Discover BUNRAKU

Discover BUNRAKU
- An experience for international audiences and beginners -

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse)
Performance Date
December 17 (Wed.), 2025

Performance Time
Start 6:00 p.m. (Running Time : Approx. 3 hours)

Manzai

An introduction to Bunraku in English
Navigator: Chris Glenn

Kokusen'ya Kassen

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

Seating plan［PDF／885KB］

*Audio guide: English and Japanese commentary through the Audio Guide service will be available for free.
*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 1:30 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.

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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 Discover BUNRAKU 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 in English” 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.