From February 2021, the Japan Foundation (JF) has started the project “STAGE BEYOND BORDERS - Selection of Japanese Performances,” which presents outstanding Japanese stage performances online for people throughout the world who are seeking opportunities to enjoy Japanese stage performances amid the spread of COVID-19.

The works distributed through this project span the three genres of contemporary theater, dance performance and Japanese traditional performing arts. These performances have multilingual subtitles in around five languages and can be viewed free of charge on the Japan Foundation’s official YouTube channel. In addition, new limited release performances exclusively for this project will also be available for viewing.

“Japanese traditional performing arts series” specially created for STAGE BEYOND BORDERS is a wonderful guide to learn the essence of Noh, Kyogen, Bunraku, and Kabuki. The program explores how each form of art has developed and how its aesthetics has inspired people over time, along with interviews of most notable actors in each field.

Each film is available in English, French, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Indonesian, and Japanese subtitles.

Website: https://stagebb.jpf.go.jp/en/

The Japan Foundation Official YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wIUIUHjOYM&list=PLR82S6MFHeIlXeU8RwfGNtLbyVPEbzhhL

June 4, 2021 "Noh: Mystery, Myth & Movement"

June 11, 2021 "Kyogen: The Humor of Frailty & Tolerance"

June 18, 2021 “Bunraku: Storytelling, Music & Puppetry”

June 25, 2021 "Kabuki: The Legacy of Eccentric Spectacle"

July 2, 2021 “Japanese Traditional Performing Arts: Discovering with New Eyes“