Performers Share Their Passion for the Upcoming Rōkyoku performance by leading performers at National Bunraku Theatre

The National Bunraku Theatre's traditional Rōkyoku performance by leading performers will take place on February 21, 2026. This year's event brings together top rōkyoku performers from the Kansai region and introduces several special elements.

The performance commemorates "Showa 100" with themed pieces and celebrates the recent designation of "Rōkyoku Katari" (Rōkyoku storytelling) as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. For the first time, the program includes an explanatory segment titled "Welcome to Rōkyoku" to introduce audiences to this traditional art form.

Ahead of the performance, the main performers shared their thoughts on the upcoming event and the pieces they'll present.

Kyōyama Kōshiwaka - 'The Immortal Kotetsu' from 'Aizu no Kotetsu'

Kyōyama Kōshiwaka, rōkyoku's first Living National Treasure who will close the show, will perform 'The Immortal Kotetsu' from the 'Aizu no Kotetsu' series. This series has been passed down through the Kyōyama school since the first Kyōyama Kōe and represents the school's signature repertoire.

"This will be the fourth installment in the main storyline, featuring an episode from Kotetsu's younger days," Kōshiwaka explained. "It's a major piece from his time as a lodger at the Aizu house, filled with intense action and fighting scenes. The dialogue in the fight scenes is entertaining with plenty of laughs—it has great energy. While it's physically demanding, I plan to give it everything I've got. This will be the first time performing it at the National Bunraku Theatre, so I hope everyone enjoys it."

Niji Tomomi (Accompanist) - 'Welcome to Rōkyoku', 'Haha Koi Aiya Bushi', 'The Immortal Kotetsu'

Niji Tomomi will accompany multiple performances, including the new explanatory segment. She shared her thoughts on 'Haha Koi Aiya Bushi' by Mihara Sachiko:

"This piece incorporates the folk song Tsugaru Aiya Bushi. Since I've been playing Tsugaru shamisen for some time, I hope to blend the best elements of Tsugaru shamisen and rōkyoku for this performance. Together with the music by operator Ugawa-san, I'll work hard to enhance Mihara-sensei's warm, heartfelt story."

Kyōyama Kōta - 'Welcome to Rōkyoku' Demonstration

Kyōyama Kōta will participate in the demonstration for the explanatory segment 'Welcome to Rōkyoku':

"Sister Haruno Keiko will serve as the host, with young rōkyoku performers and accompanists handling the demonstrations. While rōkyoku is a narrative art, it has deep connections to music, so we're focusing on the shamisen this time. The accompanists will demonstrate the differences in entrance melodies and the distinctive melodies of different schools. We'll also cover topics like how rōkyoku voices are developed. It's designed to give audiences a comprehensive feel for the appeal of rōkyoku as 'the sound of Japan,' so please look forward to it."

Kyōyama Kōno - 'Welcome to Rōkyoku' Demonstration

Kyōyama Kōno also discussed the explanatory segment:

"The 'Welcome to Rōkyoku' segment includes a section comparing different melodic styles. Among the four young performers, two are from the Kōshiwaka school, so I'll be performing in the style of the late Matsuura Shirōwaka-sensei's lineage. The content is designed so audiences can really feel the individual characteristics of different schools. I think both beginners and veteran fans will enjoy it. Please look forward to it."

Experience the masterful performances of rōkyoku at the National Bunraku Theatre.