Revitalizing Local Culture Through Theatre: The Awaji World Ballet's Premiere in Tokyo

The PASONA Awaji World Ballet, associated with the Pasona Group based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to present an original performance titled "with Love – Ballet 'The Crane's Return of Favors' and the Beat of Japan" at the Nissho Hall in Minato, Tokyo, on September 23, 2026. This creation blends the iconic Japanese folklore of "The Crane's Return of Favors" with traditional Japanese taiko drumming, showcasing the cultural and artistic initiatives that have been nurtured on Awaji Island. The performance is aimed at promoting local revitalization through the arts, reaching out to audiences in the heart of Tokyo.

Founded in 2011, the PASONA Awaji World Ballet has spent 15 years enhancing the charm of the Awaji Island region through cultural arts. This work not only attracts new talent but also fosters the creation of new industries and communities in the area. The goal is to use entertainment as a means of local revitalization. Under the leadership of taiko performer Hideichiro Ueda, the ensemble "Kodama" was formed from young Pasona employees, and a project called "Music Island" was launched in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing professionals to balance both their work and musical endeavors. Over the years, they have conducted approximately 38,000 performances, thus establishing Awaji Island as a prominent cultural and artistic hub.

In May 2022, the organization initiated the "Pasona Group Ukraine Support Project," to assist individuals fleeing from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Among the most heartwarming outcomes of this initiative was the establishment of the PASONA Awaji World Ballet. This was made possible through the meeting of two Ukrainian ballet dancers and the renowned Japanese dancer Emi Hariyama, who serves as the artistic director. The ballet company aims to support these artists' new lives in Japan, providing opportunities for their career formation while broadening the ballet ensemble's reach both domestically and internationally. The PASONA Awaji World Ballet has emerged as a symbol of coexistence and regeneration through culture and the arts, actively contributing to the cultural landscape of Japan.

Overview of PASONA Awaji World Ballet's Performance "with Love"

- Date: September 23, 2026
- Time:

- 13:00 (doors open at 12:00)
- 16:30 (doors open at 15:30)
Each performance is approximately 100 minutes including an intermission.

- Program Details:

- Part 1: Original full-length Japanese work "The Crane's Return of Favors – A Message of Gratitude for Life and a Wish for Peace"
- Part 2: Special performance by "PASONA Awaji World Ballet" featuring the taiko ensemble "Kodama"

Featured Dancers

- Emi Hariyama: A graduate of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, she has performed globally and has starred in renowned ballets such as "Swan Lake." She has numerous accolades, including the Paris International Silver Prize and the New York International Bronze Prize. Currently, she serves as the artistic director of the PASONA Awaji World Ballet.
- Nelia Ivanova: Hailing from Odessa, Ukraine, she was trained at the Odessa State Academy of Culture and Arts and has performed in works like "The Nutcracker" and "Giselle."
- Svetlana Shlykhter: A graduate of the Serge Lifar Dance Academy in Kyiv, she has performed as a soloist in various classical productions.
- Taro Kurachi: A graduate of prestigious international ballet schools, he has been a principal dancer with renowned ballet companies and has won multiple awards.

_(Additional cast members include Sofia Sheaiko, Maria Volokobina, Sergei Lomovitskiy, among others.)_

Taiko Group Kodama

Under the guidance of Hideichiro Ueda, the group was formed and has participated in numerous charitable events supporting regional culture and arts amidst various disasters in Japan. Their powerful performances have become synonymous with hope and resilience.

Ticket Information

- Pricing:

- S Seats: ¥7,000
- A Seats: ¥5,000
Prices inclusive of tax.

Venue

Nissho Hall (2-9-16 Toranomon, Minato, Tokyo)

Access

- Subway:

- 2-minute walk from Toranomon Hills Station (Hibiya Line, Exit A2a)
- 5-minute walk from Toranomon Station (Ginza Line, Exit 3)
- 7-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station (Namboku Line, Exit 9)
- 8-minute walk from Kasumigaseki Station (Chiyoda Line, Exit A13)
- 17-minute walk from Shimbashi Station (Uramori Exit)

Ticket Sale Start Date

Tickets will go on sale from noon on June 1, 2026, through Pia, e+, and Lawson Ticket.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please reach out to the PASONA Awaji World Ballet office at Pasona Group.
Phone: 050-3816-3651 (available 10:00–18:00, closed on Thursdays)
Email: [email protected]

The Pasona Group continues to promote innovative examples of local revitalization through the arts, contributing to a society shaped by diverse individuals working together to create a better future.