“What kind of world is it to see The Tale of Genji in kabuki?”
Cinema Kabuki “The Tale of Genji: The Rokujō Lady” weaves the pinnacle of beauty with Tamasaburō Bandō and Somegorō Ichikawa.
We have thoroughly investigated ways to watch this majestic stage for free or enjoy it at a bargain.
Good news for those who say “tickets are pricey” or “I missed my chance to see it.”
We present the latest on streaming services, cast information, and buzz on social media all at once.
Where can you witness the fate of Genji and Lady Rokujō?
With Cinema Kabuki, you can enjoy it on screen, kuma!
Ah… I was so captivated by the beauty, I burned my rice ball, kuma~!
- Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady
- Synopsis & Information: Cinema Kabuki – The Tale of Genji: The Rokujō Lady
- Highlights to Know Before You Watch
- Streaming Services Likely to Carry It
- FAQ: Watching “The Rokujō Lady”
- Main Cast: Selected Works
- Related & Similar Recommendations
- Social Buzz & Early Reactions
Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady
“Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady” adapts the Heian-period masterpiece “The Tale of Genji”, brought to life on screen by the celebrated kabuki actors Tamasaburō Bandō and Somegorō Ichikawa.
As the latest entry in the Cinema Kabuki series—filmed at Kabukiza and shown in theaters nationwide—it opens on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Reviving the ethereal world of classical literature through cinematic beauty and masterful performances, this work holds high cultural value and captivates a broad audience.
Tradition × Cinematic Beauty: a new Genji
Focusing on Lady Rokujō—one of the most intensely drawn women in The Tale of Genji, the film delves into her jealousy, sorrow, and even her nobility, rendered with Tamasaburō Bandō’s delicate movement and direction.
Meanwhile, Somegorō Ichikawa’s Genji balances youthfulness and allure—their pairing is quintessential modern kabuki.
Thanks to cinematic close-ups and editing, you can catch expressions and movements often missed on stage, making it approachable even for kabuki newcomers.
What is the “Cinema Kabuki” series—where culture meets entertainment?
Cinema Kabuki is a project produced by Shochiku that screens high-quality filmed performances from Kabukiza in theaters nationwide.
Past hits like “Kagoturube Sato no Eizame,” “Kanjinchō,” and “Noda-ban Kentatsu no Utare” have drawn new audiences beyond longtime kabuki fans.
This entry, part of an effort to share Japan’s classics with the world, is also attracting interest for potential overseas screenings and streaming.
“The Rokujō Lady” unites Tamasaburō Bandō and Somegorō Ichikawa in a fusion of cinematic art and tradition. Highly recommended for kabuki beginners, too.
Synopsis & Information: Cinema Kabuki – The Tale of Genji: The Rokujō Lady
“The Rokujō Lady” unfolds a story centering on the relationship between Lady Rokujō and Hikaru Genji.
Born of high rank, Lady Rokujō suffers deeply over her bond with Genji and, tormented by jealousy and solitude, gradually transforms into a vengeful living spirit.
Through beautiful movement and a mysterious aesthetic, this film expresses her emotional fluctuations and noble spirit, achieving exceptional artistic completeness in both literature and stagecraft.
Story Overview
Set in the Heian period.
Between the young Hikaru Genji (Somegorō Ichikawa) and his senior lover Lady Rokujō (Tamasaburō Bandō) lies a passion that cannot be made public.
When Genji’s heart shifts to another woman, Lady Rokujō is thrown into turmoil and, consumed by jealousy, her spirit leaves her body to haunt and torment other women.
Drawing on one of the most famous scenes in Japanese literary history, this work depicts the tension between love and jealousy, nobility and resentment.
Credits & Cast
- Title: Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady
- Release Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
- Cast: Tamasaburō Bandō (Lady Rokujō), Somegorō Ichikawa (Hikaru Genji)
- Direction: Tamasaburō Bandō
- Production & Distribution: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
- Genre: Cinema Kabuki, literary drama, classical literature
Experience one of Genji’s most psychological arcs, where Heian passions meet the supernatural. The literary afterglow lingers long after the credits.
Highlights to Know Before You Watch
“Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady” fuses stage artistry and cinematic expression at a remarkably high level.
Don’t just watch—enhance your experience by noting its artistry, direction, actors’ movement, and emotional nuance.
Here are key points to watch for:
1) Tamasaburō Bandō’s embodiment of the “living spirit”
Lady Rokujō becomes a living spirit whose soul departs in anguish and jealousy to torment others.
Bandō conveys this shift not through voice or exaggerated expression, but through breath, gaze, and gait.
Cinematic camerawork magnifies this subtlety so psychological details that a stage audience could miss become palpable.
2) Somegorō Ichikawa’s youthful Genji
Somegorō’s Genji masterfully balances tenderness and allure.
His refined movement radiates noble elegance, fully convincing as the object of Rokujō’s love and jealousy.
By focusing on his entrances and wordless expressions, you’ll more deeply grasp the central theme: the heart’s fluctuations.
3) Costumes, stage art, and music in harmony
Another highlight is the meticulous recreation of Heian court costumes and furnishings.
With architecture, lighting, and gagaku-inspired music, the production creates an immersion akin to time-travel to the Heian era.
Attend to embroidery details and color transitions to discover a parallel “story of beauty” beyond performance.
Movement, music, and design each command the stage. Knowing these points in advance enriches your viewing.
Streaming Services Likely to Carry It
Opening in theaters in September 2025, the streaming status for “Cinema Kabuki: The Tale of Genji – The Rokujō Lady” is currently undecided. However, based on the track record of the Cinema Kabuki series, we can forecast likely platforms.
In particular, Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT—both with strong ties to Shochiku releases—are promising candidates.
Likely Services & Windows
| Service | Predicted Start | Price | How to Watch Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Around January 2026 | ¥600/month | Watch via 30-day free trial |
| U-NEXT | Around February 2026 | ¥2,189/month | 31-day free trial + 600 points for near-free viewing |
| Hulu | Spring 2026 or later | ¥1,026/month | No free period currently (offered in the past) |
| Rakuten TV | Summer 2026 or later | Transactional (around ¥1,500) | Occasional free rental via campaigns |
TSUTAYA DISCAS | Early 2026 (DVD rental) | ¥2,052/month (Fixed-rate 8) | 30-day free trial for mail-order DVD |
Watch Amazon Prime Video and U-NEXT especially—free trials could let you view it at no risk.
FAQ: Watching “The Rokujō Lady”
To help first-time Cinema Kabuki viewers and those new to The Tale of Genji, here are common questions and answers.
Q1. Can I enjoy it without knowing the original story?
Absolutely.
This work focuses on Lady Rokujō, so even without the full novel you can follow relationships and emotions.
Some screenings also include captions and audio guides, so you can relax and enjoy.
Q2. Tickets are pricey—any ways to save?
Using advance tickets or MoviTicke can cut costs by about ¥500–¥1,000.
If it streams later, Amazon Prime or U-NEXT free trials may let you watch at no extra cost.
Q3. How long is the runtime?
Exact length hasn’t been announced yet, but based on past Cinema Kabuki titles, roughly 100–120 minutes is likely.
Q4. Which age groups is it best for?
Especially recommended for viewers in their 30s and up, but the visuals, music, and costumes appeal to younger audiences as well.
Students interested in literature and classical performing arts should also see it.
Q5. How suitable is it for international audiences?
Highly suitable.
English-subtitled screenings are possible, and as a quintessential work of Japanese culture it’s well-positioned for global appreciation.
Beginner-friendly: clear focal points, not overly difficult—an ideal first Cinema Kabuki experience.
Main Cast: Selected Works
The leads of “The Rokujō Lady”, Tamasaburō Bandō and Somegorō Ichikawa (VIII), are towering figures of contemporary kabuki.
They’ve delivered numerous great performances; here are standouts.
Tamasaburō Bandō
- Akoya: A pinnacle onnagata role performing shamisen, koto, and kokyū live.
- Kyōkanoko Musume Dōjōji: Brilliant costumes and transformational dance.
- Sagi Musume (Heron Maiden): A dreamlike dance drama—filmed many times.
- Botandōrō (Peony Lantern): Acclaimed for ghostly roles and acting craft.
Somegorō Ichikawa (VIII)
- Kanjinchō (as Benkei): Highly praised since his early years.
- Kamiyui Shinza: A lively Edo-town drama.
- Noda-ban Nezumi Kozō: An ambitious fusion with modern staging.
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Kabuki version): Played Asbel in the 2020 sensation.
Some titles are already available on streaming; U-NEXT and Hulu carry certain performances.
Check them out to deepen your appreciation.
Exploring the cast’s other works reveals their range and the depths of their expression.
Related & Similar Recommendations
Fans of classical literature and historical subjects adapted for stage or film will find many related works.
Here are recommendations for Cinema Kabuki and literary-minded cinephiles.
1) Cinema Kabuki “Kagoturube Sato no Eizame”
A popular piece with Tamasaburō Bandō as the courtesan Yatsuhashi.
Its portrait of beauty and tragedy in the pleasure quarter shares thematic threads of feminine fate, distinct from Genji.
2) Film “A Thousand Years of Pleasure”
Based on Kenji Nakagami; directed by Kōji Wakamatsu.
A highly literary film—perfect for exploring the depths of Japanese culture.
Its blend of lyricism and madness resonates with the spiritual dimension in “Genji.”
3) Animated film “Genji Monogatari: Sennen no Nazo”
An animated vision of Genji’s world.
Lady Rokujō appears, with vivid supernatural imagery.
Viewing it after this film invites rewarding comparisons.
4) NHK Taiga Drama “Hikaru Kimi e”
The 2024 historical drama about Murasaki Shikibu.
Ideal for learning the background to “Genji” and its author—context that enriches this viewing.
Related works help you understand “Genji” and Heian culture from multiple angles.
Social Buzz & Early Reactions
Following performances at Kabukiza in 2024 and ahead of its nationwide Cinema Kabuki release in September 2025, the film is already generating discussion online.
Overwhelming praise and emotion greet Tamasaburō Bandō’s Rokujō and Somegorō Ichikawa’s Genji, with rising expectations for the cinematic presentation.
User Reactions (selected from SNS)
- “Tamasaburō Bandō’s performance pierced my soul. He balanced the terror and fragility of the living spirit perfectly.” (on X)
- “Somegorō Ichikawa’s Genji was breathtakingly beautiful. I want to see those exchanged glances on the big screen!” (Instagram)
- “The artistry is evident even in the trailer. A must-see for kabuki newcomers.” (YouTube comment)
- “Rokujō’s transformation felt frighteningly real. I was overwhelmed by Bandō’s expressive power.” (note)
- “This was neither mere literature nor just film—it was art. I sat stunned long after the credits.” (on X)
Five-Parameter SNS Score
| Parameter | Score (out of 20) |
|---|---|
| Acting | 20 |
| Visual Beauty | 19 |
| Emotional Engagement | 20 |
| Story | 18 |
| Beginner-Friendliness | 17 |
Overall: 94/100
With Bandō × Somegorō, the essence of stage art is experienced through cinema—SNS agrees. A high-rated must-see even for first-timers.
When I like someone, I’ll give chocolate instead of a curse, kuma!
Can’t wait to research the next Cinema Kabuki, kuma~!
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