New National Theatre Opera: Verdi’s Rigoletto

• February 18, 2026 at 6:00 pm
  Event date:
• March 1, 2026 at 10:00 pm
  Event end:

Overview

The New National Theatre, Tokyo (NNTT) presents Giuseppe Verdi’s profound mid-period masterpiece, “Rigoletto.” This tragic opera in three acts is a powerful story of a hunchbacked court jester, Rigoletto; his innocent daughter, Gilda; and the corrupt, womanizing Duke of Mantua. The opera is renowned for its intense drama, psychological depth, and unforgettable music, including the famous arias “La donna è mobile” and “Caro nome.”

This production, originally a co-production of the ABAO Bilbao Opera, features an internationally renowned cast and creative team. The music will be conducted by Italian opera master Daniele Callegari and performed by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and the New National Theatre Chorus.

The title role of the jester Rigoletto is sung by the world-leading Verdi baritone Vladimir Stoyanov. He is joined by tenor star Lawrence Brownlee as the Duke of Mantua and acclaimed soprano Eri Nakamura as Gilda, promising a truly spectacular opera experience.

Performance & Cast Details

This run of Rigoletto consists of five performances over two weeks at the New National Theatre Opera Palace in Tokyo. The opera will be performed in Italian with Japanese and English subtitles.

Show Schedule & Ticket Information

Tickets are available via Advance Seat Selection on a First-Come, First-Served basis.

Ticket Types & Pricing

Tickets are available across four tiers, plus a fixed service charge per ticket. Seat selection is available from 19:00 on November 25, 2025.

Why Attend

• World-Class Cast: Featuring international opera stars Vladimir Stoyanov, Lawrence Brownlee, and Eri Nakamura in the three central roles.
• Verdi Masterpiece: Experience one of the greatest and most popular operas, filled with famous melodies and intense drama.
• NNTT Quality: The New National Theatre, Tokyo, is Japan’s premier opera house, ensuring a production of the highest artistic standard.
• Emilio Sagi Production: A critically acclaimed production that focuses on the characters’ loneliness and features beautifully iconic stage art.
• Convenient Subtitles: The opera will be sung in Italian with both Japanese and English subtitles provided for easy understanding.
• Advanced Selection: Tickets offer Advance Seat Selection, allowing you to choose your preferred viewing location when booking opens.

Booking with Jasumo

Submit your request through the Jasumo Contact Form with: date, venue, ticket type (reserved), and quantity (e.g., “February 23 NNTT Opera Palace, 2x A seat”). Jasumo offers comprehensive bilingual support, including eplus account creation, lottery/general release submission, payment guidance, and physical pickup coordination.

Group bookings up to 4 tickets per application supported, with 1 application limit per show. Apply early for lottery—¥12,100 tickets vanish fast for diamond jihad savings. Jasumo ensure seamless navigation for international users, from lottery entry to entry validation.

Disclaimer

Jasumo provides a specialized facilitation service for foreign tourists and non-Japanese residents in Japan, assisting with ticket acquisition for cultural events like Europe Kikaku’s 44th Performance “Internet Island Explorer” Tour through authorized platforms like Pia. We are not a ticket reseller and do not sell tickets directly. Our role is to guide international customers through the official booking process, addressing challenges such as:

• Language Barriers: Japanese-only ticketing systems; Jasumo offers bilingual support.
• Local Platforms: Assistance with lottery registration, payments, and e-ticket delivery.
• High Demand: ~300–1,500 seats per venue and troupe’s cult following create sellout risks; we manage deadlines for prime chances.

Securing tickets is not guaranteed. Book via Jasumo by venue deadlines (e.g., Nov 5, 2025, for Tokyo) for official ¥8,500 pricing to avoid resales. For travel planning, we can coordinate with regional tourism boards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the opera’s plot about?

Rigoletto is a tragic story set in 16th-century Mantua, revolving around the Duke’s jester, Rigoletto, whose mockery of the courtiers earns him a devastating curse. His attempts to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the Duke’s licentiousness tragically fail, resulting in Gilda’s sacrifice and the fulfillment of the curse.

Who is the Conductor for this production?

The opera will be conducted by Italian maestro Daniele Callegari, known for his deep understanding of the Italian opera repertoire.

What are the most famous pieces of music in Rigoletto?

The opera is famous for many arias and ensembles, including the Duke’s cynical song “La donna è mobile” (Woman is fickle), Gilda’s beautiful aria “Caro nome” (Dearest name), Rigoletto’s furious denunciation “Cortigiani, vil razza dannata,” and the magnificent Act III Quartet (“Bella figlia dell’amore”).

Can I choose my own seats during the booking process?

Yes, this is an Advance Seat Selection application. When the application period begins (November 25, 2025, at 19:00 JST), you can choose the specific seats you wish to purchase from the available inventory.

Is there an age restriction for children attending the opera?

Yes, the organizer states that patrons should refrain from bringing preschool children into the venue. Each child, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket, but for the safety and enjoyment of all patrons, the attendance of small children is discouraged.

Location