I went for Danko, and came home completely won over by Lady Eboshi (Tokizo-sama). During the flying scene, a flurry of leaves – not cherry petals – came drifting down, and some landed right by me. Lucky leaves. Yes, today was the best day ever.
What Is Super Kabuki “Princess Mononoke”?
It is the kabuki version of that Studio Ghibli classic “Princess Mononoke,” now playing at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre. Danko Ichikawa plays both Ashitaka and the Forest Spirit, Kazutaro Nakamura plays San, and Tokizo Nakamura plays Lady Eboshi.
The schedule is wonderfully simple: Act One, a 30-minute intermission, then Act Two. If you are used to the Kabukiza’s multi-act programs, this feels refreshingly straightforward – though with only one intermission, it was so busy it hardly counted as a break (lol)
“Princess Mononoke” From the Moment You Arrive
The Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre, seen from across the street at a slightly unusual angle. Not a view I get very often, so I took a photo.
As I approached the entrance, there it was: the huge “Princess Mononoke” signboard. Lady Eboshi!!! My excitement level shot up the moment I arrived. The red “sold out” notice was up too, and you could feel the buzz of a hit production.
During the 30-minute intermission, I stepped outside to photograph the giant posters on the theater walls. Every single one looked amazing – I could not stop taking pictures.
I also got my hands on the horizontal flyer I had been wanting. Pure happiness.
Faithful to the Film, With Every Iconic Scene
When I got to my seat, the stage was covered by a forest curtain. Even before the show started, I felt like I was stepping into the world of “Princess Mononoke.”
And once it began, it was far more faithful to the film than I had expected. Every one of Ashitaka’s iconic moments was there, and part of the fun was playing a little guessing game in my head: “Will they do that scene? Will they? They did!” You know – that moment at the Iron Town, that line to San, that one and that one! By the end, I wanted to watch the film all over again. Is there anyone alive who does not love Ashitaka? That level of handsome. (And it is Danko, so of course he was going to be cool!)
One thing I noticed: the sound design in Super Kabuki is different from regular kabuki. The music and effects are quite loud, so I could barely hear my earphone guide – I rented one and ended up hardly using it (lol) I wanted to listen to the special intermission interview, but the audio cuts out when you step into the lobby, so I gave up. That said, since most people know the story from the film and the dialogue is in modern Japanese, you can absolutely enjoy this one without a guide!
Nobody Beats Tokizo-sama
And the one who completely stole my heart this time: Tokizo’s Lady Eboshi.
Elegant, dignified in every stance, and above all, that voice. His delivery is just superb. Somewhere along the way I went full “nobody beats Tokizo” mode. I had bought my ticket for Danko, but – surprise, surprise (or not) – Lady Eboshi got me. My personal Actor of the Year 2026 might just be Tokizo. Actually, that was already decided when I saw his Princess Yuki in “Kinkakuji” at the Kabukiza. I would happily go again just to see his Lady Eboshi. Truly flawless.
By the way, there was a curtain call – something you do not get at regular kabuki performances! Just as I was thinking “farewell, Lady Eboshi…” she came back out. A feast for the eyes.
Leaf Confetti, Right Down to My Seat
My seat this time was my usual spot right beside the hanamichi, the runway through the audience. Danko’s chunori, or flying scene, passes directly over the hanamichi, so I got to watch him soar from right below. I was so moved.
That is when it came down: a flurry of leaves instead of cherry-blossom confetti. After the show, the floor was covered in little green leaves.
I tucked one of the leaves that had drifted down to me into the Kodama page of my program book and took a photo. One more lovely memory to keep.
Final Thoughts
I tried photographing the blue program book in the greenery outside the theater, and surrounded by all those leaves, it looked just like the forest of “Princess Mononoke.”
Faithful to the film with every iconic scene, Tokizo’s Lady Eboshi, and that leaf confetti. I think this production is an easy entry point for both Ghibli fans and kabuki beginners. As for me, I will be living in the afterglow of Lady Eboshi for a while. Also, in which is the merch?! I need an acrylic stand of her!
It is a long two-month run through July and August. Wishing every performer good health and safety all the way to the final curtain. (And I am hoping to go at least once more before then!)
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