Performing Arts
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
The Performing Arts Program introduces performers from Japan’s contemporary and traditional music, dance and theater scenes, and commissions non-Japanese performing artists to create works on themes relating to Japan. Many distinguished artists have performed in the Society’s 260-seat theater and on Society-produced North American tours. Since 1953, Japan Society’s Performing Arts Program has inspired audiences in New York and beyond with over 1,000 productions ranging from traditional Japanese arts to contemporary theater, dance, music and more.
Performing Arts 2025-2026 Season
This fall, we honor Yukio Mishima (1925–1970), the brilliant, controversial and five-time Nobel prize-nominated author, marking the 100th year after his birth with a centennial series of four programs based around his works. Because of his untimely death, more than half a century has already passed since his last published work and yet, Mishima continues to serve as a fount of inspiration for artists in the 21st century. In the words of Artistic Director Yoko Shioya, this series “revitalizes Mishima’s contributions to the world of the arts” through a slate of brand new commissions and premieres adapting Mishima’s writings and a historic 21st century U.S. company premiere for a revered noh school, presenting a set of the original classic plays that Mishima would later adapt.
Our Spring programming ranges across genres and contemporary voices—a classic kabuki drama funneled through pop-inflected contemporary theater, the latest cyberart-driven, beat crackling dance from choreographic mastermind Hiroaki Umeda and the return by popular demand of Ainu musician OKI in a long-awaited debut concert for his full OKI DUB AINU BAND.
2025-2026 Program Lineup
Yukio Mishima’s KINKAKUJI
September 11-20, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
Le Tambour de Soie (The Silk Drum)
October 24 & 25, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
MISHIMA: LEGACY – Keiichiro Hirano and Susan Napier in Conversation
November 6, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
The Seven Bridges (Hashi-zukushi)
November 15 & 16, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
Mishima’s Muse – Noh Theater
December 4-6, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
Noh Workshop with Hosho Noh School
December 6, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series
Kinoshita Kabuki’s Kanjincho
January 8-11, 2026
ENCORE! Build Your Own Shakuhachi: Crafting Workshop
March 1, 2026
Hiroaki Umeda: assimilating & Moving State 1
March 20 & 21, 2026
Earthly Bones
May 4, 2026
OKI DUB AINU BAND
June 4, 2026
Talk Story: Sharing Ainu Culture with OKI
June 5, 2026
Become a Japan Society member and enjoy 20% or more off on Japan Society Performing Arts programs and access to other members-only exclusives.
Inset image: Kazufusa Hosho in Aoi no Ue © Courtesy of Hosho-ryu School.
2025-26 Performing Arts Season Support
Major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka, and Robin B. Stern. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund, John and Miyoko Davey Foundation, and a leadership gift from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Program support is provided by The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Hisamitsu America, Inc., Paula S. Lawrence, Akiko Mikumo, Hiroko Onoyama, Jeanette C. Takamura, Nancy and Joe Walker, Estate of Alan M. Suhonen, and other Performing Arts supporters.
A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed in honor of Yoko Shioya’s 20th anniversary and ensure the continued success of the Performing Arts Program, including the Globus Family, Cheryl Henson, Laurent Hermout, Merit E. Janow, Eri Kakuta, Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka, Doug and Teresa Peterson, Richard and Momona Royce, Lyndley and Samuel Schwab, Shiseido Americas, Robin B. Stern and Jeffrey Stern, and Lance Stuart.
All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. Is the official airline of the Japan Society Performing Arts Program. Yamaha is the official piano provider of Japan Society.
2025-26 Japan Society Season Support
Japan Society arts and culture programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).
