Just Before Release! Three Must-See Topics for Beginners Released for Cinema Kabuki 'Sonezaki Shinju', Including Subtitled Screenings!

Cinema Kabuki allows you to enjoy Kabuki performances filmed on stage at movie theaters. The latest work, 'Sonezaki Shinju' (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), featuring a definitive performance by Living National Treasure Sakata Tojuro and Nakamura Ganjiro, will be released in 54 theaters nationwide from April 10 (Fri). This program gained significant attention as an important scene in the movie 'Kokubo' (National Treasure). With only one week until release, we are announcing new information to ensure everyone can enjoy this masterpiece!

1. Japanese Subtitled Screenings at Select Theaters Starting April 26 (Sun)!
To help everyone enjoy the work more deeply, we provide Japanese subtitle support. This is recommended for those worried about catching the dialogue, those who want to understand the beautiful poetic lines, and Kabuki beginners. Screening theaters will be announced on the Cinema Kabuki website. (Standard fees apply; Mubichike cards are accepted; Barrier-free Japanese subtitles).

2. Earphone Guide App Special Video Completed! Part of the Film Released!
The Earphone Guide App, which provides simultaneous audio commentary on smartphones, is available from the opening day at all theaters. A special video containing a demo of the commentary has been completed. You can experience the commentary along with the 'Tenmaya Scene,' famous for the line 'I want to hear your resolve to die.' This video will be shown on the website, social media, and in theater lobbies.

3. Cinema Kabuki x Novel: Collaboration PR with Mitsuyo Kakuta's 'Sonezaki Shinju (New Edition)'
A collaboration has been realized with the novel 'Sonezaki Shinju' (published by Little More), in which Naoki Prize-winning author Mitsuyo Kakuta reimagines Chikamatsu Monzaemon's original through the eyes of the courtesan Ohatsu. Collaboration posters will be displayed in bookstores nationwide, and the book will be sold at select theater shops. Enjoy the work through both the film and the novel!

Cinema Kabuki 'Sonezaki Shinju' opens April 10 (Fri) in 54 theaters nationwide!
Release Date: April 10, 2026 (Fri)
Price: General 2,500 JPY, Student/Child 1,500 JPY, Mubichike 2,200 JPY
Original: Chikamatsu Monzaemon | Adaptation/Direction: Uno Nobuo
Cast: Sakata Tojuro, Nakamura Ganjiro, Bando Takezaburo, Matsumoto Kingo, Nakamura Kaketsu, Nakamura Shikan, Kataoka Gato
(Recorded during the April 2009 performance at Kabukiza Theatre)

Synopsis:
Ohatsu, a courtesan, and Tokube-e, a merchant, are deeply in love. However, Tokube-e is betrayed by a friend and swindled out of money he was supposed to return to his uncle. Desperate and with his honor tarnished, Tokube-e meets Ohatsu, who believes in him. When Ohatsu, hiding under the floorboards, asks him 'I want to hear your resolve to die'—testing his readiness to prove his innocence with his life—Tokube-e signals his 'resolve for death.' The two head for the forest of Sonezaki under the cover of night to be together in the afterlife.