The Kabuki-za Theater, which was completed in 1889 as part of the Engeki kairyo undo (theatrical performance improvement movement), was the first theater to change all the floor seats to chair-based seating, with the result that audiences were forced to 'sit' on chairs.
全席を椅子席にして観客が「腰掛ける」ようにしたのは、演劇改良運動の一環として明治22年(1889)に落成した歌舞伎座が最初だった。