Theater adds English and anime tie-in to program ahead of Expo Osaka

OSAKA — With the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo just one year away, there is a growing movement to attract overseas tourists to theaters and make traditional performing arts more accessible.

Some theaters and production groups are already offering performances with English commentary and subtitles, or screening projects that capitalize on the popularity of anime.

Kabuki workshop for foreigners

Osaka Shochikuza in Dotonbori, Osaka, held its first Kabuki performance for visitors to Japan, “Osaka Dotonbori Yokabuki,” from January 22nd to 28th. The pamphlet was in English, and the event included a workshop to learn how to enjoy Kabuki and a performance of the comical Kabuki dance “Ayatsuri Sanbaso.”

Kabuki actor Chiju Kataoka served as a guide, and there was also an English interpreter. Some members of the audience were invited onto the stage to experience sword fighting and learn how to perform “mi”, in which actors pose and hold poses to express strong emotions.

A video was shown of Kabuki actors, including female actors playing female roles, wearing make-up typical of Kabuki. Demonstrations of the revolving stage and stage elevator were also held. At the end, Senjiro Kataoka entertained the audience by dancing “Ayatsuri Sanbaso.”

The Kabuki Public Relations Team, made up of international students living in Kansai, interviewed the performers and shared their experiences on social media.

Shochiku Co., Ltd., which operates the theater, is also actively incorporating anime, a staple of Japanese pop culture.

Shochiku held a joint exhibition with the popular anime “Macross” series at Kyoto’s Minamiza in January and February. This exhibition was born out of the fact that the main character of Macross Frontier comes from a prestigious Kabuki family. Characters from this work, drawn by character designers especially for this event, will be displayed on panels wearing Kabuki costumes.

Panels of characters from Macross Delta dressed up as Hanako, a popular Kabuki heroine, were set up on the stage, which had stage sets such as a temple bell from the Kabuki dance “Kyo Kanoko Musume Dojoji.” Visitors enjoyed taking commemorative photos with the characters.

Live performances and talks were also held during the event. According to organizers, commemorative merchandise also sold well.

Bunraku with an anime background

The National Bunraku Theater in Osaka held its first backstage tour for foreigners on February 7th and 8th. Accompanied by an English interpreter, 45 people took the tour and saw the unique stage structure, props, dressing rooms, and more.

We have also set up an information desk for foreigners in the lobby, and have introduced English announcements and audio guides. Visitors were also given a survey in English.

The Japan Arts Council, which operates the theater, has produced a special version of “Sonezaki Shinju,” which for the first time combines a Bunraku puppet style performance with an anime background. The person in charge of the visual art was Kazuo Oga, who was the art director for Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Princess Mononoke.”

In the future, the council hopes to perform a version with an anime background overseas as well. The aim is to appeal to the number of visitors to Japan, who are expected to increase during the expo period.

Hiroko Kirikae, director of the association, said, “I hope that foreigners who are interested in Japanese anime culture can also feel the charm of Bunraku.”

Noh with English subtitles

Another theater in Osaka, Yamamoto Theater, held an event for newcomers late last year that featured traditional performing arts from Osaka and the surrounding area. The event featured an English host, Noh and Bunraku performances with English subtitles, and Rakugo performances in English. According to the Noh theater office, there were many participants in last fall’s Noh theater tour for foreigners.

Starting this year, the theater plans to hold similar events once a month for foreigners in the run-up to the World Expo.