Our world premiere opera directed by Satoshi Miyagi, The Great Wave, comes crashing into Glasgow and Edinburgh in February 2026. With music by Japanese composer Dai Fujikura and a libretto by Scottish writer Harry Ross, this is truly a cross-cultural moment. Join us as we bring the creativity of Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock painting to life through music and theatre. Here’s what to expect.
An artist to inspire artists
The Great Wave is one of the world’s most reproduced images, and can be found on t-shirts, mugs and much more across the world. There is even a Great Wave emoji! Did you know that Hokusai was a major influence on Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh? He also inspired French composer Claude Debussy to write his own ode to the sea’s power, La Mer.
Dive into Hokusai's world
In the opera, Dai Fujikura’s mesmerising music brings Hokusai’s story to life, capturing the energy of his artwork. From the majestic power of the sea to the shifting beauty of the natural world, the score includes music for the Japanese shakuhachi flute. Sung in English, Harry Ross creates a musical drama out of Hokusai’s artistic genius.
A family story brought to life
With scenography by Junpei Kiz, costumes by Kayo Takahashi Deschene, video design by Sho Yamaguchi, and props by Eri Fukusawa, The Great Wave is set in the period around Hokusai’s death in the mid 1800s, flashing back in time to show his creative journey. It explores his creative triumphs and struggles, and his bond with his daughter Ōi. In our Glasgow workshops, our carpenters and scenic artists are adding the finishing touches to the impressive set.
Hear brilliant voices and emerging talent
Get to the heart of Hokusai’s story with the full force of The Orchestra of Scottish Opera and a chorus, conducted by Music Director Stuart Stratford. The cast includes Japanese baritone Daisuke Ohyama in the role of Hokusai, with Julieth Lozano Rolong, recently seen in our 2022 Ainadamar, as his daughter Ōi. Our 2025/26 Emerging Artists Chloe Harris and Luvo Maranti also join the cast in supporting roles.
Unmissable opera this February
Recently recommended in The Telegraph as a hot ticket, The Great Wave has been met with anticipation from UK and international press. As well as bringing new opera to Scottish audiences, the production celebrates creative young talent, as a number of emerging creative talents from Japan will travel to Scotland to help bring the production to life.
Touring to Theatre Royal Glasgow and Festival Theatre Edinburgh from Thursday 12 February to Saturday 21 February. Tickets from £23/£15 U26
The Great Wave is a new co-production with KAJIMOTO
Supported by The Alexander Gibson Circle, Bernard & Jane Nelson, The Great Wave Syndicate, The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, The Japan Society of Scotland and Scottish Opera’s New Commissions Circle.