Matsudaira Ken’s “Matsuken Samba II”
Matsudaira Ken made his debut in 1975 and has since become one of Japan’s most prominent actors, appearing in a wide range of works throughout his long career.
In addition to acting, he has also been active as a singer. His song “Matsuken Samba II” became a massive hit, and today it is loved across generations—almost everyone in Japan knows it.
The song is famous for its dazzling costumes, vibrant stage production, and upbeat rhythm that instantly lifts your spirits. Matsudaira Ken has frequently performed it on NHK’s annual New Year’s Eve special, the “Kōhaku Uta Gassen(紅白歌合戦),” a music show where performers are divided into the red and white teams to compete. I first discovered his “Matsuken Samba II” performance through Kōhaku and have been a fan ever since.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career, and as soon as I heard that he would be performing near my home, I immediately booked a ticket and went to see the show.
Ticket Pick-Up
I purchased the ticket online and picked it up at a Seven-Eleven convenience store in Japan.
Although QR-code entry has become common these days, some performances still require paper tickets. When issuing a ticket at a convenience store, you need to pay an additional issuance fee of a few hundred yen on top of the ticket price. I understand that it’s part of the process, but I can’t help feeling that the extra fee is a bit wasteful each time.
Since I wanted to see Matsudaira Ken’s “Matsuken Samba II” performance as close as possible, I chose the best available seat at the time of purchase.
YUFURA Osaka Shinkabukiza Theater
I watched Matsudaira Ken’s “Matsuken Samba II” at the Osaka Shinkabukiza Theater, located inside a commercial complex called YUFURA in Uehommachi, Osaka. The Osaka Shinkabukiza Theater is situated on the 6th floor of the YUFURA building and offers excellent accessibility, being only a short walk from Tanimachi 9-chome Station and Kintetsu Osaka-Uehommachi Station.
Around YUFURA, you’ll find a wide variety of shops such as Kintetsu Department Store, UNIQLO, and MUJI, where you can enjoy shopping for daily necessities, clothing, and miscellaneous goods. The area is also filled with well-known domestic and international chain restaurants, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC, and Kura Sushi, making it a convenient place to relax and spend time before or after the performance.
■YUFURA Osaka Shinkabukiza Theater
Matsudaira Ken’s 50th Anniversary Entertainment Performance
Matsudaira Ken’s 50th Anniversary Performance is composed of two parts.
Part 1 features his well-known historical drama “Abarenbo Shogun(暴れん坊将軍),” allowing the audience to enjoy one of his most iconic works. With stage recreations of memorable scenes from the drama, the show evokes nostalgia for long-time fans while also offering newcomers a chance to experience the unique charm of Japanese period productions.
In the second part, the atmosphere shifts completely, moving into the musical stage that highlights Matsudaira Ken as a singer. This segment features a variety of songs he has performed over the years, including the beloved and cross-generational hit “Matsuken Samba II.” The stage is filled with vibrant costumes, lighting, and dynamic performances, allowing the audience to appreciate both the dignity he displays as an actor and the lively energy he brings as a singer. Through this structure, the performance conveys the wide artistic range that defines Matsudaira Ken.
Part 1: Abarenbo Shogun
“Abarenbo Shogun” is an exhilarating period drama in which Tokugawa Yoshimune, the most powerful figure of the Edo Shogunate, disguises himself as Shin, the third son of a poor family. While blending into the daily life of commoners, he witnesses the realities of Edo society firsthand and confronts the injustice and corruption that plague the city.
The show’s appeal lies in the contrast between Yoshimune’s hidden identity and his outwardly ordinary appearance. This duality creates tension, dramatic twists, and a strong sense of satisfaction as he delivers justice in his true role as shogun. The drama also offers insight into social issues of the time from a commoner’s perspective, combining action, humor, and humanity. It remains one of Japan’s most beloved period dramas, cherished for decades.
Part 2: The Matsuken Grand Festival ~Sing, Dance, and Celebrate~ Ole!
In Part 2, a special stage is presented by Matsudaira Ken as a singer, expressing his gratitude for the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career.
Along with the beloved “Matsuken Samba II,” a wide range of songs he has performed throughout the years fills the stage with dazzling costumes, lighting, and dynamic performances. The seamless blend of singing, dancing, and stage production allows the audience to appreciate both the actor and the singer sides of Matsudaira Ken.
In addition, key cast members who appeared with him in Part 1’s “Abarenbo Shogun” return to the stage, offering fans an extra layer of enjoyment.
A Review of Matsudaira Ken’s 50th Anniversary Entertainment Performance
Because Abarenbo Shogun, one of Matsudaira Ken’s most iconic period dramas, is an old and long-running work, the average age of the audience was quite high. The theater was nearly full, and seeing so many longtime fans made me feel that he truly is a performer who has been loved consistently for decades.
It was my first time watching Abarenbo Shogun, but the story was not as heavy as I expected. There were many humorous scenes and entertaining moments throughout, so I found myself smiling and enjoying the show. Since the drama is set in the Edo period, it features the classical style of Japanese speech, which felt quite refreshing and interesting to me.
After the performance, a large photo panel of Matsudaira Ken was set up in the lobby for fans to take commemorative pictures. Many people were lined up, so it took a little time to wait for my turn, but the atmosphere was cheerful and warm as everyone patiently queued for their photo. Seeing so many devoted fans was another reminder of how deeply he is loved, and taking a picture there became a memorable and meaningful moment for me as well.
Here are the goods I purchased at the venue on the day of the performance. I bought the concert pamphlet, the program booklet, a fan, and a clear file. Just looking at Matsudaira Ken in his dazzling costume with a bright smile from “Matsuken Samba II” naturally brings a smile to my face and makes the melody play in my head.
When you look at the comments on the official “Matsuken Samba II” YouTube video, many people say things like “I come here whenever my mental state collapses” or “Whether it’s New Year’s, cherry blossom season, or summer festivals, Matsuken Samba II is all I need throughout the year.” These reactions show just how deeply this song is loved across generations in Japan. I also became a fan the very first time I saw the performance—its charm is simply undeniable.
I look forward to Matsudaira Ken’s continued success. And if you ever feel down or low on energy, I highly recommend watching the “Matsuken Samba II” performance video.
■Official: Matsudaira Ken “Matsuken Samba II” MV
■Shinkabukiza Theater
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