#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Literature #Shu no Kai #Art Space Plot

Celebrating Japanese Literature: Shu no Kai Vol. 9 Reading Festival

The vibrant tapestry of Japanese literature unfolds through a captivating event, Shu no Kai Vol. 9 Reading Festival, set to take place from May 28 to May 31, 2026 at Art Space Plot in Suginami, Tokyo. This festival features a diverse range of readings, spotlighting five exquisite literary works that span various genres and styles, welcoming literature enthusiasts to enjoy a unique auditory experience.

Since its inception in 2017, the Shu no Kai has dedicated itself to exploring the possibilities and charm of reading through various approaches. We are thrilled to announce that this year’s festival is themed as a ‘Reading Festival’, with the esteemed guest appearance of Akayo Yamaguchi from SAKURA no Kai, ensuring an enriched experience for all attendees.

Line-Up of Literary Works

The event promises a rich and varied lineup that will captivate audiences day by day:

• - May 28 (Thursday):

- Afternoon: "Hana no Saku Tachi (Flower Blooms)" | "Bara Haitatsunin (Rose Delivery Person)" | "Henken (Prejudice)" | "Yuzuriha no Ido (The Well of Yuzuriha)"
- Evening: "Torokko (Trolley)" | "Kaen Tsutsuji (Flame Azalea)" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"

• - May 29 (Friday):

- Afternoon: "Torokko" | "Kaen Tsutsuji" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"
- Evening: "Bara Haitatsunin" | "Henken" | "Torokko" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"

• - May 30 (Saturday):

- Afternoon: "Torokko" | "Hana no Saku Tachi" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"
- Evening: "Bara Haitatsunin" | "Henken" | "Hana no Saku Tachi" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"

• - May 31 (Sunday):

- Afternoon: "Bara Haitatsunin" | "Henken" | "Torokko" | "Yuzuriha no Ido"

Feature Work: 'Yuzuriha no Ido'

One of the major highlights of the festival is the reading of Enko Sugimoto’s “Yuzuriha no Ido”, which tells the gripping tale of conflict arising over water supplies in Edo, a city known for its scarce resources. The storyline revolves around a confectionery shop in Ueno, which depends on high-quality water from the neighboring Hon’ami family’s well, but tensions flare following a change in the family’s leadership. As the competition heats up, the struggling businesses face dire consequences, leading to a shocking murder. This timeline of gripping drama is meticulously crafted, drawing on extensive historical research, ensuring an authentic period experience.

Star-Studded Cast

The cast features a mix of seasoned actors and fresh talent:

• - Main Cast for 'Yuzuriha no Ido': Yukiko Kami, Yumi Hidaka, Soji Takahashi, Mizuho Tahara, Yuto Yamamoto, Yukari Imai, Mariko Hirayama, Reiji Takehiro
• - Participating in Other Works: Yuki Kimura, Eisei Saito, Junji Nakano, Yasuyuki Takai, and Akayo Yamaguchi (Guest)

How to Attend

The festival will take place at Art Space Plot, located at 1-9-10 Asagaya Minami, Suginami, Tokyo. It runs from May 28 to May 31, 2026, with ticket prices set at 3,700 yen (tax included), allowing for free seating. Tickets are available for purchase through Confetti, enabling fans to secure their spots in advance.

To obtain your tickets, visit the official Confetti ticket site for further information on how to purchase, along with membership benefits.

Make sure to join this literary celebration that harmonizes tradition with modern storytelling, attending a festival that illustrates the timelessness of Japanese literature!