CHANGE (2008) | New National Theatre — The Asakura Cabinet Photo

The New National Theatre, Tokyo (新国立劇場) is the real location used for the staircase where the new Asakura Cabinet takes its commemorative photograph in episode 4 of Fuji TV’s 『CHANGE』, broadcast June 2, 2008. The filming guide names the theatre specifically for this scene and also credits the venue as a production collaborator for episodes 4 and 6.

Placed just after Keita Asakura becomes prime minister, the formal group photograph visually marks his abrupt arrival at the center of government even though the building is actually Japan’s national theatre for contemporary performing arts.

The theatre remains active at 1-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya, directly connected to Hatsudai Station. The stored coordinate 35.6824477, 139.6836915 follows the theatre’s official embedded map and is a building-level reference, not the exact stair tread, cabinet lineup, or camera point used in 2008.

Visitors should treat it as a working performance venue and follow current opening and event access rules. No backstage or restricted-area access is implied by the drama connection.