GOEMON
Ishikawa Goemon the Outlaw Ninja
A samurai performance show, depicting the legendary outlaw Ishikawa Goemon—often called Japan’s Robin Hood. Featuring authentic Tate sword-fighting, ninja heritage from the Iga clan, and the spirit of Bushido, this cultural show brings Japanese history to life.
This show is a non-verbal sword-fighting performance without dialogue. It is an original show based on a true story, created by the samurai performers “KATANAYA ICHI“
About Ishikawa Goemon
Ishikawa Goemon is a legendary Japanese outlaw and folk hero of the Edo period. Born in 1558, he became famous as a master thief who stole from corrupt rulers and shared with the poor, earning him the nickname “Japanese Robin Hood.”
Some theories claim he was an outcast ninja of the Iga clan, skilled in infiltration and disguise, which fueled the mystique of his legend. Eventually captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Goemon was executed by being boiled alive in Kyoto in 1594, a dramatic fate that cemented his place in history.
His story has since been retold in countless kabuki plays, samurai dramas, and cultural performances, where he is celebrated as a rebellious hero who stood against injustice.
He and his son were boiled alive in public after their failed assassination attempt on the Sengoku period warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His legend lives on in contemporary Japanese popular culture, often giving him greatly exaggerated ninja skills.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishikawa_Goemon
Story
Goemon Ishikawa and his younger sister, Sayo, witnessed their parents being slaughtered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s forces when they were children. Now, in the late 16th century, they seek revenge against Hideyoshi, the ruler who unified Japan under his control.
Trained in swordsmanship in a ninja village, Goemon and Sayo became thieves who defied Hideyoshi’s rule. They stole treasures from the wealthy under Hideyoshi’s control and distributed them to the common people. Goemon wields a ninja sword. The story begins on a rainy night and unfolds into an intense battle against Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his retainers. (20 minutes)
Music
Performance Schedule
2023
| Country | City | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Melbourne | May 21 | Japan Festival 2023 |
| Japan | Shinjyuku | May | Japanese Festival Special Stage |
| Italy | Padua | June 5 | |
| Spain | Barcelona | June 17–18 | MATSURI |
| Netherlands | Amstelveen | June 26 | Japan Festival Nederland |
| France | Tours | June 30–July 2 | Japan Tours Festival |
| Spain | Vigo | July 8–9 | Kokoro Japan Expo |
| France | Paris | July 13–16 | Japan Expo Paris |
| Croatia | Rab Island | July 26–27 | Rabska Fjera |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | August 1–10 | GAMERS8 |
| Slovenia | Ljubljana, Kočevje, Brda | September 13–16 | |
| Japan | Tsukishima | September | ICHIFES 4 |
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