Although much fanfare, excited TV coverage and celebrity casts accompanied the opening of new theatrical venues in Tokyo this year, such as Akasaka Red Theater, Theater Creation in Hibiya and Owl Spot in Ikebukuro, many would be hard pressed to truly wax lyrical about Japan's drama world over the last 12 months.
Certainly, there was no letup in the cycle of new productions, with ever more glitz and glam at larger venues as producers shunted stages through in quick succession to ensure novelty appeal. At least, they kept their box offices busy. But in sustaining this dizzying production-line bustle, quality and originality often lost out to repeat programs, rehashed old works and superficial spectaculars, rendering any serious critical appraisal largely irrelevant.
Nonetheless, there have been highlights in 2007 well worth reflecting on now, as many unflashy productions staged in the relative shadows have drawn delighted applause.