Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Opera BOX: Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears
An opera with songs based on the beloved children’s literature, “Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears,” is making its return to the stage for the first time in six years, featuring prizewinners from the Tokyo Music Competition. This production is highly recommended for first-time opera-goers as well.
| Date |
Sun, Sep 21, 2025 15:00 (Open 14:30) |
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| Venue | Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall |
| Genre | TBK productions Opera |
Program |
Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears (Opera in 1 act, 4 scenes/Sung in Japanese with Japanese and English surtitles) |
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Synopsis |
“The Red Ogre in Tears” is a popular Japanese folktale. Once upon a time, there was a Red Ogre who lived on a mountain. The Red Ogre had longed for becoming friends with humans, but humans were always afraid of ogres and never visited his house. The lone Red Ogre was deeply saddened. One day, the Blue Ogre, a friend of the Red Ogre, heard the Red Ogre’s wish and came up with one idea. The Blue Ogre pretended to be evil to humans, which, as a result, humans became to like the friendly Red Ogre. The plan was successful, and the Red Ogre ended up spending a happy life with his human friends. The Red Ogre, however, became worried that the Blue Ogre had never visited him since then. He couldn’t wait any longer and went to the Blue Ogre’s house one day, but he wasn’t there anymore. |
About the Production |
The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan “Opera BOX” is a popular series that has been running since 2004, which allows people to enjoy opera performances in a casual atmosphere. This season, the Japanese opera “Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears” will return to the stage for the first time in 6 years. Based on HAMADA Hirosuke’s renowned work in children’s literature, this production gained critical acclaim during its premiere in 2015 and its rerun in 2019. We have cast KURODA Yuki, a remarkably active baritone, as the Blue Ogre, alongside other talented singers, including prizewinners from various editions of the Tokyo Music Competition. Participants in the related event “Let’s Create Opera!” will also contribute to the production by taking on roles as set design creators, children’s ensemble members, and chorus performers. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan’s rendition of “Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears,” a collaboration between professionals and children that is sure to move you to tears. |
Libretto, Music, and Conductor |
MATSUI Kazuhiko |
Direction |
HISATSUNE Hidenori |
Cast |
Red Ogre: MIYASATO Naoki *2nd prize (top prize) and Audience Award of Voice section at the 10th Tokyo Music Competition Blue Ogre: KURODA Yuki *3rd prize of Voice section at the 20th Tokyo Music Competition Woodcutter: TERADA Koji *2nd prize of Voice section at the 6th Tokyo Music Competition Daughter of Woodcutter: MORITA Mao *2nd prize of Voice section at the 12th Tokyo Music Competition Peasant: KISHINO Yuki Wife of Peasant: YAGI Hisako *1st prize of Voice section at the 9th Tokyo Music Competition Narrator: OGAWA Kanna *1st prize and Audience Award of Voice section at the 22nd Tokyo Music Competition MC (Pre-show talk): ASAOKA Satoshi
Children’s Choir & Instrumental Ensemble: Coros Waranbe (Participants of “Let’s Create Opera!”) Piano: HATTORI Yoko Violin: KISHIMOTO Honoka *1st prize of String section at the 9th Tokyo Music Competition Clarinet: KUSANO Yuki Percussion: NISHIMURA Nagomu, KOMATSU Miki, KONDO Hiroto |
Creators |
Set Design: KUROSAWA Michi (Toho Stage Craft) Lighting Design: INABA Naoto (Art Stage Lighting Group) Costume Design: MASUDA Emi (MOMA WORKSHOP) Stage Manager: HOZUMI Chihiro (The Stuff) Associate Director & Choreography: INAYAMA Akiko |
MATSUI Kazuhiko; Libretto, Music, and Conductor
HISATSUNE Hidenori, Direction
MIYASATO Naoki, Tenor
KURODA Yuki, Baritone
TERADA Koji, Baritone
MORITA Mao, Soprano
KISHINO Yuki, Tenor
YAGI Hisako, Mezzo-soprano
OGAWA Kanna, Soprano
ASAOKA Satoshi, MC/Pre-show talk
Tickets
| Prices (tax included) |
Reserved Seats 3,850yen Under-26s: 2,200yen Age 65 and above (50 seats), persons with disabilities (The same price applies to one companion.): 3,465yen * Those who purchase discount tickets must bring their IDs on the day of the performance, as we may ask for verification. * If tickets for age 65 and above are sold out during the advance sale period, they will not be available for the regular sale. |
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Seating Chart of Recital Hall |
View Seating Chart Click the camera icons on the seating chart to check the stage view from the selected area. |
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On Sale Date |
Sat, May 17, 2025 Advance online sale for Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Members: Sun, May 11 |
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BOX Office |
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Other Information
* The program is subject to change under certain circumstances.
* Pre-school children are not allowed to attend this performance.
* Child care service is available. (Reservation and fee required. A limited number of children is accepted.)
Event Child Care Service: Mother’s 0120-788-222
Reservation must be made by Fri, Sep 12, 17:00.
Related Events |
This production will also take place in Tachikawa. Team Up for Opera! Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears
Let’s Create Opera! Workshops (Conducted only in Japanese) Perform the Opera Characters: “Singing, Instrumental Ensemble, and Acting” Create Props for the Opera Stage: “Crafts Making” (Venue: Machida Citizen’s Hall) Create Props for the Opera Stage: “Crafts Making” (Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan) |
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Organizers & Supporters |
Oganizers: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Cooperation: Ueno Chuo-dori Merchants Association/Yamaha Corporation/Kunitachi College of Music Planning & Production: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Production Section |
Partners & Grantors |
Supported by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan/The Mitsubishi UFJ Trust Foundation for the Arts/Nomura Foundation Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Official Platinum Partners: Ueno Seiyoken/HASEKO Group Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Official Gold Partners: THE ASAHI SHINKIN BANK |