- “Gion Sairei Shinkouki– Kinkaku-ji”
「祇園祭礼信仰記 金閣寺」 - “Ohmi no Okane”「近江のお兼」
“Omatsuri”「お祭り」 - “Koibikyaku Yamato Ohrai Fuinkiri”
「恋飛脚大和往来 封印切」
Evening Performances 夜の部
- “Konoshitakage Masagono Shiranami”
「木下蔭真砂白浪」 - “Fuji Musume”「藤娘」
June 2 – June 26
Live theater isn’t as popular now as it once was. Some claim it is either too expensive, or inaccessible. Perhaps there is a bit of truth there, but theater remains a fascinating form of entertainment that anybody can enjoy. Every June, Hakata-za puts on a series of kabuki performances, an ideal chance to enjoy one of Japan’s quintessential traditional arts in Kyushu. By attending kabuki in person, you can come to appreciate the splendid stage props, costumes, and live shamisen musical accompaniment that is unique to the art, not to mention the powerful performance of the actors.
The Essence of Kabuki
To the left of the first floor seating area is a walkway called ‘hanamichi’ that leads from the back, up to the stage. Also, there are the omuko, phrases called out to the actors when they take the stage. Examples of omuko include the actor’s yago, or hereditary stage name, and other calls such as “We’ve been waiting for you!” This too is something you can only find in kabuki.
Some tips for getting thickets…
Besides the regular full-program tickets, the hitomaku miken, or one act ticket, for those who wish to watch only a single kabuki program, are an economical way to see kabuki. These tickets are discounted ‘single act’, C class tickets, only available for purchase after 10:00 on the day of the performance from the Hakata-za Box Office at the theater. Offer limited to one ticket per person. There’s also a special discount for students. Twenty minutes before the play starts, students can buy any class’ tickets for fifty percent off the standard price, depending upon availability. Inquire at the second floor ticket counter. Student ID is required.
June 2ー26
Daily, 11:00 and 16:40
For more information, please call 092-263-5555 (Japanese only, lines are open from 10:00)
About Hakata-za – Fukuoka’s Grand Theater
From kabuki to modern drama, musicals, takarazuka (all-female musical theater) and more, Hakata-za hosts a set of performances each month from one specific variety of performing art. Equipped with the latest stage mechanics, lighting and sound systems, Hakata-za can put on a broad range of performances. Thanks to the three-story seating arrangement, the visibility of the stage is excellent from every seat.
Also from our archive: A Night at Hakata-za – Two Foreigner’s Experiences
