【From Kawaguchi to the World: Shakespeare.】 Oizumi Kojo to co-host a press conference and open rehearsal for the triumphant return of the Japanese theatre company Kakushinhan, which will headline the opening of the world's largest Shakespeare festival.

Oizumi Kojo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture; Representative Director: Kantaro Oizumi; hereinafter "Oizumi Kojo") will hold a press conference with the theatre company Kakushinhan (hereinafter "Kakushinhan") on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This follows the official invitation of their stage production 'Shin-Titus'—which was performed in 2023 at the company's 'OKS CAMPUS' site—to serve as the opening act for the 'Craiova International Shakespeare Festival 2026,' the world's largest international Shakespeare festival held in Romania. Additionally, an open rehearsal will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

From Kawaguchi to the World: Shakespeare. Background on the Press Conference/Open Rehearsal with Kakushinhan

'Shin-Titus' is a new interpretation of Shakespeare's 'Titus Andronicus,' created by director Ryunosuke Kimura. The work, which incorporates the unique spirituality of Japanese Noh while focusing on the theme of prayer for a modern society plagued by war and division, premiered in 2023 at 'WAREHOUSE,' a community space on the Oizumi Kojo headquarters grounds that was formerly used as a factory.

At the time, the production—which was realized after overcoming cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic—garnered attention not only for its artistic excellence but also for its attempt to expand the possibilities of a 'space.' Its immersive direction, which utilized the unconventional 'warehouse' setting, was highly acclaimed.

Now, the production has been selected as the opening work for the 2026 edition of the 'Craiova International Shakespeare Festival,' an international event with participants from over 40 countries. It is highly significant that a work from Japan will open a festival that has featured world-renowned directors such as Peter Brook, Robert Lepage, Robert Wilson, and Yukio Ninagawa.

In this project, Oizumi Kojo will serve as a hub for creating and disseminating culture, co-creating new value alongside the artists.

Prior to the performance in Romania, we will provide opportunities for the general public and media as follows:

Press Conference Date and Time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 13:00–15:00 Venue: Oizumi Kojo 'WAREHOUSE' (5-4-1 Ryoke, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, within OKS CAMPUS) *Details and reservation methods will be announced at a later date.

Open Rehearsal Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026 (during the day) Venue: Oizumi Kojo 'WAREHOUSE' 5-4-1 Ryoke, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, 'OKS CAMPUS' *Details and reservation methods for the day will be announced at a later date.

Members of the media who wish to cover the press conference, please contact us at the following address: Inquiries: shin.titus2026@gmail.com

Oizumi Kojo has been developing initiatives that transcend region, culture, and community, extending beyond the realms of sustainable food, agriculture, and wellness. At our 'OKS CAMPUS' headquarters, in addition to sustainable market events, we are engaged in the creation and dissemination of culture and art, as seen in this project.

This initiative embodies Oizumi Kojo's stance of 'co-creating with artists and disseminating culture.' Through this opportunity for a stage production born in Kawaguchi to take flight to the world, Oizumi Kojo will continue to strengthen its role as a hub for creative activities and the dissemination of new culture.

Cast & Staff Titus Andronicus: Tsuneo Yamai (Kongo-ryu Noh performer) Lavinia: Fuka Haruna Saturninus: Go Kijima (SPAC) Tamora: Miki Takii Lucius: Rion Yanagimoto (Gekidan Q+) Bassianus: Mark Yudai Iwasaki Chiron: Hirotaka Kato (Gekidan 'Kakikuu-kyaku') Demetrius: Mayumi Nanami (Gekidan 'Kakikuu-kyaku' / Nanami no Ichimi) Martius: Ryo Morimoto Marcus Andronicus: Seiji Miyagawa Mutius: Shin Hikage Quintus: Natsuyama Tatsumoto (Kongo-ryu Noh performer) Alarbus/Young Boy, etc.: Momoyo Tateno (SPAC) Narrator: Yukari Sanyutei (Rakugo Geijutsu Kyokai) Live Music: Noh Yoshida (Ayame Juhachiban) Aaron: Hiroichi Tate-gata

Original Work: W. Shakespeare, 'Titus Andronicus' Translation: Kazuko Matsuoka Adaptation, Composition, and Direction: Ryunosuke Kimura Sound: Yasushi Ozono Sound Operator: So Nozaki Music: Noh Yoshida (Ayame Juhachiban) Lighting: Naoyoshi Negoro (Top.gear) Costumes: Maya Set Design: Izumi Matsuoka Assistant Director: Kosuke Hioki (DRAMATEC.) Stage Manager: Stage Work URAK Co., Ltd. Assistant Producer: Asuka Ono International Producer: Nikodem Karolak Producer: Ryunosuke Kimura

Support: 'From Kawaguchi to the World: Shakespeare.' Supporting Supporter, Oizumi Kojo Co., Ltd. International Production: InlanDimensions International Arts Network Planning, Production, and Organizer: To-Be Co., Ltd.

About 'Theatre Company Kakushinhan' Launched in 2012 by director Ryunosuke Kimura. The company performs Shakespeare's works in succession, and their diverse, modern-sensibility direction has become a major topic of conversation. Following the transition to a production-based system in 2020, and through the performance of 'Shin-Titus REBORN' (2023) in a massive warehouse and their selection as the opening work for the 2026 International Shakespeare Festival in Romania, they are making great strides globally as a company originating from Japan. Their multifaceted activities, including 'Open Shakespeare' (bringing theater outside of traditional venues), the establishment of the 'Yarumiru Manabu Theater School' open to anyone, and the publication of books, have attracted the attention of various media.

HP: https://kakushinhan.org/ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/kakushinhan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kakushinhan/ Inquiries: shin.titus2026@gmail.com *Inquiries will be answered by a representative within 5 business days.