Exciting Upcoming Tokyo Performance of 'How to Spend Saturday' Set for February 2026

'How to Spend Saturday' Tokyo Performance

The 47th production of Knit Cap Theatre, titled "How to Spend Saturday," will premiere its Tokyo engagement from February 27 to March 1, 2026, at Za Koenji 1 in Suginami, Tokyo. Tickets are already available through Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd.

Performance Photo

This intriguing play is set in a café in Kyoto, bringing to life the essence of the city from a century ago. The male character riding a bicycle in a kimono in the promotional photos represents Saito Raitaro, a significant figure of the time and a member of Shochiku's ensemble actors. During a turbulent period marked by escalating conflicts abroad, Raitaro managed to blend humor and a sense of common man’s perspective into his writings, boldly voicing his opinions against the government.

The titular role of Saito Raitaro will be portrayed by Takaichi Nishimura, an award-winning actor who claimed the 28th Kansai Contemporary Theatre Actor Award. Similarly, the role of the café owner will be played by Kuniko Chida, a recipient of the 27th edition of the same award. The witty interactions between these renowned Kansai actors promise to be a highlight of the performance.

Recently, just before kicking off the Kyoto engagement, Knit Cap Theatre's previous work, "Farewell, Elephant," received both the Best Work Award and the Audience Choice Award at the 4th Kansai Theatre Awards (2025).

Words from the Creators

In anticipation of the Tokyo performance, both the scriptwriter and director share their thoughts on the show:

- Goma no Hae (Scriptwriter): “This piece illustrates the true, unfiltered Kyoto that visitors often miss. I encourage everyone to come and enjoy the experience.”
- Kyoichi Hashimoto (Director): “This play meditates on the places, times, and people involved. We look forward to welcoming you all!”

You can find interviews with Goma no Hae, Kyoichi Hashimoto, and actress Mayu Yamazaki in the latest issue of the theatre information magazine, Confetti. Read the interview here.

Overview of the Performance

The narrative of "How to Spend Saturday" revolves around the historical mini-newspaper, "Saturday", which operated in Kyoto from 1936 to 1937, primarily focusing on the local café culture. Fueled by the passion of its publisher, Saito Raitaro, the newspaper delivered a medley of content including films, fashion, political discussions, and international news, resonating with the residents of Kyoto. However, in November 1937, it was forcibly shut down by police intervention.

In our theatrical rendition, the characters represent individuals from early Showa-era Kyoto, highlighting how they adjusted or remained the same in the face of the approaching tumultuous war. As the narrative unfolds, we explore how Raitaro and his newspaper navigated their existence during these uncertain times. Continuing with their tradition of utilizing local memories for their creations, Knit Cap Theatre now draws inspiration from their home base, Kyoto, aiming to craft a piece that even those hesitant about the city will cherish.

In these dark times, how will you spend your days?

For more details and ticket bookings, visit the official performance website.

Event Details

Knit Cap Theatre's 47th Performance: "How to Spend Saturday (Tokyo Performance)"
Date: February 27 (Fri) - March 1 (Sun), 2026
Venue: Za Koenji 1, Suginami-ku, Tokyo

Cast

- Shunsuke Kadowaki, Kiichiro Sawamura, Moeka Nakaya, Takaichi Nishimura, Kazuya Yamaya
- Haruna Takada, Hanako Koshiga, Mayu Yamazaki, Toshifumi Takahashi, Takeshi Ono
- Goma no Hae, Kuniko Chida (Manpaku Design), Shotaro Ozawa

Crew

- Script: Goma no Hae
- Direction: Kyoichi Hashimoto (Manpaku Design)

Performance Schedule

- February 27, 2026, 19:00
- February 28, 2026, 14:00
- March 1, 2026, 14:00

Ticket sales are limited to 10 audiences per show, a total of 30 available. Tickets can be purchased from 45 minutes before the performance start time, with doors opening 30 minutes before.