#Japan #Tokyo #Akane-kai #Yume no Gakudo #Izumi Kyoka

A New Dawn for the Akane-kai

The Akane-kai, known for its passion for the narration and reading theater, is thrilled to announce its first full stage performance. This marks a new chapter in their artistic journey as they bring to life Izumi Kyoka's celebrated work, "Yasugai-ike: In Love, I Shall Not Abandon Life". The performance is set to take place at Nakano Studio Akutore in Tokyo from May 28 to June 1, 2025.

The Essence of the Performance

This production pays homage to the literary beauty of Kyoka's writing while refreshing it for contemporary audiences. Yume no Gakudo, an esteemed member of Akane-kai who previously worked with the group, has dedicated himself to crafting this adaptation based on Kyoka's stories. Retaining the original work’s elegant and poetic language, this modern rendition aims to appeal to the sensibilities of today's theatergoers.

The performance will offer a uniquely immersive experience, showcasing the transformation of the traditionally simple narration into a captivating theatrical form. The stunning minimalistic set design will be handled by Chika Kato, an esteemed stage designer with whom the Akane-kai's director, Yuki Kanjō, collaborated 35 years ago. Their reunion promises a visually arresting interpretation of the performance space that will enhance this fascinating story.

Additionally, the Akane-kai is renowned for its impeccable costume design. This time, it will be further enriched by contributions from Chika Kato and Michiyo Abe, a commercial theater costume designer who will ensure that the audience is treated to exquisite and innovative traditional Japanese attire.

The Story Behind "Yasugai-ike"

The narrative is set during the summer of 1913 in a quaint village at the base of Mt. Mikuni in Fukui Prefecture. It begins with a traveler, a scholar named Yamazawa Gakuen, searching for his long-lost friend, Akihira Hagiwara. Unexpectedly, he encounters a beautiful woman named Yuri, only to discover that she is married to the very friend he has been seeking.

Yamazawa’s reunion with Akihira unveils a tale intertwined with local legends—of a dragon god sealed within the Yasugai-ike pond, which is said to erupt in chaos if the bell at the mountain base is not rung three times a day. Following the death of the bellkeeper, Akihira has taken it upon himself to fulfill this duty, marrying Yuri and settling in the village, where he now faces the relentless drought that plagues the land.

As the story progresses, themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between mortal existence and the divine are beautifully crafted, showcasing the intersection of human emotions against a backdrop of extraordinary mythos.

About Izumi Kyoka

Izumi Kyoka was born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1873. With the profound loss of his mother at a young age, his longing for her deeply colored his literary themes. Kyoka is celebrated for his allegorical novels, having penned over 300 dazzling works, firmly placing him within the realm of Japanese literature.

Performance Details

• - Production: Akane-kai Vol.8, Izumi Kyoka's "Yasugai-ike: In Love, I Shall Not Abandon Life"
• - Schedule: May 28 (Wed) - June 1 (Sun), 2025
• - Venue: Nakano Studio Akutore, Tokyo, B1 San Nakano Mansion, 2-11-2 Nakano

Cast

The performance will feature a diverse cast, including:

• - Yasuyuki Takai
• - Hiroshi Sanpe
• - Yuumi Hidaka
• - Yuki Kanjō
• - Mariko Hirayama
• - Reiji Takehiro
• - Junji Nakano
• - Itaru Fujimoto
• - Ten Miyazawa
• - Rin Nayuta
• - Hidefumi Sato
• - Soji Takahashi
• - Toshi Ando
• - Andy Motoyama
• - Chihiro Shimizu (Min-gei)
• - Yuki Kimura
• - Sho Fukutomi
• - Yūji Yamamoto

Technical Team

• - Music by: Takunori Yodera
• - Lighting by: Yuki Yuri
• - Set Design by: Chika Kato
• - Production Support: Aina Hirata
• - Adaptation by: Yume no Gakudo

Ticket Information

Tickets are currently available via the Confetti ticket system, with prices set at:

• - General: 4,000 JPY
• - Special preview (May 30): 3,000 JPY

For more details on ticket purchases and member benefits, visit the Confetti website: Confetti Tickets.

Be part of this extraordinary blend of literature and performance, as the Akane-kai makes its bold leap into the theatrical world with a narrative that promises to engage and inspire!