Main hall,
Maytheater

Long-awaited reopening of the 'May Theater' after renovation

May Theater (Suita City Cultural Hall) which was constructed in 1985, underwent extensive renovation to improve safety and earthquake-resistance in the wake of the 2018 earthquake.
The renovation focused particularly on improving the seating area's comfort and convenience, with a strong emphasis on barrier-free accessibility. Eventually, the long-awaited reopening took place in September 2020.

The nickname 'May Theater' comes from the city flower, the 'Satsuki (azalea),' which represents the lush greenery in the month of 'May', combined with the English word 'MAY' and the auxiliary verb 'May' that signifies possibilities.
The renewal embodies hope for the future, which is also expressed in the name of the venue.

Design upgrade and seating comfort through seat replacement

Kotobuki Seating renovated the seating in the three halls (Main, Middle, and Small) of the facility.
The 1,382-seat Main Hall, with its comprehensive stage equipment and an orchestra pit, is suitable for concerts as well as operas, ballets, and other performances.
After approximately 35 years since its completion, signs of wear and tear, such as deteriorated upholstery and foam, were visible on the seats. In response to Suita City's request to improve seating comfort and create a fresh impression, we replaced the seats.

The previous seats had fully upholstered backrests. But, we used ample wood in the backrests and armrests of the new seats to enhance the overall aesthetic feel. We reduced the thickness of the backrest to create more space between the seating rows as compared to the prior setup. Through this change, we achieved one of the goals for the seating area - a sense of privacy.

The seat is designed to have the seat cushion wrap around the seat's backboard.
The seat uses built-in molded urethane that retains its shape and corrugated springs with excellent durability that distribute body pressure evenly. Our aim was to reduce the impact during sitting and minimize the strain on the body even over extended periods.
Furthermore, the seat is equipped with a mechanism that allows the seat to rise gently when you stand up, eliminating vibrations and noises. This maintains the tranquility of the hall without disturbing the audience.

Audience seating with the feel of Satsuki

The upholstery used for the seating is a custom-made product crafted by Kotobuki Seating's group company, FABRIKO Co., Ltd. The design takes inspiration from the 'Satsuki' flower, which is not only the city's symbol but also the source of the hall's name.
To harmonize with the meticulously chosen wall tiles, we employed a geometric pattern depicting the stamens and pistils of the Satsuki flower. The base, with two random stripes of red, adds depth to the color and is designed to make stains less noticeable.
Departing from the previous classical and muted color scheme, the revitalized 'Satsuki color' now adorns the hall with a bright and vibrant touch. The greatly transformed appearance of the hall has garnered high praise from the citizens.

We also ensured barrier-free accessibility in the hall, one of the key goals for this renovation. We increased the wheelchair seats from five to 12, while also installing handrails for the seats located behind the first-floor's central aisle and for the second-floor seats. The large rounded handrails make it easier for everyone to navigate stairs and walkways safely.

Through this renovation, Suita City Cultural Hall has now transformed into a safe and comfortable space. It is poised to continue being a beloved venue for the citizens for many years to come.

Facility Overview

Opened in 1985, Suita City Cultural Hall, known as 'May Theater,' is a multipurpose hall that is home to facilities such as a Main Hall, a Middle Hall, a Small Hall, and exhibition rooms.
In addition to the seating, the renovation included the installation of elevators in the foyer of the Main Hall, the renewal of restrooms (equipped with bidet seats having warm water), and the updating of interior signage throughout the venue. With the ceiling renovation in the hall, acoustic reflector panels and other elements were also updated to further enhance the acoustic performance, elevating its status to a high-precision sound facility.

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