[Traditional Performing Arts Performance in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai on May 10] Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai x Bunraku
On Saturday, May 10, the "Traditional Performing Arts Performance (Noh, Bunraku, Kabuki)" took place at the EXPO Hall "Shining Hat" in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai.
Notably, TOYOTAKE Todayu, TSURUZAWA Enza, YOSHIDA Tamao, and others who are appearing in the Bunraku Performance in May hosted by the National Theatre (currently being performed to great acclaim at Theatre 1010 until the 27th [Tue]) came all the way from Tokyo to perform.
(From left) ONUKI Takuto (MC), NAKAMURA Ichitaro (Kabuki and traditional Japanese dance commentary), ICHIKAWA Chusha, KATAOKA Ainosuke, NAKAMURA Ganjiro, YOKOYAMA Hideyuki (Mayor of Osaka), YOSHIMURA Hirofumi (Governor of Osaka), OTSUKI Bunzo, YOSHIDA Tamao, TOYOTAKE Todayu, TSURUZAWA Enza
To warm up the Expo 2025 Kansai Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, and the Osaka International Culture and Arts Project Executive Committee organized this groundbreaking performance project that brought together Noh, Bunraku, Kabuki, and Traditional Japanese dance.
The special program, which condensed the appeal of each genre, was presented for about two hours.
Among the performers, three Important Intangible Cultural Property Holders - Living National Treasures (individually certified) are included: Noh shite actor OTSUKI Bunzo, Bunraku puppeteer YOSHIDA Tamao, and Nagauta singer KINEYA Tosei. Also features supporting actor FUKUO Shigejuro and Kabuki actors NAKAMURA Ganjiro, KATAOKA Ainosuke, and ICHIKAWA Chusha.
For Bunraku, the Bunraku Association and the Japan Arts Council cooperated in the production and performed the congratulatory piece "Sanbaso." During the approximately 25-minute performance, a packed audience of about 4,000 people for two performances paid close attention to the Gidayu-bushi and accompanying music, as well as every move of the puppets.
Immediately after the end of "Sanbaso," YOSHIDA Tamao participated in a talk session with MC ONUKI Takuto, where he talked about his memories of participating in an event at the Osaka Expo in 1970, shortly after he entered the world of Bunraku and his impressions of the Expo 2025 Kansai Osaka.
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Full view of the stage
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Sanbaso：YOSHIDA Tamao
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Joruri：TOYOTAKE Todayu, Shamisen：
TSURUZAWA Enza -
A special performance on the circular stage
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A friendly talk session
During the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the National Bunraku Theatre in Osaka will host special Bunraku performances that differ from the usual format, making it accessible to a wider audience. Some of these performances will be specifically designed to appeal to international audiences, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
Please take this opportunity to invite your friends and come to the show, including those who have never experienced Bunraku before.