Bunraku Performance for Beginners

Bunraku Performance for Beginners 2025 in Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse)

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse)
Performance Dates
December 4(Thu.) - 18(Thu.), 2025
*No Performance on 8 (Mon.)

A: Program A　B: Program B
◎: Bunraku Performance for Beginners (Evening)
☆: Discover BUNRAKU (With English guidance.)
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours 45 minutes

Manzai

An introduction to Bunraku

Kokusen'ya Kassen

Ticket Prices (tax included)
Students: 2,000 yen
Adults: [1st Grade] 6,000 yen / [2nd Grade] 4,000 yen

Seating plan［PDF／885KB］

*Audio guide: English and Japanese commentary through the Audio Guide service will be available. (Rental Fee: (English) 800 yen incl. tax / (Japanese) 500 yen incl. tax)
*Subtitles: Available in English and Japanese. Please download the application to your smartphone or tablet. How to install EG-G Subtitle application.

Booking Opens
November 14 (Fri.), 2025
*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 10:00 a.m. until each curtain time. (December 5 (Fri.): Open from 1:00 p.m. until each curtain time)
(December 6 (Sat.) and 17 (Wed)：Open from 1:30 p.m. until each 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.

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Box Office (by phone)
0570-07-9900 (From overseas: +81-3-3230-3000) in Japanese and English
(10:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.)

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

Book Online
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in Japanese

The Bunraku Performance for Beginners presents a unique opportunity to experience Bunraku, Japan’s traditional puppet theater. This captivating art form has enchanted audiences worldwide. This special program features expert commentary alongside performances of celebrated works. You will enjoy the lively piece "Manzai," an informative introduction to Bunraku, and a showcase of "Kokusen’ya Kassen," a renowned masterpiece by the legendary playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon.

The program opens with the spirited piece “Manzai.” Two entertainers, Tayū and Saizō, dance to auspicious chants, accompanied by lively Shamisen music and expressive puppet movements, warmly introducing you to the world of Bunraku.

Next, expert commentary and live demonstrations: “An introduction to Bunraku” reveal the expressive techniques that make Bunraku unique, enriching your understanding before the featured play.

“Kokusen’ya Kassen,” a highlight of the Bunraku repertoire, follows the journey of Watōnai. He is the son of a loyal retainer of the Ming Dynasty, Tei Shiryū, and a Japanese mother. Watōnai travels from Hizen Province to China with his parents, seeking to restore the Ming Dynasty. This is one of Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s most famous works. Legend says that when it premiered around 300 years ago, it ran for 17 months. In this program, the “Rōmon,” “Kanki Yakata,” and the “Shishigajō yori Beninagashi” scenes will be performed. These portray the journey of Watōnai and his companions to mainland China. Set to Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s masterful writing, the play evokes the universal spirit of compassion that transcends borders.

We look forward to seeing you at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse), situated in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs.