The National Ballet of Japan 2023-2024 season, recently announced by Artistic Director Yoshida Miyako, features revivals of full-length fan favorites that capture the definitions of beauty, drama, and magic.
In addition to the stage productions, National Ballet of Japan has created a new educational program designed to assist first-time ballet goers in their understanding and appreciation of the art form. First Steps: Swan Lake will allow participants to experience the staging of this epitome of classical ballet, interspersed with narrative explanations about the mime often used in Wright’s productions; the focus will be on the ballet’s third act.
Dance of the Cygnets from National Ballet of Japan's Swan Lake
National Ballet of Japan 2023-2024 Season Schedule
Don Quixote | October 20-29, 2023
New National Theatre Tokyo
- Don Quixote by Marius Petipa and Alexander Gorsky
This much-loved revival of Don Quixote by Alexei Fadeyechev is brimming with fun and vitality. Introduced to the National Ballet of Japan in 1999, the company’s well-established soloists and the acclaimed and beautiful corps de ballet present a fascinating performance of the classical repertoire full of ballet and character dancing.
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King | December 22 – January 8, 2024
New National Theatre Tokyo
- The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Wayne Eagling
During the holiday season, the company will perform the absolute classic masterpiece The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by Wayne Eagling. Since the 2021-2022 season, this ballet runs from the end of the year through the new one. Tchaikovsky’s popular ballet is sure to make your festive season an unforgettable one.
Tales of Hoffman | February 23-25, 2024
New National Theatre Tokyo
- Tales of Hoffman by Peter Darrell
Tales of Hoffmann, renowned British choreographer Peter Darrell’s masterpiece makes a delightful return. The characters are key in weaving an intense drama: Hoffmann, who appears in various life stages from youth to the onset of old age, the three women who steal Hoffmann’s heart, and the devil who appears in a multitude of roles under different guises.
La Bayadère | April 27 – May 5, 2024
New National Theatre Tokyo
- La Bayadère by Marius Petipa
Directed and revised by Maki Asami in 2000, this production of La Bayadère retains the formal beauty of classical ballet, with spectacular and speedy stage transitions and a rich stage design with deep oriental tones.
Aladdin | June 14-23, 2024
New National Theatre Tokyo
- Aladdin by David Bintley
A tale of love and adventure, Aladdin was choreographed for National Ballet of Japan by its former Artistic Director, David Bintley in 2008. The production is a perfect blend of entertainment and artistry and is internationally acclaimed as Bintley’s signature work and an overwhelmingly popular ballet in the company’ repertoire.
NINJA | June 28-30, 2024
New National Theatre Tokyo
- NINJA by Moriyama Kaiji
NINJA is a work by one of Japan’s leading dancers and choreographers, Moriyama Kaiji, which was performed to great acclaim at the New National Theatre Tokyo in 2019 and throughout Japan. A scaled-up new version in 2022 will be revived for this season.
Featured Photo for the National Ballet of Japan 2023-2024 season of the company in David Bintley’s Aladdin. Photo by Takashi Shikama.
