Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Launches "Samurai Project" for 40th Anniversary on April 23, 2026, Opening "shogun theatre -Bushido no Yakata-" with "Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu no Dan" Performance.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, operated by Jidaimura Co., Ltd. in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on April 23, 2026. To mark this milestone, the park is launching the "Samurai Project," which includes the opening of a new facility, "shogun theatre -Bushido no Yakata-," on April 26, 2026. The theater will feature "Samurai Emaki" performances, starting with "Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu no Dan," supervised by the 850-year-old Ogasawara-ryu school of horsemanship and archery. Additionally, a "Ninja Project" will offer limited performances, and a "Festival Project" will present a special performance by the shamisen unit "Nenoiro" at Sogetsu Hall on April 26, 2026. The park originally opened on April 23, 1986.
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Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura (Jidaimura Co., Ltd., Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture) is launching the "Samurai Project" in anticipation of its 40th anniversary on April 23, 2026. This project aims to transmit the spirit of Japanese Bushido to future generations and the world. As a key initiative, the former "Culture Video Hall" has been fully renovated and reborn as "shogun theatre -Bushido no Yakata- (Shogun Theater)," a new hall dedicated to conveying the essence of martial arts. This facility will stage the "Samurai Emaki" series, showcasing the techniques and culture cultivated by Japanese samurai through realistic performances. The inaugural performance will be "Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu no Dan," supervised by the Ogasawara-ryu school of horsemanship and archery, which boasts 850 years of history. The performance integrates "Reiho" (etiquette), "Kyujutsu" (archery), and "Kyubajutsu" (horsemanship and archery) to deliver an immersive experience that transcends mere performance, embodying the rationality of the battlefield and the samurai's mindset.
**40th Anniversary Project Three Pillars:**
**1. Samurai Project:**
- Opening of the new facility "shogun theatre -Bushido no Yakata-" and public release of "Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu no Dan."
- Features: Authentic samurai conduct and etiquette experience supervised by Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu Reiho.
- Production: Reconstructs samurai spirituality and history in a modern context, creating an immersive space for learning through the five senses.
- Hub: A center for disseminating "authentic Bushido" to domestic and international visitors.
- Public Schedule:
- Media preview: April 25, 2026 (Saturday)
- General public opening: From April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
**2. Ninja Project:**
- Limited performances at Ninja Karakuri Yashiki (reservation required).
- Content: A premium 40th-anniversary special program designed to maximize the appeal of ninja culture.
- Features: Experience the physicality and spirituality of ninjas up close, with a sense of presence not available in regular performances.
- Details: Reservation methods and fees will be announced later on the official website.
**3. Festival Project:**
- Special performance "Nenoiro Haru no En'yukai 'Shukusai' Shukusai" held.
- Content: New Japanese music entertainment by "Nenoiro," a female shamisen unit led by shamisen player Yukino Yamamoto, blending Edo's splendor with modern sensibilities. This performance marks the beginning of the 40th-anniversary year, with various performances of Edo culture and modern sensibilities to follow.
- Production: Naoki Tachikawa.
- Guests: Michiharu Saotome (painter), Kentaro Makino (Ukiyo-e evangelist), Sota Asano (Neo Japanesque).
- Special production: "Oiran Dochu" (Oiran procession) featuring gorgeously costumed oiran.
- Event Information:
- Date: April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
- Venue: Sogetsu Hall (Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- Tickets: Currently on sale at Ticket Pia.
**Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura:**
- Location: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Opened: April 23, 1986
- Operated by: Jidaimura Co., Ltd.
- Philosophy: Based on the "Edo Wonderland Declaration" of 2003, it operates as a "culture park" emphasizing education, culture, and art, connecting Edo's wisdom and aesthetics to the future.
**40th Anniversary Project Three Pillars:**
**1. Samurai Project:**
- Opening of the new facility "shogun theatre -Bushido no Yakata-" and public release of "Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu no Dan."
- Features: Authentic samurai conduct and etiquette experience supervised by Ogasawara-ryu Kyubajutsu Reiho.
- Production: Reconstructs samurai spirituality and history in a modern context, creating an immersive space for learning through the five senses.
- Hub: A center for disseminating "authentic Bushido" to domestic and international visitors.
- Public Schedule:
- Media preview: April 25, 2026 (Saturday)
- General public opening: From April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
**2. Ninja Project:**
- Limited performances at Ninja Karakuri Yashiki (reservation required).
- Content: A premium 40th-anniversary special program designed to maximize the appeal of ninja culture.
- Features: Experience the physicality and spirituality of ninjas up close, with a sense of presence not available in regular performances.
- Details: Reservation methods and fees will be announced later on the official website.
**3. Festival Project:**
- Special performance "Nenoiro Haru no En'yukai 'Shukusai' Shukusai" held.
- Content: New Japanese music entertainment by "Nenoiro," a female shamisen unit led by shamisen player Yukino Yamamoto, blending Edo's splendor with modern sensibilities. This performance marks the beginning of the 40th-anniversary year, with various performances of Edo culture and modern sensibilities to follow.
- Production: Naoki Tachikawa.
- Guests: Michiharu Saotome (painter), Kentaro Makino (Ukiyo-e evangelist), Sota Asano (Neo Japanesque).
- Special production: "Oiran Dochu" (Oiran procession) featuring gorgeously costumed oiran.
- Event Information:
- Date: April 26, 2026 (Sunday)
- Venue: Sogetsu Hall (Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
- Tickets: Currently on sale at Ticket Pia.
**Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura:**
- Location: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
- Opened: April 23, 1986
- Operated by: Jidaimura Co., Ltd.
- Philosophy: Based on the "Edo Wonderland Declaration" of 2003, it operates as a "culture park" emphasizing education, culture, and art, connecting Edo's wisdom and aesthetics to the future.