There is a buzz around the New National Theatre Tokyo following the recent announcement that it will host the World Opera Forum in 2028, presented in partnership with Opera Europa, Opera America, and Ópera Latinoamérica.

This prestigious event’s debut in Asia, coupled with Japan’s status as a non-traditional country for opera, underscores the growing artistic value of opera in the region.

As the only national theatre in Japan producing and presenting opera, ballet, and drama, NNTT has become increasingly ambitious in its remit, demonstrating a firm commitment to expanding its repertory in recent seasons. It collaborates with opera and performing arts companies globally, including The Australian Ballet for the recent co-production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon.

New National Theatre’s Guillaume Tell. Photo © Rikimaru Hotta

Artistic Director Kazushi Ono has been instrumental in this transformation. He served as both Conductor and Artistic Director in the company’s recent production of Guillaume Tell, the first full staging of the opera in its original French in Japan. Previously, it had only been presented in Japanese translations or as concert performances.

Greek director Yannis Kokkos described Guillaume Tell as “a significant challenge” during...