A Japanese family's New Year celebration turns tense as hidden conflicts emerge around a traditional kotatsu, exposing societal flaws in a gripping play.
Family gathering under threat
A family in Japan, celebrating the New Year, finds itself at a crossroads as their once-small family business has grown into a successful international enterprise. However, the success has brought tensions and threats that could jeopardize everything they have built.Symbolism of the kotatsu
The traditional Japanese heated table, known as the "kotatsu," serves as a central symbol in the play. It represents warmth, togetherness, and the family's shared heritage, but it also becomes a setting for hidden conflicts and emotional confrontations.Intimate exploration of societal flaws
Oriza Hirata and Pascal Rambert use the "kotatsu" as a metaphor to explore the complexities of family dynamics and the flaws of modern society. Through a mix of role-play and subtle deception, the play delves into the private lives of the characters to reveal broader social issues.Cast and creative team
The play Kotatsu features a diverse cast including Hideki Nagai, Kumi Hyodo, Mima Chinen, and others. Pascal Rambert and Oriza Hirata co-directed the production, with contributions from Akihito Hirano for the Japanese translation and Kenji Hamazaki for set design.Production and performance details
The production was organized by The Japan Foundation in collaboration with Agora Planning LTD./Komaba Agora Theater. The play ran from 25 to 28 November 2026 at TNB, Rennes, and the text was published by Solitaires Intempestifs.
