Warabi-za presents an all-seats participatory festival stage "This is Akita! will be performed at the Akita Arts Village for one month only starting December 1!

Drawing on the essence of the festival theater "HANA," which received great acclaim in 2011 and 2012, the Warabi-za will present "This is Akita!" this winter for one month only, from December 1, 2024 to January 3, 2025.

The venue is Yupopo Onsen in Akita Geijutsu-mura in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, where Warabi-za has its home base. 100-mat banquet hall Kitaura will be transformed into a special theater "Festival Country" during this period. Visitors can experience and feel Akita's festivals by playing taiko drums, raising lanterns, and shouting while enjoying performances by the Warabi-za.

The festival will also be part of Akita Prefecture's major tourism campaign "Who are you going with? which will start in December, and aims to attract more visitors to Akita Prefecture.

Festival Stage This is Akita!

Highlights of "This is Akita!

Encounter Akita's unique culture

Akita Prefecture has the highest number of registered Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties in Japan. In this production, performing arts of Akita Prefecture such as "Namahage" and "Nishimonai Bon Odori" will appear one after another. Enjoy a first-class stage performance by the Warabi-za, which has been studying Japanese folk performing arts for 73 years since its establishment, at its home base.

All seats are participatory, so you can experience a festival with taiko drums and lanterns.

Every seat is equipped with a taiko drum and lantern. This is a new type of "festival entertainment" that can be enjoyed by all generations, from children to adults, by beating the drums and lighting the lanterns together with the actors in front of you.

Enjoy with the world's best beer!

One drink and mini snacks are included with the performance. Tazawako Beer" brewed at the Akita Art Village has won gold medals (the world's best beer) many times at beer competitions around the world*. In addition, a variety of soft drinks are also available.

The powerful stage design of the Yamabutsuke and the snowstorm of autumn leaves

The stage design is based on the image of the "Kakunodate Festival's Yamaha Event," which has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, and includes dolls made by Hiromeya, a doll-making shop celebrating its 100th anniversary. You can take commemorative photos with the dolls.

Hotel becomes a festival space

Enjoyable for everyone from children to adults

Namahage

Nishimonouchi Bon Dance

Special guests also appear on weekends.

The local Kakunodate "Oyama" music and dance troupe will make daily appearances. They make the festival even more exciting. (The schedule will be announced on the official page as soon as it is decided.)

Local Teodori groups will also perform.

Ticket information

Akita Winter Asobiwari" coupon will be applied to this performance as a part of Akita Prefecture's tourism campaign. (To use the coupon, please visit the experience reservation site "Asobuyu! Jaran Play/Experience")

Three plans eligible for the "Akita Winter Asobiwari" coupon

1) Theater only

　　Regular price 3,600 yen → 1,800 yen with coupon

2) Theater + Meal "Hinai Chicken Oyako-jyu" + Onsen (hot spring)

　　Regular price 6,400 yen → 3,200 yen with coupon

3) Theater + meal "Hinai Jidori chicken kiritanpo miso nabe set" + hot spring bath

　　Regular set price: 7,500 yen → 3,750 yen with coupon

The price may vary slightly depending on the number of people using the coupon and the reservation site.

Event Summary

Event Name: Festival Stage This is Akita!

Date ： December 1, 2024 - January 3, 2025 (33 performances)

Venue: Akita Geijutu-mura Onsen Yupopo 1F Kitaura Matsuri no Kuni

　　　　　　 430, Waseda, Tazawako-sotoda, Senboku City, Akita Pref.

Access ： 7 minutes by car from Kakunodate Station of JR Akita Shinkansen "Komachi".

　　　　　　 30 minutes from Omagari IC of Akita Expressway / 60 minutes from Morioka IC of Tohoku Expressway

　　　　　　 60 minutes from Akita Airport by car

Sponsor : Warabi-za

Supported by: Subsidy for the promotion of arts and culture from the Agency for Cultural Affairs (project for promoting functional enhancement of theaters, music halls, etc.),

　　　　　　 Japan Arts Council

URL : https://www.warabi.or.jp/2024thisisakita

Inquiries: Akita Art Village Reservation Center

TEL. 0187-44-3939 [Mon-Sat/9:00-11:30, 12:30-17:00].

*Award-winning Tazawako Beer https://beer.warabi.or.jp/?page_id=281

Hiromeya Dolls

Taiko drums and lanterns in all seats

Tazawako Beer