Hanagata Kabuki

March Program at the Minamiza Theatre: Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari, Cherry Program (March 2026) – Third Visit

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

2026.03.23

Kabuki

March Program at the Minamiza Theatre: Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari, 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

March Program at the Minamiza Theatre: Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari, Cherry Program (March 2026) – First Visit

A revival of Sonezaki Shinjū Monogatari after 73 years, performed by the Cherry Program 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

March Program at the Minamiza Theatre: Pre-Curtain 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 in a male role… A pre-show notebook of the jitters before opening day.

2026.03.01

Kabuki

March Program at the Minamiza Theatre: Cherry Program (March 2024)

Roaring laughter at Ukon's pre-show talk, a breathless Onnagoroshi Abura no Jigoku, and a lottery card that made my day. A solo trip to the Minamiza's spring hanagata kabuki.

2024.03.21

Kabuki