Za-Koenji Announces 2026 Lineup! Renewal Symbol Unveiled, New System Commences on April 2nd

Za-Koenji (Suginami Public Arts Center, Suginami Ward, Tokyo / Designated Manager: syuz'gen LLC), is pleased to announce its 2026 lineup and unveil a new symbol that represents the theater's renewal.

From Za-Koenji Artistic Director

In 2026, Za-Koenji embarks on a new journey.

Starting this fiscal year, the designated manager operating Za-Koenji has changed from NPO Theater Creation Network to syuz'gen LLC. We aim to further elevate the charming Za-Koenji, which the Theater Creation Network has built with the ward residents, into an even more brilliant theater with the new designated manager. We sincerely hope to open a new door for Za-Koenji and cultivate the soil from which a spring of culture will emerge, together with the ward residents, to make Suginami Ward a birthplace of rich culture. The major policies for this are outlined below, sharing the theater's vision for the future.

Since my appointment as artistic director, I have advocated the grand slogan "The theater will first create the ideal world." I will realize this more strongly and concretely than ever before. The "ideal world" I envision largely consists of two things.

First is "a world where no one is left behind." To achieve this, we will uphold three major pillars: 'Thorough Compliance,' 'Enhanced Accessibility,' and 'Theater Management Open to Ward Residents.' Thorough compliance includes measures against harassment. Za-Koenji will run at maximum output towards the ideal of a society where everyone can live in a safe and secure environment, a fair and equitable society, and a society where no one goes hungry and everyone can dream of the future.

The second is "a world without war." War, which seeks to subdue others by force, is the antithesis of performing arts, which are acts of dialogue and prayer. Za-Koenji, through the pursuit of performing arts, hopes to contribute, however modestly, to the realization of a world without war.

Next, I would like to list five specific operational policies.

1 [From "Diversity" to "Inclusion"]

We want the theater to be a "plaza" where people gather, and also a place where people live together and their individual personalities are utilized. We aim for a place where all people, including Suginami ward residents, can gather without barriers, regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, age, etc., and coexist.

2 [From a "Widely" Open Theater to a Theater that Reaches "Far"]

We aim to promote Za-Koenji's initiatives and appeal to areas outside the ward and overseas, making it a proud and unique theater in the cultural and artistic world and international society. We aim for this to continue to be a source of pride for all Suginami ward residents.

3 [Strengthening International Exchange]

In a world where war and division are accelerating, we want to actively communicate with various foreign countries through performing arts, which are arts of dialogue. We aim to strengthen exchanges with Korea, Taiwan, and various parts of Asia, and expand further to distant countries, creating a peaceful and cultural future for Suginami with the ward residents.

4 [Talent Development]

We want to focus on developing talent that will support and develop Suginami's culture and the culture of this country. We aim to nurture individuals who not only develop their abilities but also deepen their knowledge of arts and culture in general, love arts and culture, and support the future of Za-Koenji. We want to foster colleagues who will help create the theater's appeal and contribute to its further development.

5 [Creation and Performance of High-Standard Performing Arts that are Recognized Globally]

We want to make it a theater that all artists, both domestic and international, aspire to. By gathering high-standard performing arts at Za-Koenji, we aim to elevate Suginami Ward's cultural standard and make it a theater that all Suginami ward residents can be proud of.

These are the major policies that the theater aims for.

This year's lineup also features attractive programs. A significant change from last year is the newly established program titled "Japan Directors Association Selection." It features programs carefully selected by the Japan Directors Association, the only directors' organization in Japan with over 500 members. Alongside the "Japan Playwrights Association Program," which has supported the theater until now, we are excited about the participation of new colleagues who will help create the appeal of the new Za-Koenji.

From here, we will engage in dialogue with the new operator syuz'gen, brainstorm ideas, and utilize imagination and creativity to create many new attractions for Za-Koenji. We will strive to make it a more stimulating and open theater to remain a theater that all Suginami ward residents can be proud of, and for the further development of arts and culture in this country. We sincerely ask for your support for the new Za-Koenji in 2026.

April 2026, Keita Shirai, Artistic Director of Za-Koenji

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Za-Koenji 2026 Lineup