Celebrating the 60th Kinokuniya Theatre Awards and Its Winners

60th Kinokuniya Theatre Awards Announced

An announcement has been made regarding the winners of the esteemed 60th Kinokuniya Theatre Awards, celebrating profound contributions to the field of drama in Japan. This year's awards showcase remarkable excellence in both group and individual categories.

Group Award

The prestigious Group Award, which includes a certificate and a prize of two million yen, was awarded to the theater company Tobiraza. Their outstanding performances in the plays "Hokusai Grandma - A Journey through Kanagawa's Big Waves" and "Tsuka Version: Chushingura 2025" were recognized for their artistic brilliance and innovative storytelling. These productions captivated audiences and set a high standard for theatrical presentations in Japan.

Individual Awards

Aside from the Group Award, the Individual Awards recognize individual performers who have left a significant mark on the theatrical landscape.

1. Tomoe Nichihiro - Awarded for her compelling performances in the theater troupe Mingei's production "Whale of August" as Sara and in KEB's play "About the Fragility of Memory" as Leonora, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.

2. Naoto Takenaka - Received recognition for his role as Narukiyo in the CUBE production "Microbus and Stability," highlighting his profound ability to bring characters to life with authenticity and emotion.

3. Haori Katagiri - Acknowledged for her impressive portrayals as Female Lead 1 in the collaborative production between Shakespeare's Wild Sisters Group and the Garden Theatre Penino "The Honest Bathhouse" and as Eiko in the Nutomik performance "Tales from Distant Isles."

4. Isamu Sugiyama - Won the award for his stage design in the Natori Office production of "Desert Norma Jean" and the Actor's Theatre company's presentation of "Proof of Existence," demonstrating excellence in theatrical aesthetics.

5. Junpei Yasui - Celebrated for his varied performances in the Ikiume production „Shift“ and as Actor 1 in the production of KAAT Kanagawa's „The Last Remake of Don Quixote," showcasing a range that reflects imagination and skill.

Special Awards

The committee also bestowed Special Awards, each including a certificate and a monetary prize of fifty thousand yen.

1. Akihiro Biwa - Honored for his long-standing contributions to the world of stage arts, specifically for his leading roles in productions such as „Marie in Fur,“ „Two-Headed Eagle,” and „The Black Lizard," helping to pave the way for future generations of actors.

2. Maya Inoue - Recognized for her dedication to preserving the remarkable works of Hisashi Inoue, continually performing his plays and ensuring that his legacy lives on in contemporary theatre.

Ceremony Details

The award ceremony is scheduled for January 23rd, Friday, at 4 PM. The event will take place at the luxurious Hotel New Otani, where attendees can celebrate the achievements of this year's winners and enjoy an evening of appreciation for the theatrical arts.

For further inquiries, please contact:
Kino-Press Department, 3-17-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan. Tel: 03-3354-0141.

Conclusion

The 60th Kinokuniya Theatre Awards not only celebrate notable performances and contributions but also serve as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of Japanese theatre. As the art form continues to grow and flourish, such accolades are essential in recognizing the talent that shapes its future.