Everything You Need to Know About Seeing Disney Musicals in Japan

For over 30 years, Shiki Theatre Company has brought Disney magic to Japan, in partnership with Disney Theatrical Group. The collaboration began in 1995 with Beauty and the Beast and celebrated its 30th anniversary in November 2025, marking three decades of Broadway-calibre productions that have captivated audiences across Japan.

Japan is now home to a variety of long-running Disney musicals, both in Tokyo and on national tours. Touring shows often visit major cities such as Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Hiroshima, as well as smaller regional theatres, giving theatre-goers nationwide the chance to experience beloved Disney stories live on stage. Here’s a look at the current and upcoming Disney stage productions across Japan!

The Lion King

Disney’s The Lion King remains Shiki Theatre Company’s defining production in Japan, marking its 27th anniversary after first opening in 1998 as the inaugural show at the former Shiki Theatre Spring in Tokyo. Now running at the Ariake Shiki Theatre, the musical pioneered Japan’s first indefinite long run and has since been performed more than 14,600 times, welcoming around 14.5 million guests.

• Venue: Ariake Shiki Theatre, Tokyo
• Show Length: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes (including one 20-minute interval)
• Ticket: Various seat categories; performances currently scheduled through 28 June 2026
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Family-friendly show with strong demand on weekends and holidays
• More information: https://www.shiki.jp/applause/lionking/

Aladdin

Aladdin brings the story of a young man chasing freedom and a “whole new world” to the Tokyo stage. This Shiki Theatre Company production, which debuted in 2015, captures the adventure, romance, and hit songs from the Disney classic, with vibrant staging and memorable performances that make it a must-see for families and theatre fans alike.

• Venue: Dentsu Shiki Theatre UMI, Tokyo
• Show Length: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes (includes a 20‑minute interval)
• Ticket: Multiple seat categories with child pricing available
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Weekend and peak performances sell fast, so check availability early
• More Information: https://www.shiki.jp/applause/aladdin/

Frozen (Closes Sunday, 17 January 2027)

Frozen brings the beloved Disney story of two sisters and the power of true love to the Shiki Theatre Company stage in Tokyo. Since its Japanese debut in 2017, this production has turned the icy world of Arendelle into a dramatic musical filled with familiar songs, alongside 12 new songs.

• Venue: NOMURA Nomura Securities Musical Theatre JR‑East Shiki Theatre HARU, Tokyo
• Show Length: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (including one 20‑minute interval)
• Ticket: Multiple seat categories with varying prices; ticket availability shown on the official schedule
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Tickets are in high demand, so check performance dates and ticket availability early
• More Information: https://www.shiki.jp/applause/anayuki/

Beauty and the Beast (Closes Sunday, 15 March 2026)

Beauty and the Beast was the first collaboration between Disney Theatrical Group and Shiki Theatre Company, debuting in 1995. This timeless love story continues to shine at the Maihama Amphitheater near Tokyo Disney Resort, with refreshed staging and direction that keep the production magical and engaging for audiences of all ages.

• Venue: Maihama Amphitheater, Chiba (near Tokyo Disney Resort)
• Show Length: Approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (including interval)
• Ticket: Various seat categories available; check the official schedule for performance dates and bookings
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Weekend and holiday shows often sell out quickly; book early for the best seats
• More Information: https://www.shiki.jp/applause/bb/

The Little Mermaid (Opens Wednesday, 26 August 2026)

The Little Mermaid returns to Japan with a new production set to open at the Maihama Amphitheater inside Tokyo Disney Resort in August 2026. First staged in Japan in 2013, this version reimagines the show with inventive staging and advanced flying effects, creating a truly immersive underwater world – far removed from the Broadway production’s use of wheelie sneakers for Ariel and her friends.

• Venue: Maihama Amphitheater, Chiba (inside Tokyo Disney Resort)
• Show Length: Not yet announced
• Ticket: Reservations for Shiki no Kai members begin on March 22. General sales begin on March 29
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Highly anticipated show with limited early availability
• More Information: Shiki Theatre Company

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Opens: Wednesday, 22 July 2026)

The Hunchback of Notre Dame comes to stages across Japan, opening at the Osaka Shiki Theatre on July 22, 2026, and running through early 2027. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic story and adapted from Disney Theatrical Group’s stage version, the production takes a darker, more theatrical approach to the tale while keeping the original music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

Production Information – The Hunchback of Notre Dame

• Venue: Osaka Shiki Theatre (Osaka)
• Show Run: Wednesday, 22 July 2026 – Sunday, 7 February 2027
• Show Length: Typical musical runtime with one interval (exact duration to be confirmed)
• Ticket: Various seat categories available; check the official schedule for performance dates
• Audience Info: Children aged 3 and over require a paid ticket; under 3s not admitted
• Booking Tip: Shows are expected to be in high demand, so book early to secure better seats
• More Information: https://www.shiki.jp/applause/notredame/ticket_schedule/

Purchasing Tickets

• Many pages are in Japanese, but browser translation tools work well, and Shiki Theatre Company provides a handy English guide to help navigate the booking process.
• Some shows offer Subtitle Glasses -a device that displays subtitles for hearing-impaired or non-Japanese-speaking guests. Subtitles are available in English, Chinese, and Korean, and require advance booking
• Tickets are available in multiple categories, with discounts for children and students
• Confirmation emails can be received in English
• Most tickets are QR codes that can be printed or shown on a smartphone at the theatre
• Same-day tickets may be available for unsold performances, with online reservations opening the evening before
• Weekend and holiday performances sell out quickly, so booking early is recommended

For more information about these shows and more, visit Shiki Theatre Company

Images © Shiki Theatre Company