New York–based samurai theater company Samurai Sword Soul is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a theater play, Don't Cry, My Friend. Founded in 2003 by FX SHOGUN actor Yoshi Amao, Samurai Sword Soul has been entertaining audiences in New York and beyond with an engaging mix of comedy routines, humanistic-theme drama, and thrilling sword fights.

About Don't Cry, My Friend

The show is an original story inspired by two beloved Japanese folktales: “Urashima Taro” and “The Red Oni Who Cried” (“Naita Aka Oni”). This samurai fantasy is brought to life with exhilarating sword fights, laugh-out-loud comedy, and moving drama. At its heart, the play explores timeless questions: What is justice and evil? What does true friendship mean? And how do we find our own path in life? Blending the beauty of samurai tradition with a fresh theatrical edge, this unforgettable journey celebrates courage, compassion, and the human spirit.

It’s a must-see show for everyone! Families and children ages 4 and up are welcome. To purchase tickets, please visit ticketstripe.com.

An open bar is included with your ticket

Show sponsors include

Izakaya Juraku
Sato Shiki (Whisky)
Dassai (Sake)
Kenbishi (Sake)
Sapporo (Beer)

Snacks and soft drinks are also available.

VIP Tickets

The best seats are reserved for those who purchase VIP tickets, while general seating is on a first come, first served basis. A VIP ticket includes a program signed by the entire cast, along with a complimentary gift from Samurai Sword Soul.

Remaining Performances

Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Run time: Approximately 70 minutes

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Susan McCormac 7/20/25 Susan McCormac 7/20/25

Dassai Sake Series Continues at Japan Society

Dassai Sake Series at Japan Society: Conversation with Dassai Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai and Keiko Ono Aoki, entrepreneur and CEO of Benihana of Tokyo

Dassai Sake Series: Benihana and Beyond

Thursday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. (Please arrive by 6:45 p.m.)

Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Admission: $45 | $35 Japan Society members

Join Dassai Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai and Keiko Ono Aoki, entrepreneur and CEO of Benihana of Tokyo, for a talk about the past, present, and future of both organizations. Both leaders will engage in a dialogue around the themes of “Challenge” and “Innovation,” discussing how they blend yesterday and tomorrow with the goal of rising to the modern world.

How are we defined by our history, and what is our obligation to it? What are the realities of the U.S.-Japan world today and new dangers and opportunities within it? Is there a future without innovation? How can one create change within a historic organization? And what are the needs to create real revolution? Japan Society invites you to spend the evening with Hiroshi Sakurai and Keiko Ono Aoki to hear their answers.

To purchase tickets, please visit Japan Society’s website.

About the Dassai Sake Series

The Dassai Sake Series is an ongoing lecture series pairing thought and business leaders from across the U.S.-Japan world together onstage with festive sake celebrations. The Dassai brand is built around the goal of bringing revolution to the sake industry, and the Dassai Sake Series is similarly focused on engaging conversations with U.S.-Japan leaders who have created their own revolutions—each concluding with celebratory networking receptions and kampai toasts to their success.

Samurai Sword Soul’s 20th Anniversary

Don't Cry, My Friend – Samurai Sword Soul 20th Anniversary Theater Play