“Mom, it’s a love song.” 2026, Japan

• July 31, 2026
  Event date:
• September 22, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

“Mom, it’s a love song.” is a new Japanese stage production written and directed by Osamu Suzuki, featuring Kei Tanaka and Hiroshi Yazaki in a two-person drama about brothers, music, family, memory and unresolved feelings toward their mother. The production also features music provided by Daichi Hirai, adding an important musical dimension to the story.

The story follows an older brother who once achieved success as a musician but has since fallen on hard times, and a younger brother who has continued supporting him. Their relationship becomes the centre of an intimate confrontation with their shared memories and their feelings about their mother. The official production description highlights love and resentment toward their mother, differences in memory, and the brothers’ confrontation with a past “sin.”

The 2026 production is particularly notable because it represents the fourth stage collaboration between Osamu Suzuki and Kei Tanaka, following their earlier projects in 2011, 2017 and 2021.

Rather than using a large ensemble, the production places Tanaka and Yazaki at the centre of the drama. This creates a concentrated theatrical format in which dialogue, pauses, emotional reactions and the relationship between the two characters carry much of the performance.

The production runs from July through September 2026, beginning in Tokyo before touring to Sendai, Nagoya, Ueda and Osaka. The final performances are scheduled at Sky Theater MBS in Osaka on September 22.

Event dates

The overall 2026 performance period is July 31 to September 22, with performances divided between five Japanese cities. The official schedule is:

• Tokyo: July 31 to August 16, 2026
• Sendai: August 29 to August 30, 2026
• Nagoya: September 4 to September 6, 2026
• Ueda: September 12 to September 13, 2026
• Osaka: September 18 to September 22, 2026

The Tokyo run has the longest engagement, while the four regional stops form the touring portion of the production. The Osaka performances conclude the 2026 tour.

For the Tokyo production, performances include evening and afternoon shows, with the opening performance on July 31 scheduled for 19:00. The published Tokyo schedule also includes 13:00, 14:00 and 19:00 performances across the run, with Mondays August 3 and August 10 listed as non-performance days.

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Venue & performance locations

Tokyo – Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Playhouse

The Tokyo run takes place at the Playhouse of Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre from July 31 through August 16. The venue provides the main Tokyo setting for the production and hosts the largest portion of the overall engagement.

Sendai – Denryoku Hall

The Miyagi performances take place at Denryoku Hall in Sendai on August 29 and 30. Both performances are scheduled as afternoon performances, beginning at 13:00, with doors opening at 12:15.

Nagoya – Niterra Nippon Tokushu Togyo Civic Hall Village Hall

The Aichi leg is presented at the Village Hall of Niterra Nippon Tokushu Togyo Civic Hall from September 4 to 6. The published timetable lists an 18:00 performance on September 4 followed by 13:00 performances on September 5 and 6.

Ueda – Ueda City Exchange Culture and Arts Center Main Hall

The Nagano performances take place at the Main Hall of Santomyuze, Ueda City Exchange Culture and Arts Center, on September 12 and 13. Both days have a 13:00 start and 12:15 doors-open time.

Osaka – Sky Theater MBS

The final stop is Sky Theater MBS in Osaka from September 18 to 22. The published timetable lists an evening opening performance on September 18 at 18:00, followed by 13:00 performances on September 19, 20, 21 and 22.

Full programme

The central story

The production focuses on two brothers whose lives have taken very different paths. The older brother once enjoyed success as a musician but is now struggling, while his younger brother has remained a source of support. Their meeting becomes an opportunity to revisit the past and examine their relationship with their mother.

Family and memory

A major part of the drama concerns the brothers’ different memories and feelings surrounding their mother. The official description specifically identifies love and resentment, discrepancies in memory and a past wrongdoing as important elements of the story.

Music

Music is closely connected to the story. Daichi Hirai provides music for the production, with the idea of a love song to the brothers’ mother becoming an important narrative thread.

Two-person performance

With Kei Tanaka and Hiroshi Yazaki as the two performers, the production places the relationship between the brothers at the forefront. Their dialogue and changing emotional dynamics provide the main dramatic structure.

Featured productions & performers

Osamu Suzuki – Writer and director

Osamu Suzuki serves as both playwright and director. He previously collaborated with Kei Tanaka on three stage productions, making this the fourth project in their continuing creative relationship.

Kei Tanaka – Lead performer

Kei Tanaka plays the older brother, a once-successful musician whose life has changed considerably. The role requires him to carry a substantial amount of dialogue within the two-person format. The official production website describes the challenge of the dialogue-heavy performance and Tanaka’s anticipation of returning to the stage.

Hiroshi Yazaki – Co-star

Hiroshi Yazaki plays the younger brother. His character has remained supportive of his older brother, creating the emotional counterpoint to Tanaka’s character. Yazaki has described the opportunity to work with Suzuki and Tanaka as a particularly meaningful collaboration.

Daichi Hirai – Music provider

Daichi Hirai contributes music to the production. His involvement connects the theatrical narrative with the musical theme at the heart of the brothers’ story.

Shows & performances

The production is structured as an intimate two-person stage drama rather than a large-scale musical or ensemble play. Tanaka and Yazaki carry the main dramatic action, portraying brothers whose shared history gradually comes into focus.

The performances centre on conversation and confrontation. The older brother’s former career as a musician provides an important part of the character background, while the younger brother represents the person who has continued to remain connected to him.

The emotional focus expands beyond the brothers themselves as their memories of their mother become increasingly important. The title’s reference to a love song reflects the production’s attempt to connect family memories, music and feelings that have not necessarily been expressed directly.

The production also incorporates original music provided by Daichi Hirai, giving the story a musical element without changing its fundamental identity as a dramatic stage play.

Performance schedule

Tokyo

• July 31: 19:00
• August 1: 13:00
• August 2: 13:00
• August 3: No performance
• August 4: 19:00
• August 5: 14:00
• August 6: 14:00
• August 7: 14:00
• August 8: 13:00
• August 9: 13:00
• August 10: No performance
• August 11: 13:00
• August 12: 19:00
• August 13: 14:00
• August 14: 14:00
• August 15: 13:00
• August 16: 13:00

The official Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre schedule confirms these published Tokyo performance times.

Sendai

August 29 and 30 both have 13:00 performances, with doors opening at 12:15.

Nagoya

September 4 begins at 18:00, while September 5 and 6 begin at 13:00.

Ueda

September 12 and 13 both begin at 13:00, with doors opening at 12:15.

Osaka

September 18 begins at 18:00. September 19, 20, 21 and 22 begin at 13:00.

Ticket types

The published Tokyo ticket structure uses reserved seating throughout the theatre. The official prices are:

• SS seat: approximately $81
• S seat: approximately $74
• A seat: approximately $61

These figures are converted from the official prices of ¥12,000, ¥11,000 and ¥9,000 respectively. The Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre confirms the three reserved-seat categories.

Regional pricing varies by venue. For example, the Ueda performance lists SS at approximately $81, S at approximately $74 and A at approximately $61, while the Nagoya performance lists S at approximately $74 and A at approximately $67.

Osaka lists S at approximately $81 and A at approximately $67.

USD conversions are approximate and based on the yen amounts published for the performances; actual card or ticketing charges can vary according to exchange rates and transaction fees.

Ticket release & booking

General ticket sales opened at different times depending on the city. The official production website lists the following release schedule:

• Tokyo: June 13, 2026
• Sendai: July 4, 2026
• Nagoya: July 25, 2026
• Ueda: July 25, 2026
• Osaka: July 11, 2026

The official production website provides links to major ticketing services including Lawson Ticket, ePlus, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Box Office, Ticket Pia and Confetti.

For Ueda, general sales began July 25 at 10:00, with online sales available initially and venue-counter sales subject to remaining availability. Purchases were limited to two tickets per transaction.

Because individual performances can sell out, visitors should check the current availability for the particular city and date rather than assuming every ticket category remains available.

VIP & premium seating

The production does not advertise a separate hospitality-style VIP package in the published official information. Instead, premium positioning is represented primarily through the highest seating category available at each venue.

For Tokyo and Ueda, the top category is SS seating at approximately $81, followed by S and A seating. The Ueda venue specifically recorded its SS category as sold out.

Nagoya lists S and A seating, while Osaka lists S and A seating.

Visitors seeking the closest available seating should therefore check the highest category offered for their chosen city rather than looking for a separate VIP admission package.

Event rules

Age restrictions

Preschool children are not admitted to the performances according to the official production information.

Resale restrictions

Commercial or profit-making ticket resale is prohibited. The official production website explicitly states that tickets purchased for commercial resale are not permitted.

Ticket changes

Venue information indicates that tickets generally cannot be changed or cancelled for personal reasons after purchase, except where cancellation or changes are specifically provided for under the event’s conditions.

Wheelchair seating

Wheelchair spaces are available subject to venue arrangements. The official production information asks wheelchair-space users to contact the relevant organiser after purchasing and, for the Tokyo performances, no later than five days before the performance.

Programme changes

Performance content, schedules and opening times may be changed without notice, so attendees should check the latest venue information before travelling.

How to get there

The five-city tour allows visitors to combine the performance with a wider trip through Tokyo, Sendai, Nagoya, Ueda or Osaka.

Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is located in Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s major transport hubs. The theatre is convenient for visitors arriving by train and can be incorporated into an Ikebukuro sightseeing itinerary.

Sendai

Denryoku Hall is in central Sendai, making the Sendai performance suitable for visitors staying around Sendai Station or the city’s central shopping and business districts.

Nagoya

Niterra Nippon Tokushu Togyo Civic Hall is located in Kanayama, an important transport area in Nagoya. Staying around Kanayama or central Nagoya provides convenient access to the venue.

Ueda

Santomyuze is located in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. Visitors can combine the performance with sightseeing in Ueda and the surrounding Shinshu region.

Osaka

Sky Theater MBS is located in the Umekita/Osaka Station area, making it convenient for visitors staying around Osaka Station, Umeda or nearby central Osaka districts.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is generally the most practical option for attending performances in Japan’s major cities, particularly when travelling to central theatre districts.

Tokyo: Train services to Ikebukuro provide convenient access to Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre.

Sendai: Visitors can travel into central Sendai and continue to Denryoku Hall using the city’s local public transport network.

Nagoya: Kanayama is a major rail and transit area, providing access to the Niterra Civic Hall complex.

Ueda: Ueda Station provides the principal rail connection for visitors attending the Santomyuze performances.

Osaka: Osaka Station and the surrounding Umeda transport network provide access to the Sky Theater MBS area.

Parking availability differs between venues. Visitors driving should check the individual theatre’s current parking arrangements rather than relying on event-wide parking. Arriving by train is particularly useful for evening performances because it avoids the need to locate venue parking immediately before curtain time.

Accommodation areas

Tokyo

Ikebukuro is the most convenient area for visitors attending several Tokyo performances. Shinjuku, Ueno and central Tokyo are also practical options because of the city’s extensive rail network.

Sendai

Central Sendai and the area around Sendai Station offer convenient accommodation choices, restaurants and transport connections.

Nagoya

Kanayama is particularly convenient for the Niterra Civic Hall, while Nagoya Station and Sakae provide broader accommodation and dining options.

Ueda

Staying near Ueda Station makes it easier to reach the Santomyuze venue while also providing access to restaurants and regional transport.

Osaka

Umeda and Osaka Station are convenient bases for Sky Theater MBS, while central Osaka districts provide a wider selection of hotels and evening dining.

Dining & refreshments

The production is a theatre experience rather than a food festival, so dining is best planned around the performance schedule.

For afternoon shows, visitors can have lunch before arriving at the venue and then explore the surrounding neighbourhood after the performance. Evening performances allow for an early dinner before the theatre or a meal afterwards.

Tokyo’s Ikebukuro, Sendai’s central district, Nagoya’s Kanayama area, Ueda’s city centre and Osaka’s Umeda district all provide restaurants and cafés within their wider urban areas.

Visitors should allow sufficient time for security, ticket checks and seating rather than planning a meal immediately before entering the theatre. Food and drink rules can vary by venue, so attendees should follow the individual theatre’s current policies.

Accessibility

Accessibility arrangements vary between the five venues. The production specifically provides wheelchair seating arrangements, with wheelchair-space users asked to contact the relevant organiser in advance.

For Tokyo, the official production information states that wheelchair-space users should make contact after purchasing tickets and no later than five days before the performance.

The Tokyo production also offers a paid, capacity-limited childcare service subject to advance application, with applications required approximately one week before the requested date and excluding weekends and public holidays.

Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the specific venue or regional organiser before travelling, particularly if they require wheelchair seating or assistance with arrival and seating.

Best performances to attend

Opening performance in Tokyo

The July 31 Tokyo performance is the production’s opening night and marks the beginning of the full 2026 run. It starts at 19:00.

Weekend Tokyo performances

The August 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 performances are afternoon weekend shows, making them convenient for visitors planning a full day in Tokyo around the theatre visit.

Sendai performances

August 29 and 30 provide the opportunity to see the production during its first regional tour stop. Both are 13:00 performances.

Nagoya weekend performances

The September 5 and 6 shows begin at 13:00, making them practical choices for visitors combining the production with a weekend trip to Nagoya.

Osaka final performance

September 22 is the final scheduled performance of the 2026 tour. It begins at 13:00 and represents the conclusion of the five-city production schedule.

Previous year’s highlights

“Mom, it’s a love song.” is a 2026 production, so there is no 2025 edition or previous annual festival edition to compare with. It is a newly created stage work rather than a recurring yearly event.

However, the production builds on an established creative partnership between Osamu Suzuki and Kei Tanaka. Their previous stage collaborations include “The Comedian Exchange Diary” in 2011, “I Wanted to Be a Hero Too” in 2017 and “If I Could Draw a Life” in 2021. The 2026 production is their fourth stage collaboration.

The 2026 play also continues Suzuki’s interest in intimate theatrical storytelling while bringing Hiroshi Yazaki into the collaboration with Tanaka. The result is a two-person drama focused heavily on the relationship between its central characters.

Official tickets

Official ticket information is available through the production’s official website, which provides links to the relevant ticketing services for the performances. General sales opened on different dates for each city.

https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2668334

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