“Mushi Mezuru Himegimi (The Lady Who Loved Insects)” is a work of classical Japanese literature from the Heian period (8th-12th Century). It tells the story of a non-traditional lady who has a passion for insects and her surrounding people. This cutting-edge stage combines the narrative of the Heian period with “Butoh,” a dance style born in Japan, alongside classical music, including well-known pieces. The premiere took place at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall in 2022 and received critical acclaim. The production gained international recognition the same year, being nominated for the Best Opera Concert category at YAMawards, which celebrates creativity and the innovative spirit of musical productions worldwide aimed at young audiences.

Created by AGATSUMA Emiko, a butoh dancer with 25 years of bold career actively showcasing her choreographed works both domestically and internationally, and KATO Masanori, a versatile composer and pianist, who has a firm reputation for his diverse musical creations—including those written for piano, as well as music arrangements and producing stages reflecting his unique vision—this performance invites you to immerse yourself in a timeless Heian tale.

In old-time Japan in the Heian period (8th-12th Century), people took it for granted that ladies were always beautiful and loved flowers and butterflies. In that period, there was a lady who loved insects and did not care about her appearance. She did not even care when her maids and parents were worried about her unconventional doings. One day, a young nobleman became interested in this lady and tried to tease her by sending her a love poem with a gift of a tricky-fake snake. How would the lady deal with it!?

KATO Masanori: Music for Butoh Dance-The Lady Who Loved Insects, Temari-uta (insert song), and more

Minuets by J.S.BACH, MOZART, BEETHOVEN, and PADEREWSKI

GRIEG: “In the Hall of the Mountain King (I Dovregubbens hall)” from Peer Gynt Suite No.1

BIZET: Minuet from L’Arlésienne Suite No.2

J.S.BACH: Concerto for 2 Violins in d minor, BWV1043-1st movement

RAVEL: Boléro

SHOSTAKOVICH: Symphony No.7 in C major, Op.60, “Leningrad”-1st movement

and more

Direction, Choreography, Lady: AGATSUMA Emiko (Butoh Dance)

Music Direction, Music Composition/Arrangement, Piano: KATO Masanori

Lady’s Maid, Insect Fairy: MIYAKE Rie (Soprano)

Lady’s Maids, Insects, Noblemen: SHIOYA Tomoshi, KUJIRAI Kentaro (Butoh Dance)

Flute: UENO Yoshie *1st prize of Wind section at the 2nd Tokyo Music Competition

Clarinet: HAMASAKI Yuki

Cello: SASANUMA Tatsuki *2nd prize of String section at the 12th Tokyo Music Competition

Libretto: PEYOUNNE Maki

Set Design: MATSUO Hiroko

Costume Design: TAKEDA Kumiko

Lighting Design: MOCHIZUKI Daisuke (Art Stage Lighting Group)

Sound Design: SUEHIRO Yuki (Tokyo Bunka Kaikan)

Hair & Makeup: ISHIHARA Momoco

Stage Manager: ASANUMA Nobuo (The Stuff)

Associate Director: INAYAMA Akiko

Adults S3,300yen A2,200yen

Elementary/Middle School Students 1,100yen (The price applies to all seat categories.)

* Valid ID is required for elementary/middle school students for their age verification on the day of the performance.

View Seating Chart

Click the camera icons on the seating chart to check the stage view from the selected area.

Sat, Feb 22, 2025

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Box Office

Eligibility: Elementary school students

Maximum number of invitees: 50 per performance, 100 in total (Invitees will be determined by lot if the application number exceeds the limit.)

Application period: Mon, Apr 14, 10:00-Fri, May 9, 18:00, 2025

How to apply: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Box Office (Only through online ticketing service in Japanese)

Result notice: An email notice will be sent on Wed, May 14 (TBD)

* Caregivers can purchase 1 ticket for the seat next to an invitee.

* Service charges, including system usage fees, will apply.

Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Government/Tokyo Bunka Kaikan operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture

Planning & Production: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Production Section

Supported by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan