A Japanese dance performance featuring the voices of Higekiri and Hizamaru and two nagauta pieces comes to Okayama Harenowa

The voices of Higekiri and Hizamaru, and two nagauta pieces

In this introductory performance, Higekiri and Hizamaru arrive in the Reiwa era after receiving a mission from the Saniwa to learn about Japanese dance, and set out to investigate with the help of an ally. Hanayagi Eemon, a Japanese dance artist, serves as guide and commentator. The recorded voices of Higekiri and Hizamaru are performed by Natsuki Hanae and Nobuhiko Okamoto, respectively. The show uses the world of the game as a starting point for exploring the highlights of Japanese dance.

“Tsunakan,” choreographed by the second Hanayagi Juō, features Hanayagi Jutaro as Mashiba, Higekiri’s aunt, who is actually Ibaraki-dōji, and Fujima Naizō as Watanabe no Tsuna. As a work closely connected to Higekiri and Hizamaru, its story can be followed through its characters and cast.

The following piece, “Tsuchigumo,” is based on “Tsuchigumo: Parts I, II and III,” a nagauta work. The script is by Eiichi Suzuki and the choreography by Wakayanagi Rijirō. Wakayanagi plays Kirihage, the Zatō and the Courtesan, who is in fact the spirit of the Tsuchigumo. Hanayagi Eemon plays Minamoto no Yorimitsu, Nishikawa Daiki plays Sakata no Kintoki, and Nishikawa Sen’ei plays Usui Sadamitsu.

The characters, choreographers and scriptwriters differ between the two pieces, giving audiences a chance to compare them with the help of the commentary and cast information. This is a return engagement of the performance held in Tokyo in 2025.

Photography and information to check before your visit

There will be a post-performance photography session, during which you may take photos from your seat. Photography, video recording and audio recording are not permitted during the performance; taking photos before the show, during the interval or from the aisles is also prohibited. Visitors will be asked to turn off smartphones and other electronic devices during the performance, so photography is permitted only during the post-show session.

Autographed shikishi boards by Natsuki Hanae, the voice of Higekiri, and Nobuhiko Okamoto, the voice of Hizamaru, are scheduled to be displayed in the Middle Theatre foyer. These are the same boards that were displayed at the National Theatre performance in 2025. Only ticket holders for the relevant performance may enter the foyer. Please do not touch the boards, and follow staff instructions when taking photos.

All seats are reserved: ¥5,500 for S seats, ¥4,500 for A seats and ¥2,500 for U24. Seats cannot be selected. Children below school age are not admitted. U24 tickets are for people aged 24 or younger on the day of the performance; ID must be shown on entry. U24 tickets are available from the Okayama Arts Creation Theatre Box Office and the Okayama Symphony Hall Ticket Centre.

The advance and general sale dates listed in the official information have passed. Check with the ticket seller for current availability. Tickets cannot be cancelled or changed after purchase, and refunds are not available unless the organiser determines that circumstances such as a cancelled performance make one unavoidable. For wheelchair access, contact the Okayama Arts Creation Theatre Box Office. Dedicated vehicle spaces for visitors with difficulty walking require advance application and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

From JR Okayama Station, take the tram bound for Higashiyama and get off at Nishi-Saidaiji / Okayama Arts Creation Theatre Harenowa-mae; the venue is about a five-minute walk away. There is no parking at the venue, so drivers are advised to use a nearby paid car park.