#Japan #Tokyo #PokoPoko Club #Even the Great Crow #Takemura Juichiro

Farewell to an Era: PokoPoko Club's Final Performance of 'Even the Great Crow'

The PokoPoko Club is poised to present its latest production, `Even the Great Crow`, from October 21 to October 25, 2026, at the Asagaya Arshe theater in Suginami, Tokyo. This performance carries significant weight as it commemorates the last collaboration of its founding members—Mikamo Yohei, Sugiura Kazuki, and Watanabe Yoshihiro—who have shared the stage for the past 13 years.

This iconic play, written by renowned contemporary playwright Takemura Juichiro, has captivated audiences since its inception. Under the direction of Eiichi Nishizawa, known for his work with various theater companies, this staging aims to breathe new life into the classic while remaining true to the emotional gravity of the story.

It’s worth noting that this performance will also mark the departure of founding member Watanabe Yoshihiro from the PokoPoko Club, making it an emotional farewell for both the cast and their devoted fans. The trio has laughed, clashed, and ultimately maintained their bond through their shared experiences in the theater, choosing to end with this poignant work that encapsulates their journey.

'Words often fail to connect us. Yet, people still find it hard to part.'

The play's theme will explore the intricacies of human connections—illustrating through miscommunication and misunderstandings how difficult it is for people to truly understand one another. It paints a vivid picture of human absurdities and loneliness, and its influence on other theater practitioners is still felt today. The characters navigate relationships that are neither merely friendships nor battle companions but something uniquely intertwined.

For 13 years, these three actors have portrayed the struggles of their characters, getting into conflicts on stage while never stepping off. They carry with them the weight of their experiences as they face that which is not just a performance, but a culmination of their time together.

The PokoPoko Club: Bridging Communities Through Theater

Founded in 2013 by Mikamo Yohei, Watanabe Yoshihiro, and Sugiura Kazuki, all hailing from the fictional theater group, the PokoPoko Club has dedicated itself to creating works that resonate with their community. Their endeavors revolve around collaborative projects, theater workshops, and performances that foster connections between people and neighborhoods, anchoring their identity in the fabric of society.

The group has taken on various initiatives, including being selected to represent Japan in a South Korea-Japan theater exchange, an artist-in-residence program in Uchiko, Ehime, and a community-based production in Aomori titled `home - The Song of the Apple`.

Recently, they launched a series aimed at reinterpreting classic Japanese contemporary plays for modern audiences, and 'Even the Great Crow' represents the second installment in this acclaimed series. This journey of three collaborators will reach a significant milestone with the upcoming performance.

Early Ticket Sales and Event Details

Tickets for the performance are currently available for early purchase via Kanfetti, a platform operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., from August 16 to August 31. Early tickets are priced at a special rate of ¥4,500 (a discount from the standard price of ¥5,000), and attendees will receive an exclusive sticker.

The show will feature a talented cast led by Mikamo Yohei, Sugiura Kazuki, and Watanabe Yoshihiro, with additional support from a skilled production team that underscores their dedication to excellence in every aspect of the production.

Here are the performance specifics:

• - Dates: October 21-25, 2026
• - Venue: Asagaya Arshe, Suginami, Tokyo
• - Ticket Pricing:

- Early Bird (Aug 16-31, 2026): 4,500 yen (Regular), 3,000 yen (under 25), 1,500 yen (under 18)
- General Sales (From Sep 1, 2026): 5,000 yen (Regular), 3,000 yen (under 25), 1,500 yen (under 18)

The PokoPoko Club continues to foster the spirit of community through their artistic expressions, making a lasting impact through their unique storytelling approaches and heartfelt performances. This production promises not only to close a beautiful chapter but also to inspire many future generations in the world of theatrical arts.