KABUKI Dance 2026 | Huntington Library Hosts “Kabuki in Motion: The Lion Returns” dance and music programs | Rothenberg Hall | Saturday, October 24 at 4:30PM
Posted on August 26, 2026, Revised on September 21, 2026 by Cultural News
U.S. Kabuki Ken Kyu Kai presents Kabuki in Motion: The Lion Returns, an afternoon of spectacular dance and live traditional Japanese music programs at Rothenberg Hall of the Huntington Library, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108, on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Doors open at 4:00 p.m.
Approx. 2.5 hours with intermission.
Tickets are $10. Open to all ages.
Tickets & Information https://www.huntington.org/event/kabuki-motion-lion-returns
A LANDMARK RETURN This landmark presentation marks the first Los Angeles performance of Kagamijishi in forty years, since Nakamura Gankyō’s late master, Sakata Tōjūrō IV, then known as Nakamura Senjaku II, performed it as part of Senjaku to Tomo no Kai. That performance was a benefit supporting the Japanese American Theatre, now the Aratani Theatre.
Also featured are the spirited Dango Uri, the elegant Shōchikubai, and Tadao Sawai’s evocative Tori no Yō ni performed by Madame Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto as lead along with other talented koto players.
PROGRAM
DANGO URI (The Dango Peddlers)
A spirited Gidayū dance featuring the playful married confection sellers Kinezō and Ousu.
Kinezō: Bandō Hirohichirō, also known as Nakamura Gankyō
Ousu: Bandō Nao
SHŌCHIKUBAI (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum)
An elegant Jiuta work celebrating three enduring symbols of resilience, longevity, and renewal.
Dancers: Bandō Kyōharumi, Bandō Kyōmisuzu, Elizabeth Hiroyasu, Mie Oki, and Kiyomi Petersen
Musicians: Kineya Yasoyo, Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, Yuki Yasuda, Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, Emily Kazuchiye Imazumi, and Nanami Fujimaki
TORI NO YŌ NI (Like a Bird)
Tadao Sawai’s evocative contemporary work, performed by Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, Yuki Yasuda, Brian Mitsuhiro Wong, Emily Kazuchiye Imazumi, and Nanami Fujimaki.
KAGAMIJISHI (The Mirror Lion)
The shy lady in waiting Yayoi is summoned to dance at Edo Castle. Her refined performance becomes a supernatural transformation into the powerful spirit of the shishi lion.
Yayoi and the lion spirit: Nakamura Gankyō
Asukai: Bandō Ai
Yoshino: Bandō Nao
Kochō: Bandō Kyōki’ichirō and Cody Ueda
FEATURED MUSICIANS
Kineya Yasoyo
Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto
Yuki Yasuda
Brian Mitsuhiro Wong
Emily Kazuchiye Imazumi
Nanami Fujimaki
ARTISTIC TEAM
Featured performer: Nakamura Gankyō, AKA Dr. Kirk Kanesaka and Bandō Hirohichirō, CSUSB
Guest artists: Bandō Nao and Bandō Ai
Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Satoko Shimazaki, UCLA
Lighting and projections: Dr. Martim Galvao, CSUSB
Stage assistance: Hanayagi Mitsujūrō, Bandō Hiroyukiya, and Bandō Kyōsaburō
Costumes: Shōchiku Engeki, Tokyo
Wigs: Kamoji Tokoyama, Tokyo
GRANT SUPPORT
Taproot Foundation
Dunlop Tires North America, Inc.
Kabuki in Motion: The Lion Returns is presented by U.S. Kabuki Ken Kyu Kai, and cosponsored by The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This program is a Tōzai Kabuki Production.