Transforming the stage into a Japanese festival. 
Audiences make the magic happen with this performance that is coming to Kyushu for the first time!

In this unique non-verbal theatrical performance, each audience member’s seat comes with a Japanese drum kit and lantern, and everybody is expected to take part in the vibrant proceedings which combine aspects of The Six Great Festivals of Tohoku. 

This performance follows on the heels of the Tokyo performance (Shinjuku・THEATER MILANO-Za) held in March, and will be taking place in Theater Soratoumi which opened last year in Fukuoka’s Island City area. The theater condenses the essence of Japanese folk festivities in a way that both Japanese natives and visitors can appreciate and will be the inaugural Kyushu performance!

Up to 1,000 children will be invited- for free- to this show. 

What makes Festival Theater HANA so fun?

• Point 1: A spectacle that unites The Six Great Festivals of Tohoku.

The Six Great Festivals of Tohoku are: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, Morioka Sansa Dance Festival, Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Sendai Tanabata Festival, and Fukushima Waraji Festival. Elements of these six festivals are all present in an original production meant to distill the essence of Tohoku’s vibrant festival culture. 

Photo courtesy of: Fukushima Waraji Festival Executive Committee, Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Office, Morioka Sansa Dance Seiryu

• Point 2: Experience a unique adventure at every seat type with 279 drums and 64 lanterns!

There are three different types of seats: drum (taiko) seats, lantern seats, and fan seats, and the fun changes depending on which one you get! The fun is seeing how all the audience gets together to make one spectacular festival atmosphere. 

• Point 3: A moving story woven through nonverbal expression—enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds worldwide.

The performance is unique in that it is entirely non-verbal- there are no words involved. A young oni meets and falls in love with Ohana, leading to a highly moving and dramatic story that allows audiences to immerse themselves in the tale. A story that transcends age and background that all can enjoy. 

• Point 4: A spectacular shower of cherry blossom petals

Japan is famous for both its rich festival culture and beautiful flowers. Festival Theater HANA was created by blending the six major festivals of Tohoku with contemporary performance styles, aiming to produce shows that can compete on the global stage. The flurry of cherry blossom petals is a not-to-be-missed highlight of the show! 

• Point 5: A strong line-up of staff members and Warabi-za, now reaching its 75th year

The script was arranged by Kensuke Yokouchi, who has contributed widely to productions including the script and direction for Super Kabuki II “One Piece,” which sparked innovation in the kabuki world, and the script for the musical “V6” directed by Yukio Ninagawa. This performance will be the first time Warabi-za has attempted to create a completely non-verbal performance. Directing the performance is an experienced veteran of musicals set in the Tohoku region, Warabi-za’s Hiroshi Kuriki. The choreography features Lucky Ikeda and Eri Ayaki, who have worked on numerous projects including the anime Yokai Watch, Yokai Taiso, commercials, TV programs, and stage productions. Collaborating with Warabi-za, they challenge themselves to blend tradition with entertainment.

Date/times of performances

To be held from April 11, 2026 (Saturday) until April 19, 2026 (Sunday) for a total of 10 performances. *April 13 and April 16 will be days off. 
・April 11, 12, 18: shows at 11:00 & 15:30
・April 14: 18:30 
・April 15: 14:00
・April 17: 14:00
・April 19: 11:00

Cost

・General Admission:
S Seat (Drum Seat): ¥7,000 / A Seat (Lantern Seat): ¥5,000 / B Seat (Fan Seat): ¥4,000
・Warabi-za Association Members:
S Seat (Drum Seat): ¥6,300 / A Seat (Lantern Seat): ¥4,500 / B Seat (Fan Seat): ¥3,600
・Children 18 and under: Free
Up to 1,000 guests invited free! (See official website for details.)
・Guardians: Half Price
S Seat (Drum Seat) ¥3,500 / A Seat (Lantern Seat) ¥2,500 / B Seat (Fan Seat) ¥2,000
Purchase tickets here→
Warabi-za Online Tickets

Reservations:
Reservations required (reservation cut off is prior to the day of the performance)
*With regards to same day ticket purchases, please consult with the organizer.

Queries:
Warabi-za Performance Production Division
TEL: 0187-44-3332 
Mail: o-kita@warabi.or.jp