Aomori Meets Tokyo: PocoPoco Club Presents 'Home - Ringo's Song'

Connecting Aomori and Tokyo!

The PocoPoco Club is excited to announce its first New Year performance titled 'Home - Ringo's Song,' set to take place from January 13 to January 18, 2026, at Za Koenji 1, located in Suginami, Tokyo. This production marks an important milestone as it embodies a collaborative effort between Aomori and Tokyo through theater. Tickets are currently available through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd.

You can purchase tickets here.

The Journey of 'Home'

The play took root over a span of one year and seven months, inspired by the motto 'A play that can only be made in Aomori!' Written by Keita Sera, a writer originally from Hirosaki City, and directed by Yohei Mikami, an actor and director from Aomori City, 'Home' connects the regions of Hirosaki, Aomori, and Tokyo. After its initial reading in April last year at the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum, the play underwent several iterations with performances in various formats, including a music reading drama at Hirosaki's Seventen Church and a reading drama at Space Denega.

This year, a double cast was announced in May, suggesting the show's evolution. We celebrated the 150th anniversary of apple cultivation in Aomori with a new drama entitled 'Loving Apples, Crossing the Sea.' Now, it is time for its exciting Tokyo debut.

Highlights of the Play

1. A Collaborative Celebration: The play is tied to the 150th anniversary of apple cultivation in Aomori, telling the rich story of Tsugaru apples. This script was selected as one of only 16 out of 188 submissions from the Hokkaido-Tohoku region in last year’s Playwrights Association Awards. Backed by various municipalities and educational committees, the production seeks to merge farming, theater, and education. Cast members are actively engaged in agricultural activities, making this a truly interdisciplinary project.

2. Musical Elements and Dialect: The subtitle, 'Ringo's Song,' perfectly fits as the show features numerous songs, including original pieces by koyomi, a singer-songwriter from Hirosaki City, alongside beloved classics such as 'Apple Song.' The live piano accompaniment enhances the theatrical experience with beautiful and spontaneous melodies. The performance also intriguingly incorporates the Tsugaru dialect, enriched by the works of poet Kyozo Takagi, known for writing in regional dialects.

3. Diverse Performers: The role of Ringo, the singing apple character, will be shared by Kaoru Yamazaki from Tokyo and Jonagold from Aomori. Kaoru is an accomplished actor and singer, nominated for the pre-2025 Yomiuri Theater Award for her recent work. Her captivating and soulful voice promises a memorable performance. Meanwhile, Jonagold, a member of the iconic 'Ringo Musume,' steps into theater with this production. Viewers can look forward to experiencing their distinct vocal styles.

Additionally, talented veteran actors from Tokyo's theater scene will portray the characters in a standard Japanese version of the script, enriching the presentation.

About PocoPoco Club

Established in 2013 by three men moved by the sight of a turtle struggling to lay eggs, the PocoPoco Club aims to create captivating productions. With Mikami directing, the creators collaborate on writing scripts for each performance. The group has expanded its reach, participating in international tours and hosted events, while also earning various accolades for their innovative theater work. They continually strive to discover new opportunities within the arts.