nhk world's kazuhiro takahashi reports. >> reporter: they began making paper lanterns about 200 yearsgo. he has carried on the craft for close to half a century. he's specialty is painting. he grew up in the shadows of the kabuki theater. >> translator: i've been visiting ever since i was in primary school. i used to go to my dad's workshop there after school. i would carry his tools home. >> reporter: people in japan have been performing kabuki for about 400 years. the first kabuki theater was built in central tokyo in the late 19th century. it has been rebuilt four times since then. workers have just put the finishing touches on the newest version. this theater is located in this district. the redesign is already turning heads. it draws the attention of passersby. dozen of the lights decorate the front of the new theater. the craftsman using special techniques to make his lanterns glow. >> translator: i make the colors lighter. that allows the light to shine more brightly. >> reporter: lanterns are typically round. he cuts this part in half so they take up less space on stage. he's