'The Seven Wonders of Senju:’ Experience the art of 'kodan' storytelling in English for free at Kita-Senju

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a free performance of kodan, a traditional Japanese storytelling art, that utilizes unique tones and props like fans at Kita-Senju on February 28 and 29.

To match this special experience, the performances will take place in the seldom-open main hall of Jigen-ji, a temple that possesses the hollyhock cress, linking it with the Tokugawa family.

Those who participate in the performance can also have the chance to explore Kita-Senju with an English-speaking guide and tour sites linked to the “Seven Wonders of Senju.” and delve even deeper into the Old Nikko Kaido experience.

Secure your spot here for an unforgettable experience.

Kodan Performances

Shared by bilingual storyteller Kanda Yokan, two stories from “The Seven Wonders of Senju" will be shared through kodan. "Senju Ohashi Bridge and the Giant Turtle" will be presented completely in English, while, to provide an authentic kodan experience, the mysterious story of "Soba Enma" will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Along with the sounds of the biwa (a traditional instrument used in narrative storytelling) played by Nobuko Kawashima, immerse yourself in the world of Matsuo Basho in this showcase of excerpts of his masterpiece "Oku no Hosomichi."

Performers: Professional "kodan" storyteller Yokan Kanda, left, and biwa player Nobuko Kawashima   Image: NBC

Event Details

Admission: Free

• Date and time:
• Feb. 28
  1st performance: 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  2nd performance: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Feb. 29
  1st performance: 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
  2nd performance:5 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Seats: 15 per performance
• Location: Jigenji Temple (1-2-9 Senju, Adachi City, Tokyo), a 10-minute walk from Kita-Senju station

Special Program: Street Walking Guided Tour

Explore Kita-Senju with an English-speaking guide.

• Admission: Free (for those who register for “The Seven Wonders of Senju: A Journey into the Unknown Through Kodan Storytelling”)
• Date & Time:
• Group size: 15 people per tour
• Feb. 28: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Feb. 29: 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Tour Outline: Shukubamachi-dori Shopping Street (Old Nikko Kaido) - Senju Honcho Park - Choenji Temple, Meyami Jizo ~ Yokoyama Family Residence, Senju Emaya Yoshida Family - Senju Honcho Shopping Street (Old Nikko Kaido) ~ Kashiwaya ~ Konzoji Temple ~ Jigenji Temple

For more information and to register for the performance click here.