#Japan #Tokyo #NO MORE #Kagurazaka #Locatone

Discover the Enchantment of Kagurazaka

A new immersive theatre experience titled "-The Memory Pawnshop- Hono Akari Dou" is set to take place from February 5 to February 8, 2026. This project, a collaboration between Long Run Planning Inc. and the creative team Mukei Choukoku, invites participants to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Kagurazaka while engaging with a captivating narrative.

The unique aspect of this production is its integration of the Locatone™ voice AR application, which guides the audience through the streets of Kagurazaka. As participants walk around, they will encounter characters inspired by historical figures associated with the area. Participants will don traditional haori jackets, walk with lanterns, and wear wireless open-ear headphones, immersing themselves fully in the story.

Navigating the Narrative

As participants navigate their surroundings, they will hear audio that reacts to their location, leading them through different story elements. The performance is designed to be both engaging and enlightening, allowing participants to discover snippets of Kagurazaka's history and culture as they interact with the narrative. This blend of walking and storytelling offers a fresh perspective on the area, enabling individuals to confront their own memories in a new light.

The experience is tailored for theatre enthusiasts, lovers of retro culture, and fans of mystery-solving narratives. The event promises an enriching experience for anyone interested in a unique form of entertainment.

Character Designs Unveiled

Recently, the full character visuals have been unveiled, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event. Two distinct narratives will unfold during the day and night performances, each offering different paths and characters to interact with. The settings will be divided into Northern and Southern courses to deepen engagement and provide varied experiences. This structure invites participants to revisit the performances, taking in the beauty of Kagurazaka from different angles throughout the day.

Daytime Narrative

• - Inspired by the likes of Hanako Kagurazaka and composer Masao Koga, characters will include:

- Geisha Hanako: Played by Kanako Ishida, Michiko Ishida, Shoko Suganuma, and Mio Kobayashi.
- Composer Chiga: Played by Shinya Ichikawa, Tetsuya Uehara, Kunihiro Kawai, and Mitsuru Tsukaguchi.
- Gentleman Onodera: Played by Hiroaki Kadokawa, Shuhei Kanekawa, Michihiro Kubota, and Yoshihiko Kumano.

Nighttime Narrative

• - Based on writers Kyouka Izumi and Buntaro Ozaki, featured characters are:

- Woman Sachi: Played by Kanako Ishida, Michiko Ishida, Shoko Suganuma, and Mio Kobayashi.
- Disciple Kinmizu: Played by Shinya Ichikawa, Tetsuya Uehara, Kunihiro Kawai, and Mitsuru Tsukaguchi.
- Master Sawasaki: Played by Hiroaki Kadokawa, Shuhei Kanekawa, Michihiro Kubota, and Yoshihiko Kumano.

Common Characters for Day and Night

• - Pawnshop Owner: Played by AGATA, Tomoe Uchiyama, and Yuki Otsuka.

Immersive Experience Details

Participants will wear traditional patterned haori jackets and carry lanterns, with open-ear headphones enhancing their engagement. The immersive technology of Locatone™ provides a seamless blend of real-world exploration and storytelling, making for a truly unforgettable outing. The app, developed by SoVeC Inc., utilizes Sony's technology to deliver a remarkable audio experience at designated locations throughout the venue.

Event Overview

• - Title: "-The Memory Pawnshop- Hono Akari Dou"
• - Location: Iidabashi School Ruins (2-28, Ageba-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) and other Kagurazaka sites
• - Performance Dates: Pre-public performances from February 5-8, 2026, with full performances planned for late April to early May 2026.
• - Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
• - Capacity: 20 participants per performance
• - Ticket Price: 5,200 yen (including headphone rental)

Production Team

The production features a talented team, including Yukiko Imai (script) and Masaaki Miki (main director). Collaborators include costume designer Mito Koizumi and make-up artist Miyuki Hayashi, with production support from various organizations and a grant from the Arts Council Tokyo.

Future of Immersive Theatre

Mukei Choukoku, founded in March 2022, focuses on immersive experiences that promote human connection. They believe in the power of theatre to make society kinder and brighter, actively creating innovative projects. The combined efforts of Mukei Choukoku and Long Run Planning promise to redefine the future of immersive theatre in Japan.

Visit the official websites for more details:
Mukei Choukoku
Locatone
Long Run Planning