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Must-See Art and Cultural Hotspots in Japan

Theatres

New National Theatre, Tokyo

The New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) is Japan’s first and foremost national theatre for the performing arts of opera, ballet, dance and drama. Since the doors of our world-class, state-of-the-art theatre opened in 1997, the NNTT has staged an incredible array of productions, totaling more than 800. The performance season runs from October to July of each year. In a single season, the NNTT offers some 250 performances. Each of our three divisions (opera, ballet & dance and drama) has its own artistic director who is responsible for the high-standard performances the audiences have come to expect.
Meanwhile, nearly 450 young artists graduated from its training courses in opera, ballet and drama, and can be seen frequently at the NNTT and other prestigious theatres throughout the world. With the aim of fostering an appreciation for the performing arts, the NNTT also provides several programmes for youth throughout Japan. Moving forward, the NNTT will continue its endeavours to ever increase the caliber of its productions, and the NNTT will continue to stand as a symbol of the rich cultural offerings of Japan, both on the domestic and international stage.

The New National Theatre Tokyo is engaging in various efforts for overseas visitors to enjoy a comfortable theatre experience in Japan.

Support for Watching Performances:

・Leaflets for the English season lineup
 An up-to-date list of the New National Theatre Tokyo's shows.

・English Surtitles displayed at Opera Performances
 While the performances are in their original language (mainly German and Italian), English surtitles are provided, allowing you to enjoy them stress-free regardless of your familiarity with the language.

・Providing English pages on opera programs
 English programs enhance understanding and appreciation of the performances.

・English-speaking Staff or automatic translator at the Ticket Counter
 You can consult with them when purchasing tickets.

The NNTT offer content that will allow you to enjoy the theatre that goes beyond just watching a performance. Let us introduce programs that will upgrade your theatre experience to make it even more special.(Not all performances are eligible. Please check the New National Theatre Tokyo website and other sources for the schedule.)

・Backstage Tour:
Visitors can go onstage, have a peek offstage, and take a tour of the usually unseen backstage area together with commentary. For overseas visitors, English-speaking tours are available (please check the New National Theatre Tokyo website and other sources for the schedule.)

・Opera Talk:
Artists involved in opera productions, will give an in-depth talk on the work's appeal for each performance. For overseas audiences, online streaming with English Interpretation for the talk will be available (please check the New National Theatre Tokyo website for available programs).

・Special Night with Drink Service:
Have a relaxing time during the interval of the performance by enjoying a glass of champagne or whiskey in a special reception room. This package will give you a more luxurious theater experience. (Please check the New National Theatre Tokyo website and other sources for the schedule.)

・Theatre Decorations
The New National Theatre Tokyo greets visitors with welcome flowers at the entrance. Inside, seasonal decorations and exhibits corresponding to the performances add to the extraordinary theatre experience.