Daisydoze’s latest immersive production, Nekomachi (Cat Town), has been selected for presentation at Moon Art Night Shimokitazawa from late September through early October 2025.

Nekomachi invites the audience on an otherworldly immersive guided tour through the nighttime streets of Shimokitazawa, incorporating pre-recorded storytelling and live dance performance. Please consider covering this unique production.

 

■ What is Immersive Theater?

Originating in London in the 2000s, immersive theater disrupts the traditional theater experience by actively bringing the audience into the story, rather than relegating them to passive observers.

Daisydoze pioneers a uniquely Japanese approach to immersive theater, weaving the tangible atmosphere and historical context of its performance sites directly into the narrative.

 

■ About “Nekomachi”

Nekomachi, Daisydoze’s ninth production, is inspired by the poet Sakutarō Hagiwara, who spent his later years in Shimokitazawa. Participants will embark on a journey from Shimokitazawa Station Plaza to Setagaya-Daita Station, guided by the disembodied voice of the poet from the past.

As the full moon bathes the city in light, echoes of the poet’s memories intertwine with the participant’s journey. Nekomachi reveals an unseen, dreamlike side of Shimokitazawa—through the eyes of the poet.

Participants will use the ON THE TRIP audio guide app and their own smartphone and earphones to tune in to the poet’s voice, which will guide them through the town, as they experience live performances along the way. One highlight of this production is a performance in an underground area of Setagaya-Daita Station, which is normally closed to the public, thanks to special permission from the Odakyu Electric Railway. 

 

■ Cast & Creative Staff

• Lead Performer / Blue Cat: Maiko Ino
  An internationally recognized dancer and long-time daisydoze collaborator
   

• Poet (Voice): Hayato Mori
  Known for his versatility on both stage and screen, Hayato returns after leading daisydoze's previous production.
   

• The Ladies of Cat Town：

Momoko Tsuchiya/RUNA/ryoka/KisaTakeda/ALISA/kanoko/Kotono Waki/Misato

• Artistic Director/Writer: Yui Takeshima (daisydoze)
   

• Creative Producer & Costumes: Kaori Kondo (daisydoze)
   

• Dance Director/Choreographer: Maiko Ino
   

• AR Audio Production: ON THE TRIP
   

• Set Design: Ryosuke Hara (Rokkaku Nut)
   

• Sound Engineering: Hiroki Kosaki
   

• Lighting: Kosaku Watanabe
   

• With special thanks to the talents and efforts of many more contributors.
   

 

■ Performance Information

Main Features:

1. The show begins with a narrated walk from Shimokitazawa Station to Setagaya-Daita Station, and culminates in a dynamic live dance performance. Please be aware that the meeting and ending locations are different.
    

2. You will use your own smartphone and earphones for this personal and immersive experience.
   
   No rental devices will be available.
    

For a seamless experience, please download the ON THE TRIP app in advance.