#Japan #Tokyo #Human Rights #Team Keychain #The Path of Thorns

Team Keychain's Upcoming Play: 'The Path of Thorns'

Team Keychain is set to stage its 21st main performance, titled The Path of Thorns, from January 22 to January 26, 2026, at the Kichijoji Theater, located at 1-33-22 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo. Tickets are now available through Confetti, operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

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Historical Context

The Path of Thorns dives deep into the historical injustices faced by individuals affected by leprosy in Japan. Beginning in 1907, the passage of Law No. 11 instigated the isolation of those deemed as “vagrants,” leading to widespread human rights abuses. The 1931 Leprosy Prevention Law marginalized patients further, branding them as public health threats and subjecting them to enforced separation from society. Misconceptions perpetuated by officials labeled the disease as hereditary and dangerously contagious, prompting families to abandon their loved ones or resort to tragic ends.

The narrative unfolds amidst these injustices, spotlighting events up to the 1953 revision of the Leprosy Prevention Law, which continued to endorse segregation. While global perceptions of leprosy shifted towards treatment and de-stigmatization beginning in the 1940s, Japan maintained its isolationist policies well into the late 20th century, making the fight for justice even more poignant.

In 1996, the law was finally repealed, but it took until 2001 for Japan’s courts to recognize the discriminatory practices that had been inflicted on these individuals, affirming the constitutional violations that had occurred for decades. The transition from public scorn to eventual acceptance is a testament to the resilience of those wrongfully categorized and dehumanized.

Synopsis of the Play

Set in an uncertain realm that bridges life and death, The Path of Thorns introduces us to a group of individuals stripped of their names and basic rights, locked away under the pretense of medical treatment. This harrowing backdrop serves as a reminder of the tragic history wherein patients were treated as societal outcasts. The story spans critical historical milestones from the enactment of the Leprosy Prevention Law in 1931 to the eventual apology from the state for these transgressions in 2001.

Amidst the sorrow, the characters grapple with their existence, finding ways to create meaning and strive for dignity despite their circumstances. The poignant dialogues and interactions reveal how resilience can thrive even in the darkest chapters of history.

Performance Details

The Path of Thorns will take place at Kichijoji Theater, with the following schedule:

• - January 22 (Thursday) at 19:00
• - January 23 (Friday) at 19:00
• - January 24 (Saturday) at 13:00 and 17:30
• - January 25 (Sunday) at 13:00 and 17:30
• - January 26 (Monday) at 15:00

The venue doors will open 30 minutes prior to each show.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the performance are priced at 4,900 yen (tax included, reserved seating). Please note that ticket sales will end at midnight on January 26. After that, only tickets at the door will be available, depending on availability.

For more about the ticket purchase process and member benefits, visit Confetti's website.

Meet the Cast and Crew

The talented ensemble includes Okada Kanade, Manabe Penguin, Imai Yuya, Takara Sana, and many others from Team Keychain, along with guest actors like Yamaguchi Kaishi and Ito Momoka. The production team is helmed by Azuki, who will be in charge of the script and direction, with support from various accomplished staff members across design, lighting, and sound.

Join us for this impactful theatrical experience that seeks not just to entertain, but to provoke thought and inspire change through the lens of a poignant historical narrative.