“寿 初春歌舞伎特別公演,” an extended production in Osaka and the first since Osaka Shochikuza closed, will be held at Shin-Kabukiza Theatre from 9 to 24 January 2027. The cast includes Nakamura Ganjiro (中村鴈治郎) and others.
The Kotobuki Hatsuharu Kabuki Special Performance will be held from 9 to 24 January 2027 at Shin-Kabukiza Theatre in Tennoji Ward, Osaka. The performance is part of the Osaka International Culture and Arts Project and will be the first extended production in Osaka since the closure of Osaka Shochikuza, where such productions had previously been held.
At a press conference, Ganjiro (鴈治郎) expressed his pleasure at being able to perform kabuki in Osaka and indicated that he believed the city lacked theatres. He also expressed his intention to deepen cooperation with Shochiku on future theatre operations.
The program will include 廓文章 吉田屋, 義経千本桜 and 鷺娘. Ganjiro (鴈治郎) is scheduled to play Fujiya Izaemon, while Kataoka Ainosuke (片岡愛之助) is scheduled to play Taira no Tomomori, with other cast members, including younger performers, also taking on roles.
Osaka Governor Yoshimura Hirofumi (吉村洋文) has also expressed his intention to strengthen cooperation with Shochiku over the significance of continuing to communicate Dotonbori's history and culture to Osaka. Shochiku is reportedly aiming to create a new hub for cultural and artistic programming.