This was my second time (read about the first visit here).
The moment he stepped on stage, I knew – this was it 😂 All that nervous fretting beforehand about “How will Kazutaro’s Tokubei turn out?” – honestly, what was I worried about? Of course Kazutaro’s Tokubei was going to be wonderful. As always, today was the best.
Pine Program, At Last
The “Hanagata Kabuki Special” at Minamiza, this time in its Pine Program (Matsu-pro) configuration. Nakamura Kazutaro plays Tokubei and Onoe Ukon plays Ohatsu – the reverse of the Cherry Program casting.
Before the Cherry Program, I’d written in my notes, “I’m not used to Kazutaro in male roles, I’m a little nervous . . .” I was actually worried. Looking back at those pre-show notes now, I can’t help but laugh at myself.
The Moment He Appeared
Kazutaro’s Tokubei – from the first line, from the very way he stood, it was completely, utterly cool.
What was I even worried about?! I had to laugh at my past self. Of course Kazutaro was going to nail it – of course he was. The moment he appeared, I thought, “Ah, this is going to be amazing,” and sat there nodding to myself like a little fool. The show had just started and I was already thinking, “I want to see the Pine Program again!” Four times would have been pushing it, though (laughs).
The Kazutaro who played Ohatsu in the Cherry Program is, of course, an entirely different presence – different posture, different voice. But both are Kazutaro, and both are wonderful. To see the same actor show such different faces – this, I realized, is the real joy of cast-swap programming.
Ukon’s Ohatsu, Maybe My Favorite
And here was another discovery: Ukon’s Ohatsu was actually my favorite.
Ukon, who played Tokubei in the Cherry Program, takes on Ohatsu here. Maybe it’s because I’d read Kakuta Mitsuyo’s novel *Sonezaki Shinju* before going, but Ukon’s Ohatsu felt closer to the Ohatsu in Kakuta’s writing. I can’t quite explain what exactly – it just somehow clicked.
The Cherry and Pine Programs are each wonderful in their own right. It’s not about comparing them, but discovering your own preferences along the way – that, too, is the joy of going twice.
The conclusion: the Pine Program was incredible.
Taneya and Acrylic Stands: A Solo-Goer’s Kit
Since I had a dinner plan after the show, my intermission snack of choice was Taneya’s sakura-mochi (cherry blossom rice cake) and kusa-mochi (mugwort rice cake), picked up at Kawaramachi Takashimaya on the way.
And for the photo session, I brought an acrylic stand from home. Photographing actors together with a tiny acrylic stand is much harder than it looks – the focus won’t lock, the angle is always off, and before you know it, the whole session is over. You could say “even the failed shots are good memories!” but honestly, no – I went home and searched “acrylic stand photography tips” to prepare for next time. I’ll probably forget all of it by then, though . . .
Closing Thoughts
I’m so glad I got to see both the Cherry and Pine Programs. The person who was nervous before the show ended up walking out saying, “I want to see the Pine Program one more time!” – honestly, give me a break (laughs).
Cast-swap productions offer two pleasures at once: the fun of comparing, and the fun of discovering your own preferences. What a luxurious little setup.
The Whole Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari Series
This post is part of my Sonezaki Shinju Monogatari viewing series.
- Pre-show excitement notes: The jitters right after I scored my tickets
- Sakura Pro, 1st viewing: Opening day Sakura Pro, with a gorgeous bento too
- Matsu Pro ← you're reading this one
- 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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