Subscribers are invaluable supporters of Japan Performing Arts Foundation in continuing its vital work. This is especially true during the three years from 2026 to 2029, when Tokyo Bunka Kaikan will temporarily close for renovation. As there are few theaters comparable in structure and size to Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, it will be challenging to carry out the full range of activities as we have been accustomed to. However, we will continue to present the best and the most suitable performances at venues we can secure, other than Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. We have named the three years away from Tokyo Bunka Kaikan as "Carrying the Torch for Ballet 2026-2029" to motivate ourselves. We hope you will join us in turning these difficult years into innovative, artistic ones.
We are now accepting subscribers for the 35th NBS Premium Ballet Series. If you like ballet, join us to see a series of world-class performances and enjoy subscriber benefits.
1
Zenith of Ballet (working title)
Gala program
January 2026
Venue: Bunkamura Orchard Hall (Tokyo)
The world's most renowned and experienced dancers such as Diana Vishneva and Gil Roman will join together to celebrate each other's artistry and push each other's limits on the same stage to present the zenith of ballet. The repertoire will include Maurice Béjart's spellbinding Les Chaises, based on the play by Eugène Ionesco and set to the Prelude and "Liebestod" from Richard Wagner's Tristan und Isolde.
Gil Roman and Diana Vishneva
photos: Toru Hiraiwa, Irina Grigorieva
Les Chaises
Photo: Kiyonori Hasegawa
2
Esprit de la Danse (working title)
Two programs
August 2026
Venue: Showa Women's University, Hitomi Memorial Hall (Tokyo)
Gil Isoart, a former dancer with the Ballet de l'Opéra national de Paris also known as a consummate teacher, produces two artistically, musically and emotionally demanding programs, bringing together some of the exceptional dancers of the Company, including Étoiles.
Gil Isoart
Photo: Kiyonori Hasegawa
3
WHEN, IF NOT NOW 
One program
February 2027
Venue: Shinjuku Bunka Center (Tokyo)
WINN - When, If Not Now, is a dance company of world-class dancers and choreographers aged 40 and over. It was founded by Marijn Rademaker, former Principal dancer of the Stuttgart Ballet, and Slava Tütükin, Ballet Manager of the Dortmund Ballett, aimed "to transform the prespective on aging, promot sustainability, and inspire the creation of near artistic work".
The company was founded on the belief that the experience and maturity of artists bring a unique depth and richness to performance.
This pioneering ensemble brings together world-class dancers such as Diana Vishneva, Edward Watson, Gil Roman, Silvia Azzoni, and Alexandre Ryabko, alongside renowned choreographers including John Neumeier, Sir Wayne McGregor, and Pam Tanowitz. Together, they create a bold new repertoire that celebrates each artist's individuality, shaped and deepened by their maturity.
Through our work, we aim to show that aging is not a decline. It is a powerful and beautiful evolution of life, of expression, and of art itself.
Marijin Rademaker
Slava Tütükin
4
The 18th World Ballet Festival
Program A | Program B | Full-Length Ballet
August 2027
Venue: Tokyo (theater TBA)
The world's most celebrated dancers gather in Tokyo for the triennial World Ballet Festival, one of the oldest and largest international ballet festivals.
La Bayadère
From the 17th World Ballet Festival
Photos: Kiyonori Hasegawa
1) Priority booking ahead of the public
2) Complimentary program books (worth approximately 11,000 yen)
3) Gift of a special video message related to one of the performances
4) Access to an open class of Gil Isoart (2026)
5) Access to an open class of the 18th World Ballet Festival (2027)
6) Priority booking for the Special Gala of the 18th World Ballet Festival ahead of the public (2027)
7) Priority booking for other performances presented by Japan Performing Arts Foundation, NBS (only the specified performances)
