Cirque du Soleil Returns to Japan After 16 Years with Highly Anticipated Performance 'Earth Pharma Kooza'

Cirque du Soleil, the world's premier circus entertainment company, will present its first performance in Japan in four years starting February 2027. The production has been confirmed as 'Kooza'.

Since its premiere in 2007, 'Kooza' has attracted over 10 million spectators worldwide and stands out as one of Cirque du Soleil’s most daring productions. The 2011 Japanese premiere drew 1.21 million attendees, and demand for a revival has been strong ever since.

Inspired by the Sanskrit word 'KOZA,' meaning 'treasure chest,' 'Kooza' tells the story of Innocent, a charming and captivating character. One day, a large box arrives at Innocent’s doorstep. From it leaps Trickster, a mysterious figure endowed with magical powers created by the world of 'Kooza.' Wielding a magic stick, Trickster leads Innocent into the fantastical realm of 'Kooza.' As Innocent meets the kingdom’s residents—The King, The Clown, and Mad Dog—he becomes enchanted by a world filled with wonder. What awaits at the end of this whimsical journey…?

Strength and fragility, chaos and harmony, good and evil—'Kooza' vividly portrays universal themes of human connection, beauty, and identity through a vibrant blend of surprise, thrills, laughter, and emotion. Traditional circus elements—acrobatic physical expression and clown performances—merge seamlessly with magnificent stage sets, original costumes, emotionally stirring music, and a diverse international cast of artists and musicians, transporting audiences into an exotic world brimming with wonder. As the longest-running touring production in its original format, 'Kooza' will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027 since its premiere. We invite you to look forward to this milestone performance.

【Earth Pharma Announced as Special Sponsor for Japan Tour】

Earth Pharma has been confirmed as the special sponsor for this tour. Under the sponsorship of Earth Pharma, whose mission is 'Act for Life'—supporting people’s lives and contributing to safe, comfortable living—we will deliver surprise and emotion to audiences across Japan.

≪Message from Mr. Katsuyoshi Kawabata, President & CEO, Earth Pharma Co., Ltd.≫

We are delighted to support the Cirque du Soleil Japan tour, an entertainment experience with a long history and deep connection. Cirque du Soleil, a world-leading entertainment group that has moved over 400 million people globally, embodies a spirit of continuous innovation and bold challenges. This resonates deeply with our corporate philosophy of supporting healthy living on a global scale and fearlessly pursuing new ventures. We hope this sponsorship brings fresh inspiration and wonder to people across Japan and contributes, even in a small way, to cultural development and societal enrichment.

【Tokio Seto of Banana Man Appointed as Special Supporter】

Today at 9:00 AM, during the Fuji TV program 'Nonstop!', it was announced that Tokio Seto of the comedy duo Banana Man has been appointed as Special Supporter for the Japan tour. Seto recently attended a 'Kooza' performance in Melbourne, Australia, on a whirlwind trip. Invited backstage, he was asked to serve as Special Supporter to promote the Japanese tour and gladly accepted. He received his official appointment letter from Mizuki Shingawa, a Japanese aerial silk performer in the show. Seto will now undertake various activities to promote and energize the tour.

(Photo: Tokio Seto of Banana Man) ©Fuji TV (At 'Kooza' Melbourne venue before performance) ©Fuji TV (After appointment. From left: Innocent, Mizuki Shingawa, Tokio Seto, Trickster)

≪Message from Tokio Seto, Special Supporter for Japan Tour≫

Having long been a devoted fan of Cirque du Soleil, having seen performances in Japan and abroad many times, I am truly honored and thrilled to be appointed as Special Supporter. Beyond the breathtaking acrobatics filled with suspense and intensity, I find the charm of 'Kooza' in how, amid its dazzling and vibrant production, a nostalgic and warm circus atmosphere still breathes through. It’s a special entertainment experience that captivates everyone from children to adults, offering new surprises and emotions with every viewing. As Special Supporter, I will do my utmost to spread its appeal and help as many people as possible experience the unique emotion that can only be felt live at the venue.

【Osaka Performance Confirmed】

The 'Earth Pharma Kooza' Tokyo performances will be held from February 2027 at the Odaiba Big Top in Tokyo. The Osaka performances are scheduled to begin in August 2027.

【'Earth Pharma Kooza' Japan Tour Overview】 (As of June 17, 2026)

'Earth Pharma Kooza' Tokyo Performance Overview

■ Performance Period: February 2027 –

■ Venue: Odaiba Big Top

■ Organizers: Fuji Television Network, Inc. / Sankei Shimbun Co., Ltd. / Nippon Broadcasting System, Inc. /文化 Broadcasting Inc. / Kyodo Tokyo

■ Supporters: Hokkaido Cultural Broadcasting / Sendai Broadcasting / TV Shizuoka / Tokai Television Broadcasting / Kansai Television Broadcasting / TV Shin-Hiroshima / TV Nishinippon

Embassy of Canada / Quebec Government Office in Japan / Destination Canada

Sankei Sports / Fussan Sha / J-WAVE / TOKYO FM / Tokyo Waterfront City Development Council / BS Fuji

■ Cooperation: PIA

■ Planning & Production: Fuji Television Network, Inc. / Cirque du Soleil

■ Special Sponsor: Earth Pharma (https://www.earth.jp/)

'Earth Pharma Kooza' Osaka Performance Overview

■ Performance Period: August 2027 –

■ Planning & Production: Fuji Television Network, Inc. / Cirque du Soleil

■ Special Sponsor: Earth Pharma (https://www.earth.jp/)

Japan Tour Official Website: https://www.cirque-japan.jp

Latest 15-second TV CM: https://youtu.be/pGZospQF4eM

Japan Tour Official SNS:

– X: @CirqueJapan

– Instagram: @cirquedusoleil.jp

■ Official Website ■ TV CM (YouTube)

【Kooza Performance Images (Selected)】 *Performance content may be subject to change.

Charivari by Janis House Photography © Cirque du Soleil 2026 (Charivari) ©Cirque du Soleil 2026 (Aerial Silk)

©Cirque du Soleil 2026 (Skeleton Dance) Wheel of Death by Alex Coppel © Cirque du Soleil 2026 (Wheel of Death)