#Japan #Tokyo #Android #Puppetry #Isshiza

A New Chapter in Puppetry: 'The Melancholy of the Android'

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary theatrical experience as the renowned Isshiza puppet theater collaborates with the talented director Kenji Higashi for their second project titled 'The Melancholy of the Android'. This exciting show will be held at the Tokyo Art Theater, Theatre West, from February 6 to February 10, 2026.

Tickets Now Available

Fans eager to witness the magic of this puppet show can purchase their tickets through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Tickets are already on sale, with prices set to cater to a variety of audiences. For more information on how to secure your tickets, visit the official website here.

This follow-up performance comes two years after the Isshiza and Higashi's first collaborative piece, 'Collapse… In Pursuit of the White Whale', which received widespread acclaim. The audience and critics alike have expressed their desire for both a reprise and a new work.

A Gripping Narrative

In this upcoming show, the story centers around an android in search of love, tinged with themes of identity and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from the classic gothic novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, it raises profound questions about existence, love, and the human experience through its fantastical lens.

The narrative embarks on a profound journey as the android seeks to understand its place in the world, weaving together elements of horror and beauty. Can a creature born from science grasp the meaning of true love? Is there a utopia that it can claim as its own? This eloquent tale promises to challenge societal norms and ignite discussions about the implications of technology in human relationships.

Synopsis of 'The Melancholy of the Android'

"How tragic the end of life is…" From a desire to escape pain, a creature was born—an experiment that yielded a monster. The kind-hearted monster roams the earth, only to be captured by a traveling show where it engages with other hybrids and begins to understand love. However, a ruthless showman and his cunning wife threaten to tear apart this fragile bond. In a quest for a utopia said to be at the northern end of the earth, the monster's journey into love and adventure amid a landscape of ice and snow is about to unfold.

The Legacy of Isshiza

Isshiza is a distinguished puppet theater that has persistently upheld the traditional craftsmanship of Edo-period puppetry, known as Ningyo Joruri, for over four centuries. Founded in 2003 by the third-generation master puppeteer Yuki Isshiza, the troupe continually seeks to push the boundaries of traditional puppet theater by collaborating with diverse performing artists, creating original works that resonate with contemporary audiences. In 2022, the lineage of Yuki Isshiza was passed down to his eldest son, ensuring the continuation of this invaluable cultural legacy.

This upcoming performance is not to be missed, as it highlights the fusion of classic puppeteering techniques with modern storytelling that provokes thought and emotion. Get ready to witness a captivating blend of artistry when 'The Melancholy of the Android' premieres!

Performance Details

• - Date: February 6-10, 2026
• - Venue: Tokyo Art Theater, Theatre West, 1-8-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
• - Directed by: Kenji Higashi
• - Featuring:

- Minone Oozutsu (Kagura Theater)
- Dai Jiro Harada
- Kumiko Touyoshi
- Yoshinori Inaba (Shiki Theater Company)
- Megumi Suzuki (Shiki Theater Company)

Ticket Pricing

• - General Admission: ¥5,500
• - Opening Night Special: ¥4,500
• - Pair Discount: ¥10,000
• - Senior (70+ years): ¥5,000
• - Student: ¥3,500

Note: Tickets are reserved seating and include tax. Discounts available only for specific dates. Ensure to bring valid identification for senior and student rates.

Purchase your tickets now and be part of a whimsical exploration of love, longing, and identity!

For line of ticket purchase, visit Confetti here.