【New National Theatre, Tokyo】This Summer, Experience Biwako Hall's Acclaimed Opera at the New National Theatre! A Heartwarming Tale for All Ages: 'The Forest Is Alive'

From the Biwako Hall performance (May 2026)

As part of the 'Regional Invitation Performances' series, in which the New National Theatre, Tokyo co-presents outstanding works from across Japan, we are delighted to present 'The Forest Is Alive,' produced by Shiga Prefectural Art Museum Biwako Hall.

'The Forest Is Alive' is based on the beloved children's literary work by Russian author Samuil Marshak, with Japanese text and music composed by Hikaru Hayashi. This heartwarming story, woven through beautiful music and lyrics, will be presented in Biwako Hall's original chamber orchestra version.

The performance will also include a backstage tour and interactive singing and choreography workshops, making it an enjoyable experience for both adults and children, whether you're new to opera or a lifelong fan.

Performance Information

'The Forest Is Alive' Synopsis

On New Year's Eve in a distant kingdom, a young girl sets out into a deep snowy forest to find the rare Matsuyukisou flower, which the capricious queen has demanded despite it being impossible for it to bloom in winter. There, she encounters the twelve spirits of the months. Moved by her kindness, the spirit of April persuades the other month spirits to lend just one hour of their time. Instantly, the snow melts, and before her eyes, countless Matsuyukisou flowers bloom! Having gathered the flowers, the girl promises never to reveal the secret of the twelve month spirits and receives a ring from April before returning home. When the queen receives the flowers, she insists on picking them herself and, taking the girl's ring, ventures into the snowy forest despite her courtiers' pleas. There, facing the harsh cold and trials of the winter forest, the queen learns an important lesson.

From the Biwako Hall performance (May 2026)

Highlights of the Performance

♪ Experience Biwako Hall's acclaimed production at New National Theatre's Medium Theatre

Opera 'The Forest Is Alive,' based on the classic children's story by Russian author Samuil Marshak, features Japanese text and music by Hikaru Hayashi. Since its premiere in 2000, Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble has performed this chamber orchestra version as a cherished repertoire piece, reviving it repeatedly over the past quarter century. This summer, the production will be presented at the New National Theatre's Medium Theatre under the baton of Biwako Hall's Artistic Director, Tetsuro Sakamoto.

From the Biwako Hall performance (May 2026)

♪ Don't miss the special pre-performance events! Backstage tour, director commentary by Keiichi Nakamura, and a singing workshop

Before the performance, audiences can enjoy a backstage tour to experience the stage set up close. At 14:00, director Keiichi Nakamura will give an insightful talk, followed by an interactive singing and choreography workshop that invites the audience to participate. These special programs are designed to be enjoyable for all ages and for everyone from first-time opera-goers to seasoned fans.

To welcome families, ticket prices are set at ¥2,750 for youth (24 years old and under) and ¥6,600 for general admission. Make this beautiful opera a memorable summer experience for the whole family.

Tetsuro Sakamoto (Conductor), Keiichi Nakamura (Director)

♪ The Regional Invitation Opera Returns after 9 Years! Regional Invitation Opera 2026: Biwako Hall

As part of its regional exchange program for contemporary performing arts, the New National Theatre, Tokyo presents 'Regional Invitation Performances,' co-hosting outstanding productions from across Japan. In 2026, we are proud to invite 'The Forest Is Alive,' produced by Shiga Prefectural Art Museum Biwako Hall.

Opened in September 1998 as the first theater in western Japan with a four-sided stage, Biwako Hall is known as a 'creative theater' with its own resident vocal ensemble, the Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble. It produces distinctive original performances across a wide range of genres, including opera, concerts, theater, dance, and traditional Japanese arts. In particular, its opera productions—under the series 'Biwako Hall Opera Production' and 'Biwako Hall Invitation to Opera'—are acclaimed both in Japan and abroad for their high quality. Since his appointment as Artistic Director in 2023, Tetsuro Sakamoto has led the 'Tetsuro Sakamoto Opera Seminar,' emphasizing educational outreach and offering practical learning opportunities. This will be the third Regional Invitation Opera at the New National Theatre, following 'The Threepenny Opera' in 2013 and 'The Mikado' in 2017.

From the 2013 'The Threepenny Opera' performance From the 2017 'The Mikado' performance

New National Theatre, Tokyo Regional Invitation Opera 2026: Biwako Hall Opera 'The Forest Is Alive'

[Performance Dates] July 18 (Sat) and 19 (Sun), 2026. Both days at 14:00 (Doors open at 13:30)

[Venue] Medium Theatre, New National Theatre, Tokyo

[Original Work] Samuil Marshak [Translation] Yoshiko Yūasa

[Libretto and Composer] Hikaru Hayashi [Orchestration] Kazuo Yoshikawa

[Staff and Cast] Conductor: Tetsuro Sakamoto / Director: Keiichi Nakamura / Set Design: Toshiko Masuda / Cast: Biwako Hall Vocal Ensemble / Piano: Rikuya Terashima / Orchestra: Japan Century Symphony Orchestra

[Ticket Prices] General: ¥6,600 / Youth (24 and under): ¥2,750

※Children under 6 years of age will not be admitted.

[Ticket Information and Inquiries]

New National Theatre Box Office TEL: 03-5352-9999

New National Theatre Web Box Office https://nntt.pia.jp/

Biwako Hall Ticket Center TEL: 077-523-7136

※Tickets available at Biwako Hall Ticket Center until Wed, July 15

Biwako Hall Online Ticketing https://ticket.biwako-hall.or.jp/showList

[Producers] Shiga Prefectural Art Museum Biwako Hall, New National Theatre, Tokyo

[Production Planning and Management] Shiga Prefectural Art Museum Biwako Hall

[Grant Support] ROHM Music Foundation

[Performance Website] https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/opera/thetwelvemonths/

About New National Theatre, Tokyo

New National Theatre, Tokyo

As Japan's only national theatre dedicated to contemporary performing arts, the New National Theatre, Tokyo produces and presents performances in opera, ballet, dance, and theatre, and conducts artist training programs. Since September 2018, world-renowned conductor Kazushi Ono has served as Artistic Director of the Opera Division, overseeing around ten opera productions annually at a standard comparable to major international opera houses, along with opera appreciation classes for high school students.

Address: 1-1-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo https://www.nntt.jac.go.jp/