Awaji Ningyoza x Nihon Mukashi Banashi Summer Event Vol. 3! Parent-Child Theater "Kintaro" Performance Decided!

A Message of "Wa" (Harmony) for Today ~An Interactive Play for Parents and Children~

Awaji Ningyoza has been hosting parent-child theater events since 2023. Last summer, as the second installment, we performed the original script "Urashima Taro," which was very well received by a wide range of audiences, primarily families. (Total visitors: 4,542 / First performance in 2024, "Momotaro": 2,680 (according to Awaji Ningyoza)). Now, we are proud to present our third parent-child theater production, the new play "Kintaro." In addition to being an interactive play that "parents and children can enjoy together, not just watch," we are collaborating with seven childcare facilities in Minamiawaji City in a new format, building on the positive response from last summer's joint art collaboration with local nursery schools. Furthermore, we are challenging ourselves with new initiatives, such as an event where we invite members of the local Senior Citizens' Club to teach us traditional games. We hope that through the "Kintaro" parent-child theater, where participants can "enjoy and experience traditional Japanese culture," people will feel more connected to Japan's traditional culture and the good old spirit of "Wa" (harmony).

What We Want to Convey Through This Performance ~The Courage to Move Forward as Yourself~ This performance embodies the idea that "courage is taking a step forward even when you are scared." Through Kintaro's unwavering confrontation with difficulties, his acceptance of his own weaknesses, flaws, and negative emotions as he moves forward, we want to deliver the message to children that "it's okay to be yourself just as you are." In today's world, many children struggle with fear of failure or a lack of self-confidence. That is precisely why this work portrays Kintaro not as a "strong hero," but as "a child" who continues to move forward despite his doubts. With a production filled with laughter and surprises that parents and children can enjoy, we aim to create a work that will inspire parents and children to discuss "What is courage?" after the show.

Stage Arts for Children ~Theater Participation~ Theater is said to be an excellent educational method for enhancing children's expressiveness and communication skills. Because theater can be experienced with all five senses, it is easily understood by a wide range of age groups. By utilizing the unique "kerenmi" (spectacular staging) of Awaji Ningyo, we have created a visually engaging performance that both adults and children can enjoy. Furthermore, this production of "Kintaro" incorporates "participatory elements" that allow children to immerse themselves in the story's world. During the sumo wrestling scenes, children will be invited to join in with the referee's calls, creating an atmosphere where the entire venue participates in bringing the stage to life. By actively participating with their voices, rather than just watching, children can experience the fun and culture of sumo wrestling, a traditional Japanese entertainment.

Creating a New Children's Theater with Awaji Ningyoza and 7 Local Childcare Facilities "We want people to feel more connected to Ningyo Joruri, our regional culture!" To that end, this year we collaborated with seven childcare facilities in Minamiawaji City: Fukura Kodomoen, Ikari Kodomoen, Kita-Aman Hoikusho, Shichi Hoikusho, Shichi Yochien, Minato Yochien, and Nushima Yotsuba Hoikuen. Together, we created "Koinobori Handprint Art." Various sizes of carp streamers, symbolizing the healthy growth of children, will guide visitors to the theater entrance. The scales, drawn by the children's hands, are flexible and vary in size and shape. This art, along with the performance, conveys the message to children to "cherish your own unique qualities without comparing yourself to others" and "it's okay to be yourself."

Intergenerational Exchange Through Traditional Games ~Senior Citizens' Club~ Awaji Ningyoza is also holding events where participants can experience traditional games that are rarely played today. Games like kendama and spinning tops, once popular, are being passed on to the next generation. Traditional games, unlike digital games, engage the senses and the whole body, having a very positive impact on children's "physical," "mental," and "emotional" development. By inviting members of the local Senior Citizens' Club to participate and play with the children, we hope to provide an opportunity for children to connect with Japanese culture and people.

Creating the World of "Kintaro" Together ~Original Masks for All Visitors~ All visitors will receive an original mask of their choice from four animal designs. Wearing the mask while watching the performance will allow you to feel more immersed in the world of "Kintaro." Additionally, original "Kintaro" themed merchandise will be available for purchase at the theater shop, allowing you to cherish the memories of your visit.

Kintaro Hakkiyoi! Paper Sumo Kintaro Roll Awaji Ningyoza Kintaro Icing Crackers

Awaji Ningyoza, Inheritor of the Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, Awaji Ningyo Joruri, Celebrates its 60th Anniversary

Founded in 1964, Awaji Ningyoza inherited the props and equipment of the Yoshida Denjiro-za, which boasts over 260 years of history, and continues to perform Ningyo Joruri passed down through generations. In 1976, it was designated a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Performances at our permanent theater primarily feature spectacular programs unique to this venue, such as rapid puppet transformations and grand set changes. We are also actively engaged in activities to promote and develop Ningyo Joruri, including touring performances domestically and internationally, outreach lectures at schools, instruction for successor groups, and cooperation with traditional performing arts preservation societies nationwide. In 2024, we celebrated our 60th anniversary.

Finally

Awaji Ningyoza is committed not only to the promotion and development of Ningyo Joruri but also to continuing to host performances and events that our audiences will enjoy. All of us at the troupe believe that these activities will contribute to the sustainable development of traditional culture and the local community. We kindly request that your program/publication cover this performance.

Performance Details and Inquiries

[Performance Title]

Kintaro

[Period]

July 23, 2026 (Thu) - August 31, 2026 (Mon) *Excluding the following holidays

[July and August Holidays]

[July] 29 (Wed)

[August] 5 (Wed), 6 (Thu), 19 (Wed), 25 (Tue), 26 (Wed)

[Performance Times]

11:10 / 13:30

<Reference> 10:00 / 15:00 Backstage Tour & Ebisu Mai Performance

[Venue]

Awaji Ningyoza, Inside the Awaji Ningyo Joruri Kan, near 1528-1 Fukura-ko, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-0501

[Admission Fees]

Adults: 1,800 yen, High School Students: 1,300 yen, Elementary School Students: 1,000 yen, Preschoolers: Free

*Elementary school students residing on Awaji Island are free.

<Kintaro Discount> For a limited time during the "Kintaro" period, you can watch two performances a day at a special price!

Period: July 23, 2026 (Thu) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Adults: 2,700 yen, High School Students: 2,000 yen, Elementary School Students: 1,500 yen

*Can be combined with other discounts.

*For elementary school students on the island, "Kintaro" performances are free, so the 10:00/15:00 performances can be viewed for 1,000 yen.

[Inquiries]

Uzu no Kuni Co., Ltd. Awaji Ningyoza, Public Relations: Numata

Inside the Awaji Ningyo Joruri Kan, near 1528-1 Fukura-ko, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 656-0501

TEL / 0799-52-0260 FAX / 0799-52-3072

Business Hours / 9:00 - 17:00 Regular Holidays / Wednesdays, occasional closures

Official Website / https://awajiningyoza.com