The music reading drama “Onmyoji,” based on Baku Yumemakura’s classic novel series, opened on June 20, 2026, at the Tokyo Tatemono Pia Theater. A report from the first performance (14:00 show) has arrived, capturing the enchanting atmosphere of this third staging since 2024.
First published in 1986, Yumemakura’s “Onmyoji” series has been adapted across various media. Set in the Heian period—an era when darkness still lingered—the story follows the brilliant onmyoji Abe no Seimei and his earnest companion, the musician Minamoto no Hiromasa, as they confront supernatural phenomena.
This 90-minute reading drama weaves together five episodes from the first two volumes: “Genjō to Iu Biwa no Tame ni Nusumazaru Koto,” “Hiki,” “Oni no Michiyuki,” “Gesu Hōshi,” and “Tsuyu to Kotaete.” Live erhu and piano accompaniment enhance the storytelling, with a rotating cast across performances.
On the 20th (14:00 and 17:30), Sakurai Takahiro portrayed Abe no Seimei and Hino Satoshi took on Minamoto no Hiromasa. The stage, adorned with plants, snow lanterns, and screens, evoked the nightscape of Heian-kyo. Erhu player Gan Kenmin and pianist Minami Hotomi opened with a leisurely melody, instantly transporting the audience to the ancient capital.
The performers’ costumes were a study in elegance: the musicians in solid black, the three supporting actors (Hayashi Yuto, Kikuta Chie, Ogino Kana) in white-based attire, and the leads in white with black haori. Subtle lighting completed the refined, “elegant” aesthetic.
But the true highlight was the acting. Sakurai exuded the intellectual, mischievous air befitting a genius onmyoji, while Hino brought warmth and humor to the earnest Hiromasa. Their banter—Seimei teasing Hiromasa, Hiromasa flustered in response—showcased impeccable comedic timing. Moments that felt like ad-libs drew laughter from the audience. The duo masterfully shifted between lighthearted exchanges and tense confrontations with spirits.
The supporting cast also delivered standout performances. Hayashi, Kikuta, and Ogino played multiple roles—both human and non-human—with impressive range. Ogino’s portrayal in the “Oni no Michiyuki” segment was particularly striking: terrifying, sorrowful, and beautiful.
The erhu and piano wove through the drama, sometimes heightening tension, other times seamlessly connecting episodes. The erhu’s flowing, expressive tones and the piano’s melodic yet rhythmic playing seemed to embody Seimei and Hiromasa themselves, enveloping the stage in a “elegant darkness.”
Cast Schedule
June 20 (Sat) 14:00 / 17:30
Abe no Seimei: Sakurai Takahiro
Minamoto no Hiromasa: Hino Satoshi
June 21 (Sun) 12:30
Abe no Seimei: Terashima Takuma
Minamoto no Hiromasa: Nakamura Shugo
June 21 (Sun) 17:30
Abe no Seimei: Hatano Wataru
Minamoto no Hiromasa: Satou Takuya
All performances
Hayashi Yuto, Kikuta Chie, Ogino Kana
Musicians (all performances)
Erhu: Gan Kenmin
Piano: Minami Hotomi
