Japan Society announces its 2014-2015 Performing Arts Season, featuring works by visionary artists in music, dance and theater. In this season, the Performing Arts Program proudly presents two large-scale series of events: in music, The Shamisen Sessions in Fall 2014; and in Spring 2015, Stories from the War: Reflecting on WWII through Theater, a series of theater events marking the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII; in addition to long-running programs such as the Contemporary Dance Showcase, Annual Play Reading Series, a commission premiere and related events.

The season commences in September with The Shamisen Sessions, four distinct music events centered on Japan’s unique centuries-old three-stringed instrument, from modern and experimental interpretations to world-class traditional explorations. The Shamisen Sessions, Vols. 1-4 offer a rare look at the versatility and evolution of one of Japan’s most enduring instruments through distinct performances by star shamisen players, supported by related events and workshops spanning September – December 2014.

In dance this season, Japan Society presents the Contemporary Dance Showcase in January 2015, marking the 16th installment set to run in conjunction with The Association of Performing Arts Presenters’ (APAP) annual New York City conference. In June, the Society presents the New York Premiere of Kota Yamazaki/Fluid hug-hug’s OQ, a Japan Society commission.

To honor the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, Japan Society presents three timely and topical theater offerings: the plays Zero Hour: Tokyo Rose’s Last Tape (January) and Yokohama Rosa (April), and a rare double bill offering plays from the modern and traditional noh repertoires, New and Traditional Noh: Holy Mother in Nagasaki and Kiyotsune (May). Additionally in theater, Japan Society delivers the 11th installment of the Play Reading Series: Contemporary Japanese Plays in English Translation with Dancing with the Bird, written by Seiji Nozoe, translated and directed by James Yaegashi (March). Productions and related events and workshops are detailed below. All events are at Japan Society, located at 333 East 47th Street. For tickets or more information, please visit www.japansociety.org, or call 212-715-1258. Tickets are available to Japan Society members now by calling or visiting the box office; tickets are available to the general public beginning Monday, August 11. ‘)}