“Touken Ranbu ONLINE” Returns to National Bunraku Theatre for Expanded Summer 2025 Collaboration

Kogitsunemaru Bunraku Puppet to Be Animated on Stage, with Special Photo Time

The centerpiece of this collaboration is the full stage debut of the “Touken Danshi Kogitsunemaru” Bunraku puppet, which was created for a previous event. For the first time, the puppet will be brought to life by master puppeteers, moving and speaking on stage. This will occur during a special segment titled “Welcome to BUNRAKU!”, which will include explanations in English. Audiences will be granted a special opportunity to photograph the puppet during this segment.

Fans can also look forward to a host of other exclusive features, including lobby announcements recorded by Kogitsunemaru, a lobby exhibition of both the “Touken Danshi Kogitsunemaru” and “Kogarasumaru” Bunraku puppets, a special collaboration stamp, and a video summary of the play Kokaji, narrated by Kogitsunemaru.

The Collaboration’s Origin: Kokaji, the Birth Story of the Famed Sword “Kogitsunemaru”

The third part of the program, which hosts the collaboration, will feature a performance of Kokaji (“The Little Swordsmith”). This play holds deep significance for the character, as it depicts the legendary origin story of the sacred sword “Kogitsunemaru.”

Also on the bill is Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba (“The Ise Dance and the Two Adulterers”), a classic summer drama centered around the cursed sword Aoe Shimosaka. To ensure the story is accessible even to first-time attendees, optional audio guides (available for a fee) will provide simultaneous commentary.

 

“Makumi” Seats Now Available for Advance Reservation, Making Bunraku More Accessible

In a significant update, makumi-seki—seats for viewing a single act—will now be available for advance reservation, a change from the previous same-day-only sales. This allows attendees to experience a part of the performance more casually, such as watching the approximately 30-minute Kokaji for just ¥2,500.

This initiative offers a perfect opportunity for everyone—from seasoned connoisseurs of traditional arts to fans of the popular game—to experience the unique charm of Bunraku, Osaka’s world-renowned cultural treasure, in a way that suits their style.

Summer Vacation Bunraku Special Performance: Event Overview

Performance Period July 19 (Sat) – August 12 (Tue), 2025 *Closed: July 24 (Thu), August 12 (Tue) *Part 1 on July 25 (Fri) is a private performance.

Venue National Bunraku Theatre (1-12-10 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka)

Schedule & Program

• Part 1: Parent-Child Theatre (Starts 11:00 AM)
  • Saiyuki “Kanketsu-hen” (“Journey to the West: The Final Chapter”)
  • Kaisetsu Bunraku tte naa ni? (“An Introduction to Bunraku”)
• Part 2: Masterpiece Theatre (Starts 1:30 PM)
  • Ichi-no-Tani Futaba Gunki (“Chronicle of the Battle of Ichi-no-Tani”)
  • Katsuragawa Renri no Shigarami (“The Love Suicide at Katsuragawa”)
• Part 3: Summer Late Show (Starts 6:15 PM)
  • Welcome to BUNRAKU!
  • Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba (“The Ise Dance and the Two Adulterers”)
  • Kokaji (“The Little Swordsmith”) Note: The “Touken Ranbu ONLINE” collaboration is exclusive to Part 3.

Pricing (All seats, tax included)

• Part 1: Parent-Child Theatre
  • Adults: ¥5,000
  • Students: ¥2,500
  • Children (18 and under): ¥2,000
  • Special parent-child discount available.
• Part 2: Masterpiece Theatre
  • General: ¥6,700
  • Students: ¥4,600
• Part 3: Summer Late Show
  • General: ¥6,000
  • Students: ¥4,200
• Makumi Seats
  • Please refer to the official website for details.

Ticket Reservations Tickets can be booked via the National Theatre Ticket Center by phone or online.

• Phone: 0570-07-9900 or 03-3230-3000
• Online: https://ticket.ntj.jac.go.jp/

Further Information For complete details, please visit the National Theatre’s official website: https://www.ntj.jac.go.jp/schedule/bunraku/2025/2025summer/