Program Note
About 1000 years ago, during Japan’s Heian period, the Onmyōbu (Yin Yang Bureau), composed of government officials known as Onmyōji (Yin Yang Master), was a department responsible for protecting the city from curses and evil spells, as well as training new Onmyōji. Abeno Seimei, a highly skilled Onmyōji, had no interest in advancement or social interactions. Together with Hiromasa, a nobleman, he investigates the visions haunting Princess Yoshiko every night. Around this time, an apprentice Onmyōji is murdered, and Seimei confronts hidden conspiracies and curses.
Abeno Seimei is celebrated as the greatest Onmyōji in Japanese history, and this work was created to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of his birth. From publications to films and games, numerous works have featured Abeno Seimei as the protagonist, solving mysterious incidents with his unique abilities, providing a thrill similar to that of the detective genre. In this production, Yamazaki Kento portrays Abeno Seimei during his apprenticeship, offering a fresh charm distinct from previous Onmyōji works. (Martin LEE)