On January 21, 2026, the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) was honored to present Kinoshita Kabuki: Kanjinchō at Cullen Performance Halls part of the troupe’s North American debut tour, offering Houston audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most revered classical performing arts traditions at a historic moment in the company’s international journey.
Led by acclaimed dramaturg Yuichi Kinoshita, the performance centered on Kanjinchō, a cornerstone of the kabuki repertoire. The story tells the legendary story of the warrior-monk Benkei and his loyal lord Minamoto no Yoshitsune, weaving together themes of loyalty, sacrifice, wit, and honor. Though centuries old, the narrative resonated powerfully with contemporary audiences through its emotional intensity and moral clarity.
The performance was met with enthusiastic and thoughtful praise from the audience, including faculty members of the University of Houston School of Theatre & Dance, many of whom attended with their students. One professor reflected, “Attending Kanjinchō last night was an inspiring and rejuvenating experience, made even better by the opportunity to see some of my students get thoroughly ignited by the production.” Another shared simply, “We were deeply moved and inspired!”
Kinoshita Kabuki is internationally recognized for making classical kabuki accessible to contemporary and global audiences without compromising its artistic integrity. The Houston performance exemplified this balance—combining traditional movement, vocal stylization, and dramatic structure with inventive theatrical elements that surprised and delighted even seasoned theatre professionals. As one audience member noted, “I absolutely love Kabuki and was honored to be there. The flow of the performance was mesmerizing. The ensemble work was refreshing to watch. There were so many moments that moved me emotionally. I must admit I was not prepared for the rap—it was sheer genius and greatly appreciated.”
The artistry and physical rigor of the performers left a lasting impression well beyond the final curtain. Another UH faculty reflected the following morning, “Images are still replaying in my mind—the gestures of putting on the hat, dropping the fan, the slow traveling motifs, the sheer physicality of playing two groups of characters by running from one end of the stage to the other.”
Particular praise was given to the development and depth of the principal characters. “I am particularly struck by the development of the main characters, played by Noemi Takayama and Ryotaro Sakaguchi,” the professor continued. “Their control, intensity, and complete dedication to their characters were mesmerizing, even when they were not the focus of the moment. I was honored to watch them.”
The evening underscored JASH’s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange through the arts and education. By presenting world-class Japanese performances in Houston, JASH continues to foster meaningful dialogue between artists, educators, students, and the broader community—strengthening cultural understanding between Japan and the United States.
JASH extends its heartfelt thanks to Kinoshita Kabuki, Cullen Performance Hall, Japan Society, and all partners and supporters who helped make this unforgettable evening possible. Performances like Kanjinchō remind us that traditional arts are not relics of the past, but living expressions—capable of inspiring the next generation of artists and audiences across borders and cultures.
