#Japan #Tokyo #Triad Theatre #The Dance of the Lantern #Nobuhiko Tokunaga

The Dance of the Lantern: A Poignant Exploration of Life Through Performance

Get ready for an immersive experience as Triad Theatre returns to the stage with their highly anticipated production, 'The Dance of the Lantern', running from September 26 to September 28, 2025, at STUDIO ZAP! in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This marks their first major performance in three years since the production of 'The Story of a Painter with a Mezzanine' in January 2022.

Ticket Information
Tickets are now available via Confetti, operated by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd., located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Grab your tickets here!

Overview of the Play

In 'The Dance of the Lantern', the narrative unfolds as three men and women navigate their lives while reflecting on the dance of a woman who passed away two years ago. This compelling ensemble piece delves into themes of connection, memory, and the fleeting nature of life. The characters' dialogues are enriched by the haunting echoes of the past, offering solace to those grappling with their own struggles.

Triad Theatre, led by three students from Nihon University College of Art—Shogo Akira, Nobuhiko Tokunaga, and Kazuya Murayama—has gained recognition for their innovative storytelling. Having won multiple accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Theatre Green Student Arts Festival and the Best Theatre Company Award at the Osaka Student Theatre Festival, the troupe is set to captivate audiences once again.

A Glimpse into the Story

The play is set against the bustling backdrop of a nightclub called 're:play', where the characters Soma and Kurihara stumble upon the mesmerizing dance of a woman named Nasu. This dance is mysteriously linked to Akiko Kousaka, who had passed away several years earlier. As Nasu dances, her shadow comes to life, leaving behind a resonant voice that fades into the darkness. In a night where the lines between the living and the deceased blur, the characters confront memories that refuse to fade and the urgency of their current existence.

A Journey with the Ensemble

The cast includes Nobuhiko Tokunaga and Shinmura-san from Triad Theatre alongside Miyu Mikawa and Sho Kojima. Each actor’s unique voice contributes to the intricate tapestry of conversation that forms the backbone of this production. Audiences are invited to witness how these four individuals weave together strands of past and present, raising questions about love, loss, and what it means to truly live.

Behind the Scenes

Written by Kazuya Murayama and directed by Shogo Akira, the production also features Sho Kojima as an assistant director. The technical team includes stage manager Shohei Orita from Stage Work URAK, lighting designer Maho Kamima, and sound designer Mocha from Umetō Uguisu. The creative team will bring the performance to life with stunning visuals and soundscapes, enhancing the emotional depth of the story.

Performance Schedule

• - September 26 (Friday): 19:00
• - September 27 (Saturday): 14:00 / 19:00
• - September 28 (Sunday): 13:00 / 17:00

Note: Doors will open 30 minutes prior to performance time.

Ticket Details

Ticket Price: All seats are general admission at 3,500 yen (tax included).
Purchase your tickets easily through Confetti and enjoy various benefits as a member. Check out the ticket purchase process and member perks here.

'The Dance of the Lantern' promises to be a moving encounter, reminding us all of the voices from our past and the lives we live today. Don't miss your chance to witness this extraordinary celebration of theatre and connection!