Happy-Go-Solo

Dan-Kiku Festival: May Program at the Kabukiza Theatre, Evening Show (May 2026)

My very first front-row experience at the Dan-Kiku Festival: May Program at the Kabukiza Theatre evening program! The third-generation Tatsunosuke Onoe succession play "Kikubatake," Danjuro's Sukeroku, and Ukon's hilarious Tsujin Satoakatsuki - a truly special evening up close.

2026.05.05

Kabuki

Kabukichō Grand Kabuki: Hitori Tabi Gojūsantsugi (May 2026)

Kabuki in the heart of Kabukichō! A flying cat-monster in twelve-layered robes, Danko's thirteen-role quick-change, and a Koekabu jackpot with voice actor Hosoya Yoshimasa. A first visit to THEATER MILANO-Za, and a gamble that paid off.

2026.05.05

Kabuki

Travel Walks: Hokkaido University (April 2026)

I ended up at Hokkaido University after an internet rabbit hole that started at Upopoy. A vast campus in the city, the University Museum's architecture and dinosaurs, and a little forest that won my heart over the famous poplars.

2026.04.29

Travel Walks

Travel Walks: Hokkaido University Route Map (April 2026)

A photo route map of my solo stroll around Hokudai: from the main gate to the poplar avenue, the forest next door, and the ginkgo avenue, finishing with ramen at Ichiryuan.

2026.04.29

Travel Walk Route

Travel Walks: Upopoy (April 2026)

An evening with Lake Poroto all to myself. Guided by Ainu-language signposts, lost in video exhibits, watching inaw being made in a cise, and then a flat-out dash to catch my train.

2026.04.28

Travel Walks

Travel Walks: Upopoy Route Map (April 2026)

From Shiraoi Station to Lake Poroto, a photo route map tracing my walk through Upopoy in order, with a bonus stop for soup curry back in Sapporo.

2026.04.28

Travel Walk Route

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

My day at the closing performance of April Program at the Kabukiza Theatre matinee at Kabukiza. Kikugoro's brilliant performance across three roles, tears at Masaoka's "yo de kashatta," and the breathtaking Nikki Danjo on the hanamichi viewed from my favorite hanagai dobu seki.

2026.04.27

Kabuki

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

Watching the closing-day Renjishi from right beside the hanamichi at April Program at the Kabukiza Theatre. Trying to soak in both Ukon Onoe and Mahoro Onoe at once, falling for Kikugoro Onoe's adorable Osuzu, and laughing so hard at Kankuro Nakamura I almost forgot I was at Kabukiza.

2026.04.27

Kabuki

Castle Hopping: Fukuoka Castle (April 2026)

No keep, no problem. Fukuoka Castle's nozurazumi stone walls, a newly restored turret, plus a clear gojo-in stamp — all part of a memorable solo visit.

2026.04.21

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Fukuoka Castle Route Map (April 2026)

A companion route map for Castle Hopping: Fukuoka Castle Ruins, following the walk from Ohorikoen Station through the castle ruins and nearby history spots.

2026.04.21

Castle Walk Route