2026-03

Kabuki

Cinema Kabuki “Sonezaki Shinju” Premiere Screening (March 2026)

After watching the Sakura Program at Minamiza, I hopped over to the Cinema Kabuki "Sonezaki Shinju" premiere screening. A precious recording of Tojuro and Ganjiro, Ganjiro's words about his father's Ohatsu, and finally meeting "my" Ohatsu — a travelogue of my fourth Sonezaki Shinju this month.
2026.03.23
Kabuki
Kabuki

Hanagata Kabuki Special Performance: Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari, Sakura Pro (March 2026) – Third Visit

My 4th Sonezaki Shinju of the month. After watching Sakura Pro at Minamiza, I dashed off to a Cinema Kabuki screening with a stage greeting by Kazutaro-san. A self-declared "Sonezaki Shinju double-header" — topped off with a surprise appearance by Terajima Shinobu. The most Sonezaki-saturated day of my life.
2026.03.23
Kabuki
Kabuki

Kabukiza March Grand Kabuki, Evening Program (March 2026)

A solo theatergoer's account of the March Grand Kabuki evening program (B-cast) at Kabukiza. The revolving stage scene where Somegoro and Sakon slowly disappear into darkness completely stole the show.
2026.03.13
Kabuki
Kabuki

Nakamura Kankurō & Shichinosuke: Shungyō Kabuki Special Performance — Matinee (March 2026)

The Nakamura brothers' touring Shungyō Kabuki Special Performance 2026 (matinee): a heartwarming talk corner, Shichinosuke getting his face blackened in Suminuri Onna, and a small gap I felt inside a multipurpose hall. A solo theatergoing diary.
2026.03.13
Kabuki
Kabuki

Hanagata Kabuki Special: The Love Suicides at Sonezaki – Pine Program (March 2026) – Second Visit

My second visit to the Hanagata Kabuki Special at Minamiza - this time the Pine Program. Kazutaro's Tokubei was perfection from the moment he stepped on stage, and Ukon's Ohatsu turned out to be my favorite. A solo-going account of falling in love with cast-swap kabuki.
2026.03.08
Kabuki
Kabuki

Hanagata Kabuki Special Performance: Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari, Sakura Pro (March 2026) – First Visit

A revival of Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari after 73 years, performed by the Sakura Pro cast at Minamiza in Kyoto. Kazutaro's Ohatsu, Ukon's Tokubei, the quiet lingering of the final scene, a warm post-show talk, and even a themed bento—a day packed with delights, solo-style.
2026.03.05
Kabuki
Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Inuyama Castle

A quick side trip from Nagoya turned into a full-on crush. After spotting Inuyama Castle on a TV drama, I went to see Japan's oldest surviving keep, got the jitters on its scary top-floor balcony, collected castle cards and seals, and accidentally fell head over heels for castle hopping.
2026.03.04
Castle Hopping
Castle Hopping

Inuyama Castle Route Map

A photo route map from Inuyama-yuen Station to Inuyama Castle, the castle town, and Inuyama Bridge, shown in the order I walked it.
2026.03.04
Castle Hopping
Kabuki

Sangatsu Hanagata Kabuki: Pre-Curtain Excitement Notes (March 2026)

Minamiza's "Hanagata Kabuki Special Performance" features a role-swapping production. I cheerfully bought tickets to both the Matsu and Sakura casts — only to find myself nervous about Kazutaro-san in a male role… A pre-show notebook of the jitters before opening day.
2026.03.01
Kabuki