
Directly managed Kyoto Nanzen and opened
Converted the Wenrakiza into a company-owned venue, taking over performances of the puppet show "Jōjō Ruri."
Directly managed Bunrakuza, inheriting the puppet theater touring business
Acquired Shintokuza and expanded into Tokyo.
Acquired Shinbudo, expanding into Tokyo
Renamed the joint-stock company Matsushita Gōkō to Matsushita Gōmeisha.
Matsushita Kōmei Company renamed to Matsushita Gōmei Company
Matsushita held its first performance at the Kabuki-za.
Reconstruction of Kyoto Minza completed.
Shochiku’s first tour at Kabukiza
Completion of the renovation of Kyoto Nanzen
After establishing the company-owned Kabuki-za, the company gradually converted theaters in Tokyo into company-owned venues.
Directly managed Kabukiza, then gradually managed various Tokyo theaters
After announcing the founding of Matsushita Film, the first film "Island Girl" was released.
Announced the first film of Shochiku Film Company, "Island Girl"
Matsushita Film Gōmeisha acquired Empire Activity Photo Co., Ltd. and renamed it Matsushita Film Co., Ltd.
Subsequently, Matsushita Film Gōmeisha merged, and the headquarters were established in Kyōbashi, Tokyo.
The second phase of the Kabuki-za was destroyed by fire.
Released the first work of Matsushita Film Research Institute, "Soul on the Road."
Matsushita Film Co., Ltd. acquired Teikoku Activity Photo Co., Ltd., renamed to Matsushita Film Co., Ltd.
Subsequently absorbed Shochiku Film Co., Ltd., establishing the headquarters in Kiyokawa, Tokyo
The second Kabukiza burned down
Shochiku Film Institute’s first film, "Soul on the Road"
Established the Matsushita Musical Theatre School Training Center in the Matsushita Gōmeisha branch.
Established the Shochiku Musical Theater Training School in the Shochiku Co., Ltd. branch office
Opened Osaka Matsushita-za (Dotonbori Matsushita-za); Matsushita Musical Theatre Society's first performance "Girl of Ale City."
Lost the rebuilding Kabuki-za, offices, and 22 theaters and cinemas in the Keihin area due to the Great Kantō Earthquake.
Started filming at Matsushita's Shimamoto Photography Studio.
Opened Osaka Shochikuza (Dotonbori Shochikuza), first performance of Shochiku Musical Theater "Alai City Girl"
Lost the Kabukiza, office, and 22 theaters and cinemas directly managed in the Kihin area during the Great Kanto Earthquake
Shochiku’s Kamo Photography Studio began filming
Matsushita Film Co., Ltd. listed on the Tokyo and Osaka Stock Exchanges.
Matsushita Film Co., Ltd. listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange and Osaka Stock Exchange
First overseas Kabuki performance (performed by the Ichikawa Zaigun troupe in the Soviet Union).
First overseas Kabuki performance (Ichiwa Sakugunji’s first theater to the Soviet Union)
Opening of the reconstructed Kyoto Minza.
Assumed management of the Imperial Theater; all Kabuki actors became affiliated with Shochiku
Opened after renovation of Kyoto Nanzen
Took over management of the Imperial Theater, all Kabuki actors were brought under Shochiku
New Tokyo Theater opened
First performance at Tokyo Theater
Opened new Tokyo theater
Tokyo theater's first tour
Shochiku Land and Building Industry Co., Ltd. merged with Shochiku Kogyo Co., Ltd., renamed Shochiku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Released Japan’s first fully sound film "Mrs. and Wife" (Director: Goshō Hideo)
Matsushita Land & Building Co., Ltd. merged with Matsushita Kōgyō Co., Ltd., renamed to Matsushita Kōgyō Co., Ltd.
Japan's first fully sound film "Mrs. and Wife" (Director: Goshō Hidesuke) premiered
Tokyo Shochiku Musical Theater renamed Shochiku Girl Opera Society (SSK)
Tokyo Shochiku Musical Theater renamed Shochiku Girl Opera Department (SSK)
Dissolved Shochiku Girl Opera Society, established Shochiku Girl Opera Company (SSK)
Renamed Osaka Shochiku Musical Theater to Osaka Shochiku Girl Opera Company (OSSK)
Osaka Shochiku Musical Theater renamed Osaka Shochiku Girl Opera Company (OSSK)
Announced second-generation succession of Oikawa Shoji
Announced second-generation Oikawa Momo inherits stage name
Daifuna Photography Studio opened; Kamata Photography Studio closed
Asakusa International Theater opened; Shochiku Girl Opera Company’s first performance
Opened Oda Photo Studio, closed Kamata Photo Studio
Asakusa International Theater opened, Shochiku Girl Opera Company’s first tour
Released "Aizen Kei" (Director: Nomura Hiroshi), a huge box‑office hit
"Ai Zhen Gui" (Director: Nomura Hiroshi) premiered, very popular
"Zan Kiku Monogatari" (Director: Mizoguchi Kenji) won the first Minister of Education Award
"Zan Kiku Monogatari" (Director: Mogi Kenji) won the 1st Minister of Education Award
Released Shochiku Animation Research Institute’s first work "Kofuku Chūjō"
Shochiku Animation Research Institute’s first work "Kofuku Surprise" premiered
Released Japan’s first full‑color cel animation "Spider and Tulip"
Japan’s first fully celluloid animation "Spider and Tulip" premiered
Released post‑war first project "Kaze" (Director: Sasaki Yasushi), theme song "Song of Apples" became a hit
Kyoto Shikamo Photography Studio self‑ignited
After 23 years, the foreign film division revived
First post‑WWII project "Breeze" (Director: Sasaki Yasu) premiered, theme song "Song of Apples" became a hit
Shochiku Shikamo Photo Studio caught fire by self‑ignition
Revived Western film department after 23 years
Announced seventeenth-generation succession of Nakamura Kanzaburo
Announced 17th generation Nakamura Kanzaburo inherits stage name
After the war, the fourth Kabuki stage reopened
Sold the Matsushita Shimo Kamo Photography Studio and moved the location to Matsushita Taizai Photography Studio
The first generation of the Nakamura Yoshioemon troupe performed "New Year's First Opening Grand Kabuki" at the Kabuki-za
Announced the succession of the 13th generation of Hiraoka Hitosaburo
Announced the succession of the 6th generation of Nakamura Kazuemon
Released Japan's first color film "Carmen Returns Home" (Director: Kinoshita Keisuke)
Fourth Kabuki-za rebuilt and opened during wartime disaster
Sold Shochiku Shikamo Photo Studio, moved base to Shochiku Taizō Photo Studio
First generation Nakamura Yoshioemon performed "New Year's First Opening Big Kabuki" at Kabuki-za
Announced 13th generation Hiraoka Jinzaemon inherits stage name
Announced 6th generation Nakamura Kazuemon inherits stage name
Japanese first division full-color film "Carmen Returns Home" (Director: Keisuke Kinoshita) premieres
Osaka Matsushita-za became the first cinema to screen foreign films and resumed operations
Announced the succession of the 3rd generation of Ichikawa Zaitsu
Osaka Shochikuza, the first cinema to screen Western films, reopens
Third-generation Ichikawa Zaitō announces succession of stage name
Sunshine Theater Co., Ltd. opened
Held the first three-act performance in the grand theater at the Kabuki-za
Sunshine Theater Co., Ltd. opened
First three-act tour of the grand theater at Kabuki-za
Chairman Okutani Takejirou received the Cultural Medal
President Otani Takejirō receives the Cultural Medal
Matsushita Hall (3-8-6 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku) was completed and the headquarters moved there
Osaka Matsushita Opera Company became a corporation and separated from Matsushita
Shochiku Hall (3-8-6 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku) opens, headquarters relocates
Osaka Matsushita Opera Company became independent from Matsushita as a corporation
Establishment of Shochiku Clothing Co., Ltd.: Osaka Shochiku Opera Company became independent from Shochiku as a corporation
Opening of Shochiku Otani Library Foundation; establishment of Shochiku New Entertainment Co., Ltd.; opening of Shinjuku Shochiku Hall (now Shinjuku Piccadilly)
Matsushita Okutani Library Foundation opened
Shinjuku Matsushita Hall (now Shinjuku Piccadilly) began operations
Shochiku Otani Library opens as a foundation
Shinjuku Shochiku Hall (now Shinjuku Piccadilly) opens
Creation of a television studio for drama production at headquarters (now TV Planning Office); establishment of Shochiku Business Co., Ltd.; merger of foreign film division with Select International Film Company, forming Shochiku Select International Film Co., Ltd.
Established a new television studio at the headquarters (now the TV Planning Office)
New television studio established at headquarters (now TV Planning Office)
Full partnership with Tokyu and Yōga Kōgyō (S.T. Chain = Shochiku-Tokyu Film Distribution Chain); renaming of Shochiku New Entertainment Co., Ltd. to Shochiku Entertainment Co., Ltd.; dissolution of Shochiku Select International Film Co., Ltd.; establishment of Shochiku Distribution Co., Ltd. (foreign film import and distribution)
Fully cooperated with Tokyu in foreign film screenings, forming the ST chain cinemas
Renamed Matsushita Shin-En-gi Co., Ltd. to Matsushita Gekino Co., Ltd.
Tokyu and Hōyōga Seikō fully cooperate (forming the S.T. chain)
Matsushita New Performance Co., Ltd. renamed to Matsushita Entertainment Co., Ltd.
Withdrawal from management of Dotonbori Bunrakuza and Ningyō Jōruri; closure of Asakusa Shochikuza; renaming of Osaka Shochiku Opera Company to Japan Opera Company (NKD); opening of Shochiku Bowling at Shochiku Hall 6th floor
Exited management of Dotonbori Bunka-za and Ningyo Seiryu
Asakusa Matsushita-za closed
Osaka Matsushita Opera Company was renamed Japan Opera Company (NKD)
Shochiku Bowling opened on the 6th floor of Shochiku Hall
Withdraw from operating Dotonbori Bunjakuza and puppet theater
Asakusa Shochikuza closes
Osaka Matsushita Opera Company renamed to Japan Opera Company (NKD)
Shochiku bowling opens on the 6th floor of Shochiku Hall
Chairman Tetsujirō Otani and President Shiro Kido received the French Order of Arts and Letters
Chairman Takayama Takejiro and President Jōto Shiro received the French Order of Arts and Letters
President Otani Takejirō and President Jōto Shiro receive the French Order of Arts and Letters
Chairman Tetsujirō Otani received the First Class Order of the Precious Crown
Chairman Takayama Takejiro received the First Class Order of the Rising Sun
President Otani Takejirō receives the First Class Order of the Sacred Treasure
Japan Opera Company renamed OSK Japan Opera Company; establishment of Chuo Music Publishing Co., Ltd. (later Shochiku Music Publishing Co., Ltd.)
The Japan Opera Company renamed itself OSK Japan Opera Company
Japanese Opera Company renamed OSK Japanese Opera Company
Dissolution of Shochiku Distribution Co., Ltd.; establishment of Fuji Film Co., Ltd. (foreign film import and distribution)
Closure of Shochiku Shimakamo Studio; renovation and opening of Toei (movie theater); introduction of headphone guides at Kabuki-za
"Yatsuhama Village" (dir. Nomura Yoshitaro) screened, popular due to Yokogami Masahisa's trend
Establishment of the Japan Film Academy Awards; "Happy Yellow Handkerchief" wins the first edition's Work Award and other prizes
Asakusa Kabuki revived after 22 years
Matsushita Shopping Center (within O-fune Studio) opens: Drive-in Theater No.1, Chiba Prefecture Funabashi opens
Announcement of the first-generation Matsumoto Shirayori, ninth-generation Matsumoto Koshichiro, and seventh-generation Ichikawa Zengoro inheriting stage names
The UIP-distributed "E.T." released in December screened at Shochiku Tokyu theaters, setting a record of 9.6 billion yen in distribution revenue
Fuji Eiga Co., Ltd. renames to Matsushita Fuji Co., Ltd., expanding into foreign film import and distribution, and also producing and distributing domestic films
With the 30th installment "Tora Jiro's Story: Tora Jiro's Blossoming Flowers," the longest-running film series starring an actor received Guinness recognition
Matsushita Performance Co., Ltd. established: Sunshine Theater Co., Ltd. opens: Kabuki-za hosts its first three-act production in the grand theater
Announcement of the twelfth-generation Ichikawa Danzaburo inheriting the stage name
First performance of "Shikoku Kinpira Kabuki Grand Drama" at the old Kinpira Theater (Kinmaru-za) in Kagawa Prefecture
Shochiku Fuji-distributed "Mozart Biography" wins eight Oscars in the U.S.
Kakuzō Building (Osaka Dotonbori) completed
Kakuza Building (Osaka Dotonbori) completed
Super Kabuki's first work "Sun Warrior" performed for two months in a long-running run
"Chokun Kusan" (dir. Shota Kitada) wins the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival
New Generation 100th Anniversary: Matsushita Shin-Kyogi achieves 20 years and 4 months of consecutive performances; Yurakucho Center Building (Marion) Phase 2 completed, and Marunouchi Matsushita (now Dolby Cinema) opens within the building
New Wave Centennial Celebration
Shochiku New Comedy achieved 20 years and 4 months of consecutive performances
Yōkōchō Central Building (Mullion) Phase 2 completed; Shochiku Marunouchi (now Dolby Cinema) opened inside the building
New style centennial celebration
Shochiku New Comedy achieves record of 20 years and 4 months of consecutive performances
Yōkōchō Chūō Building (Mullion) Phase 2 completed; Marunouchi Shochiku (now Dolby Cinema) opens within the building
New Generation 100th Anniversary Special Performance
"Priestess White Path" (Director: Sango Rintaro) wins the Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival
Kabuki-za 100th Anniversary: Traditional face gathering with hand-shaking ceremony
Kabuki-za Centennial
Kabuki-za 100th Anniversary Tour
"The Last Emperor" distributed by Shochiku Fuji wins the American Oscar, the first Japanese composer award and nine other prizes
"Fishing Enthusiast Diary" Part 1 premieres (up to 2009, 22 parts have premiered)
TV drama department's series "Ghostly Justice Ledger" begins airing
Shochiku Ticketing Hotline opened
Open ticket hotline for Shochiku
"Thorn of Death" (Director: Oguri Kohei) wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes International Film Festival
New Shochiku New Comedy performed its founding show at Osaka's Chūza
Kamakura Cable TV (KCTV) launched
Kyoto Nanzō renovated and reopened
New Shochiku comedy "New Joy" first performed in Osaka's Naka-za under this name
Kamakura Cable TV (KCTV) station opens
Kyoto Nanzai opens after renovation
Hakata ST Building (Hakata Tokyu Excellence Hotel) completed
Bohata ST Building (Tokyu Bohata Excellence Hotel) completed
Announce the 4th generation Nakamura Umehito and 9th generation Nakamura Fukusuke inherit stage names
"School" (Director: Yoshiji Yamada) Series Part 1 premieres (up to 2000, 4 parts have premiered)
Osaka Shochikuza became the first cinema to screen foreign films, then closed
First cinema to screen Western films—Osaka Shochiku-za closes
First performance at Theatre Cocoon of Shibuya Cocoon Kabuki "Tokaido Yoyogi Ghost Stories"
Shochiku celebrates its centennial
Kamakura Cinema World (inside Ofun Photography Studio) opens
Events and tours commemorating Shochiku's 100th anniversary
Established Matsushita Multiplex Theatres Co., Ltd. (SMT)
Shochiku Opera Company (SKD) disbands
Established Hakataza Co., Ltd.
Established Traditional Culture Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
New Osaka Shochiku-za opens
Shochiku Multiplex Theatres (SMT) No.1 complex cinema MOVIX Koko opens
Kabuki-za first telephone reservation accepted
"Eel" (Director: Imamu Shouhei) wins the Palme d'Or at Cannes International Film Festival
Kamakura Cinema World closes
Move headquarters to the East Theater Building in Chuo-ku Tsukiji (current location)
Announce the 15th generation Hiraoka Jinzaburo inherits stage name
President Nagayama Takeo receives the French National Order of the Legion of Honour Knight's Cross
Begin restaurant business
Matsushita Fuji Co., Ltd. dissolved
Osaka's Chūza closed
Abolished the restriction that only screened Toho-distributed Japanese films, allowing free booking
Ticket Hon Matsushita opens
BS Matsushita Tokyu launches (free broadcast of comprehensive programming on BS260ch)
Kabuki: First performance at Heisei Nakamura-za, 'Hokai-bou'
Announced the 10th generation of Sakaido Mitsuru Goro inheriting the stage name
Toho-distributed "Dancers in the Dark" won the Palme d'Or at Cannes
WB-distributed "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" screened at Toho Tokyu theaters, grossing 20.3 billion yen, unprecedented reception
Kabuki: 10th generation Sakaido Mitsugoro succession ceremony; Film: Matsushita distribution of 'Dancer in the Dark' wins Palme d'Or at Cannes; Warner Bros. distribution of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' releases in Matsushita Tokyu theaters, grossing 20.3 billion yen, an unprecedented hit
Announced the 2nd generation of Nakamura Kaishun inheriting the stage name
Announced the 4th generation of Oiue Matsurugi inheriting the stage name
"The Lord of the Rings: Return of the Ring" screened (with this film, 2003's "The Two Towers" and 2004's "The King of the World", total gross 27.29 billion yen)
Kabuki: 2nd generation Nakamura Kaishun succession ceremony; 4th generation Onoe Matsurimitsu succession ceremony; Film: 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' releases (2003 'Two Towers', 2004 'Return of the King' trilogy, grossing 27.31 billion yen)
Kabuki 400th anniversary tour
Kabuki: 400th anniversary performance; Film: 100th anniversary project of Yasujirō Ozu
Other: Cinema Kabuki first film 'Noda-ban Nezuko' releases; Kabuki: 18th generation Nakamura Kansaburo succession ceremony; 4th generation Sakata Fujijiro succession ceremony
Nagoya Midland Square Cinema (joint venture) opened
Namba Parks Cinema (joint venture) opened
Kabuki: First Shuyama Festival performance in honor of the 120th birth anniversary of Yoshioemon Nakamura (Kabuki-za); Other: MET Live Viewing first film 'The Magic Flute' screening
Kabuki-za 120th anniversary
Shinpa 120th anniversary
Shinjuku Piccadilly opened
Film: 'Okuribito' (Director: Yōjirō Takita) wins Grand Prix at Montreal World Film Festival, also a huge hit upon release
New Toho New Comedy renamed Toho New Comedy
Traditional Culture Broadcasting Co., Ltd. dissolved, operations inherited by Kabuki Channel Co., Ltd.
Closed due to the 4th reconstruction of Kabuki-za
Osaka Station City Cinema (joint venture) opened
Kabuki Channel Co., Ltd. dissolved
Opened Kabuki merchandise shop "Toho Kabuki-ya Main Store"
Matsushita Kyoto Photography Studio Co., Ltd. renamed to Matsushita Photography Studio Co., Ltd., established Tokyo studio
Matsushita Digital Center Co., Ltd. renamed to Matsushita Imaging Center Co., Ltd.
Kabuki: Farewell performance at Kabuki-za; Film: 'Okuribito' wins Best Foreign Language Film at the U.S. Academy Awards
Kabuki: 2nd generation Ichikawa Saruō, 4th generation Ichikawa Sarunosuke, 9th generation Ichikawa Naka-sha succession ceremonies; Film: 100th anniversary project of Keisuke Kinoshita; British Film Institute's magazine 'Sight & Sound' lists 'Tokyo Story' as the top film in its 'Best Films by Directors' list
New opening of the 5th Kabuki-za
Kabuki-za Gallery opened
GINZA KABUKIZA (Ginza Kabuki House) Completion
Show Biz Studio Co., Ltd. renamed to Matsushita Show Biz Studio Co., Ltd.
Film: 110th anniversary project of Yasujirō Ozu
Film: 'Chiisai Ouchi' (Director: Yōji Yamada) wins Best Actress (Silver Bear) at Berlin International Film Festival
Kabuki: 4th generation Nakamura Kanjirō succession ceremony
Nanzai Closed Due to Seismic Reinforcement Construction
Film: 100th anniversary project of Masaki Kobayashi; Kabuki: 5th generation Nakamura Suzumeemon succession ceremony; 8th generation Nakamura Shibagami succession ceremony
New Opening of Nanzai
<Kabuki> : Second-generation Matsumoto Shiro, Tenth-generation Matsumoto Koshichiro, Eighth-generation Ichikawa Zengoro succession debut : 400th anniversary of Namba, Namba New Opening Ceremony
50th Anniversary of "Tora Jiro's Story"
"The Man Who Loves" 50th Anniversary
Series 50th Work: "The Man Who Loves" Okaeri Tora-san" Release
It has been discovered that information of SMT Members was leaked at Matsushita Group company Matsushita Multiplex Theaters. Matsushita has apologized to the members and is working to strengthen its management system. The background and details are being directed to be confirmed on the company's website.
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Heisei Nakamuraza 'October Grand Kabuki' announces the cancellation of its performance on Wednesday, October 21.
We are providing information about ticket refunds due to the cancellation of the Heisei Nakamuraza 'October Grand Kabuki' performance on Wednesday, October 21.
Performances at Kabukiza Theatre, Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre, and Minamiza Theatre will proceed as scheduled despite the approach of Typhoon No. 25. Both matinee and evening performances, including private events, are planned to go ahead. Any changes will be announced on the website.
Starting August 15, the Shochiku Group will place donation boxes at theatres nationwide to support those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. Donations will be used to assist victims through the Japanese Red Cross Society and local governments. Fundraising will also continue at theatres presenting stage performances.
As Typhoon No. 15 approaches, performances at Kabukiza Theatre, Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre, and Minamiza Theatre are scheduled to proceed as planned on August 11 and 12. Any changes will be announced on the company website.
Shochiku Co., Ltd. has begun collecting donations to support those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake. Contributions will support recovery in affected areas and are being accepted at the Kabukiza Theatre, Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre, and Minamiza Theatre.
Shochiku Co., Ltd. has started accepting donations to support victims of the 8th year of Reiwa Kumamoto Earthquake. The fundraising is conducted in cooperation with the Japan Actors' Association, a public interest incorporated association, and will later be used for the reconstruction of the disaster area. Donation activities will be carried out at theaters such as Kabuki-za, Shimbashi Enbujo, and Minami-za.