Characteristics of Performing Arts in Japan

Japanese stage performances are characterized by their diversity of genres and the abundance of companies and productions. Audiences can enjoy a wide range of genres, including original plays, translated productions of foreign works, traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, musicals, classical music, opera, ballet, dance, comedy, and 2.5-dimensional stage productions. Small theater productions are also thriving, with numerous groups, from amateur to veteran theater companies and professional production organizations, performing every day. Small theaters have developed as spaces that inspire the creative drive of artists.

Characteristics of Stage Performances in Tokyo Compared to Broadway and West End

The Locations and Number of Theaters
In Tokyo, theaters are scattered across numerous areas, with a staggering total of over 1,300! Tokyo is said to be the city with the most performances staged in a single night.

Start Time
Evening performances in Japan generally start earlier compared to those in Western countries. Please be mindful that you might not make it on time if you plan to have dinner beforehand!

Audience Etiquette
The way you spend your time in the audience differs from theaters in Western countries. Depending on the production, but in most cases, eating, drinking, or talking during the performance is discouraged. By paying attention to the theater announcements, you can enjoy a better experience.

Recommended Websites to Explore Japanese Performing Arts

・Japan Arts Council (National Theatre etc.)
You can learn about Japanese traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, Bunraku, and Noh, as well as their performances.

・KABUKI official website
Shochiku has saved many classic kabuki works and has continued to develop the art form, always taking on new challenges such as collaborations with world-famous modern playwrights, adaptations of comic books and picture books, and productions that use the latest technology.

・The Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre
The Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre hosts diverse performances, from Noh and Kyogen performances to collaborative performances with foreign cultures such as ballet and classical music, as a facility designed to present traditional culture to the world.

・NEW NATIONAL THEATRE, TOKYO
The New National Theatre, Tokyo(NNTT) is a national theatre that stages more than 300 performances of contemporary performing arts, including Opera, Ballet, Dance and Drama, each year.

・NBS - Japan Performing Arts Foundation
NBS organizes performances featuring overseas ballet companies, such as the World Ballet Festival, and manages the Tokyo Ballet.

・Shiki Theatre Company
Shiki Theatre Company has seven dedicated theaters in Japan and stages over 3,000 performances each year, including straight plays, original musicals, and foreign musicals like Disney.

・TAKARAZUKA REVUE Official Website
The Takarazuka Revue is an all-female theatrical company that has been staging grandiose musical performances for over a century.

・JAPAN 2.5-DIMENSIONAL MUSICAL ASSOCIATION
The Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association introduces theatrical presentations Japanese manga, popular animation and video games.

Let's Start by Watching Japanese Performing Arts Online

・STAGE BEYOND BORDERS －Selection of Japanese Performancesー
The Japan Foundation's project 'STAGE BEYOND BORDERS –Selection of Japanese Performances–' offers free streaming of Japanese performances, including contemporary theater to dance, traditional performing arts, and music, with multilingual subtitles.

・National Theatre Online
Video streaming that allows you to enjoy Japanese traditional performing arts such as Kabuki, Bunraku, dance, and music.

・KABUKI ON DEMAND
Kabuki Performances Video Streaming by Shochiku.

・NNTT Stream
World-class Opera, Ballet, Dance and Drama performances Video Streaming by New National Theatre, Tokyo.

Let's Enjoy Performing Arts in Japan: 'STAGES'

What is 'STAGES'?

One of the characteristics of Japanese performing arts is the culture of promoting shows through flyers. These flyers, bundled together and distributed at various theaters, serve as a tool for informing audiences about ongoing and upcoming performances. And it provide information on how to enjoy your time at Japanese theaters, with explanations available in both Japanese and English. The brand 'STAGES' supports audiences in enjoying the theater through these bundles of flyers. In theaters around the Tokyo area, the flyers bundle 'STAGES' will enhance your theater experience.

If You Want to See Flyers for Stage Performances in Japan

'Ochirashi-san' The Flyer Delivery Service

The flyer delivery service 'Ochirashi-san' will mail Japanese stage performance flyers distributed at theaters directly to your home. For those living outside Japan, we can deliver them to you upon payment of shipping and handling fees. It's recommended for those interested in Japanese performing arts or planning a trip to Japan. If you are interested, please contact us via email.

Contact US

NEVULA ENTERPRISE Ltd.
Kobayashi Building, 7-43-5 Kameido, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0071, Japan
Email: main@nevula-prise.co.jp
Website: https://nevula-prise.co.jp/