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A Cultural Renaissance at Takanawa Gateway City

TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, a grand development project by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), is set to launch on March 27, 2025, right next to the new Takanawa Gateway Station in Tokyo. To commemorate this grand opening, 松竹株式会社 (Shochiku Co., Ltd.) will present the Takanawa Shochiku Tei, a captivating series aimed at preserving and promoting 100 years of Japanese art and culture.

At Takanawa Gateway City, which envisions itself as an experimental hub for enriching lives a century ahead, various cultural performances will be showcased. This includes rakugo, kodan, rokugo, and more, all perfectly curated to highlight the amalgamation of traditional arts in a modern setting. With an emphasis on laughter and joy, these performances are designed to enhance daily life and offer guests a chance to experience Japanese culture up close.

Show Highlights: Diverse and Engaging Content

The Takanawa Shochiku Tei will ensure that everyone stands to gain from this experience, whether they are familiar with traditional Japanese performing arts or not. The show offers a well-balanced mix of performances that includes not just rakugo but also vibrant Japanese dance, making it accessible and enjoyable for first-time attendees.

Each session will revolve around a unique theme. The inaugural performances on May 17 consist of two shows: the first one, themed around “Travel,” and the second, “Variety,” which caters to an audience of all ages. The events on May 18 showcase the themes of “Kabuki” and “Cinema,” embodying the distinctive flair that only 松竹 can provide. This two-day event features four exciting performances full of captivating elements that you won't want to miss!

The high-energy atmosphere at Takanawa is set to be abuzz with laughter and cheer, promising an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Those visiting for the first time are encouraged to dive into the immersive celebration of Japanese culture at the Takanawa Shochiku Tei.

A Word from the Stars of the Show

The event boasts an impressive lineup of performers who have expressed their excitement about the upcoming shows:
Gokai Kundosuke states, “Tokyo is home to a rich tapestry of minor cultural arts, and for the first time, we’ll have a venue that brings these diverse traditional performances together!” He urges audiences to enjoy the harmonious blend of new city developments and timeless cultural arts.

Sanyutei Kankou shares: “The thrill we feel with the opening of this new venue isn’t just about the stunning architecture; it’s about building a community where diverse groups can gather to share in the joys of shared stories and laughter.”

Kanda Matsukoi reflects on the cultural significance of Takanawa, drawing historical ties with famous landmarks with rich traditions. “To be part of Takanawa Shochiku Tei is truly a privilege, and I look forward to helping cultivate a new wave of cultural appreciation from this location.”

Finally, Tatekawa Shiroku, with a rich career spanning four decades, encourages attendees to come witness the finest works of rakugo, promising a rollercoaster of emotions and fun! “You've got to see for yourself how our art can touch lives!”

Event Details

• - Event Name: Takanawa Shochiku Tei
• - Venue: Takanawa Gateway Convention Center LINKPILLAR HALL A・B
• - Location: Tokyo, Minato City, Takanawa 2-21-2, directly accessible from Takanawa Gateway Station
• - Date: May 17-18, 2025
• - Performance Schedule:

- May 17 (Saturday)
- Part 1: Doors open at 12:15, show starts at 13:15
- Part 2: Doors open at 16:15, show starts at 17:15
- May 18 (Sunday)
- Part 1: Doors open at 11:30, show starts at 12:30
- Part 2: Doors open at 15:30, show starts at 16:30

• - Ticket Price: 2,500 yen (tax included)
• - Tickets Available at: eplus, JRE MALL, official site, and official SNS

This initiative from 松竹, under the auspices of JR East, promises to be a remarkable celebration of Japan's artistic legacy, set against the backdrop of a vibrant new city space. Don’t miss the chance to witness an engaging performance filled with culture, creativity, and community spirit!