Event Official Website:http://www.sekaiisangekijyou.com/event/cc/
In Yamaguchi, the birthplace of Christmas in Japan, a performance that bridges history and modern voices is about to take place. Approximately 500 years ago, the missionary Francisco de Xavier introduced Christianity to this land and held Japan's first Christmas celebration. Today, this profound history will resonate with a literary classic.
Popular voice actress Ms. Natsumi Takamori will join forces with Mr. Sho Hayami, Ms. Kikuko Inoue, and Mr. Ryota Osaka to present the voice actor reading drama "A Christmas Carol." With their captivating voices, they will reinterpret Charles Dickens' timeless tale of love, remorse, and rebirth.
They sincerely invite you to this land of special historical significance. Join us on the afternoon of Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Shunan City Cultural Hall for an experience enveloped in warm voices and festive atmosphere.
Francisco de Xavier visited Japan in 1549 during the Sengoku period, staying in Yamaguchi under the powerful Ōuchi clan and introducing Christianity to Japan for the first time. Xavier's stay became the catalyst for Japan opening its doors to exchange with the West. Yamaguchi built Japan's first Christian church, and its historical essence still lives on in this land.
Then, in December 1552, about 500 years ago, a Yamaguchi church held the "Nativity Feast," considered Japan's first celebration of Christmas. Christmas is a day to celebrate the birth of Christ and share happiness with loved ones. Popular voice actors will passionately perform this masterpiece of love and emotion, "A Christmas Carol," which depicts the true meaning of Christmas.
Please enjoy the world's most beloved Christmas story in its Japanese place of origin—Yamaguchi.
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Shunan City Cultural Hall
【Organizer】Yamaguchi Drama Tourism Executive Committee
【Producer】World Heritage Theater Executive Committee
【Special Cooperation】Catholic Yamaguchi Church Xavier Memorial Cathedral
【Production Cooperation】C And T
【Cooperation】Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd. Yamaguchi Branch
※This performance is held as part of the Japan Tourism Agency's "Regional Tourism Appeal Enhancement Project."
Voice Actor Reading Drama "A Christmas Carol"
Original: Charles Dickens
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Doors Open: 16:00 | Performance Starts: 16:30 (Scheduled End: 18:00)
【Cast】Mr. Sho Hayami, Ms. Kikuko Inoue, Mr. Ryota Osaka, Ms. Natsumi Takamori 【Director / Script】Mr. Kenshi Kano
◉ Ticket Information
All Reserved Seating | Yamaguchi Prefecture Resident Ticket: 3,000 JPY (tax incl.) | General Ticket: 5,000 JPY (tax incl.)
※ Preschool children not admitted.
※ Those purchasing Yamaguchi Prefecture Resident tickets must present ID with address verification at the venue on the day.
Tickets available via e-plus website.
e-plus
【Ticket Purchase Inquiries】
Please contact e-plus directly.
Sho Hayami（速水 奨）
A powerhouse voice actor long active at the forefront of the industry, possessing a profound, resonant voice honed through stage experience and exceptional expressive power.
Major Roles: Sosuke Aizen in "BLEACH", Hubert in "Chi.: On The Movements of The Earth", Maximilian Jenius in "The Super Dimension Century Orguss", Jakurai Jinguji in "Hypnosis Mic", Kōmei Morofushi in "Detective Conan", among others.
Kikuko Inoue（井上 喜久子）
A voice actress and actor beloved across generations for her softly enveloping voice and rich expressiveness.
Her narration, which combines serenity and elegance, is highly acclaimed across various fields including anime, dubbing, voice-over, and reading dramas. Renowned for her ability to effortlessly portray roles ranging from maternal and graceful characters to mysterious figures, adding warm depth to productions.
Major Roles: Belldandy in "Ah! My Goddess", Kasumi Tendo in "Ranma ½", Shimajiro's Mother in "Shimajiro", Sanae Furukawa in "CLANNAD", Macrophage in "Cells at Work!", Medina La Legensius Electra in "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water", among others.
Ryota Osaka（逢坂 良太）
A popular and skilled voice actor known for his clear, transparent voice and fluid, expressive acting.
He excels in a wide range of roles, from cheerful youths to characters grappling with internal conflict, earning high praise for his natural performances that seamlessly blend with a work's worldview. His sincere and approachable personality is adored by many fans.
Major Roles: Eijun Sawamura in "Ace of Diamond", Yuki Sanada in "Tsuritama", Yuma Isogai in "Assassination Classroom", Ibara Saegusa in "Ensemble Stars!!", Gyutaro in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Entertainment District Arc", Koji Akaashi in "the Haikyu!! series", Naoto Tachibana in "Tokyo Revengers", among others.
Natsumi Takamori（高森 奈津美）
A voice actress with diverse expressive skills who captivates audiences with her clear voice and meticulous acting.
She naturally portrays roles from cool-headed girls to warm-hearted characters, being active in both anime and games. Her calm narration is also well-regarded, and she demonstrates solid expressive ability in readings and voice-overs. She makes her presence felt through her approachable charm and steady skill.
Major Roles: Miku Maekawa in "THE iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls", Kokoro Shigure / Cure KunKyun in "You and Idol Pretty Cure♪", Komekome in "Delicious Party♡Precure", Raiha Uesugi in "The Quintessential Quintuplets", among others.
Performance Appreciation Tour Information
◎ "Dramatic Space Yamaguchi" Historical Tour: Tracing the Footsteps of Xavier
Dates: Saturday, January 24 to Sunday, January 25, 2026 (2 days 1 night)
Depart/Return: Shin-Yamaguchi Station
A tour package combining the reading drama performance with exclusive premium events, designed to enjoy the charms of Yamaguchi, a place deeply connected to Francisco de Xavier.
※ Sales begin on Friday, December 12, 2025, via the Nippon Travel Agency website.
☆ For tour details, please visit the Nippon Travel Agency dedicated tour application site.
Nippon Travel Agency Tour Application Site
Tour Inquiries: Nippon Travel Agency, Yamaguchi Branch
yamaube_office@nta.co.jp
＜Tour Participants Exclusive＞
Xavier Memorial Cathedral Premium Event
Xavier Memorial Cathedral Premium Event** In the historic space of the Xavier Memorial Cathedral, where the legacy of Francisco de Xavier is remembered, we will hold an exclusive premium event only for tour participants. The event will feature voice actor readings, talk sessions, and more, accompanied by the majestic sounds of the pipe organ.
Voice Actor Reading Drama: "The Promised Holy Night – The Love of Francisco de Xavier"
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Doors Open: 11:00 Performance Starts: 11:45 (Scheduled End: 12:30)
【Venue】Catholic Yamaguchi Church Xavier Memorial Cathedral
【Cast】Mr. Sho Hayami, Ms. Kikuko Inoue, Ms. Natsumi Takamori
【Original Story】 Shoun Tachibana
【Director / Script】 Kenshi Kano
Venue
Shunan City Cultural Hall
5854-41 Tokuyama, Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
■Access■
●JR: About 20 min walk (approx. 1.8 km) from JR Tokuyama Station.
●Bus: From the "Miyukiguchi" Bus Terminal at Tokuyama Station:
・Bus Stop 4: Bus bound for "Kitayama via Dōbutsuen Kitaguchi" - Get off at "Dōbutsuen Bunka Kaikan Iriguchi".
・Bus Stop 6: Bus via "Tokkō / Bypass" - Get off at "Dōbutsuen Bunka Kaikan Iriguchi".
・Bus Stop 8: "Short Ride 100 Yen Bus" (Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays, 9:00-18:00) - Get off at "Dōbutsuen Bunka Kaikan Iriguchi".
【By Car】
From Sanyo Expwy Tokuyama-higashi IC: 8 min via National Route 2 (approx. 5 km).・From Sanyo Expwy Tokuyama-nishi IC: 20 min via National Route 2 (approx. 14 km).
From Chugoku Expwy Shikano IC: 40 min via National Route 315 (approx. 25 km).
※ If the cultural hall parking lot (160 spaces) is full, please use the temporary parking lot next to the Museum of Art & History.
■Important Notices■
・Except in case of performance cancellation, tickets once purchased cannot be canceled or changed.
・Recording, video recording, and photography during the performance are strictly prohibited.
・Please understand that the performance content may be subject to change due to unavoidable circumstances.
・There are no locker or cloakroom facilities within the venue.
・We regret that we cannot accept gifts for the performers.
However, letters can be placed in the letter box set up at the venue.
■Inquiries regarding this project:
info@sekaiisangekijyou.com