DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO opens today, April 9, 2026 (Thursday)

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DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO opens today, April 9, 2026 (Thursday)

2026-04-10 00:00 Last Updated At：00:20

KYOTO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 9, 2026--

NRE & TAO Entertainment Partners LLC, a joint venture established by Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Tao Entertainment Co. Ltd., and Nomura Real Estate Retail Properties Co., Ltd., are pleased to announce the opening of the DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO on April 9, 2026, Japan Standard Time (JST). The theater is a dedicated venue for the Japanese drumming entertainment group DRUM TAO.

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DRUM TAO delivering a powerful taiko performance

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO opened to a full house

The lantern in the lounge

GIFT SHOP

SKY TERRACE

LOUNGE / BAR

DRUM TAO delivering a powerful taiko performance

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

More Images

DRUM TAO delivering a powerful taiko performance

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO opened to a full house

The lantern in the lounge

GIFT SHOP

SKY TERRACE

LOUNGE / BAR

DRUM TAO delivering a powerful taiko performance

DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260409178610/en/

The newly opened DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO is DRUM TAO's new permanent home. DRUM TAO has performed in 500 cities across 31 countries and attracted more than 10 million spectators to date. Many popular temples and cultural facilities in Kyoto close in the evening, resulting in a shortage of evening tourist activities. The theater addresses this challenge by offering tourists, both domestic and international, a new nighttime immersive entertainment that combines Japanese tradition and innovation.

The theater is located on the 9th floor of the Avanti Building, a commercial complex, and is only a one-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station, making it easily accessible to visitors from Japan and abroad. Situated in front of Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto's attractions, making it highly accessible for visitors from both Japan and overseas. Situated in front of Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto sightseeing, it is a highly convenient venue. Against the backdrop of changes in the tourist environment, such as congestion and extreme heat, it is expected to become a popular tourist destination, meeting the growing global demand for “noctourism.”

At this theater, you will experience the unique, nonverbal performances of DRUM TAO, featuring exciting displays of traditional Japanese musical instruments. Beautiful melodies are played on instruments such as the shinobue flute, shamisen lute, and koto zither, all centered around the pulsating, electrifying sounds of the "wadaiko" (Japanese taiko drums). The combination of powerful beats that resonate directly with the body, well-trained physical performances, and precise stagecraft has captivated audiences across countries and cultures. DRUM TAO sold out all its Off-Broadway performances in New York City in 2016 and has received high acclaim in Japan and abroad.

■Immerse yourself in the world of Japan's renowned taiko drumming entertainment, adding a vibrant and enriching element to your night in Kyoto.

Designed as a dedicated theater with only 300 seats, this space provides an immersive experience of DRUM TAO's excitement and emotion. Specifically designed for taiko drumming performances, the stage is positioned as close to the audience as possible allowing them to experience the sound and energy to the fullest. Visitors can experience the full force of the taiko drums and hear the performers' every breath, making them more than spectators and creating an immersive, unforgettable experience of the highest global standard.

The theater is designed not only for stage performances, but also for visitors to enjoy themselves before and after shows. There is a lounge with a bar where you can enjoy carefully curated food and drinks. There is also an open-air sky terrace where you can take in the breathtaking view of Kyoto while enjoying nature. Finally, the gift shop offers original theater merchandise, items crafted in collaboration with Kyoto artisans, and local products. The theater provides visitors with the opportunity to make the most of Kyoto's nighttime attractions.

Additionally, the space has been designed to provide visitors with an experience of Japanese culture and the DRUM TAO worldview. A giant lantern and noren curtain at the entrance symbolize the theater. The lantern was produced by Kojima Shouten Inc., a company that has been in business since the Edo period. The curtain, one of the largest in the world, was produced in collaboration with Nakamura, Inc., a long-standing company founded in the Taisho era. Both the lantern and the curtain feature original designs created by painters of the Kyogen family crest, who combine traditional techniques with modern technology. From the moment they step foot into the theater, visitors can experience extraordinary traditional Japanese culture. The theater's intrinsic value lies in its ability to provide visitors with an immersive cultural experience – one that extends beyond merely enjoying DRUM TAO's performances to how they spend an evening in Kyoto.

■ The commemorative first performance HIBIKI opened to a full house.

The memorable opening performance of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, HIBIKI (meaning “resonance” in English), sold out in advance and opened to a packed house. The audience cheered and applauded as DRUM TAO's thunderous performance unfolded before them in the intimate setting, creating an atmosphere of excitement and infectious fun befitting an opening show.

The theater will typically host two performances a day, except for scheduled closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: HIBIKI at 7:00 p.m. and YUME (“Dream” in English) at 9:00 p.m. The 7:00 p.m. performance, HIBIKI, is an energetic show in which the audience members and performers become one. The 9:00 p.m. performance, YUME, is a nighttime show that transports the audience to a fantastical world. We invite you to experience the different attractions at different times of the day.

■ Information for overseas customers visiting Japan

The theater's official website provides visitors with information about the show, the theater experience, tickets, access, and FAQs. For foreign visitors to Japan, JTB Global Marketing & Travel, Inc. offers a special "Sunrise Tours" package. In addition to a unique theater experience, the package offers added value for your stay in Kyoto. The theater’s convenient location near Kyoto Station makes it easy to stop by taking the Shinkansen, Kintetsu, or subway. You can also use the package flexibly in combination with lodging, sightseeing, and dining.

Official website: https://drum-tao-kyoto.com/

Official Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/drumtao_kyoto/

Sunrise Tours special package: https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/plan/detail/260SUWTB022NE001S

■ Comments from those involved

① Mr. Takatoshi Nishiwaki, Governor of Kyoto Prefecture

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the opening of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO and express my deepest respect for everyone involved whose dedicated efforts made this achievement possible.

It is truly meaningful to see a permanent DRUM TAO theater established here in Kyoto, as it is one of Japan’s leading nonverbal entertainment groups and Kyoto is a city that has consistently embraced innovation while preserving its rich traditions and culture.

I sincerely hope that the appeal of nighttime tourism in Kyoto will be further enhanced by DRUM TAO’s dynamic and powerful performances.

② Mr. Koji Matsui, Mayor of Kyoto City

I heartily welcome the opening of DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO, the group's new permanent home. Through their masterful traditional Japanese techniques and spirit, combined with innovative staging, their powerful taiko drumming has stirred the souls of audiences around the world. Their performances will undoubtedly bring great excitement to the nights in Kyoto.

Furthermore, I hope that this new venue will attract a new flow of people in the Kyoto Station area—an area gaining attention as a new art destination—and serve as a hub for cultural creation and dissemination, contributing to the vitality of the city.

The City of Kyoto will continue to create opportunities for citizens and visitors to experience the rich wisdom and arts that live on in Kyoto, and to foster a city filled with inspiration and excitement. We sincerely appreciate your continued support and cooperation.

③ Costume Designer Junko Koshino

Fifteen years ago, I saw DRUM TAO perform for the first time and was blown away by the taiko drums.

It was a worthwhile performance that sublimated traditional performing arts into modern entertainment with power and liveliness. As soon as I had an idea for a costume, I took on the TAO costume design.

I believed the costumes would create an unprecedented DRUM TAO – a fusion of Japanese tradition and innovation desired by the world. Please enjoy it in Kyoto, where people from all over the world gather.

④ Takayuki Unuma, Theater Manager and President of Nomura Real Estate Retail Properties Co., Ltd.

DRUM TAO is a renowned Japanese taiko drumming ensemble that has attracted more than 10 million spectators from 31 countries worldwide to date. We are honored to present the overwhelming sound of the taiko drum, fantastic performing arts, and innovations in Japanese culture at this permanent, designated theater in Kyoto, a city that has nurtured culture and art for over a long period of time.

The intimate theater seats approximately 300 people and provides an atmosphere where the audience can feel the artists' breath and the vibrations of the drums throughout their bodies. The venue also has a bar where you can enjoy original drinks, as well as a rooftop where you can relax and enjoy your evening. We are pleased to offer you an exceptional nighttime experience in Kyoto.

⑤ Ikuo Fujitaka, President, Tao Entertainment Co., Ltd.

The establishment of a permanent, dedicated theater in Kyoto, an emblematic city of Japanese culture, will serve as a base for showcasing traditional Japanese culture to the world. We hope that visitors interested in culture and the arts will experience "the latest Japanese entertainment" during their nighttime outing.

The 7:00 p.m. session, titled HIBIKI is a "festival" piece for families to enjoy. There is a hands-on area where you can play taiko drums. You will feel the pleasant vibrations of the drums throughout your body. The 9:00 p.m. session, titled YUME, is a romantic and moving work, a one-of-a-kind performance featuring taiko drums, shinobue, koto, and shamisen. I will do my best to make it a leading theater in Japan.

Facility overview

■ DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO

Nomura Real Estate acquired a hall in the Avanti Building, which is located near the Hachijo exit of JR Kyoto Station. The permanent theater's production design and long-running performances create an environment in which visitors to Kyoto can immerse themselves in the world of DRUM TAO. Through this theater, we will showcase the best of new Japanese entertainment to domestic and international audiences, while helping to promote Kyoto's nighttime tourism and revitalize the local community.

■ DRUM TAO

With an audience of 10 million spectators in 500 cities across 31 countries, DRUM TAO is one of Japan's best nonverbal entertainment experiences. This pulsating and vibrant performance features Japanese drummers and musicians playing a variety of traditional instruments. It is a unique performance art. When DRUM TAO performed Off-Broadway in 2016, all of their shows sold out. DRUM TAO has been praised as the "face" of Japan, promoting the country around the world.

*1: According to data of DRUM TAO

Official DRUM TAO website: https://www.drum-tao.com/about-tao

Netanyahu authorizes direct talks with Lebanon in potential boost to ceasefire efforts

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In a potential boost to Middle East ceasefire efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that he authorized direct negotiations “as soon as possible” with Lebanon aimed at disarming Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants and establishing relations between the neighbors.

There was no immediate response from Lebanese authorities, but the announcement appeared to bolster the tentative ceasefire in the Iran war that had staggered under the weight of Israel’s bombardment of Beirut, Tehran’s continued chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over whether planned peace talks can find common ground.

Netanyahu's announcement came amid disagreement over whether the ceasefire deal included a pause in fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, and a day after Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes that resulted in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began on Feb. 28.

Iran and the U.S. — which both declared victory after the ceasefire announcement — appeared to apply pressure. Semiofficial news agencies in Iran suggested forces have mined the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil that Tehran has closed. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, warned that U.S. forces would hit Iran harder than before if it did not fulfill the agreement.

Questions also remained over what will happen to Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium at the heart of tensions, how and when normal traffic will resume through the strait, and what happens to Iran’s ability to launch future missile attacks and support armed proxies in the region.

Despite the fragile and disputed nature of the ceasefire, it appeared to have halted weeks of missile and drone attacks by Iran on its Gulf Arab neighbors and Israel, with no new launches reported Thursday. There were no reports of strikes by the U.S. or Israel targeting Iran.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, warned Thursday that continued Israeli attacks on the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon would bring “explicit costs and STRONG responses” in a social media post.

Qalibaf has been discussed as a possible negotiator who could meet U.S. Vice President JD Vance this weekend in Islamabad. The White House has said Vance would lead the delegation for talks starting Saturday.

Iran had said Israel's ongoing attacks on Hezbollah were violating the ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu and Trump have said it was not.

Hours before opening the way for talks with Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel would continue striking Hezbollah “with force, precision and determination.”

Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 203 people were killed and more than 1,000 wounded Wednesday in Israeli strikes in central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon that Israel said targeted Hezbollah, which joined the war in support of Tehran.

Israel said Thursday it killed an aide to Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, Ali Yusuf Harshi. Hezbollah did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A New York-based think tank warned that the ceasefire “ hovers on the verge of collapse ” following Israel's strikes Wednesday.

Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that an Israeli strike overnight killed at least seven people in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military did not immediately acknowledge the strike.

Semiofficial news agencies in Iran published a chart Thursday suggesting the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard put sea mines into the Strait of Hormuz during the war — a message that may be intended to pressure the United States.

The chart, released by the ISNA news agency and Tasnim, showed a large circle marked “danger zone” in Farsi over the route ships take through the strait, through which 20% of all traded oil and natural gas once passed.

Only a trickle of ships have transited since the war began after several were attacked, and Iran threatened to hit any that it deemed connected to the U.S. or Israel. Ships appeared to continue to avoid the strait even after the ceasefire.

The chart suggested that ships travel through waters closer to Iran’s mainland near Larak Island, a route that some ships were observed taking during the war. It was dated from Feb. 28 until April 9, and it was unclear if the Guard had cleared any mines since then.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, told the BBC that his country will allow ships to pass through the strait in accordance with “international norms and international law” once the United States ends its “aggression” in the Middle East and Israel stops attacking Lebanon.

The head of the United Arab Emirates’ major oil company, Sultan al-Jaber, said some 230 ships loaded with oil were waiting to get through the strait and must be allowed "to navigate this corridor without condition.”

The strait’s de facto closure has caused oil prices to skyrocket — affecting the cost of gasoline, food and other basics far beyond the Middle East. Oil prices fell Wednesday on news of the ceasefire but climbed again as uncertainty over the deal grew.

The spot price of Brent crude, the international standard, was around $98 Thursday, up about 35% since the war began.

Points to address in talks include whether Iran will be allowed to formalize a system of charging ships to use the strait. That would upend decades of free transit through what has been treated as an international waterway.

The fate of Iran’s missile and nuclear programs — which the U.S. and Israel sought to eliminate in going to war — also remained unclear. The U.S. insists Iran must never be able to build nuclear weapons and wants to remove Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which could be used to build them. Iran insists its program is peaceful.

Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. would work with Iran to remove the uranium, buried in last year's U.S. and Israeli strikes, though Iran did not confirm that. In one version of the ceasefire deal that Iran published, it said it would be allowed to continue enrichment.

The chief of Iran’s nuclear agency, Mohammad Eslami, said Thursday that protecting Tehran’s right to enrich uranium is “necessary” for any ceasefire talks.

Trump warned that U.S. warships and troops will remain around Iran “until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”

Becatoros reported from Athens, Greece. Associated Press writers Chan Ho-him in Hong Kong, Zeke Miller in Washington and Kareem Chehayeb and Hussein Malla in Beirut contributed to this report.