KEIJI

The Flamboyant Samurai Stage Show

This is an original, non-verbal samurai performance by KATANAYA ICHI, based on the true story of Maeda Keiji. Designed for international audiences, it features dynamic sword-fighting choreography that conveys the spirit of Bushido with minimal dialogue.

A 20-minute stage performance by 7 performers.

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.

Maeda Toshimasu (1543 – 1612), better known as Maeda Keiji, was a Japanese samurai lord of the Sengoku period through early Edo period. In legends and fictions, he is one of the most celebrated kabukimono (samurai gangster) of the time period who is known for his monstrous height and his peerless strength.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeda_Toshimasu

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.

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.

Character Introduction

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.

Movie

KEIJI – KATANAYA ICHI [Japan Expo 2024]

Music

Performance Schedule

2025

Keiji (Dai Mizuno)

TAKI (Asuka Jo)

ATA

NINA

Yabuzuka (Shin Nagahama)

Kotaro (Shinya Sato)

Gyujiro (Kume)

Country	City	Date	Event
Croatia	SPLIT	April 8	Japan in Briig
Croatia	Zadar	April 11-12	Tuna Sushi and Wine Festival

2024

Keiji (Koki Kano)

TAKI (Eri Horikawa)

ATA

NINA

Yabuzuka (Dai Mizuno)

Kotaro (Keigo)

Gyujiro (Kume)

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	Saitama	July 21	Sunflower Festival
Japan	Osaka	October 13	Connecting Japanese Culture: Grace and Beauty – Halloween × Japanese Ghosts Edition