Overview
- The theatre ended its run with the final performance of '御名残五月大歌舞伎', which concluded Tuesday, May 26, 2026, closing a 103-year chapter in Dotonbori's theatre district.
- Operator Shōchiku has said it will begin demolition of the aging building and has expressed an intention to create a new cultural and performing-arts facility on the site, but has not guaranteed reconstruction.
- Company officials are conducting a feasibility review that is focused on projected revenue and legal or regulatory hurdles and they are in active talks with Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City to resolve those issues.
- Shōchiku first announced the closure in August 2025 citing equipment aging as the reason for shutting the theatre and moving toward replacement planning.
- Local supporters and preservation groups held public appeals and calls for a prompt replacement venue as the loss of the Shōchikuza removes the last large theatre descended from the historic Dotonbori Five Theaters and could affect performers, local businesses and cultural tourism.