When I saw the visual for the “Pine Program,” I flinched a little. Because that Kazutaro… is playing a tachiyaku (male role)?!
I only knew that the casts would swap roles, and without thinking too hard I cheerfully bought tickets thinking, “Of course I’m seeing both!!” But once the visuals were actually released… I realized my imagination had been lacking. Half excitement, half nerves. Actually, maybe the nerves are winning.
What is March Program at the Minamiza Theatre?
The “Hanagata Kabuki Special Performance” runs at Minamiza in Kyoto from March 3 (Tue) to March 25 (Wed), 2026. The program is a single full-length production of Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari (The Lovers’ Suicide at Sonezaki), originally written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and supervised by Ganjiro Nakamura.
It was back in 1953 that Sonezaki Shinjū was first born as a new kabuki work. And now, 73 years later (!!), it’s being revived with a fresh interpretation — so naturally I want to see it. Honestly, with Kazutaro Nakamura and Ukon Onoe together, seeing it felt automatic. I clicked “buy” without a second thought 🎫
With the success of the film Kokuho (National Treasure) too, I imagine quite a few people are now curious about Sonezaki Shinjū.
Pine Program or Cherry Program?
Kazutaro Nakamura and Ukon Onoe swap the roles of Ohatsu and Tokubei in this double-cast production.
– Cherry Program: Ohatsu = Kazutaro / Tokubei = Ukon
– Pine Program: Ohatsu = Ukon / Tokubei = Kazutaro
The Cherry Program is closer to what we usually see — the “safe (?) combination.” The Pine Program, on the other hand, gives us Ukon as an onnagata (female role) and Kazutaro as a tachiyaku. This is a big deal.
I love Ukon’s onnagata, that goes without saying, but more than anything — I just can’t get used to the idea of Kazutaro as a tachiyaku…
When I bought the tickets I wasn’t thinking about any of this. “Oh, they’re swapping casts? Okay okay, I’ll take both!” was basically my mood.
But think about it. That graceful Kazutaro… becoming Tokubei? Really? It’s the kind of thing I want to see precisely because I can’t picture it, but also kind of scary to watch. No no, it’s Kazutaro — of course he’ll nail it! …I tell myself, while still feeling nervous. I even consulted friends with a “What do I do…” (Wait, do about what? lol)
A Little Stroll to Minamiza
As opening day approaches, the area around Minamiza starts getting ready for the next production, and just seeing the face of that entrance gets me excited. I love looking up at it from this angle too.
Posters are also up near the west entrance, and I find myself grinning at them, thinking, “Just a few more days.”
Along Shijo-dori, flags are lined up all the way from Minamiza to Yasaka Shrine. The flags swaying in the wind are lovely, but when I tried to photograph them, the wind was blowing them so much that the timing windows were really limited… it’s surprisingly hard, you know (lol).
Wrapping Up
Anyway, it’s coming up soon, and I can’t wait.
I’ll save the actual review for a separate post.
The Whole Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari Series
This post is part of my Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari viewing series.
- Pre-show excitement notes ← you're reading this one
- Cherry Program, 1st viewing: Opening day Cherry Program, with a gorgeous bento too
- Pine Program: Kazutaro as the male lead – what a shock
- Cherry Program, 3rd viewing: A Sonezaki Shinjū double-header & a surprise Shinobu Terajima
- Cinema Kabuki: Off to a screening with a stage greeting by Kazutaro
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