Authentic Traditional Performing Arts in Tokyo Truly Inspire: Kagurazaka Street Stage & Oedo Tour 2025 Concludes with Great Success
- Shinya Yamada
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 23
The Beauty of Authentic Traditional Performing Arts in Tokyo's Kagurazaka
The traditional performing arts festival Kagurazaka Street Stage & Oedo Tour 2025, held on May 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun) in Tokyo's Kagurazaka—a culturally rich neighborhood in central Tokyo—has successfully concluded. It was impressive to see not only Japanese but also many international visitors enjoying the festivities.
I volunteered at the Yarai Noh Theater on the 17th and spent the 18th attending various performances.
Two Days of Refined Traditional Japanese Culture in One Place
Among the events included in the festival were several traditional arts that our company offers as tours: Noh theater, Gagaku (imperial court music), Tezuma (traditional magic), and Geisha performances.
Noh Masterpiece “Atsumori” Performed by the Kanze School
The Noh performance featured the classic play Atsumori, which tells the story of Taira no Atsumori, a 16-year-old samurai who was slain in the Battle of Ichinotani during the Genpei War, and Kumagai Jiro Naozane, the warrior who killed him. With a lead performance by Yoshimasa Kanze, a master actor of the Kanze school, the theater was filled to capacity. I myself had to stand, but I was deeply moved by the passionate performances of the actors, as well as the masterful chanting and live music by the chorus and instrumentalists.
A Rare Chance to Hear Live Gagaku: Ancient Court Music at Its Finest
Gagaku performances included a street-side concert by Gagaku Shimokumatakeru—a unit composed of Kosei Shimomiya (sho), Hirotaka Kumaido (ryuteki), and Takeru Okaniwa (hichiriki), whose names form the group name. All three are top performers who have appeared in NHK’s historical drama series.
Also performing was Gendai Sangaku, a group that revives Sangaku, a form of entertainment that came to Japan from the continent during the Nara period and disappeared in the early Heian period. They were formed after a dedication performance at the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in 2019. Both groups showcased the rarely heard, enchanting sounds of traditional Gagaku instruments.
Tezuma by Master Magician Daiki Fujiyama: The Art of Classical Japanese Magic
Tezuma, a form of classical Japanese magic that flourished during the Edo period, was performed by Daiki Fujiyama—an award-winning Tezuma master who became the youngest ever recipient of the prestigious Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Prize in 2019. I watched his performance from up close, but I couldn’t decipher any of his tricks—it was pure delight. Unlike Western magic, Japanese Tezuma incorporates uniquely Japanese storytelling and emotion. It is truly worth experiencing in person.
Giesha's Ozashiki Live and the Buzz of Kagurazaka’s Cultural Energy
As for the Ozashiki Live by the geisha, I was unable to attend since I was volunteering at Yarai Noh Theater at the time, but I heard it was a lively and well-received performance.
Missed the Festival? You Can Still Experience These Traditions Year-Round
If you were unable to attend Kagurazaka Street Stage & Oedo Tour 2025 this year, we warmly encourage you to visit this authentic traditional performing arts festival in Tokyo next year. Meanwhile, our company offers year-round cultural experiences, Ninja Kotan Travel and Kagurazaka Refined Wander, including Noh, Gagaku, Tezuma, and geisha performances—as well as many other traditional arts.
Discover the Hidden Layers of Kagurazaka Through Our Walking Tour
We also highly recommend joining our Kagurazaka Walking Tour, which not only uncovers the hidden charms of the area but also includes in-depth explanations of its history and culture by knowledgeable local guides.
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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