#Japan #Tokyo #Noh Theater #Sekidera Komachi #Kanparu School

Upcoming Noh Performance: 'Sekidera Komachi'

Noh theatre enthusiasts mark your calendars! On December 14, 2025, the Kanparu Enman Ikai Special Performance will take place at the National Noh Theatre located in Shibuya, Tokyo. This performance features the rare and prestigious Noh play, 'Sekidera Komachi', a secret piece of the Kanparu school, historically transmitted from master to disciple. Limited tickets are currently available for purchase through Confetti, managed by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd.. You can find more details on their official website here.

What is 'Sekidera Komachi'?

'Sekidera Komachi' is a highly revered work within the Kanparu tradition, regarded as the finest of the secret plays passed down through generations. The play centers around the character Ono no Komachi, who, at the age of 100, is portrayed by Yasuaki Kanparu, the 80th head of the Kanparu lineage. Notably, this performance will be executed as it has been for centuries, adhering to the Noh scripts passed down through the Kanparu line without any modern alterations.

Performances of 'Sekidera Komachi' have been infrequent since the Meiji Era, with only four showings documented. The first post-Meiji performance occurred in 1946, when Kohtaro Kanparu (the grandfather of the current head) took the stage, marking a significant revival of this traditional art.

The Storyline

The narrative unfolds on the night of Tanabata, when a priest and a young child visit an elderly woman in the mountains known for her poetic talents. It is soon revealed that this woman is none other than Ono no Komachi, who reflects on her past and laments the fleeting nature of life. As dawn approaches, she is invited to dance by the priest, expressing her nostalgia for her youth. Yet, as the light of day breaks, she reverts to her frail self, leaning on a staff as she returns to her humble abode.

Cast and Performance Details

The performance lineup is impressive, featuring a host of talented individuals from the Kanparu tradition:

• - Yasuaki Kanparu
• - Renna Kurawaki (as the child)
• - A renowned ensemble of musicians, including flute master Takayuki Ichiso and drum performers Mitsuo Anpuku and Shinobu Takahashi.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Kanparu Enman Ikai, many top-tier performers from the Kanparu school will showcase their skills, making this a monumental event not to be missed.

Ticket Information

Tickets are available starting at:

• - SS Seat: ¥15,000
• - S Seat: ¥14,000
• - A Seat: ¥13,000
• - B Seat: ¥10,000
• - Special B Seat rate for those under 25: ¥5,000

(All seats are reserved and tax included)
To purchase tickets, visit the Confetti ticket site.

Conclusion

This performance of 'Sekidera Komachi' embodies the spirit and art of traditional Noh theatre, and it promises to be an exquisite experience for audiences. Join us to witness a piece of Japan’s rich cultural heritage come to life on stage!

Location: National Noh Theatre, Tokyo | Date: December 14th, 2025 | Showtime: 1 PM (Doors open at 12 PM)