The "Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience," an authentic hands-on program organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Arts Council Tokyo, and the Japan Council of Performers' Organizations (Geidankyo), is celebrating its 19th year. To date, over 5,200 children have had the opportunity to engage with Japanese traditional performing arts.

In this program, performers active at the forefront of Nohgaku, Nagauta, Sankyoku, and Nihon Buyo provide direct instruction. Participants will showcase the results of several months of training on prestigious stages such as the National Noh Theatre and Asakusa Public Hall. Through this "authentic experience," participants will connect with the sensibilities and etiquette cultivated in the world of traditional performing arts, and with the spirit and mentality that the Japanese people have inherited for generations. This initiative aims to create an environment where children, who will lead the next generation, can learn unchanging fundamental values in a constantly changing era and grow into well-rounded individuals.

Applications are now being accepted for this year's program until August 11 (Tuesday, holiday). This is an unparalleled program for those learning traditional performing arts for the first time, so please take this opportunity to apply.

[Application Period] July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) - August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, holiday)

[How to Apply] Via the "Application Form" on the official website. *A lottery will be held if there are too many applicants.

Official Website https://kids-dento.geidankyo.or.jp/

2026 "Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience" Implementation Outline

Program Period: September 2026 - March 2027

Opening Ceremony: September 27 (Sunday) Venue: National Noh Theatre (Shibuya Ward)

Rehearsals: October 2026 - March 2027 *Start dates vary by course

[Standard Program] October - March <Target: Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students> 16 meticulously tailored lessons for each age group. A grand stage awaits those who persevere.

Utai & Shimai Rehearsals

Nohgaku

1. Nohgaku / Utai & Shimai (Kita School) Course

Venue: Umewaka Nohgaku Gakuin Kaikan (Nakano Ward)

Kyogen Rehearsals

Nohgaku

2. Nohgaku / Kyogen (Okura School) Course

Venue: Umewaka Nohgaku Gakuin Kaikan (Nakano Ward)

Shamisen Rehearsals

Nagauta / Shamisen

3. Nagauta / Shamisen [Musashino] Course

Venue: Musashino Civic Cultural Hall (Musashino City)

4. Nagauta / Shamisen [Shinjuku] Course

Venue: Geino Kadensha (Shinjuku Ward)

Shinobue Rehearsals

Nagauta / Hayashikata (Shinobue)

5. Nagauta / Hayashikata (Shinobue) [Higashimurayama] Course

Venue: Higashimurayama City Central Community Center (Higashimurayama City)

6. Nagauta / Hayashikata (Shinobue) [Shinjuku] Course

Venue: Geino Kadensha (Shinjuku Ward)

Kotsuzumi Rehearsals

Nagauta / Hayashikata (Kotsuzumi)

7. Nagauta / Hayashikata (Kotsuzumi) Course

Venue: Geino Kadensha (Shinjuku Ward)

Koto Music Rehearsals

Sankyoku / Koto Music

8. Sankyoku / Koto Music [Tachikawa] (Yamada School) Course

Venue: Tamashin RISURU Hall (Tachikawa City)

9. Sankyoku / Koto Music [Shinjuku] (Ikuta School) Course

Venue: Shinjuku Ward Okubo Sports Plaza (Shinjuku Ward)

Shakuhachi Rehearsals

Sankyoku / Shakuhachi

10. Sankyoku / Shakuhachi Course

Venue: Chofu City Cultural Hall "Tazukuri" (Chofu City)

Nihon Buyo Rehearsals

Nihon Buyo

11. Nihon Buyo (Female) Course

Venue: National Theatre Rehearsal Room (Chiyoda Ward)

12. Nihon Buyo (Male) Course

Venue: National Theatre Rehearsal Room (Chiyoda Ward)

[Youth Program] December - March <Target: Junior High and High School Students> 10 intensive lessons with a rich curriculum designed for focused engagement. This is a special curriculum for junior high and high school students.

Shamisen (Youth) Rehearsals

Nagauta / Shamisen

13. Nagauta / Shamisen [Youth] Course

Venue: Geino Kadensha (Shinjuku Ward)

Koto Music (Youth) Rehearsals

Sankyoku / Koto Music

14. Sankyoku / Koto Music [Youth] (Yamada School) Course

Venue: Shinjuku Ward Okubo Sports Plaza (Shinjuku Ward)

Nihon Buyo (Youth) Rehearsals

Nihon Buyo

15. Nihon Buyo [Youth] Course

Venue: National Theatre Rehearsal Room (Chiyoda Ward)

Rehearsal schedules can be confirmed here.

Performances: March 22 (Monday, holiday) [Nohgaku] Venue: National Noh Theatre (Shibuya Ward) March 29 (Monday), 30 (Tuesday) [Nagauta, Sankyoku, Nihon Buyo] Venue: Asakusa Public Hall (Taito Ward)

Participation Fee: 15,000 yen *In addition, there will be separate costs for materials, and for the purchase or rental of instruments and stage costumes, estimated at 10,000 to 20,000 yen. Amounts vary by course. Details will be provided in the "Procedure Guide" sent to confirmed participants. *For the Nohgaku course, participants will need to prepare tabi (split-toe socks) and undergarments for the performance. For the Nihon Buyo course, participants will need to prepare tabi and a set of practice wear (yukata, undergarments, etc.). *Please note that participation fees and material costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation or withdrawal after payment.

Flyers

Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience - Overall Flyer

Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience - Overall Flyer PDF

Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience - Youth Program Flyer

Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience - Youth Program Flyer PDF

【Inquiries】

Within the Japan Council of Performers' Organizations (Geidankyo) "Kids Traditional Performing Arts Experience" Secretariat TEL: 03-5909-3060 (Weekdays 11:00 - 17:00)

【Organizers】 Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Arts Council Tokyo, Japan Council of Performers' Organizations 【Planning & Production / Operation】 Japan Council of Performers' Organizations 【Production Cooperation】 Nohgaku Association, Nihon Buyo Association, Japan Sankyoku Association, Nagauta Association 【Co-organizers】 Shinjuku Future Creation Foundation, Tachikawa City Community Cultural Promotion Foundation, Chofu City Cultural and Community Promotion Foundation, Higashimurayama City Board of Education, Musashino Culture and Lifelong Learning Business Corporation 【Sponsorship】 Japan Arts and Culture Foundation 【Support】 Shinjuku Ward, Taito Ward, Tachikawa City Board of Education 【Cooperation】 Umewaka Society

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