Rakugo x Classical Music
~ Rediscover the Charm of Japanese Songs and Words ~

Rakugo and classical music come together to create a new stage!
The sounds of the bandoneon and shakuhachi, the sounds of song, and the narration of the master of classical rakugo, Yanagiya Ichiba, combine to
create a stage full of emotion and humor.

2026

3.08

SUN

Mitsukoshi Theater

4,000 yen

Performance Information

Rakugo and shakuhachi, singing and bandoneon!?
Storytellers and musicians from across genres will gather on stage!

We invite you
to a slightly mysterious and incredibly fun world of "song and storytelling." We'll be offering a diverse program, including a rakugo performance by master of classical rakugo, Yanagitate Ichiba;
a performance of the classical music "Seasonal Japanese Song Medley" produced by composer Kato Masanori; and a talk session where you can rediscover the charm of Japanese words and songs!

Visiting the old to discover the new --
both nostalgic and new. Come and enjoy this time with us.

Date

Sunday, March 8, 2026, 5:00 PM start time / 4:30 PM doors open
*Performance time is approximately 2 hours (with a break)

Venue

Mitsukoshi Theater

Ticket prices

[Reserved seat] 4,000 yen
*Preschool children not allowed

Barrier-free information

Wheelchair seats

Performers

Yanagitate Ichiba: Rakugo

He is a master of classical rakugo, a conservative mainstream of rakugo. He
is renowned for the breadth of his art, from humorous stories inherited from the Vth generation of Kosan to musical and emotional stories incorporating the shamisen.
His year-end performances of the familiar "Kaketori Banzai," the classic "Nekochu," and his sonorous boat song "Sanjukoku" are unmatched. He
is also a professional singer who has released original CDs, and is a member of the Japan Singers Association, where he has appeared in the association's "Song Festival." He also
performs with Hiroshi Itsuki and Mitsuko Nakamura on "Life is a Song" (BS Asahi).
The "Showa Song Concert" is held annually, following the wishes of the late Danshi Tatekawa, and this year marks its 17th anniversary.

Masanori Kato: Composer and producer

Fujiwara Dozan: Shakuhachi

studied under the first Yamamoto Hozan (a Living National Treasure). He graduated from the Department of Traditional Japanese Music, Faculty of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, and completed his graduate studies at the same university's Graduate School of Music.
He is the recipient of the 71st Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize in 2020 (Reiwa 2), the 5th Hattori Shinji Music Award

, and other awards. In addition to performing and researching traditional music, he is also involved in a wide range of activities, including group activities
such as "KOBUDO - Kobudo -" and the shakuhachi ensemble "Fuga Takein," He is currently a member of the Tozanryu Shakuhachi Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, and a Chikurinken Grand Master. He presides over the Tozanryu Dozankai, a member of the Japan Sankyoku Association, a
public interest incorporated association, and a musical advisor to the Ikuta School Koto Yayoi-kai. He is Vice President and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, and a Bihoro Tourism and Product Ambassador (Hokkaido).

Satoshi Kitamura: Bandoneon

Eri Unoki: Soprano

Toru Nishijima: double bass

Ota Sono: Shamisen

ticket

Release date: Friday, October 24, 2025

Mitsukoshi Theater Ticket Shop
Confetti
Ticket Pia
ePlus
Teket (electronic ticket)

Performance implementation system

Organized by:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture / Edo-Tokyo Traditional Performing Arts Festival Executive Committee
Subsidized by:
Society for the Management of Compensation for Public Transmission for Educational Purposes (SARTRAS)
Supported by:
Chuo City / Chuo City Board of Education / Chuo City Tourism Association
Produced by:
Japan Council of Performing Arts Organizations