Kantaro Oizumi, CEO of Oizumi Factory, Appointed Co-Producer for Theatre Company Kakushinhan's Shakespeare Production, Advancing Kawaguchi-Initiated Cultural Co-creation Project Globally.

Oizumi Factory Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Representative Director: Kantaro Oizumi) and To Be Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, Representative Director: Ryunosuke Kimura) announced that Kantaro Oizumi, Representative Director of Oizumi Factory, has been appointed as co-producer for the stage production 'Titus Andronicus: Reborn'. This production is scheduled to be performed as an opening act at the 'Craiova International Shakespeare Festival 2026,' one of the world's largest international Shakespeare festivals, to be held in Romania in May 2026. The play is a work by Theatre Company Kakushinhan, a modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare's 'Titus Andronicus' directed by Ryunosuke Kimura. In 2023, it was staged at the 'WAREHOUSE' on Oizumi Factory's 'OKS CAMPUS,' attracting attention for its immersive direction utilizing the former factory space and its unique expression integrating the spirituality of Japanese Noh. Subsequently, the production received international acclaim and was officially invited as an opening work to the 'Craiova International Shakespeare Festival 2026,' which sees participation from over 40 countries. This work, originating from the local Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, has made a leap onto the global stage. Its selection as an opening act for a festival that has previously featured renowned figures such as Peter Brook, Robert Lepage, Robert Wilson, and Yukio Ninagawa, is highly significant for a Japanese production. Kantaro Oizumi's appointment as co-producer is part of Oizumi Factory's consistent efforts to 'create wonderful environments,' actively engaging in the creative process under the philosophy of 'co-creating with creators and disseminating culture.' Oizumi Factory aims to co-create culture and bring Shakespeare from Kawaguchi to the world. Oizumi Factory has previously engaged in initiatives spanning sustainable food, agriculture, and wellness, as well as regional, cultural, and community activities. Within this framework, its 'OKS CAMPUS' headquarters is not merely a facility but also a venue for creating and disseminating culture and art, in addition to hosting sustainable market events. With Representative Director Kantaro Oizumi's participation as co-producer, the company will actively promote a co-creation model that generates value with creators in the field of performing arts. Producer Comment: Kantaro Oizumi expressed his honor at the selection of Kakushinhan's 'Shin Titus REBORN' as the opening work for the 'Craiova International Shakespeare Festival 2026' and his appointment as co-producer. He noted his past work in 'food' (plant-based, fermentation) and 'places' (stores, events) to address the question of 'how people live in the coming era.' He initially struggled to articulate his involvement with Shakespeare but realized that Shakespeare, living in the Age of Discovery, depicted 'humanity' amidst shifting values. This focus on human nature is why his works endure. Oizumi believes we are at a similar turning point with environmental issues, food systems, and technology. He advocates for , a philosophy to make environmental efforts 'cool' and 'hip' to move people's hearts, as correctness alone doesn't drive action. Theater, like his business, transforms ideas into 'experiences' to move people's hearts.