Entrance of Nakayama Rural Kabuki Theatre in Shodoshima, Japan. Kabuki, Japanese traditional theatre was born in the 17th century. Rural Kabuki theatre, open air Kabuki theatre in rural area, has been played by local villagers for the local villagers in Japan. More than 300 years ago, there were 33 rural Kabuki theatres in Shodoshima, a small island in western part of Japan. Currently only two rural Kabuki theatres exist in the island. But Shodoshima islanders still play Kabuki once a year, maintaining the 300 years old tradition..