Solo theater

August Program at the Kabukiza Theatre: Part 1 (August 2026)

A ghost story on Ghost Story Day — Kaidan Botan Dōrō at the Kabukiza. Koshiro's opening remarks had the whole house laughing, Tatsunosuke's ghost was almost too adorable, and the intermission meal at Tokyo Kitcho was a feast. My second visit to Part 1 this month.

2026.08.13

Kabuki

Bunraku Summer Festival: Machi no Hi (August 2026)

Chaplin's classic City Lights reborn as a brand-new bunraku play. I'd never seen the original film and loved every minute. Plus an unexpected encounter with Kanjuro Kiritake at the charity donation box.

2026.08.08

Bunraku

Bunraku Performance in May (May 2026)

A long-awaited return to Bunraku at Theater 1010 in Kitasenju. I watched both Part 1 and Part 2 of the May 2026 Bunraku Performance, spent the day with The Tale of Asagao, kept my binoculars fixed on Kanjuro, and came away feeling properly recharged.

2026.05.21

Bunraku

Autumn Bunraku Performance: Program C (September 2025)

The Love Suicides at Sonezaki, in bunraku. In the Tenmaya scene, Ohatsu's foot carried all her resolve, and for a moment, I forgot they were puppets. A quiet, heavy, wonderful night at the theatre.

2025.09.22

Bunraku

Bunraku Performance for Beginners: Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami (June 2024)

I went for Terakoya, but the beginner-friendly commentary stole the show. My first Bunraku Performance for Beginners at the National Bunraku Theatre, in its 40th anniversary year — a solo theatre diary.

2024.06.09

Bunraku