#Japan #Tokyo #EDEN #Kazuna Houjou #TWIN SIGNAL

Unveiling the Future of AI in 'Eden: The Robot Loved by the Doctor'

In an exciting convergence of art and technology, the immersive theater performance 'Eden: The Robot Loved by the Doctor' will be showcased on March 14 and 15, 2026, at the renowned Yuukuu Space Gazabii in Suginami, Tokyo. This play is a part of the Suginami Theater Festival and brings to life a compelling narrative driven by AI themes, culminating in a distinguished talk show featuring acclaimed novelist Kazuna Houjou.

Event Overview

This theatrical presentation is notably led by an impressive cast, including composer and pianist Takashi Aragaki, stage actor Ayaka Matsuo, and journalist and actress Sammi Kuribayashi, among others. The production will consist of eight performances over the two days, providing audiences ample opportunity to immerse themselves in its engaging storyline.

Central to the plot is a robot named Eden, unearthed from a research facility buried in snow for over a century. Driven by curiosity, audience members will participate in the experience of uncovering secrets that lie within Eden, prompting them to reflect on humankind's relationship with technology. The narrative delves into the enigmatic past of its creator, leading to an unsettling rumor: that Dr. Kaminouchi, the brilliant roboticist, was ultimately killed by his own creation.

On the evening of March 14, following the 6:00 PM performance, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a talk show with Kazuna Houjou, renowned for her works exploring AI and robotics, including her acclaimed novelization of the popular manga 'TWIN SIGNAL'. She will discuss the themes of the play, the evolution of AI, and her insights into how these technologies intertwine with our lives today and in the future.

Kazuna Houjou's Perspectives

Having spent years writing about artificial life, Kazuna Houjou brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the table. In her own words, she expresses excitement for the upcoming conversation, stating, "We are currently witnessing significant discussions surrounding generative AI and large language models (LLM), which are redefining how humans relate to technology. 'Eden' reflects this central theme, and I'm thrilled to share insights with the audience on this journey of exploration."

Kazuna made her debut with 'Novel TWIN SIGNAL', a forward-thinking comic focused on humanoid robots and cyberspace. In addition to writing novelties, she has authored various titles, including the cyberpunk series 'Miracle Intelligence' and the acclaimed fantasy series 'Desert and Gold', all of which are available as e-books.

Behind the Production

The immersive experience is made possible by Phantomeria, a pioneering theater group established in 2025, which specializes in immersive theater, where the audience engages directly with the narrative unfolding around them. This unique format enhances participation, creating a powerful connection between the actors and spectators. As stated by Sammi Kuribayashi, the producer, and director, “Growing up captivated by 'TWIN SIGNAL' and Kazuna Houjou’s novels, this production is significantly influenced by those works. Expect an insightful dialogue with Kazuna that may echo predictions made about AI decades ago.”

Performance Details

• - Show Dates: March 14 (Saturday) & March 15 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Yuukuu Space Gazabii, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
• - Ticket Pricing: General admission is ¥4,000, while exclusive researcher tickets allowing audience members on stage are ¥6,500 (limited to 10 per show).
• - Schedule:

- March 14: 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM / 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM (with talk show)
- March 15: 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM / 4:00 PM / 6:00 PM

Tickets are available through Kanfetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a captivating fusion of theater and cutting-edge artificial intelligence discussions. Purchase tickets here.

Join us for a weekend where technology, storytelling, and human emotions collide, sparking discussions that may very well shape our understanding of AI.