【Photos & Comments】Sainokuni Shakespeare Series Latest Work 'King Lear' Now Playing in Saitama Until May 24!
The 'Sainokuni Shakespeare Series 2nd Vol.3 King Lear' opened on May 5, 2026, and is currently running in Saitama until May 24. Stage photos and comments from Kotaro Yoshida, Tatsuya Fujiwara, and Satomi Ishihara have also arrived. After Saitama, the tour will continue to Miyagi, Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okayama.
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- 📰 Published: May 6, 2026 at 21:10
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The Sainokuni Shakespeare Series 2nd Vol.3 'King Lear' premiered on May 5, 2026 (Tuesday holiday). Stage photos and comments from Kotaro Yoshida, Tatsuya Fujiwara, and Satomi Ishihara have been released in anticipation of the opening. The Saitama performances will run until May 24 (Sunday), followed by a tour to Miyagi, Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okayama.
(Photography: Maiko Miyakawa)
King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
From the stage photos
Sainokuni Shakespeare Series - Latest Work!
Directed by Keishi Nagatsuka × Starring Kotaro Yoshida 'King Lear'
The curtain has finally risen on 'King Lear', one of Shakespeare's four great tragedies, often hailed as his masterpiece, and the third installment of the 'Sainokuni Shakespeare Series 2nd' which Kotaro Yoshida newly launched in May 2024.
The title role is played by Kotaro Yoshida, the artistic director of this series. The direction is handled by Keishi Nagatsuka, whom Yoshida deeply trusts. This is Nagatsuka's second time tackling a Shakespearean work, following 'Macbeth' in 2013. Utilizing his perspective as a playwright, he presents a new image of 'King Lear'.
This is Yoshida's first starring role in a Shakespearean work in nine years. In the previous series, he starred in 'Titus Andronicus' in 2004, followed by 'Othello' in 2007, 'Antony and Cleopatra' in 2011, and 'Henry IV' in 2013. In 'Timon of Athens' in 2017, he took over the baton of artistic director from Yukio Ninagawa and served as both director and lead actor.
An elite cast has also gathered to take on this work with Yoshida.
Tatsuya Fujiwara, who left a vivid impression in 'Macbeth' in 2025, plays Edgar, who is exiled due to his half-brother's conspiracy. Satomi Ishihara, who played the heroine in the previous series 'All's Well That Ends Well', takes on the challenging role of Goneril, the eldest daughter. Izumi Matsuoka plays Regan, Hiroshi Yazaki plays the illegitimate son Edmund, Mitsuki Yoshida plays the youngest daughter Cordelia, Keiya Kinouchi plays the loyal Earl of Kent, and Atsushi Yamanishi plays the equally loyal Earl of Gloucester, bringing together a formidable lineup of theater veterans.
'King Lear', created by the collaboration of Kotaro Yoshida and Keishi Nagatsuka, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the series.
King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
Edgar: Tatsuya Fujiwara
Stage photo
Left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Right: Edgar: Tatsuya Fujiwara
Left: Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki, Right: Earl of Gloucester: Atsushi Yamanishi
Left: Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida, Right: Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi
Left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Center: Atsushi Yamanishi
From left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi, Fool: Yuichiro Nakayama
Regan: Izumi Matsuoka
Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki
Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida
Left: Goneril: Satomi Ishihara, Right: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi
Earl of Gloucester: Atsushi Yamanishi
From left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki, Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
From left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi, Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida
From left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Duke of Cornwall: Takuo Inari, King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida, Duke of Albany: Yuya Tanaka, Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
The Saitama performances will be held at the Sainokuni Saitama Arts Theater Main Hall from May 5 (Tuesday holiday) to May 24 (Sunday). After that, tour performances will be held in Miyagi, Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okayama.
Opening Comments
■ Director: Keishi Nagatsuka
Shakespearean plays, which I was not very familiar with until now, had no theory, so I struggled with sudden monologues and got caught up in the overly rich dialogue. However, guided by Kotaro Yoshida's love and knowledge of Shakespeare, I was quickly drawn into the charm of 'King Lear'. The destiny of blood. The karma of humanity seen through old age. It is a dense dialogue play rather than a spectacle. I hope you will dive deep into the storm of words.
■ King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
This is my first time playing a title role in nine years, since 'Timon of Athens' immediately after taking over the series from Yukio Ninagawa. I am full of enthusiasm. That's why I asked Keishi Nagatsuka, whom I deeply respect, to direct this time. The chemistry between Nagatsuka and Shakespeare is outstanding, and I believe it has turned into a very interesting play. I am also in very good condition to welcome the opening day.
I am proud to say that this 'King Lear' has a different flavor from previous series and is wonderful. Please come and witness what is happening at the theater. We look forward to seeing you there.
■ Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
The curtain is finally rising. The rehearsals, approaching with respect and great trust in Keishi Nagatsuka and Kotaro Yoshida's deep interpretations and approaches, were surprisingly enjoyable, and I feel happy to be a part of this wonderful company. The seriousness of the actors shown in the recent dress rehearsal with costumes was truly impressive.
(Photography: Maiko Miyakawa)
King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
From the stage photos
Sainokuni Shakespeare Series - Latest Work!
Directed by Keishi Nagatsuka × Starring Kotaro Yoshida 'King Lear'
The curtain has finally risen on 'King Lear', one of Shakespeare's four great tragedies, often hailed as his masterpiece, and the third installment of the 'Sainokuni Shakespeare Series 2nd' which Kotaro Yoshida newly launched in May 2024.
The title role is played by Kotaro Yoshida, the artistic director of this series. The direction is handled by Keishi Nagatsuka, whom Yoshida deeply trusts. This is Nagatsuka's second time tackling a Shakespearean work, following 'Macbeth' in 2013. Utilizing his perspective as a playwright, he presents a new image of 'King Lear'.
This is Yoshida's first starring role in a Shakespearean work in nine years. In the previous series, he starred in 'Titus Andronicus' in 2004, followed by 'Othello' in 2007, 'Antony and Cleopatra' in 2011, and 'Henry IV' in 2013. In 'Timon of Athens' in 2017, he took over the baton of artistic director from Yukio Ninagawa and served as both director and lead actor.
An elite cast has also gathered to take on this work with Yoshida.
Tatsuya Fujiwara, who left a vivid impression in 'Macbeth' in 2025, plays Edgar, who is exiled due to his half-brother's conspiracy. Satomi Ishihara, who played the heroine in the previous series 'All's Well That Ends Well', takes on the challenging role of Goneril, the eldest daughter. Izumi Matsuoka plays Regan, Hiroshi Yazaki plays the illegitimate son Edmund, Mitsuki Yoshida plays the youngest daughter Cordelia, Keiya Kinouchi plays the loyal Earl of Kent, and Atsushi Yamanishi plays the equally loyal Earl of Gloucester, bringing together a formidable lineup of theater veterans.
'King Lear', created by the collaboration of Kotaro Yoshida and Keishi Nagatsuka, marks the beginning of a new chapter in the series.
King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
Edgar: Tatsuya Fujiwara
Stage photo
Left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Right: Edgar: Tatsuya Fujiwara
Left: Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki, Right: Earl of Gloucester: Atsushi Yamanishi
Left: Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida, Right: Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi
Left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Center: Atsushi Yamanishi
From left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi, Fool: Yuichiro Nakayama
Regan: Izumi Matsuoka
Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki
Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida
Left: Goneril: Satomi Ishihara, Right: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi
Earl of Gloucester: Atsushi Yamanishi
From left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Edmund: Hiroshi Yazaki, Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
From left: King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Earl of Kent: Keiya Kinouchi, Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida
From left: Regan: Izumi Matsuoka, Duke of Cornwall: Takuo Inari, King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida, Cordelia: Mitsuki Yoshida, Duke of Albany: Yuya Tanaka, Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
The Saitama performances will be held at the Sainokuni Saitama Arts Theater Main Hall from May 5 (Tuesday holiday) to May 24 (Sunday). After that, tour performances will be held in Miyagi, Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okayama.
Opening Comments
■ Director: Keishi Nagatsuka
Shakespearean plays, which I was not very familiar with until now, had no theory, so I struggled with sudden monologues and got caught up in the overly rich dialogue. However, guided by Kotaro Yoshida's love and knowledge of Shakespeare, I was quickly drawn into the charm of 'King Lear'. The destiny of blood. The karma of humanity seen through old age. It is a dense dialogue play rather than a spectacle. I hope you will dive deep into the storm of words.
■ King Lear: Kotaro Yoshida
This is my first time playing a title role in nine years, since 'Timon of Athens' immediately after taking over the series from Yukio Ninagawa. I am full of enthusiasm. That's why I asked Keishi Nagatsuka, whom I deeply respect, to direct this time. The chemistry between Nagatsuka and Shakespeare is outstanding, and I believe it has turned into a very interesting play. I am also in very good condition to welcome the opening day.
I am proud to say that this 'King Lear' has a different flavor from previous series and is wonderful. Please come and witness what is happening at the theater. We look forward to seeing you there.
■ Goneril: Satomi Ishihara
The curtain is finally rising. The rehearsals, approaching with respect and great trust in Keishi Nagatsuka and Kotaro Yoshida's deep interpretations and approaches, were surprisingly enjoyable, and I feel happy to be a part of this wonderful company. The seriousness of the actors shown in the recent dress rehearsal with costumes was truly impressive.