Happy-Go-Solo

July Program at the Kabukiza Theatre: Matinee (July 2026)

My second-ever front row at the Kabukiza — once again at the far end. Watching the umbrella trick in 'Suehirogari' for the second time, and marveling at Matsuya's switch from villain to lord.

2026.07.07

Kabuki

Ron Mueck Exhibition (July 2026)

Only 11 works, yet so much to take in. Ron Mueck's first solo exhibition in Japan in 18 years, at the Mori Art Museum. The piece that stayed with me most, Woman with Shopping, felt too real to photograph.

2026.07.06

Museums

July Program at the Kabukiza Theatre: Suehirogari, Single Act Tickets (July 2026)

A last-minute change of plans led me to the Single Act seats at the Kabukiza. A quick viewing of Suehirogari with Somegoro and Hayato: high, a little scary, and very satisfying.

2026.07.06

Kabuki

The Fall: 4K Digital Remaster at Meguro Cinema

A schedule change left me with a free afternoon, so I finally saw The Fall in 4K at Meguro Cinema. Every frame looked like a painting, a beautiful, heartbreaking film that took my breath away.

2026.07.06

Others

July Program at the Kabukiza Theatre: Evening Show (July 2026)

The Evening Show of the July Program at the Kabukiza Theatre from a seat right beside the hanamichi: Kamahige, Megumi no Kenka, Shunkyo Kagami Jishi, plus the Megumi Gozen and Snoopy renjishi plushes.

2026.07.05

Kabuki

Super Kabuki “Princess Mononoke”: Matinee (July 2026)

Super Kabuki "Princess Mononoke" at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre. Faithful to the film, with every one of Ashitaka's iconic moments - and Tokizo Nakamura's Lady Eboshi stole my heart. Leaf confetti drifted down to my seat, too.

2026.07.05

Kabuki

Travel Walks: Ohori Park (June 2026)

After the castle and the museum, on to Ohori Park next door. A big pond that was once Fukuoka Castle's outer moat, circled on foot — swan boats, intently staring carp, and a Noh theatre. A solo travel walk all about the air by the water.

2026.06.25

Travel Walks

Fukuoka Art Museum (June 2026)

After walking Fukuoka Castle, I popped into the Fukuoka Art Museum next door. From a Heian-period Yakushi Nyorai and the Twelve Heavenly Generals to a Sengai hanging scroll, Anish Kapoor and Chiharu Shiota — a solo museum stroll through a collection of astonishing range. I ended up lingering far longer than planned.

2026.06.24

Museums

Hakataza Grand Kabuki: Matinee (June 2026)

A solo trip to Fukuoka for a father-and-son name succession at the Hakataza. Banners along the Kawabata arcade, the celebratory curtain seen from straight below, 12-year-old Kikunosuke's Umeomaru, and Kikugoro's Ibaraki Doji - a matinee on closing day.

2026.06.24

Kabuki

Hakataza Grand Kabuki: Evening Show (June 2026)

My first visit to the Hakataza, for the naming-ceremony Evening Show of Kikugoro Onoe VIII and Kikunosuke Onoe VI. Wild over Hirohiko Araki's stage curtain, gasps from the house at Danjuro's otokodate, tears at the father-and-son Renjishi - a solo night full of serendipity.

2026.06.23

Kabuki