From Japan to the World: Rising stars & Future Top Five Ballet Companies

Japan Performing Arts Foundation (The Tokyo Ballet)

Official Social Media

Project Objectives

The foundation aims to foster the next generation of dancers and production staff, with the long-term vision of joining the ranks of the world’s top five ballet companies. While individual Japanese dancers have achieved international recognition, Japanese ballet as a holistic performing art has yet to establish a comparable global presence. To address this, the foundation will work to raise Japan’s international profile in ballet, leveraging the 2023 production of Kaguya-Hime, created by an all-Japan team.

Project Approach

By inviting overseas instructors and holding performances domestically and abroad, this project strengthens training and promotes staff and dancer development. It also enhances connections through knowledge transfer and continuous overseas research. In 2026, the all-Japan production of Kaguya-Hime (2023) will premiere overseas, boosting Japan’s presence in the global ballet scene.

Japan Performing Arts Foundation (The Tokyo Ballet)

The Tokyo Ballet has given over 1,600 performances in Japan and 799 performances in 158 cities across 33 countries worldwide. Renowned both domestically and internationally as “Japan’s global ballet company,” the company celebrated its 60th anniversary on August 30, 2024, presenting a series of diverse programs that were met with critical acclaim. In addition to classical works, the Tokyo Ballet is known for its exclusive original productions—such as The Kabuki and M—created in close collaboration with the legendary Maurice Béjart. With a wide-ranging repertoire and consistent collaborations with leading choreographers—from 20th-century masters like Béjart, Jiří Kylián, and John Neumeier to contemporary artists such as Jo Kanamori—the company continues to deliver performances of international caliber.

Official website