Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears

(Opera in 1 act, 4 scenes/Sung in Japanese with Japanese surtitles)

“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.

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 series has received critical acclaim for its diverse cast, including young artists who have won prizes at the Tokyo Music Competition and seasoned singers who are top names in Japan. Additionally, the series boasts experienced and in-demand stage directors and creators, along with a children’s chorus and little actors who participate through an open application process. After last year’s successful run, the same performance will take place in Tachikawa as part of the Next Creation Program. For this production, young people from the Tama area will challenge themselves to create a full-fledged opera working together with the professionals. The production will involve a children’s chorus, a crafts-making team (to work on set designs), and young challengers for backstage, ushers, and PR work!

We have cast MIYASATO Naoki in the role of the Red Ogre, as he is considered the best fit for the part. KURODA Yuki, a remarkably active baritone, will take on the role of the Blue Ogre. Additionally, we have included other skilled singers, including prizewinners from various editions of the Tokyo Music Competition.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears, a collaboration between professionals and children that is sure to move you to tears.

MATSUI Kazuhiko

HISATSUNE Hidenori

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 Tamakko (Workshop participants)

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

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

Reserved Seats 3,850yen

Under-26s: 1,100yen

* Those who purchase tickets for ages under 26 must bring their IDs on the day of the performance, as we may ask for verification.

Sat, May 17, 2025

Advance online sale for Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Members: Sun, May 11

Advance sale for Tachikawa Community & Culture Foundation’s membership subscribers MUSA: Sun, May 11

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Box Office

This production will also take place in Ueno.

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Opera BOX: Naita Aka Oni—The Red Ogre in Tears

Team Up for Opera! Workshops (Conducted only in Japanese)

Team Up for Opera!—Perform the Opera Characters: “Singing, Instrumental Ensemble, and Acting”

Team Up for Opera!—Create Props for the Opera Stage: “Crafts Making”

Team Up for Opera!—PR Work Challenge: “Let people know about the opera”

Team Up for Opera!—On-Site Visit for the Opera Performance “Hands-On Experience of Working Backstage”

The Next Creation Program is an experience-based arts and culture program targeted at children undertaken by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture. Young participants can receive guidance from leading professionals in various fields, engaging in hands-on creative experiences tailored to their interests. This approach enables them to learn at a deeper and more advanced level. Understanding and nurturing the children’s dreams in the arts and culture and their personalities, the program aims to help develop thriving talents.

Organizers: Tokyo Metropolitan Government/Tokyo Bunka Kaikan operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture/Tachikawa-Community ＆ Culture Foundation

Cooperation: Kunitachi College of Music

Endorsed by: Tachikawa City Board of Education

Planning & Production: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Production Section