A Special Theater Experience for the Whole Family This Summer: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Special Page Now Open
The Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026, running from July 24th to August 23rd, has been announced, offering authentic stage productions for both children and adults. This year's lineup includes three productions: the ballet 'Don Quixote', the musical 'Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps', and the musical 'The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio'. The festival, which started in 1993, attracts about 20,000 visitors annually.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 14, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 14, 2026 at 11:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 14, 2026 at 19:59 (8h 27m after Collected)
We are pleased to announce the "Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026," held from July 24 (Fri) to August 23 (Sun), 2026 (Organizer: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]).
Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Visual
Started in 1993, the Nissei Theatre Family Festival stages authentic productions that are easy for children to understand and enjoyable for adults as well. It is well-received, attracting about 20,000 visitors each year.
In 2026, we will present three productions: the ballet "Don Quixote," a popular work by the Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo making its first appearance at the Nissei Theatre Family Festival; the musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps," the first stage adaptation in Japan of Michael Ende's unfinished masterpiece; and the musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio," an original Nissei Theatre stage adaptation of the world-beloved children's literature.
We look forward to seeing you at the Nissei Theatre this summer.
Nissei Theatre Exterior
Nissei Theatre Interior
■ Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Lineup
Ballet "Don Quixote" - Performances on July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun), 2026
Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" - Performances on August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 2026
Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" - Performances on August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 2026
【Ticket Sales】Web Pre-sale: May 14 (Thu) 11:00 AM to May 19 (Tue), 2026 ※
General Sale: From May 22 (Fri) 11:00 AM, 2026
※ By registering as a Nissei Theatre Web Ticket Member (instant registration/no admission or annual fees), you can receive benefits such as a discount on ticket prices (10% off the regular price) and the ability to purchase during the pre-sale. Please see the theatre's homepage for details.
Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/
1. Ballet "Don Quixote" - Performances on July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun)
A tale of love and adventure accompanied by a live orchestra.
The popular work of the Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo makes its first appearance at the Nissei Theatre Family Festival!
Don Quixote, on a journey to find the yet unseen Princess Dulcinea, meets a young couple, Kitri and Basilio, in the town of Barcelona.
Will Don Quixote be able to meet Princess Dulcinea? And what will become of Kitri and Basilio's love? A story of love and adventure unfolded by a variety of characters set to dramatic music. Enjoy the gorgeous Spanish-flavored stage!
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Ballet "Don Quixote"
Dates: July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 8,000 yen, Child 4,000 yen / A-seat Adult 6,000 yen, Child 3,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo
Conductor: Hiroe Yukawa
Orchestra: Theatre Orchestra Tokyo
Staff
Artistic Director: Kyozo Mitani
Direction/Choreography: Azari M. Plisetsky, Valentina Savina (based on the Petipa, Gorsky version)
Music: Léon Minkus
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026ballet/
2. Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" - Performances on August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun)
The first-ever stage adaptation of Michael Ende's posthumous work!
From left, Mio Tanaka (as Rodrigo Raubein), Momoko Mizue (as Knirps)
A grand adventure fantasy unfolded by a boy and a knight.
A story of courage to meet a new self.
The fearless boy Knirps, to fulfill his dream of becoming a "great villain," runs away from home and knocks on the gate of the robber knight Rodrigo Raubein's castle. "Please make me your squire!" However, the "legendary knight" who appears is very timid...!?
This is the first stage adaptation of Michael Ende's story about living as oneself.
It is an adventure fantasy that teaches the importance of taking a bold step forward.
This high-quality and enjoyable musical, presented by a first-class creative team, is perfect for a child's theater debut. Please come and see it.
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps"
Original Work: Michael Ende + Wieland Freund (Published by Shogakukan, translated by Sakae Kimoto)
Dates: August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 5,000 yen, Child 2,500 yen / A-seat Adult 4,000 yen, Child 2,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Rodrigo Raubein: Mio Tanaka, Knirps: Momoko Mizue
Princess Philippa: Mai Imaizumi, Socrates the Parrot: Misato Matsumoto (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza)
・Puppet Theatre Hitomiza: Shunsuke Saito, Aki Shinozaki, Katsushi Morishita, Rei Matsushima, Ayana Sato, Saki Shimizu
・Co. Un Yamada: Ron Kawai, Kota Kihara, Asako Tanaka, Isamu Kuroda, Hiroto Mochizuki, Shiori Susaki
Musicians: Shingo Kawaguchi, Motoya Ishizaki
Staff
Script: Ikue Osada, Direction: Kae Inaba, Music: Umitaro Abe, Choreography: Un Yamada
Art: Masahiro Norimine, Lighting: Shigeo Saito, Costumes: Hiroko Togawa, Hair & Makeup: Hiroaki Miyauchi, Sound: Atsushi Kennoki
Puppet Art: Chihiro Ogawa (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza), Puppet Production Progress: Etsuko Ogura (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza)
Puppet Manipulation Supervisor: Takao Nakamura (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza), Vocal Coach: Masako Katagiri, Assistant Director: Miki Iwasa
Stage Managers: Isao Hironaka, Emina Yanagawa
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Supported by: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026rodorigoundkunirps/
3. Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" - Performances on August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun)
She wandered into a mysterious world.
The adventure of Aya and Pinocchio begins!
From left, Karen Miyama (as Aya), DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan (as Pinocchio), Eri Fukuda (as the Goddess), Takamasa Tamaki (as the Cricket)
A timeless story loved around the world, adapted into a new musical by Nissei Theatre!
Aya, an elementary school girl, is having trouble fitting in at her new school and her relationship with her mother at home is a bit strained. One day, while Aya is at home repairing the Pinocchio puppet for a class presentation and talking to it about her kind father, the puppet suddenly starts to move! "Then let's go meet your father, Aya! I'm also looking for my father, Geppetto!" What fate awaits Aya and Pinocchio as they embark on a mysterious adventure to find their fathers!?
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio"
Dates: August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 5,000 yen, Child 2,500 yen / A-seat Adult 4,000 yen, Child 2,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Aya: Karen Miyama, Pinocchio: DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan, Goddess: Eri Fukuda, Cricket: Takamasa Tamaki
Ruri Aoyama, Momoko Otaishi, Kirara Koyama, Junko Ieno, Yutaro Kawachi, Itsuki Kawaharada, Ryo Kuronuma, Fuka Kobayashi
Mikie Tanaka, Mitsuhiro Tanimoto, Ryosuke Nakano, Sayaka Mizuguchi, Masayuki Moriyama, Daichi Yamakawa, Kaito Yamane, Saori Yoneda
Musicians: Keita Ebikusa (Conductor/Keyboard for Nissei Theatre performances), YUKA (Conductor/Keyboard for national tour)
Ryo Sakagami (Flute/EWI), Saburo Tanooka (Accordion), Ryuichi Ishikawa (Bass for Nissei Theatre and national tour performances)
Yuta Itoi (Bass for national tour), Yosuke Watanabe (Percussion)
Staff
Script/Lyrics: Yoko Oike, Direction: Kinuyo Nogami, Music: Keita Ebikusa, Choreography: Wataru Kitao, Art: Masahiro Norimine
Lighting: Yasuyuki Yoshieda, Video: Nobuhiro Matsuzawa, Sound: Hideo Sato, Costumes: Kyoko Fujitani, Hair & Makeup: Kyoko Inoue
Vocal Coach: YUKA, Rehearsal Piano: Keita Ebikusa, YUKA, Musician Coordination: Shin Ongaku Kyokai
Assistant Director: Shiori Yoshinaka, Stage Managers: Seiichi Yagi, Shoko Mizutani, Production: Yuka Mizorogi
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026ayatopinocchio/
National Tour
The musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" will also be performed in Iwakuni (Yamaguchi), Chiba, and Kumamoto, in addition to the performances at Nissei Theatre.
[Iwakuni Performance]
September 5 (Sat)
Sinfonia Iwakuni
[Chiba Performance]
September 12 (Sat)
Chiba Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Kumamoto Performance]
October 17 (Sat)
Citizens' Hall Sears Home Yume Hall
※ Please contact each venue directly for performance details.
Nissay Masterpiece Series Performances
The following productions will have Nissay Masterpiece Series performances, which invite elementary school students for free.
● Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps"
2026
[Takamatsu Performance]
September 9 (Wed)
Sunport Hall Takamatsu
[Sakata Performance]
September 15 (Tue)
Kibo Hall (Sakata Civic Hall)
[Akita Performance]
September 18 (Fri)
Akita Arts Theatre Milhas
[Ueda Performance]
September 25 (Fri)
Santomyuze (Ueda City Exchange and Culture Arts Center)
2027
[Fukuyama Performance]
January 28 (Thu), 29 (Fri)
Fukuyama Arts and Culture Hall Reed & Rose
[Matsuyama Performance]
February 10 (Wed)
Ehime Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Fukuoka Performance]
February 17 (Wed)
Fukuoka Civic Hall
[Naha Performance]
February 26 (Fri)
Naha Cultural Arts Theater NAHart
● Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio"
[Toyota Performance]
August 31 (Mon)
Toyota Civic Cultural Hall
[Chiba Performance]
September 10 (Thu), 11 (Fri)
Chiba Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Osaka Performance]
September 30 (Wed), October 1 (Thu)
Umeda Arts Theater
[Sapporo Performance]
October 6 (Tue) to 9 (Fri)
Sapporo City Education and Culture Hall
[Kumamoto Performance]
October 16 (Fri)
Citizens' Hall Sears Home Yume Hall
※ These are invitation-only performances for schools and grades. They are not open to the general public.
The Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre], with the sponsorship of Nippon Life Insurance Company, develops the "Nissay Masterpiece Series" to invite elementary school students to experience authentic performing arts free of charge. Every year, it presents works from various genres not only at the Nissei Theatre but also at theaters nationwide, and the cumulative number of invited guests since the project's inception has exceeded 8 million. In fiscal 2026, the musical "Jack O'Land ~Yuri and the Demon's Flute~" will be performed at the Nissei Theatre, and the musicals "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" and "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" will be performed nationwide.
Going forward, we will continue to provide opportunities to experience outstanding performing arts throughout the country to foster the "rich sensibilities" and "diverse values" of the children who will support our future society.
Special Page: https://www.nissaytheatre.or.jp/outline/business/masterpiece/
Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Visual
Started in 1993, the Nissei Theatre Family Festival stages authentic productions that are easy for children to understand and enjoyable for adults as well. It is well-received, attracting about 20,000 visitors each year.
In 2026, we will present three productions: the ballet "Don Quixote," a popular work by the Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo making its first appearance at the Nissei Theatre Family Festival; the musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps," the first stage adaptation in Japan of Michael Ende's unfinished masterpiece; and the musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio," an original Nissei Theatre stage adaptation of the world-beloved children's literature.
We look forward to seeing you at the Nissei Theatre this summer.
Nissei Theatre Exterior
Nissei Theatre Interior
■ Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Lineup
Ballet "Don Quixote" - Performances on July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun), 2026
Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" - Performances on August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 2026
Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" - Performances on August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 2026
【Ticket Sales】Web Pre-sale: May 14 (Thu) 11:00 AM to May 19 (Tue), 2026 ※
General Sale: From May 22 (Fri) 11:00 AM, 2026
※ By registering as a Nissei Theatre Web Ticket Member (instant registration/no admission or annual fees), you can receive benefits such as a discount on ticket prices (10% off the regular price) and the ability to purchase during the pre-sale. Please see the theatre's homepage for details.
Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/
1. Ballet "Don Quixote" - Performances on July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun)
A tale of love and adventure accompanied by a live orchestra.
The popular work of the Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo makes its first appearance at the Nissei Theatre Family Festival!
Don Quixote, on a journey to find the yet unseen Princess Dulcinea, meets a young couple, Kitri and Basilio, in the town of Barcelona.
Will Don Quixote be able to meet Princess Dulcinea? And what will become of Kitri and Basilio's love? A story of love and adventure unfolded by a variety of characters set to dramatic music. Enjoy the gorgeous Spanish-flavored stage!
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Ballet "Don Quixote"
Dates: July 24 (Fri), 25 (Sat), 26 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 8,000 yen, Child 4,000 yen / A-seat Adult 6,000 yen, Child 3,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Asami Maki Ballet Tokyo
Conductor: Hiroe Yukawa
Orchestra: Theatre Orchestra Tokyo
Staff
Artistic Director: Kyozo Mitani
Direction/Choreography: Azari M. Plisetsky, Valentina Savina (based on the Petipa, Gorsky version)
Music: Léon Minkus
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026ballet/
2. Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" - Performances on August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun)
The first-ever stage adaptation of Michael Ende's posthumous work!
From left, Mio Tanaka (as Rodrigo Raubein), Momoko Mizue (as Knirps)
A grand adventure fantasy unfolded by a boy and a knight.
A story of courage to meet a new self.
The fearless boy Knirps, to fulfill his dream of becoming a "great villain," runs away from home and knocks on the gate of the robber knight Rodrigo Raubein's castle. "Please make me your squire!" However, the "legendary knight" who appears is very timid...!?
This is the first stage adaptation of Michael Ende's story about living as oneself.
It is an adventure fantasy that teaches the importance of taking a bold step forward.
This high-quality and enjoyable musical, presented by a first-class creative team, is perfect for a child's theater debut. Please come and see it.
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps"
Original Work: Michael Ende + Wieland Freund (Published by Shogakukan, translated by Sakae Kimoto)
Dates: August 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 5,000 yen, Child 2,500 yen / A-seat Adult 4,000 yen, Child 2,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Rodrigo Raubein: Mio Tanaka, Knirps: Momoko Mizue
Princess Philippa: Mai Imaizumi, Socrates the Parrot: Misato Matsumoto (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza)
・Puppet Theatre Hitomiza: Shunsuke Saito, Aki Shinozaki, Katsushi Morishita, Rei Matsushima, Ayana Sato, Saki Shimizu
・Co. Un Yamada: Ron Kawai, Kota Kihara, Asako Tanaka, Isamu Kuroda, Hiroto Mochizuki, Shiori Susaki
Musicians: Shingo Kawaguchi, Motoya Ishizaki
Staff
Script: Ikue Osada, Direction: Kae Inaba, Music: Umitaro Abe, Choreography: Un Yamada
Art: Masahiro Norimine, Lighting: Shigeo Saito, Costumes: Hiroko Togawa, Hair & Makeup: Hiroaki Miyauchi, Sound: Atsushi Kennoki
Puppet Art: Chihiro Ogawa (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza), Puppet Production Progress: Etsuko Ogura (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza)
Puppet Manipulation Supervisor: Takao Nakamura (Puppet Theatre Hitomiza), Vocal Coach: Masako Katagiri, Assistant Director: Miki Iwasa
Stage Managers: Isao Hironaka, Emina Yanagawa
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Supported by: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026rodorigoundkunirps/
3. Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" - Performances on August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun)
She wandered into a mysterious world.
The adventure of Aya and Pinocchio begins!
From left, Karen Miyama (as Aya), DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan (as Pinocchio), Eri Fukuda (as the Goddess), Takamasa Tamaki (as the Cricket)
A timeless story loved around the world, adapted into a new musical by Nissei Theatre!
Aya, an elementary school girl, is having trouble fitting in at her new school and her relationship with her mother at home is a bit strained. One day, while Aya is at home repairing the Pinocchio puppet for a class presentation and talking to it about her kind father, the puppet suddenly starts to move! "Then let's go meet your father, Aya! I'm also looking for my father, Geppetto!" What fate awaits Aya and Pinocchio as they embark on a mysterious adventure to find their fathers!?
■ Performance Overview
Performance Name: Nissei Theatre Family Festival 2026 Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio"
Dates: August 21 (Fri), 22 (Sat), 23 (Sun), 2026. Performances at 11:00 AM / 3:00 PM (Doors open 30 minutes before the performance)
Venue: Nissei Theatre (1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Price: S-seat Adult 5,000 yen, Child 2,500 yen / A-seat Adult 4,000 yen, Child 2,000 yen (tax included)
※ No admission for children under 3. Child price applies to children from 3 years old to junior high school students.
Running Time: Approx. 2 hours (including intermission)
Cast
Aya: Karen Miyama, Pinocchio: DJ Misoshiru to MC Gohan, Goddess: Eri Fukuda, Cricket: Takamasa Tamaki
Ruri Aoyama, Momoko Otaishi, Kirara Koyama, Junko Ieno, Yutaro Kawachi, Itsuki Kawaharada, Ryo Kuronuma, Fuka Kobayashi
Mikie Tanaka, Mitsuhiro Tanimoto, Ryosuke Nakano, Sayaka Mizuguchi, Masayuki Moriyama, Daichi Yamakawa, Kaito Yamane, Saori Yoneda
Musicians: Keita Ebikusa (Conductor/Keyboard for Nissei Theatre performances), YUKA (Conductor/Keyboard for national tour)
Ryo Sakagami (Flute/EWI), Saburo Tanooka (Accordion), Ryuichi Ishikawa (Bass for Nissei Theatre and national tour performances)
Yuta Itoi (Bass for national tour), Yosuke Watanabe (Percussion)
Staff
Script/Lyrics: Yoko Oike, Direction: Kinuyo Nogami, Music: Keita Ebikusa, Choreography: Wataru Kitao, Art: Masahiro Norimine
Lighting: Yasuyuki Yoshieda, Video: Nobuhiro Matsuzawa, Sound: Hideo Sato, Costumes: Kyoko Fujitani, Hair & Makeup: Kyoko Inoue
Vocal Coach: YUKA, Rehearsal Piano: Keita Ebikusa, YUKA, Musician Coordination: Shin Ongaku Kyokai
Assistant Director: Shiori Yoshinaka, Stage Managers: Seiichi Yagi, Shoko Mizutani, Production: Yuka Mizorogi
Organizer/Planning/Production: Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre]
Subsidy: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Grant for Cultural and Artistic Promotion (Project to Strengthen the Functions of Theaters and Concert Halls (Project to Vitalize Core Regional Theaters and Concert Halls)) | Japan Arts Council
Sponsor: Nippon Life Insurance Company
※ Please note that performers and others may change due to unavoidable circumstances.
◆ Special Page: https://famifes.nissaytheatre.or.jp/2026ayatopinocchio/
National Tour
The musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" will also be performed in Iwakuni (Yamaguchi), Chiba, and Kumamoto, in addition to the performances at Nissei Theatre.
[Iwakuni Performance]
September 5 (Sat)
Sinfonia Iwakuni
[Chiba Performance]
September 12 (Sat)
Chiba Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Kumamoto Performance]
October 17 (Sat)
Citizens' Hall Sears Home Yume Hall
※ Please contact each venue directly for performance details.
Nissay Masterpiece Series Performances
The following productions will have Nissay Masterpiece Series performances, which invite elementary school students for free.
● Musical "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps"
2026
[Takamatsu Performance]
September 9 (Wed)
Sunport Hall Takamatsu
[Sakata Performance]
September 15 (Tue)
Kibo Hall (Sakata Civic Hall)
[Akita Performance]
September 18 (Fri)
Akita Arts Theatre Milhas
[Ueda Performance]
September 25 (Fri)
Santomyuze (Ueda City Exchange and Culture Arts Center)
2027
[Fukuyama Performance]
January 28 (Thu), 29 (Fri)
Fukuyama Arts and Culture Hall Reed & Rose
[Matsuyama Performance]
February 10 (Wed)
Ehime Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Fukuoka Performance]
February 17 (Wed)
Fukuoka Civic Hall
[Naha Performance]
February 26 (Fri)
Naha Cultural Arts Theater NAHart
● Musical "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio"
[Toyota Performance]
August 31 (Mon)
Toyota Civic Cultural Hall
[Chiba Performance]
September 10 (Thu), 11 (Fri)
Chiba Prefectural Cultural Hall
[Osaka Performance]
September 30 (Wed), October 1 (Thu)
Umeda Arts Theater
[Sapporo Performance]
October 6 (Tue) to 9 (Fri)
Sapporo City Education and Culture Hall
[Kumamoto Performance]
October 16 (Fri)
Citizens' Hall Sears Home Yume Hall
※ These are invitation-only performances for schools and grades. They are not open to the general public.
The Nissei Cultural Promotion Foundation [Nissei Theatre], with the sponsorship of Nippon Life Insurance Company, develops the "Nissay Masterpiece Series" to invite elementary school students to experience authentic performing arts free of charge. Every year, it presents works from various genres not only at the Nissei Theatre but also at theaters nationwide, and the cumulative number of invited guests since the project's inception has exceeded 8 million. In fiscal 2026, the musical "Jack O'Land ~Yuri and the Demon's Flute~" will be performed at the Nissei Theatre, and the musicals "Rodrigo Raubein and His Squire Knirps" and "The Adventures of Aya and Pinocchio" will be performed nationwide.
Going forward, we will continue to provide opportunities to experience outstanding performing arts throughout the country to foster the "rich sensibilities" and "diverse values" of the children who will support our future society.
Special Page: https://www.nissaytheatre.or.jp/outline/business/masterpiece/