Knowledge:
Japan Selection by SOIL
Bringing Japanese Theatre to International Stage
In Edinburgh : August 21st at Dance Base
In London : August 25th at Japan House London
Language: Japanese / English (Simultaneous interpretation available)
About the event
What is Japan Selection?
SOIL (Stage for Originality, Innovation and Leadership), presented by JPASN (Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network), is a national initiative supporting the next generation of Japanese theatre producers in reaching international audiences and developing global leadership in the performing arts.
Marking its inaugural year, Japan Selection 2025 showcases producers selected through SOIL’s national fellowship program. From physical theatre and poetic plays to genre-defying musicals and large-scale adaptations, the featured works represent bold and diverse voices in Japanese theatre.
This August, two curated events – in Edinburgh and London – offer opportunities for dialogue, connection, and collaboration among producers, artists, and international presenters.
Dance Base
In Edinburgh - August 21st (Thu)
Held during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this curated pitch event introduces nine emerging Japanese stage works to international presenters. The session features short pitches, select demo performances, and open networking—with simultaneous interpretation (JP/EN) provided. Discover bold new voices from Japan’s contemporary theatre scene, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
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Date & Time: Thursday, 21 August 2025 | 10:30–12:30 (Doors open 10:00)
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Venue: Dance Base Studio 2, 14–16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
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Admission: Free (RSVP required, max. 50 participants)
Japan House London
In London - August 25th (Mon)
An informal yet exclusive gathering for direct conversation with producers and artists from the Japan Selection 2025 lineup. Held on a UK bank holiday, this special occasion brings together some of Japan’s most representative stage works in one room. Designed for London-based presenters, programmers, and industry professionals, the event offers a rare chance to engage in relaxed, meaningful dialogue and explore future collaboration opportunities.
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Date & Time: Monday, 25 August 2025 | 10:30–12:30 (Doors open 10:00)
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Venue: Japan House London, 101–111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA
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Admission: Free (RSVP required, max. 50 participants)
- Light refreshments will be served.
Featured Works
|
Name |
Organization |
Work |
|---|---|---|
|
Worry Kinoshita |
cube |
ZEROKO MONONOME re-creation version |
|
Emiri Tanaka |
HoriPro Inc. |
Future Boy Conan |
|
Natsumi Furo |
TOHO Co., Ltd |
Musical “In This Corner of the World” |
|
Momo Sakamoto |
Theater Collective HANCHU-YUEI |
The Unknown Dancer in the Neighborhood |
|
Yuki Shinozaki |
Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) |
EL NINJA VS. CYBORG DRAGON (concept) |
|
Sae Takamoto |
Theatre Company Awai |
SONNET |
|
Sensha Takahashi |
The Shoulder Pads from Japan |
1 Shoulder pads – GALAXY TRAIN – Japanese musical theatre |
|
Masato Matsui |
Theatrical Company Aokirimikan |
The Traffic Signal Ignoring Insects |
|
Atsuko Sakata |
Ikiume |
The Sun |
about the organizer
JPASN (Japan Performing Arts Solidarity Network) is a nationwide alliance of over 200 artists, companies, and organizations, committed to fostering sustainability, ethics, and international exchange in Japanese performing arts.
SOIL (Stage for Originality, Innovation and Leadership) is a national initiative supporting the international presence of Japanese performing arts. Powered by JPASN, the program is funded by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and supports creators through global promotion, training, and network-building.
