Komatsuza 161st Performance: “Older Brother, Younger Brother”
The Komatsu-za theater company presents its 161st production, a sophisticated blend of critical biography and musical theater written by the renowned playwright Hisashige Inoue. This performance, titled “Ani Otouto” (Brothers), will take place at the Goda Hall within the Ibaraki City Culture and Child-rearing Complex Onikuru.
The narrative centers on the complex relationship between two brothers: Sakuzo Yoshino, a pivotal figure of the Taisho Democracy who championed “minpon-shugi”—a philosophy of people-centered government—and his younger brother, Shinji, who pursued a different path as a bureaucrat and politician. Through a series of songs and dances, the play explores the ideological rift between the siblings as they both contemplate the trajectory of Japan’s future. The story is further enriched by the presence of their intelligent, close-knit sisters-in-law, providing a nuanced look at the intersection of national theory and familial love.
Under the direction of Hitoshi Uyama, the production features a high-caliber cast that includes Eiji Yokota, Mao Ayabuki, Keito Okamoto, and Daimu Kiriya.
Event Details
Date and Time
The performance is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (National Holiday). The curtain rises at 16:00, with doors opening to the public at 15:30. Attendees should account for a total performance time of approximately three hours.
Venue
The event will be held at the Ibaraki City Culture and Child-rearing Complex Onikuru Goda Hall, located at 3-9-45 Ekimae, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture.
Admission Pricing
Tickets are tiered based on seating and age:
- A Seat: 5,000 yen
- B Seat: 3,500 yen
- U25 Discount: 2,000 yen (available for those under 25 years of age)
Contact and Additional Information
For further inquiries, the organizing body can be reached at 072-631-0296 between 9:30 and 18:00. Detailed information and ticketing may be accessed via the official website: https://www.onikuru.jp/performance/30568/
Komatsu-za is a Japanese theater company with a long history of regular stage productions. Its repertory includes both established plays and newer works, and its reputation rests on ensemble acting and direction that serves the script. The company treats staging as a craft: the emphasis is on timing, clear delivery, and working relationships among actors developed over many productions. Audiences return for a consistent style that does not rely on gimmicks or celebrity casting. The 161st Performance of Ani Ototou is part of this ongoing schedule. Reaching that number suggests a play and a company that have kept the confidence of their audience by doing steady, careful work.
