When I saw the visual for the “Matsu Cast,” I flinched a little. Because that Kazutaro-san… 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 Sangatsu Hanagata Kabuki?
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 Shinju Monogatari (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), originally written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and supervised by Nakamura Ganjiro.
It was back in 1953 that Sonezaki Shinju 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 Nakamura Kazutaro and Onoe Ukon 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 Shinju.
Matsu Cast or Sakura Cast?
Nakamura Kazutaro-san and Onoe Ukon-san swap the roles of Ohatsu and Tokubei in this double-cast production.
– Sakura Cast: Ohatsu = Kazutaro-san / Tokubei = Ukon-san
– Matsu Cast: Ohatsu = Ukon-san / Tokubei = Kazutaro-san
The Sakura Cast is closer to what we usually see — the “safe (?) combination.” The Matsu Cast, on the other hand, gives us Ukon-san as an onnagata (female role) and Kazutaro-san as a tachiyaku. This is a big deal.
I love Ukon-san’s onnagata, that goes without saying, but more than anything — I just can’t get used to the idea of Kazutaro-san 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-san… 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-san — 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 Shinju Monogatari Series
This post is part of my Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari viewing series.
- Pre-show excitement notes ← you're reading this one
- Sakura Pro, 1st viewing: Opening day Sakura Pro, with a gorgeous bento too
- Matsu Pro: Kazutaro-san as the male lead – what a shock
- Sakura Pro, 3rd viewing: A Sonezaki Shinju double-header & a surprise Terajima Shinobu
- Cinema Kabuki: Off to a screening with a stage greeting by Kazutaro-san
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