Fringe Japan 2026 – Music in Kabuki theatre
2026/8/10
As part of the opening week of "Fringe Japan 2026," the Consulate General of Japan in Edinburgh hosted an event titled "Music in Kabuki Theatre," showcasing the world of traditional Kabuki musicians (Kabuki hayashikata). Supported by the Japan Foundation, the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, and the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, the event was held across three venues: Edinburgh College (Portobello) on Friday, 7th August; Lamp House Music (Haddington) on Saturday, 8th; and Kelvin Hall (Glasgow) on Sunday, 9th.
The performances featured a five-member ensemble of renowned musicians: Tanaka Denjiro VII(hayashikata), Tosha Etsuho (hayashikata), Kineya Mitsujiro (nagauta singer), Kineya Katsushiro (shamisen player), and Tosha Shuraku (flute player).
At the start of the event, Tanaka Denjiro VII provided an explanation of the role of Kabuki musicians. Between performances, the artists introduced instruments such as the kotsuzumi and otsuzumi (hand drums), nohkan and shinobue (flutes), and shamisen (three-stringed banjo); audience members were also given the opportunity to handle and try playing the instruments themselves.
The performances featured a five-member ensemble of renowned musicians: Tanaka Denjiro VII(hayashikata), Tosha Etsuho (hayashikata), Kineya Mitsujiro (nagauta singer), Kineya Katsushiro (shamisen player), and Tosha Shuraku (flute player).
At the start of the event, Tanaka Denjiro VII provided an explanation of the role of Kabuki musicians. Between performances, the artists introduced instruments such as the kotsuzumi and otsuzumi (hand drums), nohkan and shinobue (flutes), and shamisen (three-stringed banjo); audience members were also given the opportunity to handle and try playing the instruments themselves.
The event was a great success, drawing numerous questions during the Q&A session and offering the audience a rare and valuable opportunity to experience the traditional music and performance techniques of Kabuki musicians firsthand.
Additionally, on Friday, 7th August a panel discussion titled "Celebrating Kabuki Theatre" was held in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.
Tanaka Denjiro VII and his ensemble performed multiple times at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe and also gave a performance in Kirkwall, Orkney, on 13th August.
Additionally, on Friday, 7th August a panel discussion titled "Celebrating Kabuki Theatre" was held in partnership with the University of Edinburgh.
Tanaka Denjiro VII and his ensemble performed multiple times at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe and also gave a performance in Kirkwall, Orkney, on 13th August.
