Kabuki turns “Hyper” in a cutting-edge performance

Cho Kabuki (“Hyper” Kabuki) is a state-of-the-art entertainment that combines the traditional theater art of Japan with innovative digital technology.

Following a live streaming in Japan, a video of the performance on show this September at the Minami-za theater in Kyoto will be available for online viewing overseas in 11 different countries, for a limited time.

From left, Nakamura Shido, Hatsune Miku in ‘MIYAKOZOME KABUKI NO IRODORI’.

Appearing on stage together with Nakamura Shido, one of today’s most popular kabuki stars, is Hatsune Miku, the world’s favorite virtual diva and Vocaloid sensation―beautifully clad in traditional stage attire and seamlessly performing with the real-life cast.

The performance this year was the second stage at the Minami-za following 2019, and opens with an original dance number “Miyakozome Kabuki no Irodori”, one scene of which features Nakamura Shido and Hatsune Miku in the roles of two mythical lion characters (photo above).

From left, Nakamura Shido, Hatsune Miku, Sawamura Kuniya in ‘OTOGIZOSHI KOI NO SUGATAE’.

Next, a tale of valor unfolds in “Otogizoshi Koi no Sugatae”, a story set in Kyoto about the battle between a team of heroes and an evil clan empowered by a demonic spider spirit.

From left, Nakamura Shido, Nakamura Choshi, Sawamura Kuniya in ‘OTOGIZOSHI KOI NO SUGATAE’.

As a safety measure to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the audience was encouraged to root for the actors only by applause, and were also provided with light sticks equipped with sound effects of o-muko cheering, the traditional calling-out of the actors’ family name. The audience becoming one with the crescendo of the performance on stage, with the myriad multi-colored lights and a round of o-muko, is another spectacular sight.

From left, Hatsune Miku, Nakamura Shido in ‘OTOGIZOSHI KOI NO SUGATAE’.

Don’t miss this opportunity to come in touch with the tradition and technology of Japan―in this dynamic show that you can usually enjoy only in theaters here―in the comfort of your home, or wherever your mobile device can take you!

From left, Nakamura Choshi, Nakamura Shido, Sawamura Kuniya in ‘OTOGIZOSHI KOI NO SUGATAE’.

September Cho Kabuki Performance at Minami-za

>Video with English subtitles available for overseas viewers, from 12 PM, September 20 ~ 11:59 PM, September 26 (JST).

>Available for viewing in the following countries:
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Philippines, Singapore, Mexico, India, and South Africa

>Register online and purchase tickets here (ZAIKO).

>Kabuki Official Website, Shochiku Co. Ltd.