THEATER | 'Meijiza May Flower Kabuki' Commemorates 140th Anniversary

THEATER | A Gathering of Today's Rising Stars

Meijiza May Kabuki: Celebrating 140 Years

Meijiza, celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, will host the 'Meijiza May Kabuki' from May 3rd (Friday, holiday) to 27th (Monday). The event features a stellar lineup of today's brightest stars, including Somegoro Ichikawa, Ainosuke Kataoka, Kankuro Nakamura, and Shichinosuke Nakamura, promising a diverse program showcasing their unique talents.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Evening Performance: Ainosuke Kataoka's Passionate 'The Carp Catcher' Premieres in Tokyo

The Meijiza 'Rising Stars Kabuki' has become an annual tradition since the Kabuki performances returned two years ago after a 16-year hiatus. This year, the stage will be graced by a remarkable ensemble of rising Kabuki talents, illuminating the early summer with their brilliance.

The program is divided into day and evening performances. The daytime show features 'Sanemori Monogatari,' a tale of destiny woven by those connected to the Heike warrior Saitō Bettō Sanemori and Minamoto no Yoshitaka, brought to life by Kankuro and Shichinosuke.

Following this, 'Yowa Nasake Ukina no Yokogushi' presents a captivating pairing of Somegoro and Shichinosuke. The performance includes 'Mizukumi,' where the handsome Yosaburo and beautiful Tomi fall instantly in love, and 'Akama Bessō,' depicting their secret rendezvous and Yosaburo's subsequent brutal punishment. The play also features 'Genya-dana,' known for its famous line "Shiganē koi no nasake ga ada" (My meager love's mercy turns to ruin), set in the Meijiza vicinity.

Kankuro Nakamura as Saitō Bettō Sanemori (Photo courtesy of Shochiku)

Somegoro Ichikawa as Yosaburo (Photo courtesy of Shochiku)

The evening program includes 'Shogun Edo wo Saru,' a drama set during the turbulent era of transition from Edo to Meiji, depicting the struggles of those driven by desperate desires and anguish, and the agonizing decisions of Shogun Yoshinobu who receives their pleas. This is followed by a complete change of pace with the masterpiece of female role dance, 'Fuji Musume' (Wisteria Maiden), showcasing the vibrant charm of Shichinosuke Nakamura as the spirit of the wisteria. Additionally, the program features the Tokyo premiere of 'The Carp Catcher,' performed by Ainosuke Kataoka, who is active based in the Kansai region, among other highly anticipated pieces.

Shichinosuke Nakamura as the Wisteria Maiden (Photo courtesy of Shochiku)

'The Carp Catcher' by Ainosuke Kataoka (Photo courtesy of Shochiku)

The 'Meijiza May Kabuki' condenses the essence of Kabuki through dynamic staging unique to Meijiza, featuring the young stars who support the Kabuki world. It's an invitation to experience a refreshing performance befitting the clear May skies.

'Meijiza May Kabuki'
Dates | May 3 (Friday, holiday) - May 27 (Monday)
Times | Day Performance 11:00 AM - Evening Performance 4:00 PM *May 16 (Thursday) evening performance starts at 5:15 PM
Venue | Meijiza
2-31-1 Nihonbashi Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Prices | First Class Seats ¥12,600, Second Class Seats ¥8,400, Third Class A Seats ¥5,250, Third Class B Seats ¥3,150
*Student discount: 20% off each seat category. Reservations accepted from April 19 (Friday) at 10:00 AM.

Meijiza Ticket Center
Tel. 03-3666-6666
Online Reservations 'Sekitori-kun'
http://www.meijiza.co.jp/