Special Talk with Hideki Noda and Toshiki Okada at Tokyo Arts Theater Reopening

Tokyo Arts Theater Reopening

The prestigious Tokyo Arts Theater, established in 1990, is set to host a special program titled "Special Talk with Hideki Noda and Toshiki Okada" on September 7, 2025. Since its opening, the theater has played a significant role in enhancing the landscape of performance arts in Tokyo. Under the guidance of its founding artistic director Hideki Noda, who took office in 2009, the theater has become a hub for theatrical, musical, and dance performances, fostering international collaborations and showcasing artistic excellence worldwide.

This upcoming event promises to provide insights into the future of public theaters and the vital role that artistic directors play in such spaces. The discussion will be moderated by Kyoko Tokunaga, a seasoned theater journalist, ensuring that attendees receive a deep and enriching experience.

Event Details

Date: September 7, 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 18:30 - 20:00 (Doors open at 18:00)
Venue: Tokyo Arts Theater, Playhouse (1-8-1 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo, 171-0021)
Entry Fee: Free (all seats are non-reserved)
Capacity: 400 attendees (first-come, first-served basis with advance registration required)
Registration Method: Applications must be made via the Tokyo Arts Theater website.
Application Period: From August 22 (Friday) 10:00 to September 6 (Saturday) 18:30. Please note that registration will close once the capacity is reached.
Inquiries: Tokyo Arts Theater Box Office 0570-010-296 (Available Monday to Friday excluding public holidays, 10:00 - 17:00, and on September 6 from 10:00 - 19:00, excluding closed days.)
Organizer: Tokyo Arts Theater (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture)

Featured Speakers

Hideki Noda

Born in 1955 in Nagasaki Prefecture, Hideki Noda is a distinguished playwright, director, and actor. While studying at the University of Tokyo, he founded the theater group "Yume no Yuminsya," producing numerous iconic plays. After studying in London and disbanding his theater troupe in 1992, he established "NODA MAP" in 1993. Noda is known for celebrated works such as Kill, Red Demon, and The Character. He has also directed operas and Kabuki plays, pushing the boundaries of contemporary theater. Noda has engaged in international collaborations, performing in 28 cities across 13 countries. His contributions to the performing arts have earned him several accolades, including the ISPA 2023 Distinguished Artist Award.

Toshiki Okada

Toshiki Okada, born in 1973 in Yokohama and currently based in Kumamoto, is an acclaimed playwright, novelist, and founder of the theater company "Chelfitsch." His unique approach to the relationship between language and physicality has garnered international attention. Okada participated in the Brussels International Festival of Performing Arts in 2007 and has continued to showcase his work in over 90 cities globally. He has also directed and written for German repertory theaters. His innovative work has won him multiple awards, including the 27th Yomiuri Theatre Award for developing contemporary Thai fiction on stage.

Moderator: Kyoko Tokunaga

Kyoko Tokunaga is a prominent theater journalist, member of the planning and operation committee for the Tokyo Arts Theater, and an advisor for external theater activities. She writes critical reviews for the Asahi Shimbun and contributes columns to theatrical publications. Her works explore the challenges and triumphs in the realm of performing arts in Japan.

Conclusion

The event is poised to be a remarkable convergence of insights into the future of theater, culture, and the arts. Attendees will have the chance to engage with two of Japan's foremost theatrical talents and contribute to the ongoing conversation about public theater's role in society today.