#Japan #Tokyo #Theater #Kakumeikan Ibun #Tsutsumi Harue

A Grand Revival: "Kakumeikan Ibun" Set to Grace the Stage in 2026

As the curtain rises on 2026, the Natori office is thrilled to announce the return of Tsutsumi Harue's premier work, "Kakumeikan Ibun." This production, receiving the prestigious Agency for Cultural Affairs' Special Award for Creative Stage Arts, will be staged from March 11 to March 15 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's Theatre West in Toshima, Tokyo.

Ticket sales start on January 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM via Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. The anticipation surrounding this unique theatrical piece promises to captivate audiences with its blend of historical narrative and contemporary insight.

About the Play and Its Context

"Kakumeikan Ibun" is set against the backdrop of Japan's Meiji period, specifically on February 10, 1889, the eve of the promulgation of the Meiji Constitution. It beautifully encapsulates a moment in history rife with cultural clash and exploration. The narrative unfolds in the foreign settlement of Tsukiji, where former Minister of Education Mori Arinori's wife, Tsune, and nurse Chiyo find their lives intertwined with a mysterious couple posing as baron and baroness.

The play artfully exposes the buried truths of Mori and Tsune’s past, as snow falls, mirroring the gradual reveal of their significant history. With deft storytelling, Tsutsumi Harue dives into themes of identity, cultural exchange, and the complexities of modernization in Japan. Her work seeks to unearth the nuances of Japanese identity amid the chaos of rapid internationalization.

Meet the Creatives Behind the Scenes

Tsutsumi Harue, the playwright, has an impressive résumé that includes an academic background in French literature from Keio University and doctoral studies in Japanese and Theatre Studies from Indiana University. She has also authored several notable works, such as "Kana Tehon Hamlet" and "Otojiro in New York," which have received acclaim both in Japan and internationally.

Director Takuya Senda, born in 1976 in Tokyo, leads the production with a unique vision. An accomplished playwright and director, he founded his own troupe, "Hindu Goshinkai," before rebranding as "Kugan" in 2018. He is recognized for his innovative approach in various prestigious theater schools and initiatives, propelling the Japanese theater scene forward through collaboration and education.

Performance Details

• - Play Title: Kakumeikan Ibun
• - Performance Dates: March 11 (Wednesday) - March 15 (Sunday), 2026
• - Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theatre West (1-8-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo)
• - Notable Cast: Kinpo Matsumoto, Yoshitsugu Chiga, Maki Hirata, Kisei Nishiyama, Kazuma Fujita, Teruori Washizu, among others.
• - Production Team: The play is directed by Takuya Senda, with a skilled team including art director Mitsuru Ishii, lighting by Masumi Sakurai, and sound by Kuniharu Shiwaya.

Ticket Information

Tickets are priced at 5,500 yen, with a special discount for Confetti members offering a price of 4,500 yen. This opportunity to witness an impactful piece of theater should not be missed! For those interested, ticketing will be available through Confetti's website.

This revival of "Kakumeikan Ibun" marks an essential contribution to the Japanese theatrical landscape, making history accessible and alive on stage. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this extraordinary event that celebrates the compelling intersection of culture and identity in Japan.