Soy Planning Inc. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative: Tomohiro Yoshida), which plans and produces high-quality ballet events, will hold the "Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 in Kamakura" on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Kamakura Performing Arts Center Grand Hall.
Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026
A Glamorous All-Star Gala Featuring Top Dancers from Around the World Gathering in Kamakura
The "Yokohama Ballet Festival," one of Japan's largest ballet gala concerts, has been held in Yokohama for 10 years since its premiere in 2015. Starting in 2025, the venue will move to Kamakura, known as the birthplace of Japanese ballet, and this will be the second year the performance is held in Kamakura.
Beyond the dazzling gala performance featuring top-tier dancers from around the globe, the festival's greatest appeal lies in the opportunity to enjoy cutting-edge works that reflect the "now" of the international ballet scene. Now in its 11th year since its start in 2015, the festival will further evolve as a beloved annual summer event for ballet fans.
Following the closure of the Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, which had served as the venue, at the end of March 2025, the performance has moved to the Kamakura Performing Arts Center Grand Hall (nearest station: JR Ofuna Station) since last year.
Kamakura: The Birthplace of Japanese Ballet
Kamakura is known as the place where Elina Pavlova, an emigrant from Russia, settled in Shichirigahama in 1925 and opened Japan's first full-scale ballet school. Because dancers who would build the foundation of the Japanese ballet world were trained here, Kamakura is considered "the birthplace of Japanese ballet."
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Yo Nakajima)
Stars Active Both Domestically and Internationally Will Perform
This year, dancers active both in Japan and abroad, including Mimosa Koike, Shiori Kase, Saho Shibayama, Akira Akiyama, Yo Nakajima, Yana Paneva, Haruo Niyama, Jae Yeon Ahn, Alexey Orlovsky, and Ryoima Guzeliev, will gather in Kamakura.
Another unique charm of this performance is the intimate and warm atmosphere, akin to a "Yokohama Ballet Festival Family," created by the performers who have supported the festival for many years. At the same time, many new talents will be discovered, including star dancers making their first appearance and young dancers performing in the "Freshers' Gala."
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Mimosa Koike)
A Dream Stage Condensing the Charm of Ballet
The program includes a variety of performances, from brilliant virtuosity and dramatic pas de deux to the latest contemporary works. Experience exquisite physical expression, beautiful and refined costumes, and numerous memorable scenes created through special partnerships that can only be seen at this performance.
We will deliver a dreamlike stage full of sparkle, condensing the charm of ballet.
Two Highlights of "Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 in Kamakura"
1. A Cross-Generational Performance Weaving Together Mature Stars and Rising Stars
This performance features top dancers who have been active on the world stage for many years alongside young talents who will lead the future of the ballet world.
Performers include Mimosa Koike, prima ballerina of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo and a symbol of this performance; Shiori Kase, lead principal of the English National Ballet (ENB); and Saho Shibayama and Akira Akiyama, leading prima ballerinas representing Japan. Audiences can enjoy their rich expressiveness and stage presence cultivated through years of experience.
Meanwhile, the younger generation also commands attention. Yo Nakajima, who performed in the "Freshers' Gala" at the 2nd Yokohama Ballet Festival and is now active with the Vienna State Ballet; Ryoima Guzeliev, who won a silver medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition and has since taken on leading roles at the Mariinsky Ballet; members of the "Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA" training project; and "Freshers' Dancers" who are top prize winners of the "YBC Ballet Competition Grand Prix 2026" will also appear.
The ability to experience both the youthful energy and freshness, and mature artistry, all at once is a major attraction of this performance.
2. Enjoy a Wide Repertoire in a Single Night, from Classic Masterpieces to Contemporary Works and New Creations
In addition to classic ballet masterpieces such as "The Sleeping Beauty" and "Le Corsaire," the Japanese premiere of a work by world-renowned choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot is planned.
The program structure, allowing audiences to enjoy everything from classical to contemporary pieces and new works in one sitting, is a unique characteristic of the Yokohama Ballet Festival.
Artistic Director Yasuyuki Endo, a former dancer and choreographer with the Ballet National de Marseille, will also direct the entire performance. Through a stylish opening and finale, he will connect the individual numbers to create a flow like a single story. Through a stage experience that reflects the various moments of life, the audience will be provided with time to connect with their own lives.
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Akira Akiyama, Haruo Niyama)
A Trio of Promising Young Dancers from the Mariinsky Ballet to Make Their First Full-Scale Joint Appearance in Japan
One of the major highlights this year is the first full-scale performance in Japan by young soloists from the Mariinsky Ballet, the world's foremost ballet company, who are poised to lead its future starting in 2025.
Ryoima Guzeliev, originally from Japan, joined the Mariinsky Ballet after winning a silver medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition. He has since taken on leading roles in major works such as Basilio in "Don Quixote," Ali in "Le Corsaire," and "Le Jeune Homme et la Mort" by Roland Petit.
Yana Paneva, from the United States, was promoted to soloist just six months after joining the Stuttgart Ballet. She later moved to the Mariinsky Ballet, where she has danced principal roles such as Gamzatti in "La Bayadère."
Alexey Orlovsky, also from the United States, is a graduate of the prestigious John Cranko School, like Guzeliev and Paneva. He is a talented young dancer who has won gold medals at the Jackson International Ballet Competition and the Helsinki International Ballet Competition, and has danced roles such as Basilio in "Don Quixote" at the Mariinsky.
Paneva and Orlovsky are scheduled to perform "Le Corsaire" and "Diana and Actaeon." Their breathtaking virtuosity at the highest world-class level is sure to be a talking point this summer.
Akira Akiyama, Saho Shibayama, Shiori Kase – A Competition of Japan's Leading Prima Ballerinas
Haruo Niyama, who has been performing in the festival since its first edition, has grown into a leading dancer of the Tokyo Ballet Company. In recent years, he has taken on leading roles in productions such as "Don Quixote" and "The Nutcracker," achieving further breakthroughs as a performer.
He will perform with Akira Akiyama, a prima ballerina of the Tokyo Ballet Company, for the third consecutive year, following last year and the year before. Expectations are high for Akiyama's delicate yet dramatic expression, a nominee for the Benois de la Danse, and her mature partnership with Niyama.
Furthermore, Saho Shibayama, principal dancer of the New National Theatre Ballet, will make her debut with Niyama in "La Sylphide." Dream casting that transcends the boundaries of their respective ballet companies is another unique charm of this festival.
Shiori Kase, a leading prima ballerina in the British ballet scene, will be performing for the fourth consecutive year. This time, she will take on the challenge of "The Dying Swan" for the first time.
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Shiori Kase, Lorenzo Trossello)
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Akira Akiyama, Haruo Niyama)
Yokohoma Ballet Festival Family and New Talents
Mimosa Koike, prima ballerina of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, who has been performing in the festival for many years since its first edition, is an indispensable presence.
Koike, who is highly trusted by master choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, is known for her wide-ranging activities beyond her role as a dancer. Her overwhelming stage presence and artistry, enhanced by her tall stature, have captivated many audiences.
This year, she will perform Maillot's "Dov'è la Luna" with Jae Yeon Ahn, a charismatic principal dancer of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo.
And Haruo Niyama, who, alongside Koike, embodies the history of the festival. Having performed since the first edition, his evolving presence each year can be said to represent the very journey of this festival.
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Haruo Niyama)
Nurturing the Next Generation is Also a Major Mission of the Yokohama Ballet Festival
From its inception, the Yokohama Ballet Festival has focused on nurturing the next generation of dancers.
The annual "Freshers' Gala" provides aspiring young dancers with professional stage experience, while "Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA" offers further opportunities for growth.
This year, Yo Nakajima, who performed in the 2nd Yokohama Ballet Festival and then honed her skills at the Princess Grace Academy before being discovered by Alessandra Ferri and now dances with the Vienna State Ballet, and Ryoima Guzeliev, who took flight to the world after being selected for the "SHIVER Premium" Freshers' slot in 2022, will perform "Paquita" together with young dancers from Freshers' Gala and Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA.
The moment when these young talents, who have rehearsed for about three months, shine on the same stage as world-class dancers is one of the most moving highlights of this performance.
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA)
A Gateway for Young Dancers Spreading Their Wings to the World
Many artists who are now active on the world stage have emerged from the dancers who have performed in the Freshers' Gala.
Mai Miyamoto, currently a principal dancer with the Mariinsky Ballet, performed in the 1st Yokohama Ballet Festival. Yo Nakajima, who performed in the 2nd festival, went on to the Vienna State Ballet, and Ryunosuke Ubukata, who performed in the 4th festival, has become a leading dancer in Japan, starring in productions like "Giselle" and "Swan Lake" with the Tokyo Ballet Company.
The Yokohama Ballet Festival also serves as a "gateway" for young dancers, marking their first step onto the world stage.
This year's Freshers' Gala will also feature Ririei Kiyama, the first-place winner of the Classical Senior division at the "YBC Ballet Competition Grand Prix 2026." Kiyama is a rising star who will compete in the 2026 Prix de Lausanne and has also won a silver medal in the Junior division at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition.
A "Dream Festival" Enjoyable for Both Ballet Fans and Beginners
The "Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 in Kamakura" will move its stage from the Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, a venue familiar for many years, to the Kamakura Performing Arts Center Grand Hall, offering a closer proximity between the audience and the stage.
In this immersive space, where you can feel the dancers' breaths, dynamism, and subtle expressions, you can enjoy world-class performances.
With a diverse program ranging from classic ballet masterpieces to contemporary works, this performance is recommended not only for avid ballet fans but also for those who love stage arts such as musicals, theater, music, and traditional performing arts.
Enjoy with your eyes, be intoxicated by the music with your ears, and be moved in your heart.
We will deliver a special day that condenses the charm of ballet, leaving you breathless with virtuosity, captivated by beautiful physical expression, and sometimes moved by dramatic stories.
For those experiencing ballet for the first time, this will be an excellent opportunity to encounter its profound charm and emotion. This summer, please experience the world's premier ballet festival in Kamakura.
Photo Credit: Photo Create (From Yokohama Ballet Festival 2025 in Kamakura, Finale)
Presents by SHIVER "Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 in Kamakura"
Date & Time: Sunday, August 2, 2026 Doors open 13:00 / Performance starts 14:00 Venue: Kamakura Performing Arts Center Grand Hall (https://kamakura-kpac.jp/)
Artistic Director: Yasuyuki Endo (Former Soloist, Choreographer, Ballet National de Marseille, France) Producer: Tomohiro Yoshida
<Yokohama Ballet Festival in Kamakura 2026 Program>
◎ World Premiere *In no particular order*
Grand Pas de Deux from "Le Corsaire"
Yana Paneva (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
Alexey Orlovsky (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
Grand Pas de Deux from "The Talisman"
Akira Akiyama (Tokyo Ballet Company / Principal)
Haruo Niyama (Tokyo Ballet Company / Soloist)
Grand Pas de Deux from "Diana and Actaeon"
Yana Paneva (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
Alexey Orlovsky (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
"Dov'è la Luna"
Mimosa Koike (Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Principality of Monaco / Principal)
Jae Yeon Ahn (Ballets de Monte-Carlo, Principality of Monaco / Principal)
Grand Pas de Deux from Act III of "The Sleeping Beauty"
Yo Nakajima (Vienna State Ballet)
Ryoima Guzeliev (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
"The Dying Swan"
Shiori Kase (English National Ballet / Lead Principal)
Pas de Deux from "La Sylphide"
Saho Shibayama (New National Theatre Ballet Tokyo / Principal)
Haruo Niyama (Tokyo Ballet Company / Soloist)
◎ Freshers
"Paquita"
Yo Nakajima (Vienna State Ballet)
Ryoima Guzeliev (Mariinsky Ballet / Second Soloist)
Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA
Top Prize Winners of YBC Ballet Competition Grand Prix 2026
Yuma Yamauchi (Mari Ballet Musical Dance Studio)
Anji Kamiya (Kimura Ballet Studio)
Yasushi Yamamuro (Ballet Studio Lien)
Ririei Kiyama (TLEUBAEV Ballet School)
*Program and cast are subject to change due to circumstances.
Tickets: <Prices (All seats reserved/tax included)> SS seats: 12,000 yen S seats: 10,000 yen A seats: 7,000 yen B seats: 4,000 yen *Children under 3 years old are not permitted to enter.
<Ticket Outlets (On Sale Now)> SHIVER Ballet Performances Official Ticket Center, Ticket Pay https://www.ticketpay.jp/ Ticket Kanagawa https://www.kanagawa-arts.or.jp/tc/ tel:0570-015-415 (10:00-18:00) eplus https://eplus.jp/
Ticket Pia https://t.pia.jp/
Kamakura Performing Arts Center https://kamakura-kpac.jp/ *Counter sales only, 2nd floor counter 9:00-19:00
Lawson Ticket https://l-tike.com/
This year, experience an immersive performance with only 100 audience members, plus a pre-performance event.
On August 1st (Saturday), the day before the Yokohama Ballet Festival, a special performance with a limited 100 reserved seats will be held at the Kamakura Performing Arts Center: the Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 [Pre-Performance Event]. With seating arranged on the stage, you can experience the performances of top and young dancers appearing in the Yokohama Ballet Festival up close. You can also witness behind-the-scenes glimpses of the stage, rehearsals, and coaching for the next day's main performance, allowing you to be present during the process of the stage coming together for the main event. Please enjoy this unique and powerful performance.
Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026 Performance starts 16:30 (Doors open 16:00)
Venue: Kamakura Performing Arts Center Grand Hall (On Stage)
Performers: Mimosa Koike, Saho Shibayama, Yo Nakajima, Yana Paneva, Jae Yeon Ahn, Ryoima Guzeliev, Alexey Orlovsky, Jeune Ballet YOKOHAMA, and others.
Tickets: (All seats reserved/tax included) 8,000 yen SHIVER Ballet Performances Official Ticket Center, Ticket Pay https://www.ticketpay.jp/
<Other SHIVER Presents Performances>
SHIVER Ballet Concert 2026 "Fukuoka Performance"
Date & Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026 Doors open 17:00 / Performance starts 18:00
Venue: Fukuoka Civic Hall (formerly Fukuoka Civic Hall) Medium Hall (https://www.fukuoka-civic-hall.jp/)
<Performers> Mimosa Koike, Akira Akiyama, Haruo Niyama, Yo Nakajima, Kensaku Sato, Kaori Mizutomo, Rei Sasaki
SHIVER Ballet Concert 2026 "Tokyo Performance"
Date & Time: Friday, August 7, 2026 Doors open 17:00 / Performance starts 18:00
Venue: Sunpearl Arakawa Grand Hall (https://www.sunpearl-arakawa.com/)
<Performers> Nozomi Iijima, Kaori Mizutomo, Yana Paneva, Maho Higashi, Ryosuke Miwa, Rei Sasaki, Ryoima Guzeliev, Alexey Orlovsky
SHIVER Premium 2026
Date & Time: Saturday, August 8 & Sunday, August 9, 2026 [Matinee] Performance starts 14:30 [Evening] Performance starts 18:30 Each day 2 performances / Total 4 performances
Venue: The Hall Yokohama (https://www.rei-dance.com/yokohama/yokohama_hall)
<Performers> Mimosa Koike (Aug 9 only), Nozomi Iijima, Kaori Mizutomo, Ryosuke Miwa, Ryo Shimizu, Yo Nakajima (Aug 8 only), Maho Higashi (Aug 8 only)
[SHIVER Email Members] (Free Registration) Now Accepting Applications
"SHIVER Members" (free registration) are now being accepted, offering benefits such as advance ticket sales for ballet events hosted by Soy Planning Inc. like "Yokohama Ballet Festival," "SHIVER Premium," and "SHIVER Ballet Concert," as well as the latest information and exclusive videos.
Register here https://shiver.jp/member/
<Inquiries and Media Requests>
Soy Planning Inc. SHIVER Ballet Performance Office
Contact: Mihara
Email: contact@shiver.jp
[Official Website] https://shiver.jp
[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/@shiver-ballet
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<About Soy Planning Inc.>
[Company Profile]
Company Name: Soy Planning Inc.
Head Office Location: 2-45-6-1F Nakatehara, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Representative Director: Tomohiro Yoshida
Established: May 2010
Website: https://www.soyplanning.com
[Business Overview]
"YBC Ballet Competition" https://ybcballet.com
"Yokohama Ballet Festival 2026 in Kamakura" https://shiver.jp/yokohamaballetfes2026inkamakura/
"SHIVER Premium 2026" https://shiver.jp/shiverpremium2026/
"SHIVER Ballet Concert 2026" https://shiver.jp/shiverballetconcert2026/
Ballet Information Portal Site "Ballet Navi" https://www.balletnavi.jp/
Ballet Entertainment Site "Ballenta" https://ballenta.net
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