Tokyo stages and live arts, theatre and biodiversity
The New National Theater of Tokyo will present the reading of a short play written by Hisashi Inoue, focusing on Hiroshima dark events. Japanese subtitles (tablet) will be available on August 1-3.
https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/productions/drama/littleboy-bigtyphoon-2025.html
TMT is launching their Tokyo Borderless Theatre Projects 2025, and are looking for participants/actors. There are 2 projects/path, one being The door of memories, the other Exploring Ikebukuro. Foreigners can apply for this short term and intense program, which will result in a performance on November 1st and 2nd, 2025, after 6 to 8 workshops from late August to mid October. Details can be checked below. Application is closing on August 7.
TMT is the equivalent of the TVP – Théâtre de la Ville de Paris, aggregated with the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Unfortunately, I did not manage to find the English version of this call for actors, although Japanese does not seem to be a – main ? – requirement. The forms to fill is in both Japanese and English !
https://ws.formzu.net/fgen/S39732552/
Through the Aichi Triennale, a number of performances will take place in Nagoya from September to November. In particular the following works caught my attention : Paradise rumour by Black Grace, a Samoan and Pacific Island dance troupe, September 13-15, Brain by the group Taihen, a commissionned contemporary dance work about AI and the body, September 26-28, and in November Bird, dance and performance where birds join the scene, My body my archive, a contemporary dance project and performance questioning the violence of history, from a choregrapher based in Congo, in English with Japanese subtitles. Special distinction in the field of theatre accessible to English speakers (and readers), from November 22 to 24, Human Pavilion, a comedy, around discrimination and Okinawa colonization, which got the Kishida Kunio award. Other works like Eternal labor tackle forced labor in Japan and Korea (October 10-19), and there is even a musical performance in Ainu in Seto city. If you happen to be in Nagoya, do not miss this chance. To be noted, child care service is offered, and the tickets are very affordable.
Some insight on Human pavilion, by Chinen Seishin
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210220/p2a/00m/0na/027000c
The summer festival of Suzuki Company of Toga is a unique experience in the world of theatre and performing arts. During 3 weeks, from August 22nd to September 14th, in a remote area on the sea of Japan side, in the heart of the mountains, passionate people meet and assist to the company’s unique plays. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of this unique set up. Noism dance company, settled in Niigata, will also join and present some works. Plays are usually subtitled / made accessible to non Japanese speakers – check for each case. This year schedule features the famous 8 plays including the 3 parts of Greetings from the edge of Earth, Dyonisos play, from Scot company, and Marebito from Noism, as well as Yamato Nadeshiko from a Kumamoto company. As the place is remote and lodging scarce, you will need to register with the SCOT club to be able to book tickets. Tadashi Suzuki was one of the very first to launch an international festival in Japan, and also was at the very heart of the creation of Shizuoka performing arts festival. In spite of that, the website is somewhat complex to navigate, and it might be easier to call them – or to follow on Instagram (Scot_Toga). Other hints here as well.
SCOT phone number 0763-68-2356
As of 2025, Autumn meteorite festival is replacing the Festival Tokyo. Organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan theater, it will feature over 15 spectacles, including Toshiki Okada latest work – meddling contemporary dance and theater, a play in French featuring Isabelle Huppert, invited French contemporary dance company headed by Damien Jalet, and a performance between Japanese and Taiwanese theater companies, and a Romanian contemporary play. From October to early November, many opportunities to enjoy both the Japanese and the international scene.
3 years after her last appearance on Tokyo stages with the Glass Menagerie, Isabelle Huppert is back at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater, for one woman performance, Mary said what she said. With the reopening of the TMT, and the launch of Tokyo Meteorite Festival, a great opportunity for theatre in French. The great actress will play Mary Stuart… What a match.
https://www.geigeki.jp/performance/theater378/
Aloft Circus Arts, a popular American circus company, will be making its first appearance at Setagaya Public Theatre ! Great venue for adults and children alike.
https://setagaya-pt.jp/stage/25015/
Impro Tokyo will hold its next session in OurSpace Hatagaya, at 7pm. The most regular company for impro in French, under the leadership of Thomas Sagnard. Passez un joyeux moment en famille avec une belle équipe, rires garantis. Pour tout renseignement improtokyo@outlook.fr
Stageplay, a Tokyo-based theater company dedicated to bringing English-language Shakespeare performances to schools and universities across Japan, will perform Othello with Japanese subtitles on June 12-13 and July 19-21, for general audiences, in Tokyo.
Ticket Purchase: stageplay.peatix.com
Noism company 0 and company 1 will celebrate Bizet, and present 2 works in Saitama Arts Theater from July 11 to 13. On top of L’Arlesienne, there will be a new creation of the Bolero, for celebration 150th anniversary of Ravel birth and Bizet death 150th anniversary. Based in Niigata, Noism is one of the most famous and creative contemporary dance companies in Japan.
http://www.saf.or.jp/arthall/stages/detail/103570/
Tokyo stages and live arts, theatre and biodiversity