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Saturn, From the Set of Kafka on the Shore Stage Adaptation
Haruki Murakami’s 2002 novel Kafka on the Shore was adapted for the stage in 2012. The play was directed by Yukio Ninagawa (1935-2016), produced by HoriPro, and featured a script by Frank Galati. In addition to dates in Japan, the production travelled to five cities: London, New York, Singapore, Seoul, and Paris. Kafka received positive reviews from theatre circles around the world. This prop, a neon sign designed as Saturn, appeared on stage at a pivotal moment in the play.
(Generously donated by HoriPro and Bunkamura’s Theatre Cocoon)
Aquarium, From the Set of Kafka on the Shore Stage Adaptation
This aquarium was used in the opening scene of Kafka on the Shore. The character Saeki first appeared on stage inside this aquarium, backed by an impressive score. Saeki was first played by Yūko Tanaka in Kafka’s original run at the Saitama Arts Theater. Later, Rie Miyazawa played the character from 2014 to 2015, including when the play travelled overseas to London, New York, Singapore, and Seoul. In 2019, Saeki was played by Terajiima Shinobu during the production’s Paris and Tokyo runs.
(Generously donated by HoriPro and the Saitama Arts Theater)
Grand Piano
This grand piano was used for live performances in Haruki Murakami’s jazz café, Peter Cat.
“The Sheep Man picked up his boots with both hands and, with practiced technique, whacked them solidly together. A shower of hardened mud fell to the ground. Then demonstrating consummate knowledge of the lay of the house, he put slippers on and padded over to the couch and sat down.
Just great, I thought.”
–A Wild Sheep Chase, translated by Alfred Birnbaum
“The T-shirt arrived in the afternoon mail three days later.
It looked like this.”
–Hear the Wind Sing, translated by Ted Goosen