JAPAN THEATER REVIEWS

Jin Akanishi, a Japanese well known artist who actives international celebrated his anniversary with his fans after being a solo singer for 10 years on July 2nd, at Yoyogi 1st Gymnasium in Tokyo. Showcasing his renowned singing skill since his days with Johnny & Associates, he mesmerized the audienc...

7月2日、赤西仁は国立代々木競技場第一体育館（都内）で独立10周年をファンと盛大に祝い合った。ジャーニーズ時代から定評のある歌唱力で全編英語詞含む全28曲を多様な演出で観客を魅了した。...

Once the show started, the entire crowd was filled with cheers and applause, as if showing off the complete end of the COVID-19 pandemic. The performers' passionate and powerful dance, combined with the unity of the audience, created an illusion that we were not in Japan....

開幕と同時に一斉に湧き上がる歓声と拍手に、コロナ禍が完全に終わりを告げたかのような熱気に会場全体が包まれた。パフォーマー達の情熱的で力強いダンスと会場の一体感は、日本ではない場所にいるかのような錯覚を...

Blast! The Music of Disney comes to Japan every year, and is adored by Japanese audiences. But this is the last chance to catch the group on stage, since the 2020 Olympics are taking over next year! Don't miss out on the live marching band show that captures hearts around the world....

Okada Masaki gets possessed in #BrackenMoor by his BFF who died at 12-years-old, in Alexi Kaye Campbell's chilling play about loss, grief, denial, rejection, acceptance, friendship, and mental health. Playing at Toho's Theatre Creation in Tokyo, Japan until August 27th, 2019!...

The colorful characters of Eric Carle's books come to life on stage, gaining gentle movement, soothing voices, and quirky personalities, given to them by some of America's most talented puppeteers. Their puppets are grander than life size, and captivating to watch interact with each other. The actor...

'If you have seen the technicolor movie, or a past version of the stage production, you will be pleased to notice that the compassionate director, Bartlett Sher, has removed all the old stereotypes and racism from this revival. You don't feel like the story is mocking any culture, or even making com...

A brand-new version of Oliver Twist tackles human themes of love, suicide, inner-strength, and both sides of society from each character's point of view. It's a heartwarming, yet very personal rendition of Charles Dickens' well known novel, including original music, lyrics and script in Japanese!...

The King & I Opens in Japan! Ken Watanabe (@Watanabe), Kelli O'Hara (@kelliohara), and Bartlett Sher (@bartlett_sher) talk about what makes this revival the best version in history....

How do you ask, 'Please, Sir, I Want Some More' in Japanese? This Tokyo version of Oliver Twist is the old story, but not as you know it - with changes like new original score and lyrics, an adult Dodger, and themes which make the audiences think deeply about life. It's a short engagement, not to be...

Crystal Kay (Leading Player) and Shirota Yu (Pippin) give us their opinions about how theater is changing in Japan, and what it was like working on such a legendary show from Broadway....

Come one, Come all to see Pippin in Japan! Former Cirque du Soleil performers join the cast in Tokyo, led by pop stars Shirota Yu (Pippin) and Crystal Kay (Leading Player)....

News flash! Hamlet dies in Japan! @ShakespeareinDC's Simon Godwin directs Japanese version of Shakespeare's Hamlet....

Kinky Boots Lyrics in the Japanese Language? Japanese Actors Playing British Characters? How this American Musical is clashing cultures with its Spring Revival!...

The 2.5D Phenomenon from Japan finally arrived stateside in Washington D.C. and NYC in March. With the remarkable and unprecedented success of 'Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon' The Super Live launching a new dimension of entertainment in the states, the question is not if, but when and where the next s...

As if a prelude to the Independence Day fireworks, Artistic Director/Choreographer Shoko Tamai's Ninja Ballet: 'Ma' (Negative Space) debuting at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City, explodes with a dynamic blend of Eastern and Western dance styles, theatrics and the elegance of classical ballet f...

Seven Souls in the Skull Castle (Dokurojo no Shichinin), The Ultimate Fighting Fantasy Spectacle at IHI Stage Around Tokyo, Makes History for Japan and the Global Entertainment Industry. #japan #ihistagearoundtokyo #360theater #japanesetheater #revolutionary #success...

In 1994, the Disney animated feature The Lion King made history as the highest grossing film of the year. Three years later on November 13, 1997, the awe-inspiring stage adaptation directed and costumed by Julie Taymor opened on Broadway. It received six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With son...

MACBETH ON THE EQUATOR is now playing at the New National Theatre! Originally performed in Korean in 2010, this is a new translation, being performed in Japan for the first time! Written by CHONG Wishing, the play is set in Singapore's Changi Prison in 1947, and follows former Japanese Soldiers who ...

In Toho Stage's return engagement of Dogfight patrons may recognize several company members. All but three actors were part of the Japanese premiere in 2015 at Theater Crea in Chiyoda. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film written by Bob Comfort, the musical stays faithful to the screenplay. This c...

Aladdin the 1992 Disney animated feature about a protagonist who strives to overcome great obstacles and fulfill a dream is the magic formula that drives most Hollywood blockbusters. For over 20 years this action-packed love story has delighted audiences with colorful fantasy and lofty fun, earning ...

This past Hanukkah I witnessed a kind of miracle in modern times: Toho Stage's Fiddler on the Roof, performed in Japanese by an all Asian company. The quintessential Jewish musical set in Imperial Russia in 1905 is based on Tevye and his Daughters and other tales by Sholem Aleichem about a poor dair...

Scary Beauty is, quite simply, bizarrely beautiful....

Two showcases show how Japanese masters used set aesthetic principles to discover an array of creative possibilities....