A new permanent outdoor art stage is coming to Awaji Island on July 17, 2026. Named PASONA HARBOR STAGE and operated by Nijigen no Mori Co., Ltd., it will float on the sea along the northern east coast of Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture — and is described as Japan's only permanent offshore art stage.
The venue is built around the concept of "art well-being," bringing performing arts and nature together in a space where the sea, sky, starlight, and moonlight all become part of the experience. With Osaka Bay stretching out in front, the stage frames views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Kobe cityscape. Programming will span a range of cultural arts, including opera, ballet, dance, and taiko drumming.
Inaugural Performance: NATUREVERSE Birth
The opening show, "NATUREVERSE Birth", premieres on July 17, 2026, after sunset. Drawing on Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix (火の鳥), the production traces the 4.6-billion-year history of Earth and life, exploring the relationship between humanity and nature and the hope for the future, in a dynamic entertainment format.
The show blends cutting-edge video and audio technology with live performances by dancers and actors. It was co-created with VIV Technologies, a studio specializing in AI- and XR-powered video production and immersive content. Tickets went on sale on June 26, 2026, on the official website.
NATUREVERSE Birth Schedule & Pricing
Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show starts at 7:30 PM (times may vary by season — check the official website for details). All prices are tax-inclusive.
| Day | Type | Adult (age 12+) | Child (ages 5–11) | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri / Sat / Sun / Mon + Holidays | Live performance with artists | ¥2,000 | ¥1,000 | Free |
| Tue / Wed / Thu | Video screening only (no live artists) | ¥1,000 | ¥500 | Free |
Facility Overview
The stage is equipped with a screen measuring 8 meters high by 33 meters wide, along with three 40,000-lumen-class projectors — the same units used at the Belgium Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. The venue seats 550, with a 900-square-meter viewing area and a 600-square-meter stage.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | July 17, 2026 |
| Location | 2942-39 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Screen | 8m (H) × 33m (W) |
| Projectors | 40,000 lumen class × 3 |
| Seating | 550 seats |
| Viewing Area / Stage | 900㎡ / 600㎡ |
| Operator | Nijigen no Mori Co., Ltd. |
| Website | https://pasonaharborstage.com/ |
Access
- By car: 5 min from Awaji IC on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway
- By express bus: Walk from "Iwaya Junior High School" bus stop
- By ferry: 18 min walk from Iwaya Port (Awaji Jenova Line high-speed ferry)
