About the Edo-Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival
ABOUT US
The Edo Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival, which will begin in 2025, will inherit the Tokyo Metropolitan Arts Festival, which has been popular for over half a century, and will be reborn as a festival specializing in traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh theater, Japanese dance, traditional Japanese music, vaudeville performances, and folk performing arts.From full-scale stage performances to easy-to-participate, hands-on workshops, it will be enjoyable for a wide range of generations, from children to adults.
Inquiries about the Edo Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival
Edo Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival Executive Committee Secretariat
This moment of art is truly a precious experience.
In this single chant, I feel as if I can hear the ancient principles.
See, art reflects a person's soul.
I'd love to be a comedian as cool as that someday.
I wonder what kind of beautiful world tonight's dance will show us.
The time spent performing arts is an irreplaceable luxury.
This moment of art is truly a precious experience.
In this single chant, I feel as if I can hear the ancient principles.
See, art reflects a person's soul.
I'd love to be a comedian as cool as that someday.
I wonder what kind of beautiful world tonight's dance will show us.
The time spent performing arts is an irreplaceable luxury.
The 55th Japanese Music Concert
English support
Wheelchair accessible
This special program allows you to experience the charm of Japanese music all at once. Not only can you enjoy the performance, but there will also be a discussion corner! You can enjoy Japanese music culture from various angles
Enjoy a luxurious moment immersed in the diverse sounds of traditional Japanese music. Nagauta, Kiyomoto, Shinnai, Sankyoku, and Gidayu—each genre's distinctive timbres come together to fully convey the profound appeal of traditional Japanese music through powerful yet delicate performances, graceful melodies, and beautifully stylized expressions. Part 1, titled "Various Traditional Japanese Music," will feature performances of six genres: shakuhachi, Gidayu, Shinnai, Nagauta, Biwa, and Itchu-bushi. Part 2, titled "Listening to Kabuki," will feature performances of five Kabuki plays. This year's special feature will also feature a conversation between classical performing arts commentator Seiji Kasai and kabuki actor Takanosuke Nakamura. Enjoy a time that stimulates your intellectual curiosity and allows you to appreciate music and performing arts more deeply.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 Part 1: 13:30 Start | Doors open 13:00 Part 2: 17:30 Start | Doors open 17:00 *Each performance lasts approximately 2 hours (with a break)
Venue
Mitsukoshi Theater
Performers
[Navigator (Part 1 and Part 2)] Seiji Kasai (Explanator of classical performing arts) [Performers] In addition to Living National Treasures belonging to affiliated organizations, veteran, mid-career, and young performers are scheduled. [Conversation guest (Part 2 only)] Takanosuke Nakamura (Kabuki actor)
Takayuki Nakamura
Seiji Kasai
Fee
[General seating] 4,000 yen
Discount Information
[Student discount] 2,000 yen [Discount for people with disabilities] 20% off (one accompanying person can enter free of charge)
Barrier-free information
・Wheelchair accessible ・Written communication available ・Assistance dogs allowed ・Preferential treatment for caregivers
Viewing support
・Foreign language support planned (English translation program) ・Japanese music commentary pamphlet
Precautions
・Full rotation system ・All seats are unreserved ・Preschool children not allowed
Program
Part 1: Various Japanese Music Deer's Distant Sound ; Gidayu: Oniichi Hogan Sanryakumaki (Three-part Scroll) : Gojobashi no Dan; Shinnai : Shimousa Souvenir: Child's Farewell; Nagauta: Miyako Furyu; Chikuzen Biwa: Dannoura Itchubushi: Ishibashi (Stone Bridge)
[Part 2: Listening to Kabuki] Kiyomoto: Imayo Suma no Utae (Sumashita) Three songs: Kurokami Tokiwazu: The Door of Seki
Nakamura Takanosuke x Kasai Seiji Nagauta: Kanjincho
Scenes from last year's performance
Japanese musical instrument experience corner
at the Culture Salon on the 9th floor of the new building of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, where you can try out Japanese musical instruments such as the shamisen, koto, shakuhachi, biwa, taiko, and tsuzumi.
Beginners are also welcome! Even if you have never played an instrument before, you can enjoy the charm of Japanese instruments. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the sound and culture of Japanese instruments.
[Event times (held twice a day)] 10:00-12:30 , 15:30-17:30 *Even if you don't have a concert ticket, you can still participate.
Related articles
Ahead of the performance, we have published an interview article with the performers, Hayashi musician Katada Kiyoshi and Gidayu performer Takemoto Kyonosuke.
These two performers, both active at the forefront of Japanese music, talk in depth about their daily training and stage performances as performers of traditional Japanese music, the appeal and rewards of their respective arts, We also touch on what to listen for to enjoy the performance even more, so be sure to read on.
Organized by: Liaison Conference of Traditional Japanese Music Performers | Tokyo Metropolitan Government | Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture | Edo-Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival Executive Committee Supported by: Japan Traditional Culture Foundation | Chuo Ward | Chuo Ward Board of Education | Chuo Ward Tourism Association
inquiry
Liaison Conference of Japanese Traditional Music Performers (within the Nagauta Association) 03-6279-4749 (weekdays 10:00-17:00) hougakukaigi@gmail.com
