A Phantom Masterpiece Revived with New Direction After 40 Years! Opera 'Bekkanko Oni' Poses Questions About Coexistence with Others, Set to be Performed at New National Theatre Tokyo

Opera "Bekkanko Oni" with New Direction, organized by Opera Theatre Konnyakuza, will be performed from September 17 (Thu), 2026 to September 20 (Sun), 2026 at the New National Theatre Tokyo, Small Theatre (1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo).

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale at 10:00 AM on July 18, 2026, via Confetti (operated by Longrun Planning Co., Ltd., Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Daigo Kurematsu).

On Sale from July 18, 2026 (Sat) 10:00 AM

Tickets on Sale at Confetti

Official Website

https://www.konnyakuza.com/produce/

Opera Theatre Konnyakuza to Perform Opera 'Bekkanko Oni' at New National Theatre Tokyo!

The opera 'Bekkanko Oni,' which premiered in 1979 and toured nationwide until 1986 with varying productions, will be performed for the first time in 40 years.

Konnyakuza, which has aimed to create new Japanese operas since its founding and had folk tale operas as its early repertoire, presents this symbolic work from its early period. Following Brecht's 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' (1978), the company returned to folk tales as a theme, questioning the human heart regarding love and discrimination.

This is the fourth opera composed by Mitsuru Hayami specifically for Konnyakuza, and its music possesses a breadth that transcends region and era.

The existence of 'oni' (demons/ogres) created by the human heart. It reflects the depths of our hearts as we live today, touching upon intolerance towards others, the pain of loneliness, the joy of sharing, and the sadness of separation caused by misunderstandings.

This long-awaited revival will be reborn with new direction by Tetsushi Oishi and a double cast!

Performance Details

A Symbolic Work from Konnyakuza's Early Period

The opera 'Bekkanko Oni,' which premiered in 1979 and subsequently toured the country until 1986 with different productions, will be performed for the first time in 40 years. Konnyakuza, which has strived to create new Japanese operas since its founding and has actively performed folk tale operas, presents this symbolic work from its early period. After 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' (premiered in 1978) by Brecht, the company returned to folk tales as a theme, questioning the human heart regarding love and discrimination. This work is also one of the cornerstones that established Konnyakuza's ideological foundation, seeking audiences with ordinary citizen sensibilities rather than just dedicated opera fans.

A Piano Opera, the Origin of Konnyakuza

The music incorporates sounds and rhythms reminiscent of Janáček, whom composer Mitsuru Hayami was deeply influenced by, as well as Okinawan music, giving it a breadth that transcends region and era. It was composed from the outset to be performed with a single piano, not as a substitute for an orchestra. This piano opera is a testament to Konnyakuza's origins, having honed their skills with the unsparing challenge of a single piano since its founding. Now, as the company celebrates its 55th anniversary, they will once again take on the challenge of the piano opera 'Bekkanko Oni' head-on!

Depicting the Nuances of Characters' Hearts Through Both Music and Drama

The direction is by Tetsushi Oishi, a singer-actor with Konnyakuza who has also directed numerous operas. His directing credits at Konnyakuza include 'And Everyone Told Lies' (2008), 'Imagined Tale: Night on the Galactic Railroad' (2010, 2016), 'The Forest Is Alive' (2012), and 'Suetsumuhana' (2020). He is highly regarded for his ability to interpret text with the support of music and his emphasis on musicality, particularly in Japanese vocal performance. Oishi, who knows the strengths of each actor intimately, will draw out new charms of the work through the actors' free-spirited creativity.

The Existence of 'Oni' Created by the Human Heart

This work, which highlights human nature through themes such as intolerance towards others, the pain of loneliness, the joy of sharing, and the sadness of separation caused by misunderstandings, is a story essential for us living today. In an era where relentless attacks on those we don't understand are accelerating, it poses questions to contemporary society about coexistence with others.

Organization Overview

Since its founding in 1971, Opera Theatre Konnyakuza has continued to create original and enjoyable works that embody the true excitement of opera, proclaiming "This is Opera!" and "This is truly Opera!"

We aim to communicate what we think, what we find beautiful, and what we cherish today to people around the world living in this era, through the ultimate expressive style of "opera."

Performance Overview

"Opera 'Bekkanko Oni' New Direction"

Performance Dates: September 17 (Thu), 2026 - September 20 (Sun), 2026

Venue: New National Theatre Tokyo, Small Theatre (1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Performers

*Double Cast ('O' Troupe & 'Ni' Troupe)

Opera Theatre Konnyakuza singer-actors, Mariko Hattori ('O' Troupe Piano), Takaaki Gomi ('Ni' Troupe Piano)

Staff

Original Story & Libretto: Akira Sanetoh

Composition: Mitsuru Hayami

Direction: Tetsushi Oishi

Set Design: Masahiro Norimine, Costume Design: Nobuko Miyamoto, Lighting Design: Kazuhiro Naruse, Choreography: Kotaro Mukai, Stage Manager: Yoshiharu Kusuhida, Music Director: Kyoko Hagi, Publicity Design: Yoshihisa Oda (Design) & TaKu'n (Collage)

Performance Schedule

September 17 (Thu) 7:00 PM "O" Troupe

September 18 (Fri) 2:00 PM "Ni" Troupe, 7:00 PM "O" Troupe

September 19 (Sat) 1:00 PM "O" Troupe, 6:00 PM "Ni" Troupe

September 20 (Sun) 1:00 PM "Ni" Troupe

*Doors open 30 minutes before curtain.

*Running time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes (including intermission).

Ticket Prices (Advance)

General: 7,000 yen

(All seats reserved, tax included)

Ticket Site "Confetti"

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