The "Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026" Executive Committee and Kumamoto City have announced that ticket sales for "Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026" (Dates: October 3 (Sat) & 4 (Sun), 2026 / Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall), the largest castle festival in Japan and the first of its kind in Kyushu, began today, July 1st (Wed), through various ticket vendors.

Two Special Days Towards Full Restoration in 2052, 10 Years After the Kumamoto Earthquake

"Oshi-ro EXPO" is a festival for castle enthusiasts that has been held annually in December at Pacifico Yokohama since 2016, with the aim of promoting and developing castle culture and fostering interaction among castle lovers.

This "Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026" has been specially planned as a gathering place for castle fans nationwide, marking the 10-year milestone since the Kumamoto earthquake as a "passing point."

Super Special Guests! Actor Hideki Takahashi and Castle Specialists to Appear

The popular "Selected Programs (Lectures)" at Oshi-ro EXPO will feature distinguished specialists such as Tetsuo Owada (Director General of the Japan Castle Foundation), along with Masafumi Kato, Yoshihiro Seki, Motoki Kuroda, and Yu Hirayama. Furthermore, on October 4 (Sun), actor Hideki Takahashi, known for his love of castles, will hold a talk show as a special guest.

<Comment from Special Guest: Hideki Takahashi>

"10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake.

I always look forward to seeing the Kumamoto Castle as it is now. I want this talk show to be an opportunity to share the charm of the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, which I admire every time I visit, with all of you. I look forward to seeing you at the venue."

<Selected Programs (Lectures): October 3 (Sat)>

"The Castle System of Kato Kiyomasa's Rule over Higo Province: Major Renovations of Kumamoto Castle and the Fortification of Higo Province" (Masafumi Kato)

"Kumamoto Castle Under Kiyomasa and the Hosokawa Clan, Revealed Through Reconstruction" (Yoshihiro Seki)

"Hideyoshi's Unification of the Realm and Kato Kiyomasa's Entry into Higo" (Motoki Kuroda)

Masafumi Kato (Executive Director, Japan Castle Foundation), Yoshihiro Seki (Castle Archaeologist / Professor, Higher Education Institute, Nagoya City University; Distinguished Professor, Nara University), Motoki Kuroda (Professor, Surugadai University)

<Selected Programs (Lectures): October 4 (Sun)>

"Kato Kiyomasa, Who Built Kumamoto Castle - His Little-Known True Story -" (Tetsuo Owada)

"Kato Kiyomasa and the Battle of Sekigahara" (Yu Hirayama)

"Actor Hideki Takahashi's Unstoppable Love for Kumamoto Castle!" (Hideki Takahashi)

Tetsuo Owada (Director General, Japan Castle Foundation), Yu Hirayama (Historian), Hideki Takahashi (Actor)

Special Exhibition of Kumamoto Castle and Various Other Contents

The special exhibition, conveying the 400-year history of Kumamoto Castle, will feature a "Super-Detailed Kumamoto Castle Model Corner" and a "Kyushu Warlords Assemble! Great Armor Corner" displaying nine sets of modern armor belonging to Kyushu warlords such as Kato Kiyomasa and Tadaoki Hosokawa.

In addition to castle PR booths showcasing the latest information from castles nationwide, there will be a special exhibition conveying the "400-year history of Kumamoto Castle," built by Kato Kiyomasa and later passed down from the Kato family to the Hosokawa family, as well as a panel exhibition of "Japan's 100 Famous Castles & Sequel 100 Famous Castles." The content aims to convey the powerful image of Kumamoto Castle as it progresses "Towards Revival, With Dignity."

Furthermore, stage events by warrior troupes and local characters, as well as various workshops, will be held. It is an event where everyone from children to adults can enjoy themselves all day long.

Ticket Sales Information

Sales began at 10:00 AM on July 1st (Wed) on the official ticket website and through various ticket vendors.

*For details, please check the official website (https://kumamoto-oshiroexpo.com/).

<Ticket Prices> (All prices include tax)

[Admission Tickets]

- Advance: High school students and above / General ¥1,500 / Junior high school students ¥750

- Same-day: High school students and above / General ¥2,000 / Junior high school students ¥1,000

*Elementary school students and preschoolers are free. *Disability discounts available.

[Admission Ticket with Original Goshuin]

- Advance sales only: ¥2,000

[Selected Program Designated Ticket (per lecture)]

- Admission Ticket + ¥1,300

*An "Admission Ticket" is required separately.

[1DAY Admission Ticket]

- Advance sales only: ¥5,000 (Admission ticket for a designated day of Oct 3/4 + 1-day pass for Selected Programs (3 lectures) + Original Goshuin included)

<Ticket Handling (Ticket Vendors)>

Official Ticket Site: oshiroexpo.tstar.jp

Online Sales: Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, Eplus, Rakuten Ticket, Seven Ticket, ZAIKO, etc.

In-store Sales: Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop

"Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026" Event Overview

Name: Kumamoto Earthquake 10-Year Commemorative Project "Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026"

Dates: October 3 (Sat) & 4 (Sun), 2026

Time: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Venue: Kumamoto Castle Hall (3-40 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City)

Organizers: "Special Edition: Oshi-ro EXPO in Kumamoto 2026" Executive Committee, Kumamoto City

Official Website: https://kumamoto-oshiroexpo.com/

Contents:

<Exhibitions & Stages>

- Special exhibition conveying the 400-year history of Kumamoto Castle ("Kyushu Warlords Assemble! Great Armor Corner," "Super-Detailed Kumamoto Castle Model Corner," "Must-See Sword Exhibition Corner")

- Japan's 100 Famous Castles & Sequel 100 Famous Castles Panel Exhibition

- National Castle PR Booths

- Stage events by warrior troupes and local characters

- Workshops

<Selected Programs>

Total of 6 lectures

*Please check the official website for details and schedules of each lecture.

*Contents are subject to change.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event