Experience the Enchantment of Kagurazaka with 'The Memory Shop: Hono Akari Do'

The immersive theatre experience, 'The Memory Shop: Hono Akari Do', opened on April 22, 2026, and runs daily until May 3. This engaging event is set against the scenic backdrop of Kagurazaka, Tokyo, and invites participants to partake in a unique journey through the streets filled with history, culture, and memories.

In collaboration with Long Run Planning and the creative team 'Mukeichokoku', this immersive performance allows audience members to hold lanterns and follow along with audio streamed through the innovative audio AR app 'Locatone™'. Participants are encouraged to take part in the narrative by interacting with actors portraying historical figures such as Kagurazaka Hanko and Izumi Kyōka, all while wandering the charming streets of the district.

Initially previewed over a four-day test run in February, the response was overwhelmingly positive, describing how participants developed an affection for the neighborhood, captivated by the sights, sounds, and breeze that collectively enhanced the theatrical experience. Following the feedback, the creators have incorporated enhancements such as an improved opening scene, adjusted walking routes, and pace changes so participants can fully immerse themselves in the story.

Two talented actors, Mizuki Umedzu and Yuka Terasaki, voice the guiding 'Memory Voices', helping to weave the narrative as they play three different roles each along the journey. As audience members embark on this unique experience, they are transported to a surreal world where past and present coalesce, allowing them to engage with the memories of the characters they encounter.

The narrative kicks off at the enigmatic 'Hono Akari Do', a memory shop where the protagonist encounters the owner, who reveals he deals with memories that people wish to revisit. Participants then write down a memory they wish they could re-experience. However, instead of revisiting their own past, they assist with someone else's memory, thus creating a web of shared experiences.

As participants immerse themselves in this artful voyage around modern Kagurazaka, they meet various characters from historical eras, with their own stories and regrets echoing through the streets. Encountering these characters stirs reflections on personal choices and the desire to rewrite one's own past, igniting conversations about regret, nostalgia, and the act of moving forward.

For both newcomers and those familiar with Kagurazaka, walking through the area while engaging in this narrative provides a fresh perspective imbued with emotion and appreciation. This unique confluence of storytelling and urban scenery creates an unforgettable experience for all who participate. Those interested in attending can reserve tickets for 5,800 yen, inclusive of the audio AR earphone rental.

The performance runs from April 22 to May 3, 2026, across 90 shows, held daily except for the first and last day, accommodating 24 audience members per performance. Join this innovative and emotionally charged theatrical experience to delve into the heart of Kagurazaka and rediscover the forgotten tales of its vibrant past.

For more details, visit the official website and check out their Instagram.

Event Details

- Duration: April 22 - May 3, 2026
- Venue: Former School site in Iidabashi (2-28 Agabacho, Shinjuku, Tokyo)
- Ticket Price: ¥5,800 (including audio AR earphone rental)

This immersive theatre creation, championed by Mukeichokoku since its inception in March 2022, aims to foster human connections through artistry, aiming to create a kinder world through the power of theatre.

For an unprecedented experience that intermingles reality as you know it with the enticing allure of the past, don’t miss this remarkable event.