Experience Japan’s Timeless Masterpiece
“The Tale of Genji” on a Traditional Noh Stage
– May 2025 Revival
Written a millennium ago by the remarkable female author Murasaki Shikibu, “The Tale of Genji,” a cornerstone of Japanese classical literature, is brought to life by acclaimed Russian director L. Anisimov. Performed by a Japanese cast on an authentic Noh stage, this May 2025 revival offers a rare opportunity to witness a sophisticated theatrical experience steeped in Japanese tradition.
“The Tale of Genji” is a monumental work of Japanese literature, often considered the world’s first novel, penned a thousand years ago by the court lady Murasaki Shikibu.
Director L. Anisimov has served as the artistic director of the TOKYO NOVYI ART Theatre Company since 2004, staging numerous acclaimed productions. His adaptations of the Japanese myth “Kojiki” and Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s 300-year-old play “Sonezaki Shinju” were officially invited to international theater festivals, garnering international praise as a remarkable fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
The Noh stage, with its stylistically perfected form, features a minimalist set design. The performance unfolds against the backdrop of a majestic pine tree painted on the back wall, a signature element of the Noh stage, allowing the audience to fully appreciate the actors’ movements and the narrative.
Costume designer Shingo Tokihiro creates visually stunning attire, often utilizing the exquisite fabrics of Japanese kimonos. His simple yet striking designs have captivated many fans and have also received high acclaim in overseas performances.
Event Summary:
Title: The Tale of Genji
Venue: Ume Waka Noh Gakuin Kaikan (Ume Waka Noh Academy Hall)
Dates: Sunday, May 11, 2025, 2:00 PM (Lobby opens at 1:00 PM)
Tickets: Advance ¥5,000 / Door ¥6,000
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
Website URL (Performance Details):https://tokyo-novyi.com/home/genji-noh-2025may/
Ticket Purchase: https://www.confetti-web.com/events/6856
Inquiries: https://tokyo-novyi.com/contact/
Please note that there will be no subtitles or simultaneous translation services available for this performance.
Past Performances at the Noh Theater
About the Theater Company:
The theater company originated in 1976 as a research institute founded by Takao Yoshizawa with the aim of researching and promoting the Stanislavsky System in Japan. Later, Yoshizawa met L. Anisimov, who was then the artistic director of the Vladivostok State Theatre. While facing illness, Yoshizawa entrusted him with the mission of continuing to teach the Stanislavsky System in Japan. In 2004, L. Anisimov established a new theater company with his Japanese students, and their activities continue to this day.
Venue & Access
Ume Waka Noh Academy Hall
(2-6-14 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo)
Please note that parking is not available at the Ume Waka Noh Academy Hall. We kindly request that you use public transportation.
Nearest Stations:
＜JR Line＞
Sobu Line “Higashi-Nakano” Station, West Exit
(The exit with the rotary)
※8-10 minutes walk
＜Subway＞
Oedo Line “Higashi-Nakano” Station, Exit A3
Oedo Line “Nakano-Sakaue” Station, Exit A2 or 2
Marunouchi Line “Nakano-Sakaue” Station, Exit A2 or 2
※8-10 minutes walk from any of these subway stations
＜Bus＞
Kanto Bus (From Shinjuku West Exit bound for Nogata)
→Get off at “Miyashita Kousaten” bus stop
Kanto Bus (From Nogata bound for Shinjuku West Exit)
→Get off at “Higashi-Nakano 2-chome” bus stop
Keio Bus (From Shibuya bound for Nakano)
Shibuya No. 64 (via Nakano-Sakaue)
→Get off at “Miyashita Kousaten” bus stop
Keio Bus (From Nakano bound for Shibuya)
Shibuya No. 64 (via Nakano-Sakaue)
→Get off at “Higashi-Nakano 2-chome” bus stop
Look for the apartment building with the sign “UMEWAKA ACADEMIA” (on the Higashi-Nakano Station side). The entrance is located at the back of the passage of this building.
The cafe “Nakanakano（なかなかの）” is a landmark.
Parking is not available. Please use public transportation when visiting the venue.
Ticket Reservation (Online)
- Tickets can be reserved online via the Confetti WEB reservation system
or by phone reservation (Japanese language only) through Confetti.
Ticket Reservation (Phone)
Confetti Phone Reservation (Toll-Free)
(受付時間: Weekdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time)
050-3092-0051