KITSUNEBI

Samurai vs Ninja

Kitsunebi is an action show set against the battle between samurai and ninja, symbols of traditional Japanese culture.

This is a non-verbal sword-fighting performance without dialogue—an original show created by the samurai performers “KATANAYA ICHI” titled KITSUNEBI.

About KITSUNEBI

Kitsunebi refers to mysterious lights that were once believed to be created by foxes to trick people. In old Japan, people sometimes saw small floating lights appear suddenly on dark roads at night. It was said that if you tried to follow the light, it would move away, leading you deeper into the forest or swamp until you became lost.

In reality, this phenomenon is a natural light caused by gases from wetlands that ignite and glow. It looks like a floating fireball. Long ago, people believed this strange sight was the work of foxes, who were seen as magical creatures, and named it “Kitsunebi” — meaning “fox fire.”

Japanese people have long respected nature and lived closely with it. Many Japanese folktales and legends treat natural phenomena as mysterious powers, showing a deep connection between nature and storytelling in Japanese culture.

Kitsunebi (狐火) is an atmospheric ghost light told about in legends all across Japan outside Okinawa Prefecture. They are also called “hitobosu”, “hitomoshi” and “rinka”.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitsunebi

Story

The story follows Hayate, a young ninja. After losing his beloved Yato, he falls into despair and chooses to live as a dark spirit, becoming a “Yoko” (mystic fox). Driven by grief and inner conflict, Hayate launches a revenge attack against the samurai forces.

The story depicts the fierce battles between Hayate and Kohaku, and the samurai forces, as well as the emotional struggles each character faces. Amidst intense fights and emotional turmoil, Hayate confronts his fate and searches for a path to freedom.

A thrilling and dynamic fictional action performance that brings to life an epic battle between two legendary icons of Japanese culture: the noble Samurai and the elusive Ninja. (20 mins)

Character Introduction

Hayate

The main character, a ninja

Played by Yorino Teppei

Kohaku

She supports Hayate’s actions and displays tremendous power in battle, using the technique of creating clones.

Played by Megumi Yokomi

Jin

A member of the Samurai Extermination Squad, he shoulders the legacy of his ancestors and faces off against Hayate. With strong leadership and combat abilities, he leads his troops against the fox demon.

Played by Dai Mizuno

Araragi

A character with a warlike personality who enjoys fighting strong opponents

Played by Haruna

Music

Performance Schedule

2022

Country	City	Date	Event
France	Paris	July	Japan Expo Paris
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh	August	GAMERS8
Japan	Shibuya	September	無礼講2022
Japan	Ginza	November	ICHIFES 3

Dai Mizuno, Representative of “KATANAYA ICHI”

The Birth of “KITSUNEBI” — A Symbol of Revival and Challenge

In 2015, KATANAYA ICHI made its international debut at Hyper Japan in London, presenting the stage production “KITSUNE.” Although our global activities were temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we reemerged in 2022 with a renewed spirit, reconstructing KITSUNE into a new work titled “KITSUNEBI.” This production symbolizes KATANAYA ICHI’s revival and our determination to take on new creative challenges.

Learn more about Dai Mizuno