Matsuri Theater HANA: Tohoku’s Six Festivals Preform in Tokyo

Warabi-za, the Semboku City, Akita-based theatre company known for adapting folk traditions into contemporary stage works, will bring its participatory nonverbal production Matsuri Theater HANA to Tokyo in March 2026.

The show, which premiered in Akita City in 2023, is scheduled for a limited run at Theater Milano-za in Shinjuku from March 14–22, with a total of 12 performances.

Matsuri Theater HANA: An Immersive Festival Space

300 drums and 200 lanterns will be installed in the audience area so spectators can join the performance. 

The production recreates the essence of Tohoku’s six major festivals — Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto, Morioka Sansa Odori, Yamagata Hanagasa, Sendai Tanabata and Fukushima Waraji — in an original, nonverbal stage drama designed to be accessible to audiences of all ages and nationalities.

The 85-minute performance follows a dramatic, wordless story of a young oni and a character named Ohana and depicts the revival of festival spirit amid loss and renewal.

Visual spectacle is a core feature, the production includes a theatre-filling flower confetti effect and large-scale participatory moments that organizers say will create a powerful communal experience.

Seating is divided into three participatory types

Drum Seats:

Each seat is fitted with a drum for active participation and is described as the most popular and immersive option.

Lantern Seats: 

Each seat has a lantern that spectators light and wave, helping transform the venue into a festival atmosphere.

Fan Seats: 

Placed toward the rear, these seats allow viewers to appreciate the overall stage picture and the dramatic flower-confetti sequences.

Creative credits include script and structure by Kensuke Yokouchi and direction by Warabi-za’s Hiroshi Kuriki. Choreography is led by Lucky Ikeda and Eri Ayaki among others; music direction is by Aya Watanabe and music by Watanabe and Tsuyoshi Ozawa. The production brings together a large creative and technical team experienced in both traditional and contemporary Japanese theatre.

Matsuri Theater HANA: Ticketing and Access 

Period: March 14–22, 2026 (12 performances)
Venue: Theater Milano-za, 6F Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku
Running time: approx. 85 minutes; doors open 45 minutes prior to performance
Please note: Children aged 3 and under are not admitted; one ticket required per person (no lap seating), Drum seats have limited legroom and large bags are not permitted in those areas.Some performances may be recorded or covered by media.

Sales schedule
Advance sales and lottery: November1–23, 2025
General sale: begins December 14, 2025 at 10:00 (JST)
Tickets: For ticketing, schedule details and inquiries, visit the Matsuri Theater HANA special site (Japanese) or Warabi-za’s ticket portal (Japanese), or contact the Matsuri Theater Information Desk via phone or email -
Phone: 0187-49-6315 Phone reception hours: 9:30-11:30/12:30-17:00 (weekdays and Saturdays)
Email: gekijyo1@warabi.or.jp

Please note: VIP tickets, member pre-sales and a lottery system will be used for various ticket categories; details and restrictions (including nonrefundable policy except in case of cancellation/postponement) are available through Warabi-za’s ticketing portal.
Warabi-za has marked decades of work promoting Japanese folk arts at home and abroad; the company celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026 and has toured in 17 countries.Matsuri Theater HANA aims to showcase Tohoku’s festival culture in a format that appeals to domestic and international audiences alike.

Information and picture source: PR TIMES