KEIJI – CAGE
The Flamboyant Samurai Stage Show
This is a samurai show portraying the real-life Maeda Keiji. Designed for international audiences, it is a non-verbal stage performance featuring dynamic sword fighting. With minimal dialogue, the action-packed choreography conveys the spirit of Bushido.
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 Keiji Maeda
Keiji Maeda was a samurai who lived from the late Sengoku period to the early Edo period. Born in 1543 in Owari Province (present-day western Aichi Prefecture), he was a master of the spear. He came from a branch of the Maeda family, with Maeda Toshiie as the head of the main family. Known for his unique personality, he lived freely, following his own path.
Historical Background
Japan in the 16th century—a time when many warlords vied for supremacy, seeking to expand their territories in the struggle for unification. This era is known as the “Sengoku period.” The ones who suffered most in these conflicts were always the peasants and the weak. Amid this turmoil, a man who rose from humble peasant origins to great prominence emerged: Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Though not gifted in brute strength, he was exceptionally shrewd. With masterful strategy, he defeated warlords across the land one by one, ultimately achieving the unification of Japan. Two samurai served under him—one was Keiji Maeda, and the other was Yabuizuka Hebikatsu (a fictional character).
In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed his unification of Japan, marking the end of the Sengoku period and the arrival of an era of peace. In a world without territorial conflicts, martial prowess lost its value, and samurai found themselves without purpose. Some turned to farming, others became merchants, and some continued their training in swordsmanship. However, a portion of masterless samurai, known as “nobushi,” became bandits, raiding villages across the land.
Story
After falling out with his uncle, Maeda Toshiie, Maeda Keiji left his clan and abandoned the world of war. Sealing away his prized spear, he wandered the land as a drifter. Meanwhile, Yabuzuka Hebikatsu had risen to become the leader of a group of rogue samurai.
One day, Keiji arrived at Tsukise Village, where he rescued a pair of siblings from an attack by a band of rogue samurai led by Yabuzuka Hebikatsu. The boy, Ata, was deeply impressed by Keiji and expressed his desire to become his disciple.
This story explores the way of the samurai and history through the bond between Keiji and Ata.（20 mins）
The Reason for CAGE
A mind trapped by war, territorial disputes, traditions, and the norms of the era. The story envisions the soul’s smoldering struggles being released and transcended. It embodies the pursuit of true freedom, unbound by anything.
Harakiri for a samurai
One of the core values of samurai during the Edo period was the desire to choose their own death. Taking one’s own life—known as seppuku or harakiri—was considered an honorable and noble way to die. Rather than being killed by an enemy, a samurai would often choose to end his life by his own hand as a matter of pride and dignity. Allowing a defeated opponent to commit seppuku after a duel was also seen as a sign of deep respect, recognizing the honor of the fallen warrior.
In this performance, Hebikatsu, driven by revenge, is defeated by Keiji and attempts to take his own life. This act reveals that, even though Hebikatsu had fallen to the status of a rogue warrior, he still retained a sense of samurai pride.
Normally, such an act of self-determination would be respected according to samurai tradition. However, Keiji—being a kabukimono, a free-spirited and unconventional samurai—stops him. This moment highlights Keiji’s unique way of life, one that values living freely over following rigid codes.
Cast
Maeda Keiji
Main character
A flamboyant and unconventional warrior of the Sengoku period, and the protagonist of this story. Wielding a massive crimson spear with unmatched strength, he cherishes freedom and despises restraint. Throughout the story, he battles many foes while staying true to his beliefs.
TAKI
Villager
She lives in Tsukise Village and takes care of her younger siblings. Throughout the story, her courage and strength stand out as she fights to protect her family.
ATA
Villager
Taki’s younger brother and Nina’s older brother. Throughout the story, he faces hardships alongside his sister and aspires to become Maeda Keiji’s disciple.
NINA
Villager
Taki and Ata’s younger sister. Throughout the story, her innocence and deep love for her family are highlighted.
Yabuzuka Hebikatsu
Rogue samurai boss
A dual-wielding rogue samurai who harbors hostility toward Maeda Keiji. As a key antagonist in the story, he engages in intense confrontations with Keiji.
Kotaro
Rogue samurai
A rogue samurai and a subordinate of Yabuizuka. The older brother of Ushijirō. With a rough personality, he fights in various situations throughout the story.
Gyujiro
Rogue samurai
The younger brother of Kotarō and a rogue samurai. Alongside his brother, he terrorizes villages.
Music
Performance Schedule
2025
| Country | City | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | SPLIT | April 8 | Japan in Briig |
| Croatia | Zadar | April 11-12 | Tuna Sushi and Wine Festival |
| Spain | Barcelona | June 21-22 | Matsuri |
| Spain | Vigo | June 31-July 2 | Kokoro Japan Expo |
2024
| Country | City | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Tokyo | May 19 | Festival Special Stage |
| Turkey | Bursa | June 7 | JAPAN DAYS IN TURKEY |
| Turkey | Ankara | June 9 | ANKARA JAPAN DAY |
| Spain | Barcelona | June 15–16 | MATSURI |
| France | Tours | June 28–30 | Japan Tours Festival |
| Spain | Vigo | July 6–7 | Kokoro Japan Expo |
| France | Paris | July 11–14 | Japan Expo |
| Japan | Osaka | October 13 | Connecting Japanese Culture: Grace and Beauty – Halloween × Japanese Ghosts Edition |
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