Japanese students perform kabuki scene in English in front of international audience

The audience comprised professional tour guides from 47 countries, including Singapore. Read more at straitstimes.com.

FUKUOKA – Japanese students of Linden Hall School in Chikushino, Fukuoka Prefecture, conducted a kabuki performance in English at the opening ceremony for the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) Fukuoka Convention 2026 on Feb 9.

The students performed under the instruction of kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro – who undertook a similar role for the blockbuster film Kokuho.

The about 500-strong audience comprised professional tour guides from 47 countries and regions including France, Germany, the United States, Australia, Egypt, South Africa, the Philippines and Singapore. It was felt by the students that the traditional Japanese performance was appreciated.

English phrases such as (We) won’t spare you!” or “Shut up! Shut up!” echoed across the stage accompanied by the sounds of shamisen and taiko drums at the opening ceremony.

The associations held its general meeting in Japan for the first time at the Fukuoka International Congress Center in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, from Feb 9 to 13.

The 10 junior high and high school students performed Pulling The Carriage Apart, a scene from Sugawara’s Secrets Of Calligraphy.