Opening on 28 November through 14 December, the Yokohama International Performing Arts Meeting (YPAM) is Japan’s longest-running platform for professionals in theater, dance and various forms of performance to engage in the creation, dissemination and international exchange of contemporary performing arts. Since its inception in 1995 as the Tokyo Performing Arts Market (TPAM) and following its shift toward an Asia focus in 2015, YPAM has contributed to numerous international co-productions across Asia, earning recognition as one of the region’s most influential platforms. Now marking its 30th edition, YPAM continues to welcome both industry professionals and general audiences to its wide-ranging meeting and performance programs.

Evolving from 14 years of experience, the YPAM Direction this year debuts a new forum format, bringing together colleagues who developed innovative artist lab programs in Taipei, Singapore, and Bangkok during the 2010s and 2020s, and artists whose projects stimulate professional discourse on the creation, methodologies, and the evolving notion of “work” in Asia today.

General audiences and professionals can experience YPAM as a festival, with the YPAM Showcase featuring seven outstanding performances, brought to you in partnership with organizations from Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, and Italy.

At YPAM Exchange, the Meeting Point, which includes symposia as well as participant-led presentations and roundtable discussions, is held again from 9 to 11 December, alongside studio visits, pitch sessions, public lectures and other exciting programs, where international networking continuing late into the night both on- and offline.

Alongside these, the open call performing arts festival YPAM Fringe returns with a record 53 programs, including 13 from overseas, offering a lineup of innovative works that defy expectations and are sure to give audiences thrills and fresh perspectives.

Tickets are now available at https://ypam.jp/ticket/index.en.html and professional registration remains open until 14 December. For details please visit: https://ypam.jp/2025/participation/index.en.html.