Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour 2024 is a two-day event giving a large trans-generational audience an up-close opportunity to see, hear and experience Japan’s foremost traditional performing arts, combined with the charms of Kagurazaka where the flavor of old Edo still lingers.
*We will announce program changes and cancellations on the official website and social media platforms (Twitter/Facebook).
〇“Kotohogi” Live Performance
The celebratory dance Kodakara-Sanbaso, which prays for global/national peace and tranquility, will be performed with young Nihon Buyo dancers, Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo, designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the Japanese government, Edo Joruri (traditional Japanese ballad drama), and Shinnai-bushi music.
Venue: Kaguraden Stage in Akagi-jinja Shrine
Time/Performance:
Tobaya Riseki (Navigator)
13:00- Ichiyama Kou, Ichiyama Senyuu, Wakayagi Motohide (“Nihonbuyo” Traditional Japanese dance)
15:00- Nishikawa Koryu troupe (Hachioji Kuruma Ningyo) × Tsuruga Isekichi, Tsuruga Iseichiro, Tsuruga Iseyoshi (“Shinnai-bushi” music), Tosha Chiho (“Hayashi” Japanese traditional percussion)
〇Kagurazaka Rakuza – Storytellers’ Theater
In addition to “Koudan” storytelling, other traditional “Katarigei” storytelling arts such as Biwa-gatari, Joruri (“Gidayu-bushi” music), and “Rokyoku” storytelling will be performed in the grounds of Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple. With explanatory talks and an accessible program, even those experiencing Katarigei storytelling for the first time can enjoy it.
Venue: Special stage at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
Time: 13:30 / 15:30
Performance:
Kanda Matsumaro (“Koudan” storytelling)
Tamagawa Nanafuku, Sawamura Mami (“Rokyoku” storytelling)
Kanda Orine (“Koudan” storytelling)
Takemoto Koshiwaka, Tsuruzawa Tsugayoshi (“Gidayu-bushi” music)
〇Geisha / Traditional Performing Artists Live Performance
Visitors can enjoy a presentation of singing, Shamisen playing, and dancing by Geishas from Kagurazaka, as well as “Ozashiki” parlor games they can join in with. Also on offer is up-close viewing of the virtuosity of “Tezuma” traditional Japanese magic, and “Rakugo” comic storytelling, a long-popular form of entertainment for ordinary people.
Venue: Shoin (study room) at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
Time: 14:00
Performance:
Kagurazaka Geisha Ladies (Geisha / Traditional Performing Artists Live Performance)
Fujiyama Taiju (“Tezuma” Japanese classical magic)
Ryutei Koenshi (“Rakugo” storytelling)
*Advance registration
〇Traditional Performing Arts Past and Present
A program focusing on the performing arts of the Edo period. In the first part, the Kanze Kyuko Kai will showcase the Noh masterpiece “Yoro Boshi” with commentary. In the second part, the difference between the “Tokiwazu-bushi” and “Kiyomoto-bushi” shamisen genre/tradition will be explained through a talk and demonstration joined by Ambassador Robert Campbell.
Venue: Yarai Noh theater
Time/Performance:
13:00-
Kanze Kyuko Kai (Noh)
16:00-
Tokiwazu Waeidayu, Tokiwazu Chizutayu, Tokiwazu Kikuyoshiro, Kishizawa Masashi (“Tokiwazu-bushi” music)
Kiyomoto Shigemidayu, Kiyomoto Hisagotayu, Kiyomoto Taijuro, Kiyomoto Umemaruko (“Kiyomoto-bushi” music)
Robert Campbell (Guest)
*Numbered tickets will be distributed at the venue 90 minutes prior to the start of each show.
〇Street Performance – Shinnai-Nagashi
A stylish Shinnai-Nagashi troupe led by Kagurazaka resident Tsuruga Wakasanojo, the head of the Shinnai school and a living national treasure, will be performing its traditional shinnai-nagashi Shamisen music around the cobblestone side streets.
Venue: Start from Jinai Park
Time: 16:30 / 19:00
Performance: Tsuruga Wakasanojo shamisen troupe (“Shinnai-bushi” music)
〇Street Performance – Johana Hikiyama Festival [Iori Uta]
Edo-Hauta songs passed down to Johana in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture have been sung locally for 300 years as “Iori-Uta” folk songs, surviving as a unique form of culture. A young group of performers from Johana will parade through the back alleys of Kagurazaka accompanied by shamisen, flute, and singing as they perform Iori-Uta.
Venue: Start from Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
Time: 17:30
Performance: Houtetsu Kai (Johana folk performing art of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture)
〇Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple – Evening Concert
This year’s program features the event debut of “Edo kyokugoma” (Edo-style spinning top), a popular performance at “Yose” traditional vaudeville shows. Also on offer is a performance of “Satsuma biwa” lute, known for its brave and powerful sound, and a collaborative performance between four shakuhachi players and contemporary dancers.
Venue: Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple Grounds
Time: 19:00
Performance:
Mimasu Lemon (“Edo kyokugoma” Edo-style spinning top)
Kubota Akiko (“Satsuma biwa” Four or five-stringed Japanese lute)
Kominato Akihisa , Tajima Kenichi , Tanomura Soh , Yoshikoshi Eizan (“Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute) × Mademoiselle Cinema (Contemporary dance)
Robert Campbell (Guest)
Cyril Coppini (Navigator)
*Numbered tickets will be distributed at the venue 90 minutes prior to the start of each show.
〇Kids’ Square
A program allowing families to enjoy traditional games such as “Beigoma” (Traditional Japanese spinning top) and Kendama, wooden blocks, and more.
Venue: Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple Grounds
Time: 13:00
*Event content is subject to change.
〇Kagurazaka Rakuza – Storytellers’ Theater
In addition to “Koudan” storytelling, other traditional “Katarigei” storytelling arts such as Biwa-gatari, Joruri (“Gidayu-bushi” music), and “Rokyoku” storytelling will be performed in the grounds of Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple. With explanatory talks and an accessible program, even those experiencing Katarigei storytelling for the first time can enjoy it.
Venue: Special stage at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
Time: 12:00 / 15:00
Performance:
Fujitaka Rieko (“Chikuzen biwa” Five-stringed Japanese lute)
Ichiryusai Teikyo (“Koudan” storytelling)
Azumaya Ichitaro, Azumaya Mitsu (“Rokyoku” storytelling)
Takarai Kinryo (“Koudan” storytelling)
〇Performing Arts Tour and Street Live Performances in Kagurazaka
Two live performance locations will appear on the main thoroughfare of Kagurazaka-dori Street. A program of performances by different artists will delight visitors of all ages.
Venue: Kagurazaka-dori Street
Time/Performance:
［Shimakin］
13:00- NADESHIKO J ENSEMBLE (“Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute, “Sou / Koto” Japanese harp)
14:30- Chirikara IIIII (“Hayashi” Japanese traditional purcussion & flute)
16:00- Seshami Street Boys (Tsugaru shamisen performance)
［Kagurazaka-ue Intersection］
13:30- Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)
15:00- Gagaku Basara (“Gagaku” ancient court music)
16:30- Oyama Yutaka (Tsugaru shamisen) × Kominato Akihisa (“Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute) × Akiyoshi Sarah (“Fue” Japanese flute) × Otawa Masaki (“Taiko” Japanese drum)
〇Deities Enjoyment Live Performance
This program offers arrangements of traditional music and original compositions in sessions featuring traditional Japanese instruments and instruments from different genres.
Venue: Akagi-jinja Shrine Grounds
Time/Performance:
14:00- KODACHI 〜木立〜 (“Kokyu” Japanese fiddle, Piano & synthesizer)
15:30- HOGAKU 2.0 (Guitar, “Shakuhachi” Bamboo flute, “Sou / Koto” Japanese harp, Shamisen)
〇Street Performance – Shinnai-Nagashi
A stylish Shinnai-Nagashi troupe led by Kagurazaka resident Tsuruga Wakasanojo, the head of the Shinnai school and a living national treasure, will be performing its traditional shinnai-nagashi Shamisen music around the cobblestone side streets.
Venue: Start from Jinai Park
Time: 13:00 / 15:00
Performance: Tsuruga Wakasanojo shamisen troupe (“Shinnai-bushi” music)
〇Street Performance – Johana Hikiyama Festival [Iori Uta]
Edo-Hauta songs passed down to Johana in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture have been sung locally for 300 years as “Iori-Uta” folk songs, surviving as a unique form of culture. A young group of performers from Johana will parade through the back alleys of Kagurazaka accompanied by shamisen, flute, and singing as they perform Iori-Uta.
Venue: Start from Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple
Time: 12:00 / 14:00
Performance: Houtetsu Kai (Johana folk performing art of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture)
〇Evening Live Music Performances at Akagi-jinja Shrine
Closing the two-day festival, this program offers “Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional “Kyokugei” acrobatics and a lion dance, a dynamic performance of 25-string Koto by a number of young performers, and a performance of “Nagauta” music and “Hayashi” Japanese traditional percussion.
Venue: Kaguraden Stage in Akagi-jinja Shrine
Time: 17:30
Performance:
Maruichi Senoh troupe (“Edo-Daikagura” Japanese traditional juggling and lion dance)
Nakai Tomoya (“Sou / Koto” 25 string Japanese harp)
Shumpukai (Shamisen, “Hayashi” Japanese traditional purcussion & flute)
Cyril Coppini (Navigator)
〇Kids’ Square
A program allowing families to enjoy traditional games such as “Beigoma” (Traditional Japanese spinning top) and Kendama, wooden blocks, and more. Also on offer will be street performance genres such as Edo marionettes, and an old-fashioned “Kamishibai” picture-storytelling show.
Venue: Shirogane Park 12:00-
Time/Performance:
13:30-, 15:30 Shibuya gagekidan (Picture cards show)
14:40- Kamijo Mitsuru (The Edo marionette group)
〇Kagurazaka Time Slip Stamp Rally / History Guides
Grab a stamp rally map and enjoy strolling through the alleys of Kagurazaka while touching upon the history and culture of the area. Participants who have collected all six stamps from the six historical/cultural spots they have walked around will receive a souvenir gift at Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple. You can learn more about the area from knowledgeable local history guides who will be there to welcome you at different historical spots along the way.
Time: 12:00 til 16:00 (by 16:30 for Souvenir gift exchange)
Stamp-spot: Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple, Kosho-ji Temple, Enpuku-ji Temple, Shirogane Park, Jinai Park, Karukozaka-ue
History Guides: Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple, Kosho-ji Temple, Enpuku-ji Temple, Shirogane Park, Jinai Park, Karukozaka-ue, Geisha-shinmichi st.
〇Let’s play! Japanese musical instruments
Learn how to play koto, shamisen and kokyu, three of Japan’s most popular traditional instruments. You will be taught their positioning and how to make sounds in a friendly and easy-to-understand way. Children and adults are all welcome to attend.
Venue: SEION TOKYO
Time: 12:30
*Event content is subject to change.
Free (some program require advance registration)
*Please see the official website for the detail about registration.
“Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour” executive Office (c/o Koten Kukan Co,Ltd)
TEL: 03-5478-8265 (Weekday 10:00 – 18:00)
Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, 2024
*To be carried out rain or shine but will be cancelled in the case of a stormy weather.
Kagurazaka area (Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji Temple, Akagi-jinja Shrine, Yarai Noh Theater, Shirogane Park, the streets around Kagurazaka-dori Street, historic sites, and others)
