On the opening night in Paris, the curtain rose to reveal Kamimura Orinosuke, the stage assistant (kōken), who greeted the audience in French, eliciting a warm round of applause. The atmosphere turned electric as Nakamura Takanosuke made a dynamic entrance in formal attire, striking a powerful mie pose.
The actors then led an interactive workshop where the audience practised kabuki gestures by using traditional tenugui hand towels, immersing themselves in the physical language of Japanese culture.

During the transformation segment, the stage became a traditional dressing room. Takanosuke meticulously applied the kabuki make-up, revealing the step-by-step evolution into the character of Fuji
Musume—the personification of the elegant wisteria flower. The audience watched with bated breath as he donned a 2-kg handcrafted wig and a lavish kimono. When he finally stood as the elegant Wisteria Maiden, a thunderous ovation filled the hall.

The highlights continued with the performance of Fuji Musume. Before a background of cascading blossoms, Takanosuke’s graceful movements mesmerised the crowd, peaking with the hikinuki—a lightning-fast costume change that drew gasps of delight.
In an exclusive treat for the Paris audience, the programme concluded with Shakkyō (The Stone Bridge). Transforming from the subtle elegance of the maiden to the fierce power of a sacred lion, Takanosuke’s vigorous keburi (mane-spinning) brought the excitement to a fever pitch, showcasing the stunning contrast of “stillness” and “motion” that defines kabuki.

Following the successful launch in Paris, the MEET KABUKI – The Art of “Onnagata” Europe Tour 2026 will continue its journey to Rome and Cologne.

Venue: The Japan Foundation

■ PARIS: Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris
Dates: Thursday, April 9 & Friday, April 10, 2026
Website:https://www.mcjp.fr/ja

■ ROME: Istituto Giapponese di Cultura in Roma
Commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy
Dates: Thursday, April 16 & Friday, April 17, 2026
Website:https://www.facebook.com/istitutogiapponesedicultura

■ COLOGNE: Japanisches Kulturinstitut Köln
Dates: Wednesday, April 22 & Thursday, April 23, 2026
Website:https://co.jpf.go.jp/jp/