Every Thursday is Buko Entertainment Day. Enjoy performances by the 'Buhou Gekidan,' formerly the 'Arakawa Gekidan' with over 30 years of history, plus a song festival and 100-yen karaoke.

Key facts

  • Every Thursday is Buko Entertainment Day. Enjoy performances by the 'Buhou Gekidan,' formerly the 'Arakawa Gekidan' with over 30 years of history, plus a song festival and 100-yen karaoke.
  • Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen in Yokoze, Saitama, is promoting local culture by designating every Thursday as 'Buko Entertainment Day' starting June 2024. The popular Taishu Engeki (popular theater) troupe 'Arakawa Gekidan,' with over 30 years of history, will restart as 'Buhou Gekidan' following a change in leadership, performing weekly. Additionally, a 'Kayosai' (song festival) with about 80 participants will be held on the third Thursday of the month, and karaoke will be offered for 100 yen per song. The operator, Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., aims to revitalize the Chichibu region by providing entertainment for all generations, from children to seniors, through these events.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 2, 2026

Direct answer

Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen in Yokoze, Saitama, is promoting local culture by designating every Thursday as 'Buko Entertainment Day' starting June 2024. The popular Taishu Engeki (popular theater) troupe 'Arakawa Gekidan,' with over 30 years of history, will restart as 'Buhou Gekidan' following a change in leadership, performing weekly. Additionally, a 'Kayosai' (song festival) with about 80 participants will be held on the third Thursday of the month, and karaoke will be offered for 100 yen per song. The operator, Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., aims to revitalize the Chichibu region by providing entertainment for all generations, from children to seniors, through these events.

Citation
Every Thursday is Buko Entertainment Day. Enjoy performances by the 'Buhou Gekidan,' formerly the 'Arakawa Gekidan' with over 30 years of history, plus a song festival and 100-yen karaoke. (June 2, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 2, 2026
Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen in Yokoze, Saitama, is promoting local culture by designating every Thursday as 'Buko Entertainment Day' starting June 2024. The popular Taishu Engeki (popular theater) troupe 'Arakawa Gekidan,' with over 30 years of history, will restart as 'Buhou Gekidan' following a change in leadership, performing weekly. Additionally, a 'Kayosai' (song festival) with about 80 participants will be held on the third Thursday of the month, and karaoke will be offered for 100 yen per song. The operator, Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., aims to revitalize the Chichibu region by providing entertainment for all generations, from children to seniors, through these events.
localNQ 44/100出典：PR Times

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  • 📰 Published: June 2, 2026 at 17:00
  • 🔍 Collected: June 2, 2026 at 08:20
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Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen (Yokoze, Saitama; hereinafter, Buko Onsen), operated by Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd. (Tokigawa, Hiki-gun, Saitama; CEO: Toshiki Yamazaki), has been hosting Taishu Engeki (popular theater) performances by the 'Arakawa Gekidan' every Thursday since June 2026. Following a change in the troupe leader, 'Arakawa Gekidan' will now perform under the new name 'Buhou Gekidan.' The new troupe's name, 'Buhou Gekidan,' is a combination of 'Bu' from Buko Onsen and 'hou' from the new leader's name, Mitsuyoshi Minejo. The Buhou Gekidan will present performances centered on dazzling costumes and brilliant dances that can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations. One of its charms is the opportunity to enjoy traditional popular theater, which is not often accessible, up close. The troupe's performances at Buko Onsen are a long-standing popular event, beloved by local residents and many other customers. The Buhou Gekidan will continue to liven up the entertainment culture of the Chichibu region through a variety of nostalgic and warm-hearted acts that everyone from children to seniors can enjoy. Date & Time: Every Thursday from 13:00 Location: Buko Onsen 1st Floor Main Hall Viewing Fee: Free (Separate admission fee to Buko Onsen is required) In addition, the following entertainment services are available on Thursdays at Buko Onsen. The 'Kayosai' (song festival) held on the third Thursday of the month attracts about 80 customers each time. It's a special time where the venue comes alive through singing and dancing on stage. A bento box and onsen admission are included in the set, allowing you to relax and enjoy the whole day. Date & Time: Third Thursday of the month from 10:30 (*Not held in July, August, January, February) Location: Buko Onsen 1st Floor Main Hall Participation Fee: 3,000 yen per person (tax included) Includes: Fee for singing one full song, onsen admission, special bento box, tea, 500 yen discount coupon for the dining hall Application: Please apply at the front desk by the end of the month preceding your desired month of participation. (e.g., for September, apply by the end of August) Viewing Fee: Free (Separate admission fee to Buko Onsen is required) Karaoke is available before and after the 'Buhou Gekidan' performance every Thursday. Date: Every Thursday (*Excluding days when the Song Festival is held) Location: 1st Floor Main Hall Price: 100 yen per song ■ Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen Buko Onsen is a hot spring facility located at the foot of Mt. Buko, the symbol of Chichibu, along the Yokoze River. It is about a 10-minute walk from Seibu Railway's Yokoze Station. It features open-air baths surrounded by greenery, jet baths, and a sauna. Accommodation facilities and a campsite are also available, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Chichibu and Nagatoro. 4628-3 Yokoze, Yokoze-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama https://www.buko-onsen.co.jp/ ONDO Holdings Co., Ltd. Under its umbrella, which includes Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd., Kii company Inc., Sakanato Co., Ltd., and Saitama Musashi Heat Bears, ONDO Holdings aims to create new value 'to energize the region,' contribute to regional revitalization, and develop human resources. https://ondoholdings.com/

FAQ

Can Buko Onsen be a base for sightseeing in Chichibu?

Yes, Buko Onsen can be used as a base for sightseeing in the Chichibu and Nagatoro areas. It also has accommodation facilities and a campsite.

Can people new to Taishu Engeki (popular theater) enjoy the show?

Yes, the 'Buhou Gekidan' troupe performs a wide range of programs centered on gorgeous costumes and brilliant dances, making it enjoyable for all generations, from children to seniors, including first-time viewers.

Is this event aimed at inbound tourists?

While primarily targeting local residents and domestic tourists, it offers a valuable opportunity to experience traditional Japanese popular theater, which can be an attractive cultural experience for international visitors as well.

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