On the 14th, the Shiki Theatre Company announced via its official website that Sumio Yoshii, one of the founding members of the troupe, passed away on the 2nd due to natural causes. He was 92 years old.

The website posted a tribute titled “In Memory of Sumio Yoshii (Lighting Designer and Founding Member of the Shiki Theatre Company),” stating, “We regret to inform you that Sumio Yoshii, one of the founding members of the Shiki Theatre Company, passed away on July 2, 2025, due to natural causes at the age of 92.” It added, “The funeral will be held privately with family members, and a farewell gathering will be organized at the Jiyu Theatre at a later date. Further details will be announced on this website once finalized.”

The tribute also reflected on Yoshii’s career, noting, “Unlike playwrights and directors, lighting designers rarely receive the spotlight. Yet, Yoshii demonstrated the crucial role of lighting in stagecraft—mastering light and time—and paved the way for future lighting designers as a pioneer in the field. As one of the founding members, he always watched over Shiki’s journey. The entire troupe expresses heartfelt gratitude and condolences, praying for his peaceful rest.”

Sumio Yoshii was born on January 24, 1933, in Tokyo. In 1953, while attending Tokyo Gakugei University, he co-founded the Shiki Theatre Company alongside Keita Asari (d. 2018) and Takeshi Kusaka (d. 2017). Over his career, he became a leading lighting designer in theater, opera, musicals, and dance, working on over 1,500 productions. For Shiki, he handled lighting for numerous plays, starting with the inaugural performance, “Aldair or the Saint,” followed by “Intermezzo,” “The Lark,” “Ondine,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “A Dream Awakened from a Dream,” among others. From 1964, he focused primarily on Mozart and Wagner’s works at the Nissay Theatre and Nikikai, establishing key techniques in Japanese opera lighting.

■ Major Works by Sumio Yoshii
‘Aldair or the Saint’ (1954)
‘Intermezzo’ (1954)
‘Hikarigoke’ (1955)
‘The Lark’ (1957)
‘Ondine’ (1958)
‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ (1964)
‘West Side Story’ (1974)
‘A Dream Awakened from a Dream’ (1987)
‘The Man Who Sold Memories’ (1992)
‘Rokumeikan’ (2006)

Shiki Theatre Company

The Shiki Theatre Company, founded in 1953 by Keita Asari, is Japan’s first and largest professional theater company specializing in musical productions. Inspired by Western musicals, it played a key role in popularizing the genre in Japan, with long-running shows like *The Lion King* and *Cats*. The company operates multiple theaters across Japan and remains a major force in Japanese performing arts.

Jiyu Theatre

The Jiyu Theatre, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a historic venue that opened in 1932 as a hub for avant-garde and experimental performances. It played a significant role in promoting modern Japanese theater and was a gathering place for progressive artists and intellectuals in the mid-20th century. Today, it remains a cultural landmark, hosting a variety of theatrical and artistic events.

Tokyo Gakugei University

Tokyo Gakugei University (東京学芸大学), founded in 1949, is a prestigious national university in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in teacher education and educational research. Its origins trace back to the 1873 establishment of several teacher training schools, which were later consolidated. Today, it is renowned for producing highly skilled educators and conducting cutting-edge research in pedagogy and related fields.

Nissay Theatre

The **Nissay Theatre**, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a renowned cultural venue operated by Nippon Life Insurance Company (Nissay). Opened in 1963, it has hosted a wide range of performances, including theater, music, and dance, contributing to Japan’s arts scene. The theater is known for its elegant design and has been a key venue for both traditional and contemporary productions.

Nikikai

Nikikai (二期会) is a prominent Japanese opera and classical music association founded in 1952 by a group of musicians, including singer Hidemaro Konoe, to promote Western-style opera in Japan. It emerged as a breakaway from the Fujiwara Opera Company, aiming to foster new talent and expand the appreciation of opera through performances, training, and education. Today, Nikikai remains influential in Japan’s classical music scene, operating its own opera theater and collaborating with international artists.

Aldair or the Saint

“Aldair or the Saint” refers to a historical and cultural site in Algeria, often associated with a revered religious figure or local saint. The site likely holds significance in Sufi traditions or local folklore, serving as a place of pilgrimage or spiritual reflection. Its history is rooted in the region’s Islamic heritage, blending religious devotion with Algeria’s rich cultural tapestry.

Intermezzo

“Intermezzo” typically refers to a short musical or theatrical performance between acts of a larger production, originating in 16th-century Italy. Over time, the term evolved to describe any brief, intermediate piece of art or entertainment. In modern contexts, it can also denote a café or cultural venue, often serving as a creative or social gathering space.

The Lark

“The Lark” is a historic site in Bakersfield, California, originally established in 1930 as a popular restaurant and music venue. It became a cultural landmark, especially during the 1950s and 1960s, as a hub for country, rock, and folk music, helping to shape the Bakersfield Sound. Though the original location closed in the 1970s, its legacy continues to influence local music and culture.