[Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc.] Dedicated theater for Japanese drum performance group “DRUM TAO” to open in Kyoto in spring 2026
Nomura Real Estate Holdings, Inc. Press Release: September 17, 2025 A dedicated theater for the Japanese drum performance group “DRUM TAO” will open in Kyoto in spring 2026. ~Bringing new value to Kyoto nightlife with Japanese non-verbal*1 entertainment~ Points of this press release 1. Nomura Real Estate Group, Tao Entertainment, and JTB Communication Design will combine their resources and know-how to create a new business in the entertainment field. 2. As a dedicated theater for DRUM TAO, it will deliver long-running performances throughout the year, providing new nighttime entertainment to Kyoto. 3. We aim to establish a new form of entertainment that represents Japan with an overwhelming immersive experience that can only be achieved in a limited space of
approximately 320 seats. Nomura Real Estate Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Daisaku Matsuo / hereinafter “Nomura Real Estate”) and Tao Entertainment Inc. (Head office: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture / President and CEO: Ikuo Fujitaka / hereinafter “Tao Entertainment”) have agreed to establish a limited liability company (LLC)*2 to engage in the entertainment business. Furthermore, this LLC has also entered into a comprehensive business alliance with JTB Communication Design, Inc. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Takuyuki Fujiwara / hereinafter “JCD”), thereby combining the resources and know-how of each company to create new businesses in the entertainment field. Furthermore, Nomura Real Estate Commerce Co., Ltd. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo / President and CEO: Takayuki Unuma / hereinafter “Nomura Real Estate Commerce”) will be entrusted with business promotion by Nomura Real Estate. Additionally, Nomura Real Estate Development has acquired a hall in the Avanti Building in front of Kyoto Station to serve as the base for this project. As a new venture in the entertainment sector, we are pleased to announce the opening of a dedicated theater (hereinafter referred to as the “Theater”) in Kyoto in spring 2026 for the Japanese drumming performance group DRUM TAO (hereinafter referred to as “DRUM TAO”), which has performed in 31 countries worldwide and boasts a track record of attracting audiences of 10 million people*3. *1: Nonverbal = communication without using words *2: Nomura Real Estate and Tao Entertainment have signed a joint venture agreement and plan to establish a limited liability company (trade name: NRE & TAO Entertainment Partners LLC) in the future. *3: DRUM TAO official website: https://www.drum-tao.com/about-tao
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/25694/802/25694-802-1b996731f5363934b87996b7a7dad955-1782×685.png [Perspective view of the hall] 【DRUM TAO】 1. Features of this project (1) “Bringing people of the world closer together” through an “emotional experience” that transcends language and culture. Drum Tao will deliver uniquely Japanese non-verbal entertainment through their powerful taiko drumming and performance. The limited space of approximately 320 seats allows for an overwhelming sense of realism and immersion. Through the viewing experience of feeling the energy of the performers and the taiko drums up close, we aim to create a theater where audiences can share their emotions, transcending language and cultural differences. Furthermore, by promoting the appeal of this performance both domestically and internationally, we aim to establish “a new form of entertainment that represents Japan.” (2) A dedicated theater where you can experience the world of DRUM TAO at any time As a dedicated theater for DRUM TAO, this theater will host permanent, long-running performances throughout the year. With a stage and seating layout that maximizes the energy of the performance, as well as a production design and management system unique to a dedicated theater, we will create an environment where visitors can experience the world of DRUM TAO at any time. (3) Providing a special moment in Kyoto’s evening DRUM TAO will be performing as a night show, offering a new way to spend the night in Kyoto. The entire theater will be designed with a consistent worldview, and with exhibitions and performances in the hall and foyer, service at the bar counter, and collaborations with artists and artisans associated with Kyoto, we will deliver an experience that will leave you feeling excited and excited both before and after the performance. 2. Significance of Each Company’s Initiatives (1) Nomura Real Estate Group In line with its 2030 vision, “Toward the Unseen: A Life & Time Developer—A Group that Maximizes Happiness and Prosperity,” the Nomura Real Estate Group values being close to our customers’ lives and time through real estate development and related services. Nomura Real Estate Group is embarking on its first entertainment venue business*4. We aim to create unprecedented experiential value by going beyond venue development and taking on content planning, business promotion, and dissemination. We will build a one-of-a-kind entertainment hub in Kyoto, a city that has captivated countless people, and provide visitors with inspiration and discoveries. Furthermore, by promoting the appeal of this theater both domestically and internationally, we will enhance the appeal of Kyoto’s nightlife, enrich the experience of visitors, and contribute to the revitalization of the region. *4: A venue is a place where an event is held, particularly a venue for concerts, sports, performances, etc. With the expanding live entertainment and professional sports markets as its backdrop, the Nomura Real Estate Group is engaged in the development and operation of halls and arenas, as well as the entertainment business, with the aim of creating happiness and enrichment through experiences. (2) Tao Entertainment With the motto “Bringing Cool Japan to the World,” DRUM TAO delivers excitement and amazement both at home and abroad through their art that combines Japanese tradition and innovation. At this theater in Kyoto, we hope to provide international visitors with an opportunity to experience how traditional Japanese culture has evolved during their travels. Furthermore, with a night show outside of peak tourist hours, we hope to offer a facility where visitors can enjoy Kyoto from a different perspective, and through collaborations with local artists and artisans, we hope to convey the city’s deeper charms. ■About DRUM TAO With audiences of 10 million in 500 cities across 31 countries, they are one of Japan’s leading non-verbal entertainment acts. Their unique theatrical performances feature stunning performances centered around Japanese drums and a variety of other traditional Japanese instruments. In 2016, they debuted Off-Broadway in New York, selling out every performance. They have been praised as “DRUM TAO’s ‘face’ to promote Japan to the world.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/25694/802/25694-802-58112025d8153037aff4b15dcdbbd96f-709×472.png (3) JTB Communication Design (JCD) JCD’s business focuses on promotion, MICE, and facility and administrative management. We foster diverse interactions that connect people, companies, and communities, providing new value to society and business. Leveraging our extensive track record and comprehensive capabilities, we specialize in revitalizing local communities, solving corporate challenges, and even addressing a wide range of issues related to inbound tourism to Japan, contributing to the creation of a sustainable and attractive future. In this project, we will be responsible for promoting Kyoto to foreign tourists and managing the theater facility. 3.Overview of this facility Location 9th floor, Avanti Building, 31 Higashikujo Nishisanno-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Transportation 1-minute walk from Kyoto Station (Subway) / 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Kyoto Station / Directly outside the Hachijo Exit of JR Kyoto Station Floor Area 1,395.58 square meters (planned) Number of seats Approximately 320 seats (planned) Copyright ©
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