Performance Report: Kagurazaka Walking Immersive Theater 'Honobonori-do, the Pawnshop of Memories' Concludes, Mobilizing 2,247 Attendees Over 122 Shows

Longrun Planning Co., Ltd. and the immersive theater creative team Mukeichoukoku announced the conclusion of their experiential play, 'Honobonori-do, the Pawnshop of Memories.' Staged in the streets of Kagurazaka from April 22 to May 3, 2026, the production, including its February previews, drew a total of 2,247 people across 122 performances. This project was a new form of immersive theater where participants, holding lanterns, walked through Kagurazaka guided by the audio AR app 'Locatone™,' advancing the story by interacting with actors portraying characters inspired by historical figures like Kagurazaka Hanko and Izumi Kyoka. The event successfully appealed to a wider audience beyond traditional theater fans, with over 70% of participants being new to Mukeichoukoku's productions and many having an interest in experiential events or city walks. Demographically, attendees in their 20s and 30s accounted for over 60% of the total, and about 20% came from outside the Kanto region. This demonstrated that the 'theater x city walk' format is an effective means of attracting younger generations to a region and conveying its charm. Many participants were seen visiting shops and temples featured in the play before or after the performance, suggesting the event also contributed to the local economy. Positive feedback from attendees included comments like, 'It was an immersive experience unlike any I've had before,' and 'This work made me love the town of Kagurazaka even more.' Looking ahead, the organizers aim to establish the play as a regular event in Kagurazaka and are considering expanding the 'Pawnshop of Memories' format to other regions, creating stories based on their unique local histories. An after-party for attendees, cast, and crew is also scheduled for June 25, 2026.