Kabuki Performance in January 2025

New National Theatre, Tokyo (Playhouse)
Kabuki Performance in January 2025

Hikosan Gongen Chikai no Sukedachi

Performance Dates : January 5 (Sun.) -27 (Mon.)
*No Performance on 14 (Tue.) and 22 (Wed.)

Performance Time
1:00 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
*The finish time is an estimate and may vary.

Cast
ONOE Kikugorō
ONOE Kikunosuke
BANDŌ Hikosaburō
NAKAMURA Tokizō
NAKAMURA Mantarō
ICHIMURA Takematsu
ICHIMURA Hikaru
BANDŌ Kamesaburō
ONOE Ushinosuke
ONOE Maholo
NAKAMURA Baishi
NAKAMURA Tanetarō
NAKAMURA Hidenosuke
KAMIMURA Kichitarō
ICHIMURA Kitsutarō
KAMIMURA Kichiya
KATAOKA Kamezō
KAWARASAKI Gonjūrō
ICHIMURA Manjirō
NAKAMURA Matagorō
BANDŌ Rakuzen
and others

Ticket Prices (including tax)
[1st Grade] Adults: 14,000 yen (Students: 9,800 yen)
[2nd Grade] Adults: 10,000 yen (Students: 7,000 yen)
[3rd Grade] 　Adults: 4,000 yen (Students: 2,800 yen)
[Superior Grade] Adults: 20,000 yen (Students: 14,000 yen)

Seating Plan

*Audio guide: English and Japanese commentary through the Audio Guide service will be available. (Rental Fee: 800 yen incl. tax) Click here for details of audio guide.
*Subtitles: Not available.
*English synopsis is available. It is included in the paid Japanese brochure.

Booking Opens
10:00 a.m.,December 13 (Fri.), 2024
* If there are still tickets available for purchase on the day of the event, you may purchase them in person at the Box Office for this performance.
　Box Office (on-site) : Open from 12:00 p.m.until curtain time.
*Tickets for students and persons with disabilities for this performance are available online.
*Wheelchair spaces are available. For more details, please contact the Box Office.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Box Office
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in Japanese and English (10:00 a.m.－6:00 p.m.)

Click here to find the details about how to buy tickets.

Book Online
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

in Japanese

---------------------------------------------------------

　The word “Hatsushibai” refers to the first play of the year, traditionally seen during the New Year season. In Japan, it has long been customary to enjoy a theatrical performance—especially Kabuki—during the New Year holidays.

　Kabuki plays were originally long productions performed from morning to night. However, in modern times, it has become common to select and perform only the most popular scenes from these works.

　Since its opening in 1966, the National Theatre has been known for its unique approach to Kabuki by staging full-length productions, or "Toshi" performances, where the entire play is presented from beginning to end. By including scenes that are rarely performed today, we offer a fresh perspective on the story and bring out new charms of the work.

　For Kabuki performance in January 2025, we will present “Hikosan Gongen Chikai no Sukedachi,” a play first performed in 1790, in its entirety. The story revolves around Rokusuke, a master swordsman who helps the daughter of his assassinated mentor, Osono, seek vengeance. This will be the first "Toshi" performance of the play in Tokyo in 22 years, making it a rare and valuable opportunity.

　The play features the tragic death of Rokusuke's master, a dynamic battle between the villain Kyogoku Takumi and Osono (it is rare in Kabuki for a female character to fight with a weapon), a heartwarming scene where the two characters unknowingly meet as engaged partners, and the final unification of Rokusuke and Osono as they join forces in pursuit of justice. These elements are all unique to the full-length format, offering many captivating moments.

　Rokusuke, a skilled swordsman with deep filial piety; Osono, a charming woman with the strength to rival men; and Kyogoku Takumi , a nihilistic character driven by his own ambition, all offer distinct and unforgettable performances. Through these roles, you will experience the refined artistry of Kabuki acting at its finest.