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.

Season Preview: Revealing Our 2025-2026 Program Lineup!

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. Recognizing the immeasurable global influence of this complex and era-defining postwar figure, Japan Society is proud to showcase world and North American premieres inspired by Mishima’s writings, alongside classic works of noh theater that served as an ancient muse for the artist.

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.

See our newest season lineup below—and stay tuned for a full season announcement with detailed program information and ticket on-sale dates in early July!

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our events this past season—we’ve been humbled by your words of praise and your enthusiasm for an almost entirely sold-out season of programs. Such success is only possible through the generous and continued support of our patrons. To help us continue thriving, please donate or become a member by clicking the buttons below.

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2025-2026 Program Lineup

Contemporary Theater
YUKIO MISHIMA’S KINKAKUJI
September 11-20, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series

Contemporary Dance-Theater
Le Tambour de Soie (The Silk Drum)
October 24 & 25, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series

Contemporary Dance-Theater
The Seven Bridges (Hashi-zukushi)
November 14 & 15, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series

Traditional Noh
Mishima’s Muse – Noh Theater
December 4-6, 2025
Part of Yukio Mishima Centennial Series

Contemporary Theater
Kinoshita Kabuki’s Kanjincho
January 8-11, 2026

Contemporary Dance
Hiroaki Umeda: Moving State 1 & assimilating
March 20 & 21, 2026

Play Reading
Earthly Bones
May 4, 2026

Traditional and Contemporary Music
OKI DUB AINU BAND
Early June, 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.

Past Events

To view a list of past events, visit the archives page.

2024-25 Performing Arts Season Support

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).

Japan Society programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

The season is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Additional, major support is generously provided by Doug and Teresa Peterson, Howard Gilman Foundation, and Jun Makihara and Megumi Oka. 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.; Cheryl Henson; Merit E. Janow; Paula S. Lawrence; Akiko Mikumo; Hiroko Onoyama; Richard and Momona Royce; Dr. Jeanette C. Takamura; Nancy and Joe Walker; Estate of Alan M. Suhonen, and other Performing Arts supporters.

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.