[Wakasa Life] Transmitting Traditional Arts from Kyoto's Heart, Shijo Karasuma, to the World! "Wakasa Stage" to Host Traditional Performing Arts Performance "Melodies of Nagauta and Hatsu-uta" on September 22-23, 2026

Wakasa Life Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City) will host "Melodies of Nagauta and Hatsu-uta," a special performance program featuring a luxurious collaboration between the geiko and maiko culture of Kyoto's flower districts and holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, at "Wakasa Stage," located on the second floor of its headquarters and equipped with the latest LED visual technology. The event will take place over two days, September 22 (Tue) and September 23 (Wed), 2026.

Image is for illustrative purposes (generated by AI)

This event is a special performance initiative aiming to create a new hub for passing down and disseminating the sophisticated traditional arts and hospitality culture of Kyoto's flower districts, which have a history of several hundred years, to the next generation and to the world.

◆ Event Highlights

[Collaboration of Top Performers and Multiple Schools]

Top-tier musicians will gather, including Mr. Katsumatsu Kineya V (shamisen), a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, and Mr. Kazuyoshi Kineya VII (nagauta), who succeeded to the name in 2022. Furthermore, you can experience the atmosphere of the seating area through a dance collaboration by geiko from "Pontocho" and "Gion Higashi," which is rarely seen all at once.

[Fusion of Traditional Arts and Cutting-Edge Technology]

We will offer an unprecedented and innovative stage experience that fuses sophisticated traditional performing arts with seasonal visual productions using the large LED screen that "Wakasa Stage" boasts.

[Premium "Omotenashi" Reception Party]

Following the performance, a reception party will be held where you can enjoy a seasonal afternoon tea. With a special arrangement for performers to visit each table, you can experience firsthand the high-quality hospitality unique to the flower districts.

Afternoon tea image

◆ Performance Program (Total Duration Approx. 2 Hours)

[Part 1: Hatsu-uta and Kamigata Dance Section]

Composed mainly of hatsu-uta, which blends the atmosphere of Kyoto and Edo.

Main Performance Pieces: "Washi ga Aisho," "Waga Koi," "Kizukuri Kuzushi," "Aki no Yonaga," "Harusame"

Hatsu-uta Finale & Dance: A splendid dance will be performed to the masterpiece of Kamigata hatsu-uta, "Kyo no Shiki," by Emishiki (Pontocho Geiko) and Tomona (Gion Higashi Geiko).

(Intermission 15 minutes)

[Part 2: Nagauta Section (Grand Finale)]

Performance Piece: Nagauta "Matsu no O-Shō" This is a solemn and highly formal masterpiece created in the Meiji era, and we will present a grand nagauta piece that was also performed at the succession ceremony of Kazuyoshi Kineya VII.

◆ Event Overview

Dates: September 22 (Tue) & 23 (Wed), 2026

Time: <Performance> Doors Open 10:30 / Performance Starts 11:00 / Ends 12:00

<Reception Party> Starts 12:30 / Ends 14:00 (Performers' table visits from 13:00)

Venue: "Wakasa Stage" on the 2nd floor of Wakasa Life Headquarters (Shijo Karasuma, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)

Price (Tax Included): Viewing Ticket ¥13,000 (Limited to 40 guests per day)

Premium Ticket with Afternoon Tea: ¥18,000

(Limited to 24 guests per day)

Reservations: Wakasa Life Shopping Site

https://shop.wakasa.jp/shop/reserve/apply/apply.aspx?store=shijo&prefecture=%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C&division=50&genre=hanamati?utm_source=prtimes&utm_medium=butai&utm_campaign=260626

◆ Performer List

Nagauta (Vocals): Kazuyoshi Kineya VII, Rokuzan Kineya

Shamisen: Katsumatsu Kineya V, Rokunobu Kineya

Hatsu-uta: Uguisu-goe Maki

Percussion: Seiyo Fujasha, Seiko Fujasha, Densho Fujasha

Dance: Emishiki (Pontocho Geiko), Tomona (Gion Higashi Geiko)

MC: Matsunashi Kineya

◆ Wakasa Stage (WAKASA&CO. KYOTO Shijo Kyoto Store 2nd Floor)

The second-floor "Wakasa Stage" is a place to share the "joy of watching" with our customers and expand the circle of connections.

With a cypress-built stage evoking Kyoto's Japanese atmosphere, a bamboo forest covering one wall,

and a high-impact LED monitor.

In a space where tradition and technology merge,

we deliver various performances, from classical arts to parent-child events.

An extraordinary experience where you can encounter new inspiration every time you visit.