Living National Treasures representing the Reiwa era gather in a state-of-the-art theater space! A special program to connect traditional performing arts to 100 years in the future: 'MoN Yose: Living National Treasures - Storytelling and Narration'

On Saturday, March 28, 2026, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives (hereinafter MoN Takanawa), an experimental cultural museum that opened in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY (operated by the JR East Culture Creation Foundation), will present 'MoN Yose: Living National Treasures - Storytelling and Narration,' a special program to connect Japanese traditions to 100 years in the future, as part of its opening commemorative theme 'Life as Culture – Living is Culture.' ◾️A luxurious collaboration of Living National Treasures of Rakugo, Kodan, Rokyoku, and Gidayu! Japanese traditional performing arts have a long history, and there are various genres in the world of storytelling and narration. This performance will deliver an unprecedentedly luxurious 'Yose' world through the collaboration of the three major storytelling arts—Kodan, Rakugo, and Rokyoku—and Gidayu-bushi, which represents Joruri. The performers include legends who are Living National Treasures representing the Reiwa era. Gokaido Kumosuke will perform Rakugo, Kanda Shori will perform Kodan, Kyoyama Koshiwaka will perform Rokyoku, and Tsurusawa Tsugaju will perform Gidayu. This is a luxurious time to fully enjoy the world's highest level of storytelling and narration in the latest theater space 'Box1000.' We hope that as many people as possible will come to see it. ◾️Performer Profiles and Comments Rakugo - Gokaido Kumosuke Born in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. The current generation is the sixth. He became a disciple of Kinparei Basho X in 1968, and his stage performances, embodying the essence of Edo, are praised as 'a storyteller admired by storytellers.' Certified as a Living National Treasure in 2023. He handles a wide range of performances, from humorous stories and long human-interest stories to new works, with impressive descriptive power, and also dedicates himself to unearthing classical works, including those by Encho. He is also highly regarded as an excellent mentor for nurturing younger generations. I am honored to perform at MoN Yose in Takanawa. It may seem like a grand event with four Living National Treasures gathered, but once on stage, the performers are as usual. It is a very rare and valuable opportunity to compare four types of performing arts, and I believe it will be a very interesting event. My Rakugo will continue to happily depict the joys and sorrows of the people of Edo. I think it is quite enjoyable to feel the Edo breeze in the cutting-edge location of MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives at Takanawa Gateway. Everyone, please relax and come with a light heart. Kodan - Kanda Shori Born in Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. The current generation is the third. He became a disciple of Kanda Sanyo II in 1970. Certified as a Living National Treasure in 2019. His dignified and elegant narrative style and his outstanding expressive power that delicately portrays the characters' emotions are captivating. His artistic style preserves the classics while maintaining a fresh appeal that resonates with modern times. He leads the current popularity of Kodan through his active efforts in nurturing younger generations and his wide range of activities, including collaborating on Kabuki adaptations of Kodan works such as 'Arakawa Jutayu,' 'Tawara Hogenba,' and 'Muhitsu no Shusse.' It is a great honor to be able to perform on the wonderful stage of MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives. Although I have been bestowed the undeserved honor of being a Living National Treasure, my duty is but one: to use my voice and the sound of the harisen to transcend time and vividly depict the turbulent waves of history before your eyes. Kodan, as it is called 'reading material,' is all about the power of words and the exquisite timing. On the day of the performance, I will put my soul into my narration. Please enjoy the thrilling human drama, which cannot be simply divided into good and evil, to your heart's content. We sincerely look forward to your visit. Rokyoku - Kyoyama Koshiwaka Born in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. He became a disciple of his father, the first generation, in 1971, and the current generation is the second. Certified as the first Living National Treasure in the Rokyoku world in 2024. He is highly regarded for his beautiful, lustrous voice, excellent melodic phrasing, and graceful movements cultivated through Japanese dance. His charming stage performances preserve the classics while incorporating humor and lighthearted narration that appeal to modern audiences. He is also actively involved in nurturing young talent and is dedicated to the revival of Rokyoku. I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to perform in the historic land of Takanawa. It is a great honor to be invited as one of the Living National Treasures. Rokyoku, as we say, is 'first voice, second melody, third delivery,' and I intend to weave stories with emotion. Guided by the sound of the shamisen, I will do my utmost. I hope to bring a moment of joy to our audience. I will be coming from Osaka, so I kindly ask for your warm support on the day. Gidayu-bushi Shamisen Player - Tsurusawa Tsugaju Born in Tokyo. He became a disciple of Takemoto Komanosuke in 1984 and studied shamisen under Nozawa Kinshi IV in 1986.