Announcement of Tamada Gyokusai's 'Kyoto Gatari' Vol. 21: Kodan 'A Strange Tale of Sanjusangen-do - The Origin of the Healing Temple of Headache Mountain'

Tamada Gyokusai, inheritor of the prestigious name from the lineage of Tamada Eikyo, a Shinto storyteller who traveled nationwide based in Kyoto, presents 'Kyoto Gatari,' a series where he reads stories themed around Kyoto's land, people, and events. In 2016, the current Gyokusai inherited the fourth generation name, reviving the Kyoto-originated Tamada family after a 97-year hiatus. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the third generation's passing, this series began in January 2020 as 'Reviving Kyoto Kodan' produced by the Kyoto Theatre.

Kodan is a traditional narrative art form characterized by rhythmic storytelling accompanied by striking a wooden block with a fan. 'Kyoto Gatari' has been developed as a project to create and perform new kodan pieces based on events and figures from Kyoto's history, preserving these stories for future generations.

A Story of Emperor Go-Shirakawa's "Headache" Hidden in a Famous Temple Known to All

Sanjusangen-do, located near Kyoto Station, is famous for its thousand Kannon statues. Did you know this renowned temple was also called "Heiyuji Mountain of Headaches"?

This performance will depict the mysterious events connected to Emperor Go-Shirakawa's long-standing headache, an oracle he received, a skull found at the bottom of a river, and the construction of Sanjusangen-do, all through the kodan performance 'A Strange Tale of Sanjusangen-do.'

Prior to the performance, enjoy a talk session with Ryo Wakamura, representative of 'Rakutabi' and an expert in Kyoto's history and culture, and Gyokusai. Experience the world of Kyoto's unique history and stories firsthand at the venue.

Additionally, as a related event, a special workshop for elementary school students, 'Summer Vacation Free Study Project! Introduction to Kids Kodan Masters,' will be held for the first time from 11:00 AM on the same day. We hope this provides an opportunity for people of all generations to engage with kodan.

Performance Outline

Performance Title

Tamada Gyokusai's 'Kyoto Gatari' Vol. 21

Kodan: 'A Strange Tale of Sanjusangen-do - The Origin of the Healing Temple of Headache Mountain'

Performance Date and Time

Sunday, August 2, 2026, 2:00 PM start (1:30 PM doors open)

Ticket Prices

¥2,500 (¥500 additional on the day) *General admission, tax included *Preschoolers not permitted

With reception ticket: ¥3,500 [Advance sales only / Limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis]

Ticket Purchase

Kyoto Theatre Online Tickets https://www.kyoto-gekijo.com/

Kyoto Theatre Phone Reservation TEL 075-341-2360 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, excluding holidays)

Website

https://www.kyoto-gekijo.com/performance/2026-kyotogatari21/

Organizer and Inquiries

Kyoto Station Building Development Co., Ltd. Kyoto Theatre

TEL 075-341-2360 (10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, excluding holidays)

Related Event

[For Elementary School Students] Summer Vacation Free Study Project! Introduction to Kids Kodan Masters

*Held from 11:00 AM on the same day

[Performer Profiles]

Kodan Storyteller / Tamada Gyokusai

Tamada family lineage traces back to Tamada Eikyo, a Shinto storyteller active nationwide based in Kyoto during the late Edo period. The third generation Tamada Gyokusai popularized works such as 'Sarutobi Sasuke,' 'Sanada Juyushi,' 'Sugawara Tenjin Ki,' and 'Abe no Seimei Den,' greatly influencing young people in the Meiji and Taisho eras.

The fourth generation Tamada Gyokusai became interested in Japan while studying abroad in Sweden as a Rotary exchange student, leading him to become a kodan storyteller. He has performed numerous new kodan pieces, including English kodan, music collaboration kodan, tourism kodan, and Big Issue kodan. He also frequently collaborates with Bunraku, Yoshimoto Shinkigeki, and local traditional performing arts. He regularly performs at the Kyoto Theatre to revive Kyoto kodan.

Completed Master's program in 'Ninja and Ninjutsu Studies Course' at Mie University Graduate School in March 2024. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in Tourism Studies at Wakayama University Graduate School since April 2024. Instructed ghost story narration for NHK morning drama 'Babake' (October 2025 - March 2026). Airing weekly on Sundays on FM Osaka's 'Tensei-teki na Baka ni Nare!'. Has traveled to over 25 countries. Holds Level 2 Kyoto Kentei (aiming for Level 1!!).

Lecturer / Ryo Wakamura, Rakutabi Inc.

Graduated from Ritsumeikan University, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. Founded Rakutabi Inc., specializing in Kyoto-centric business management. He plans, edits, and writes Kyoto-related books such as 'Rakutabi Bunko,' produces travel plans, lectures on Kyoto-related topics for various cultural courses, promotes and utilizes traditional Kyoto townhouses (machiya), and appears on TV and radio programs, widely disseminating Kyoto's diverse charms. He also serves as an advisor and consultant for tourism facilities, commercial facilities, and real estate (machiya) businesses related to Kyoto.

Rakutabi Inc. Official Website: https://rakutabi.com/

Opening Act / Tamada Gyokuzan

Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1990. Graduated from Kyoto Sangyo University. Became a kodan storyteller in March 2019 after apprenticing under the fourth generation Tamada Gyokusai.

He began creating new kodan pieces immediately after his apprenticeship, and has produced over 500 works, including the 'Suiyo Dōyō Kodan' series, 'Seiji Kodan' series, and the semi-autobiographical 'Tamada Gyokuzan Monogatari' series.

He appeared as the narrator in all episodes of 'Kodan-style Taiga Drama Benkei Ki.' He received the Galaxy Award for Radio Division Excellence and the Hōsō Bunka Foundation Award for Radio Division Grand Prize. His work 'Kamigata Kodan Senki ~Ponkotsu Deshi no Shugyo Nikki~' was a finalist for the 23rd Kōkai Ken Non-Fiction Prize but narrowly missed winning.