16 World-Class Performers Gather on Awaji Island! 'Awaji Art Circus 2026' Opens October 17

The Awaji Art Circus Executive Committee (secretariat: Pasona Group Inc.) will host the international entertainment show 'Awaji Art Circus 2026' from Saturday, October 17, 2026, to Sunday, November 8, 2026, inviting 16 artists from 10 countries to Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture.

This year's theme, 'The Revived World of Journey to the West: A Dreamlike Journey to the Far West,' draws inspiration from the Chinese classical novel 'Journey to the West.' The show will feature a wide range of performances, including roller skating, acrobatic ladder acts, aerial silks, contortion, baton twirling, and ballet, all enhanced by live music and video projections.

Awaji Art Circus is organized by an executive committee led by Pasona Group, in collaboration with Hyogo Prefecture, Awaji City, Sumoto City, and Minamiawaji City. The event aims to increase visitor numbers to Awaji Island, promote local arts and culture, and create performance opportunities for domestic and international artists.

This year's production, 'The Revived World of Journey to the West: A Dreamlike Journey to the Far West,' tells a grand adventure story of growth and camaraderie as characters overcome various demons and challenges. By combining animation, physical expression, and live music, the performance brings the world of 'Journey to the West' to life as a modern entertainment spectacle.

The show will feature breathtaking acts such as 'acrobatic ladder,' where performers execute daring stunts like handstands on a 4-meter wooden ladder without safety harnesses, and 'aerial silks,' a graceful aerial acrobatics performance using long fabric suspended from the ceiling. Other highlights include powerful acrobatics, mesmerizing baton twirling, and astonishing illusion shows, all performed with live musical accompaniment.

Additionally, outreach performances are planned at elementary and junior high schools across Awaji Island. These events will allow children to experience diverse international performances and traditional arts up close, fostering deeper international understanding through interaction with artists and contributing to the development of locally rooted artistic culture.

Overview of 'Awaji Art Circus 2026': 'The Revived World of Journey to the West: A Dreamlike Journey to the Far West'

◆ Period:

October 17 (Sat), 2026 – November 8 (Sun), 2026

◆ Content:

International entertainment show 'The Revived World of Journey to the West: A Dreamlike Journey to the Far West'

The fantastical world inspired by 'Journey to the West' will be expressed through a variety of performances, including circus, dance, music, and video. Artists from 10 countries will reinterpret 'Journey to the West' with live music, delivering a spectacular stage production.

Artists: 16 performers (from 10 countries including Japan)

【Performance Content】

Handstand, acrobatic ladder, chair-balancing acrobatics, martial arts, illusion show, roller skating, aerial silks, contortion, baton twirling, ballet, and more

◆ Schedule:

① Theater Performances

Dates: 12 performances in total between October 17 (Sat) and November 8 (Sun)

※ For details, please check the official website

Start time: 14:00 (Doors open at 13:30) ※ Each performance is approximately 70 minutes

Venue: Former Asomble Hall (2942-17 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Admission: General / ¥5,500 (tax included) Students / ¥2,500 (tax included) Children (ages 3 to elementary school) / ¥1,000 (tax included) ※ All seats are reserved

② Outreach Performances

Details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are finalized.

◆ Ticket Purchase:

https://teket.jp/10486/70855

◆ Official Website:

https://awajiartscircus.com/aac2026.php

Past Activities of 'Awaji Art Circus'

Since 2015, Pasona Group has collaborated with Awaji City, Sumoto City, Minamiawaji City, and other local partners to host the international entertainment show 'Awaji Art Circus' on Awaji Island. The event aims to increase visitor numbers, promote international exchange, and foster the creation and development of local artistic culture. To date, approximately 200 artists from over 40 countries have participated, showcasing diverse performances. This year marks the 12th edition of the event.