National Bunraku Theatre to Premiere New Bunraku Play 'City Lights' Based on Chaplin's Original Work!

From left: Yutaka Ohno, Wakaba Toyozume, Kantaro Kirikuzuki, Tomoyasu Tsurusawa

Ahead of the 'Bunraku Summer Festival' (hosted by The Japan Bunraku Association, with support from the Japan Arts Council), a press conference was held for 'Machi no Hikari,' a new bunraku play set to premiere at the National Bunraku Theatre from July 18 to August 9. This production is a new bunraku adaptation of Charlie Chaplin's renowned film 'City Lights.'

The event began with an explanation from Mr. Tabata, Director of The Japan Bunraku Association, outlining the festival's purpose and the background behind staging 'Machi no Hikari.' This was followed by remarks from playwright and director Yutaka Ohno, narrator Wakaba Toyozume (who performs from the fifth act to the finale), puppet master and performer Kantaro Kirikuzuki (in the role of Yojiro), and composer Tomoyasu Tsurusawa (also performing from the fifth act onward), all sharing their enthusiasm for the upcoming performance.

Yutaka Ohno

I am truly overwhelmed with emotion to be able to announce today that Chaplin’s masterpiece 'City Lights' is being adapted into bunraku. For quite some time, Master Wakaba and Master Kantaro and I have often discussed how wonderful it would be if Chaplin’s works could be brought to life in bunraku. In fact, a kabuki adaptation of 'City Lights' titled 'Koumori no Yasu-san' was revived at the National Theatre in 2019, which further inspired us to pursue a bunraku version. Thanks to the support of many individuals, this project has finally come to fruition. As a lifelong bunraku enthusiast and Chaplin scholar, my sole aim is to create a work that is entirely Chaplin and entirely bunraku—authentic to both.

Wakaba Toyozume

I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the role of adapting Mr. Ohno’s script into the rhythmic chanting style of jōruri and gidayū. I’ve watched 'City Lights' countless times, but upon rewatching it recently, I realized it’s not merely comedy or pathos—it expresses a selfless, ultimate love that transcends both. I wish to convey this profound emotion through my narration. Since many will experience this as a new bunraku work—regardless of whether they know Chaplin or have seen the original film—I aim to narrate as clearly and carefully as possible. Even those who previously had no interest in bunraku are showing great curiosity, and I firmly believe this production will serve as a powerful catalyst for expanding the fan base.

Kantaro Kirikuzuki

When I was training in footwork, I was deeply moved by a scene in Chaplin’s 'The Gold Rush' where he uses forks stuck in bread to mimic dancing feet. The brilliance of that movement made me feel ashamed of my own technique and inspired me to work harder. Now, to see Chaplin’s masterpiece 'City Lights' adapted for the bunraku stage fills me with immense joy. Yet, I also feel a great deal of anxiety. As the music has been composed and various aspects progress, discussions about the puppets have begun. I am assisting in decisions regarding the design and costumes of the main character Yojiro and other roles, consulting with the production team. I hope many people will come to see it and share their feedback.

Tomoyasu Tsurusawa

Originally, I played Western musical instruments before joining the world of bunraku. At first, I struggled to adapt to bunraku’s tonal system, having been too accustomed to equal temperament. Gradually, however, I began to develop two distinct mental frameworks—one for equal temperament and one for gidayū music—which I believe has led me to this project. I composed with the intention that both bunraku enthusiasts and Chaplin fans would enjoy the performance. While I’ve subtly incorporated melodic hints reminiscent of the original film’s score, the foundation remains firmly rooted in classical gidayū music. I worked hard to ensure the composition feels innovative yet naturally integrated into the traditional style—fresh, but never jarring.

Bunraku Summer Festival (Venue: National Bunraku Theatre)

◆ Performances

'Shiroba Shitate Manzai' and 'Machi no Hikari'

◆ Performance Period

July 18 (Sat) – August 9 (Sun), 6:00 PM start (approx. 8:25 PM end)

※ No performances on July 23 (Thu) and July 31 (Fri).

◆ Ticket Prices

<All seats, tax included> General: ¥6,000 / Students: ¥4,200

※ 20% discount for persons with disabilities and one caregiver (cannot be combined with other discounts).

※ Student and disability discounts available via online booking.

◆ Ticket Reservations

National Theatre Ticket Center (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

[Phone Reservations] 0570-07-9900 / 03-3230-3000 (for some IP phones)

[Online Reservations] National Theatre Ticket Center: https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/

◆ Performance Details

https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/schedule/bunraku/2026/2026summer/