- Bunraku
- Other Theater
Bunraku Performance in December
Bunraku Performance in December
Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Playhouse)
Performance Dates
December 6 (Sun.) - December 19 (Sat.), 2026
*No performance on 10 (Thu.)
Book Online
Program Ⅰ (11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.)
Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie
Program II （2:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.）
Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
Program III（7:00 p.m. - 8:50 p.m.)
Sonezaki Shinjū
*The finish time is an estimate and may vary.
Ticket Prices (for each program / tax included)
Adults: 9,000 yen
Students: 6,300 yen
Seating plan [PDF/823KB]
*Only first floor seats are available.
*English and Japanese audio guides are available for rent. (for a fee)
*Subtitles: Available in English and Japanese. Please download the application to your smartphone or tablet. How to install EG-G Subtitle application.
*English synopsis is available. It is included in the paid Japanese brochure.
Booking Opens
10:00 a.m., November 14 (Sat.), 2026
*20% discount for audiences with disabilites and one accompanying audience.
*If there are still tickets available for purchase on the day of the event, you may purchase them in person at the Box Office (on-site) for this performance.
Box Office (on-site) : Open from 10:00 a.m. until each curtain time.
*Tickets for students and persons with disabilities for this performance are available online.
*If you require wheelchair-accessible seating, please make your reservation by telephone through the Box Office. Please note that existing reservations cannot be converted to wheelchair-accessible seating after they have been made. 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 English and Japanese (10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
Book Online
Click here for information in Japanese
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The Bunraku Performance in December will be presented as a memorial production marking the second anniversary of the passing of YOSHIDA Minosuke III (1933-2024), a master puppeteer who captivated audiences with countless outstanding performances over a career spanning nearly eighty years. Renowned especially for female roles, Minosuke expressed his characters’ emotions through delicate movements and graceful stage presence. We invite you to enjoy these works closely associated with his artistic legacy.
ProgramⅠ: Kagamiyama Kokyō no Nishikie
Onoe, a senior lady-in-waiting, is publicly humiliated by Iwafuji, the chief lady-in-waiting, who is plotting to seize control of her lord’s household. Unable to bear the shame, Onoe takes her own life. Determined to avenge her mistress, Onoe’s maidservant Ohatsu confronts Iwafuji and finally carries out her revenge. This powerful drama explores loyalty, compassion, and the courage to uphold justice.
As Ohatsu, Minosuke captivated audiences with his sensitive portrayal of her devotion to her mistress and the subtle transformation of her emotions from sorrow to anger. In particular, the scene in which Onoe endures humiliation, with only Onoe and Ohatsu on stage, is a memorable highlight filled with dramatic and musical tension.
Program II: Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura
One of the three great masterpieces of Bunraku, this work centers on the 12th-century warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune and the people whose lives are intertwined with his. The scenes presented in this performance depict the loyalty and family bonds of those connected to Taira no Koremori, who is being pursued by Yoshitsune’s brother, Yoritomo. In the following scene, Shizuka Gozen journeys through Mount Yoshino with Yoshitsune’s retainer Tadanobu. Audiences can also enjoy the spectacular stage set of Mount Yoshino covered in blooming cherry blossoms.
The elegant Shizuka Gozen and the charming Osato were among Minosuke’s signature roles, and in full-length productions of the play, he would sometimes perform both characters himself. We hope you will enjoy this masterpiece, renowned not only for its drama but also for its beautiful music.
Program III: Sonezaki Shinjū
This tragic love story follows Tokubē, a young clerk working for a merchant house, and Ohatsu, a courtesan. After being deceived out of his money by a trusted friend and publicly disgraced, Tokubē finds himself with no way forward. Realizing that they cannot be together in this world, the deeply devoted couple resolve to die together. Their journey into the darkness of the forest, hoping to be united in the next life, is one of the most famous scenes in Bunraku.
Minosuke’s portrayal of Ohatsu, expressing unwavering devotion and sincere love for the man she cherished, remains remembered as one of his greatest achievements. Accompanied by the play’s beautiful music, his performance continues to move audiences to this day.