Custodians of the Toyota Kabuki inheritance.
Kabuki originated in the region between the middle of the Edo era (1603-1868) and the middle of the Meiji era (1868-1912). For a brief period of Japanese history kabuki dropped out of favor but was soon resurrected.
In the Toyota region the revival was led by the Obara Preservation Association. It originated in 1973 and is now an intangible folk culture asset of Toyota City. Subsequently, other preservation societies were established in the rural areas of Asahi, Fujioka and Ishino . They all strive continuously t o nurture and develop the rich Kabuki inheritance.

The Obara Kabuki Preservation Association (an intangible folk cultural asset of Toyota City)
Obara Kabuki originated in the middle of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Its origins were in amateur kabuki (jishibai) and was performed as a dedication to the local shrine. For a short period of history Kabuki dropped out of favor but was soon resurrected and in 1973 ‘The Obara Lovers of Kabuki’ was established. This organization was renamed in 1975 as the Obara Kabuki Preservation Association and continues its energetic endeavors until the present day.

Kabuki performances have been conducted in the Asahi area since the middle of the Meiji era (1868 – 1912). Asahi town established its Kabuki Preservation Association in 1980 and following the merger with greater Toyota it become known just as The Asahi Preservation Association diligently working continuously for the good of Kabuki.

It is generally accepted that Kabuki performances were established in the Fujioka area in the latter half of the Edo period. In 1996 Kabuki was revitalized by a Kabuki performance held under the guidance of the Obara Kabuki Preservation Association and in 2002 ‘Fujioka Kabuki’ was established. Like its neighbours, Fujioka continuously strives to protect and develop the Kabuki inheritance.

Kabuki in Ishino took root in the Meiji era. Following the hiatus in Kabuki popularity performances were reintroduced in the area in 2001 and in 2004 the Ishino Preservation Association was established. They hold performances every year on the rural stage of the Iwakura shrine.