上演 in 30 Seconds
- 上演 (jōen) refers specifically to performing or staging a play or opera on a stage.
- It is a noun that can become a verb by adding 'suru', meaning 'to stage'.
- Do not confuse it with 'jōei' (上映), which is used for screening movies.
- Commonly found in theater schedules, news about musicals, and traditional arts like Kabuki.
The Japanese word 上演 (じょうえん - jōen) is a specialized term that translates to the performance or staging of a theatrical work. While English speakers might use the general word 'performance' for music, dance, and theater, Japanese distinguishes between these activities. 上演 specifically focuses on the act of putting a play, drama, or opera onto a stage for an audience. It is the moment the script comes to life in a physical theater space. This noun can also function as a verb when combined with 'suru' (上演する), meaning 'to stage' or 'to perform' a play.
- Theatrical Focus
- It is used exclusively for narrative stage works like plays, musicals, kabuki, and operas. You would not use it for a solo violin recital.
その劇団は、新しい劇を上演している。(Sono gekidan wa, atarashii geki o jōen shite iru.) - That theater troupe is staging a new play.
The kanji themselves tell a story. 上 (Jō) means 'up' or 'above,' but in this context, it refers to 'presenting' or 'putting up' on a stage. 演 (En) means 'to perform' or 'to act.' Together, they represent the elevation of a story to the stage. When you see this word on a poster in Tokyo, it usually indicates the start times or the duration of the performance. It carries a sense of formality and professional production. It is common in news reports about Broadway shows coming to Japan or the reopening of traditional theaters like the Kabuki-za.
- Professional Context
- You will find this word in contracts, theater programs, and official announcements. It is less common in casual conversation unless specifically discussing the logistics of a show.
シェイクスピアの作品が、この劇場で上演される予定です。(Shakespeare no sakuhin ga, kono gekijō de jōen sareru yotei desu.) - Shakespeare's works are scheduled to be performed at this theater.
Understanding 上演 is crucial for navigating the Japanese cultural scene. Whether you are interested in modern anime-based stage plays (2.5D musicals) or traditional Noh theater, this word will be your primary marker for the act of staging. It implies a complete production involving actors, sets, and lighting. It is the culmination of rehearsals and creative preparation.
- Time Duration
- The term 'jōen jikan' (上演時間) refers specifically to the 'run time' or 'duration' of the performance, excluding or including intermissions depending on the context.
今回の上演は、３時間に及びます。(Konkai no jōen wa, san-jikan ni oyobimasu.) - This performance will last for three hours.
In summary, 上演 is the bridge between a written script and a live audience. It encompasses the physical presence of the performers and the space they inhabit. For a language learner, recognizing this word helps in identifying event listings and understanding the specific nature of a performance being discussed.
Using 上演 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its capability to become a verb. In Japanese, many nouns representing actions can be turned into verbs by adding 'suru' (to do). 上演する (jōen suru) means 'to stage' or 'to perform.' This is a transitive verb construction, meaning it usually takes an object marked by the particle 'o' (を).
- Active Staging
- When a troupe or theater 'performs' a play, they are '上演する'.
有名な劇団がその作品を上演しました。(Yūmei na gekidan ga sono sakuhin o jōen shimashita.) - A famous theater troupe staged that work.
Another common usage is the passive form, 上演される (jōen sareru), which means 'to be performed' or 'to be staged.' This is frequently used when the subject of the sentence is the play itself rather than the people performing it. This is standard in formal announcements or descriptive writing about theater schedules.
- Passive Staging
- Used when focusing on the play or the venue: 'The play is staged at...'
この劇は来月、国立劇場で上演されます。(Kono geki wa raigetsu, Kokuritsu Gekijō de jōen saremasu.) - This play will be performed at the National Theater next month.
You can also use 上演 as a prefix to create compound nouns. For example, 上演中 (jōen-chū) means 'currently performing' or 'now playing.' This is often seen on signs outside theaters to indicate that a show is in progress and entry might be restricted. Similarly, 上演時間 (jōen jikan) is 'performance time' or 'duration.'
- Compound Nouns
- 上演権 (jōen-ken) - Performance rights; 上演目録 (jōen mokuroku) - Performance repertoire.
ただいま上演中につき、入場はご遠慮ください。(Tadaima jōen-chū ni tsuki, nyūjō wa go-enryo kudasai.) - As the performance is currently in progress, please refrain from entering.
In more advanced contexts, you might see 上演禁止 (jōen kinshi), meaning a ban on a performance. This often appears in historical discussions about censorship in the arts. Whether you are using the active, passive, or compound form, 上演 remains the technical anchor for theatrical production in Japanese.
You will encounter 上演 in several specific environments. The most common is the theater lobby. Whether it's a small black-box theater in Shimokitazawa or the grand Takarazuka Revue, the word is ubiquitous in posters, programs, and staff announcements. It signals the professional nature of the event.
- Theater Announcements
- 'The performance will begin shortly.' (まもなく上演が始まります。)
本日の上演は、定刻通り開始いたします。(Honjitsu no jōen wa, teikoku dōri kaishi itashimasu.) - Today's performance will start exactly on time.
News media is another frequent source. When a major Broadway musical like 'Wicked' or 'The Lion King' is brought to Japan by the Shiki Theatre Company, news headlines will use 上演 to describe the run. It is also the standard term in the world of traditional Japanese arts. Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku performances are always described as 上演. In these contexts, the word carries a weight of tradition and cultural significance.
- Traditional Arts
- Kabuki performances at the Kabuki-za are referred to as 'jōen'.
伝統的な歌舞伎の演目が上演された。(Dentō-teki na Kabuki no enmoku ga jōen sareta.) - A traditional Kabuki program was staged.
In educational settings, drama clubs (演劇部 - engekibu) use this word when planning their school festival (文化祭 - bunkasai) plays. A student might say, 'We are going to stage a play in the gym.' This shows that while the word is professional, it is used by anyone engaged in the act of theatrical production.
- Ticketing Websites
- You will see '上演スケジュール' (Performance Schedule) on sites like Ticket Pia.
その作品の再上演を待ち望んでいるファンが多い。(Sono sakuhin no saijōen o machinozonde iru fan ga ooi.) - Many fans are looking forward to a revival (re-staging) of that work.
Finally, in the legal and business world of the arts, 上演 appears in discussions of copyright. 'Performance rights' (上演権 - jōenken) is a specific legal term. If you are a creator or a producer, this is the word you will use to discuss the permission to put a story on a stage.
The most frequent mistake learners make with 上演 is using it for the wrong medium. Because English uses the word 'performance' for almost everything—music, sports, movies, and theater—it is easy to over-apply 上演. However, Japanese is much more compartmentalized.
- Mistake: Music
- Do not use 上演 for a musical concert. Use 演奏 (ensō) for playing instruments or 公演 (kōen) for a general public performance.
Incorrect: ピアノの上演 (Piano no jōen)
Correct: ピアノの演奏 (Piano no ensō)
Another common error is confusing 上演 (jōen) with 上映 (jōei). As mentioned previously, 上映 is for movies and film screenings. The 'ei' (映) kanji means 'to reflect' or 'to project,' like a movie projector. 上演 uses 'en' (演), which means 'to act.' If you tell a friend you are going to a movie 'jōen,' they will be confused, thinking you are going to see a live play version of the movie.
- Mistake: Movies
- Do not use 上演 for cinema. Use 上映 (jōei).
Incorrect: 映画を上演する (Eiga o jōen suru)
Correct: 映画を上映する (Eiga o jōei suru)
Learners also sometimes confuse 上演 with 演技 (engi). 演技 refers to the 'acting skill' or the 'performance of an individual actor.' 上演 refers to the 'event of the play' as a whole. You would say 'His acting (演技) was great,' but 'The performance (上演) of the play lasted two hours.'
- Mistake: Individual Acting
- Do not use 上演 to compliment an actor's skill. Use 演技 (engi).
Incorrect: 彼の上演は素晴らしかった (Kare no jōen wa subarashikatta)
Correct: 彼の演技は素晴らしかった (Kare no engi wa subarashikatta)
Finally, be careful with 公演 (kōen). 公演 is a more general term for 'public performance' and can often be used interchangeably with 上演 for plays. However, 上演 is more specific to the 'staging' aspect. If you are unsure, 公演 is usually a safe, broader bet, but 上演 makes you sound more like a theater expert.
Japanese has several words related to 'performance,' and choosing the right one depends on the medium and the context. Here is how 上演 compares to its peers.
- 上演 (Jōen) vs. 公演 (Kōen)
- 上演 is specific to theater, plays, and operas. 公演 is broader, covering any public performance including concerts, circuses, and dance recitals. If a play is performed in public, both can be used, but 上演 emphasizes the theatrical production.
海外上演 (kaigai jōen) - Staging a play abroad.
海外公演 (kaigai kōen) - A public performance tour abroad (could be a band).
Next is 上映 (Jōei). This is the most common point of confusion for learners. As established, 上映 is strictly for showing films on a screen. If there are no live actors on a stage, it is not 上演.
- 上演 (Jōen) vs. 上映 (Jōei)
- 上演 = Live stage performance. 上映 = Movie screening.
映画館で上映される (eigakan de jōei sareru) - Screened at a movie theater.
劇場で上演される (gekijō de jōen sareru) - Staged at a theater.
Then we have 演奏 (Ensō). This is used specifically for musical performances. If you are playing an instrument or a band is performing, you use 演奏. Even if a play has music, the act of the actors performing the story is 上演, while the pit orchestra is doing 演奏.
- 演技 (Engi) and 演出 (Enshutsu)
- 演技 is acting. 演出 is directing or production/staging style. 上演 is the event of the performance itself.
斬新な演出で上演された。(Zanshin na enshutsu de jōen sareta.) - It was staged with an innovative directing style.
Finally, 舞台 (Butai). This word literally means 'stage.' While it is a noun for the physical platform, it is often used colloquially to mean 'a stage play.' Someone might say 'I went to see a butai,' whereas 上演 is the more formal term for the act of that play being performed.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '演' originally depicted water flowing and expanding, which evolved into the idea of 'developing' a story or theme through performance.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'en' like 'in'. It should be 'eh-n'.
- Shortening the 'jō' sound. It must be a long vowel (jō).
- Confusing it with 'jōei' (screening).
- Using 'u' instead of 'ō' (juen).
- Placing the stress on the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Kanji are common but specific to arts context.
The kanji '演' can be tricky to write correctly.
Pronunciation is straightforward.
Clear sound, but easily confused with 'jōei'.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Suru-verbs
上演する (Noun + Suru)
Passive Voice
上演される (Staged by someone)
During (~chū)
上演中 (In the middle of performing)
Purpose (Tame ni)
上演するために (In order to stage)
Noun Compounds
上演時間 (Time of performance)
Examples by Level
この劇は明日、上演されます。
This play will be performed tomorrow.
Passive form: jōen saremasu.
上演は何時ですか。
What time is the performance?
Noun usage.
上演時間は一時間です。
The performance time is one hour.
Compound noun: jōen jikan.
私たちは劇を上演します。
We will perform a play.
Verb usage: jōen shimasu.
上演が終わりました。
The performance has finished.
Noun as subject.
上演中、静かにしてください。
Please be quiet during the performance.
During: jōen-chū.
どこで上演しますか。
Where will it be performed?
Locative particle 'de'.
上演はとても良かったです。
The performance was very good.
Simple past tense.
有名な劇団がその劇を上演した。
A famous theater company performed that play.
Transitive verb: o jōen shita.
上演のスケジュールを確認しましょう。
Let's check the performance schedule.
Genitive particle 'no'.
上演中に携帯電話を使わないでください。
Please do not use mobile phones during the performance.
Negative command.
チケットには上演開始時間が書いてあります。
The performance start time is written on the ticket.
Compound: jōen kaishi jikan.
この作品は初めて日本で上演されます。
This work will be performed in Japan for the first time.
Adverbial: hajimete.
上演の途中で休憩があります。
There is a break in the middle of the performance.
In the middle: tochu de.
上演を中止することになりました。
It has been decided to cancel the performance.
Decided: koto ni narimashita.
上演が終わるまで待ってください。
Please wait until the performance ends.
Until: made.
そのミュージカルは三ヶ月間上演された。
The musical was performed for three months.
Duration: kikan.
上演の許可を得るのに時間がかかった。
It took time to get permission for the performance.
Nominalizer: no ni.
上演目録から古い作品が選ばれた。
An old work was chosen from the performance repertoire.
From: kara.
雨天でも上演は行われます。
The performance will take place even in rainy weather.
Even if: demo.
上演に際して、いくつかの注意点があります。
On the occasion of the performance, there are some points to note.
On the occasion of: ni saishite.
この劇場は上演設備が整っている。
This theater is well-equipped for performances.
Equipment: setsubi.
彼はその劇を上演するために資金を集めた。
He raised funds to stage that play.
In order to: tame ni.
上演回数は全部で十回です。
The total number of performances is ten.
Count: kaisū.
その作品は、独自の解釈で上演された。
The work was staged with a unique interpretation.
Interpretation: kaishaku.
上演権の侵害について、厳しい警告が出された。
A strict warning was issued regarding the infringement of performance rights.
Infringement: shingai.
上演が始まると、客席は一瞬で静まり返った。
When the performance began, the audience fell silent in an instant.
When/Conditional: to.
再上演を希望する声が、ファンから多く寄せられた。
Many requests for a revival (re-staging) were received from fans.
Revival: saijōen.
上演に不可欠な小道具がまだ届いていない。
Essential props for the performance have not arrived yet.
Essential: fukakesu na.
今回のプロデューサーは、海外での上演を視野に入れている。
The producer is considering overseas performances this time.
Considering: shiya ni irete iru.
上演にあたって、演出家は俳優たちに厳しい要求をした。
Prior to the performance, the director made strict demands of the actors.
Prior to: ni atatte.
上演時間の延長は、劇場の規定により認められない。
Extension of the performance time is not allowed due to theater regulations.
Due to: ni yori.
上演史を振り返ると、その作品の社会的意義が見えてくる。
Looking back at the performance history, the social significance of the work becomes apparent.
Performance history: jōenshi.
劇団は上演目録の多様性を維持するために苦労している。
The theater company is struggling to maintain the diversity of its performance repertoire.
Diversity: tayōsei.
上演の形態が、伝統的な舞台からデジタル空間へと広がりを見せている。
The form of performance is expanding from traditional stages to digital spaces.
Form: keitai.
上演禁止処分を受けた作品が、数十年ぶりに日の目を見た。
A work that had been banned from performance saw the light of day for the first time in decades.
Banned: jōen kinshi shobun.
上演に際しての政治的圧力は、芸術の自由を脅かすものである。
Political pressure regarding performances is something that threatens artistic freedom.
Threaten: obiyakasu.
上演の質を担保するためには、十分な稽古期間が必要だ。
To guarantee the quality of the performance, a sufficient rehearsal period is necessary.
Guarantee: tanpo suru.
その上演は、観客に深い哲学的問いを投げかけた。
The performance posed deep philosophical questions to the audience.
Pose a question: toi o nagekakeru.
上演の成功は、スタッフ全員の献身的な努力の賜物である。
The success of the performance is the result of the dedicated efforts of all the staff.
Result/Gift: tamamono.
上演という行為は、その瞬間限りの一期一会の芸術である。
The act of staging a performance is a once-in-a-lifetime art that exists only in that moment.
Once-in-a-lifetime: ichigo ichie.
古典作品の上演において、現代性をどう付与するかは永遠の課題だ。
In the performance of classical works, how to imbue them with modernity is an eternal challenge.
Imbue/Add: fuyo suru.
上演空間の音響特性が、作品の受容に多大な影響を及ぼす。
The acoustic characteristics of the performance space significantly influence the reception of the work.
Influence: eikyō o oyobosu.
上演権の委託管理は、現代の演劇ビジネスにおける中核をなす。
Consignment management of performance rights forms the core of the modern theater business.
Core: chūkaku.
上演のプロセス自体が、一つの社会学的実験とも言えるだろう。
The process of performance itself could be said to be a sociological experiment.
Process: pusesu.
歴史的な上演記録を紐解くと、当時の社会情勢が如実に反映されている。
Unraveling historical performance records reveals that the social conditions of the time are vividly reflected.
Vividly: nyojitsu ni.
上演というメディアが持つ身体性は、デジタル化社会において再評価されている。
The physicality of the performance medium is being re-evaluated in a digitalized society.
Physicality: shintaisei.
上演の成否は、演出家のヴィジョンがどれだけ末端まで浸透するかにかかっている。
The success or failure of a performance depends on how far the director's vision permeates to the very ends.
Permeate: shintō suru.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Currently performing; a show is in progress.
上演中につき、お静かに。
— The duration or run time of a performance.
上演時間は休憩を含めて三時間です。
— The legal rights to perform a theatrical work.
上演権を取得する。
— The list of plays a company can perform; repertoire.
上演目録から一作選ぶ。
— The history of how a specific work has been staged over time.
ハムレットの上演史。
— A revival or re-staging of a previous production.
ファンの要望で再上演が決まった。
— A performance or staging taking place in a foreign country.
ロンドンでの海外上演。
— Consecutive performances, often of a series of plays.
三部作の連続上演。
— An independent or self-produced performance.
学生による自主上演。
— A performance offered to the public for free.
公園での無料上演。
Often Confused With
Used for movies/films on a screen.
Used for musical instruments.
Refers to the act of acting itself.
Idioms & Expressions
— Literally 'the curtain rises', but idiomatically means the performance begins.
いよいよ上演の幕が上がる。
Literary— To manage to reach the point of staging a performance after many difficulties.
苦労の末、上演にこぎつけた。
Common— Formal way to say that it has been arranged for a performance to take place.
来春、上演の運びとなりました。
Formal— To grace or decorate a performance, often used for a star actor's appearance.
最後の上演を飾る名演技。
Literary— To add a special touch or extra beauty to a performance.
ゲストの歌唱が上演に花を添えた。
Common— To perform a work many times over a long period.
上演を重ねるごとに完成度が高まる。
Common— To breathe life into a performance (through acting or directing).
演出家が上演に命を吹き込む。
Literary— To waste or lose the opportunity for a performance (often due to a mistake).
怪我で上演を棒に振った。
Informal— To be the target or subject of a performance (rarely used).
歴史的事件が上演の的になった。
Literary— To keep the audience glued to the performance.
観客を上演に釘付けにした。
CommonEasily Confused
Both mean performance.
Kōen is a broad term for any public show. Jōen is specific to staging a narrative play.
コンサートの公演 (Music), 劇の上演 (Theater).
Sounds very similar.
Jōen uses 'en' (act) for stage. Jōei uses 'ei' (reflect) for cinema screens.
映画の上映 (Movie), オペラの上演 (Opera).
Both start with 'en'.
Enshutsu is the direction or production style. Jōen is the act of performing the show.
素晴らしい演出 (Great direction), 明日の上演 (Tomorrow's performance).
Both start with 'en'.
Enzetsu is a speech or oration, usually political.
大統領の演説 (President's speech).
Contains 'en'.
Jitsuen is a live demonstration, like a cooking demo or a product pitch.
料理の実演 (Cooking demo).
Sentence Patterns
[Play] を 上演します。
劇を上演します。
[Play] は [Time] に 上演されます。
劇は二時に上演されます。
[Venue] で [Play] が 上演中です。
劇場でハムレットが上演中です。
[Reason] で 上演が 中止になりました。
雪で上演が中止になりました。
上演に際して、[Requirement] が あります。
上演に際して、許可が必要です。
上演の成否は、[Factor] に かかっている。
上演の成否は、演出にかかっている。
上演時間は [Duration] です。
上演時間は三十分です。
[Work] の 再上演が 決定した。
その劇の再上演が決定した。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common in arts, media, and education.
-
Using 上演 for movies.
→
上映 (jōei)
Movies are projected on a screen (映), not acted out live on a stage (演).
-
Using 上演 for a piano recital.
→
演奏 (ensō)
Music performance uses 'ensō'. 'Jōen' is for narrative stage plays.
-
Confusing 上演 (event) with 演技 (acting).
→
演技 (engi)
You cannot say 'His jōen was good' to mean his acting. You must say 'His engi was good'.
-
Saying '上演を見る' for 'to act in a play'.
→
劇に出る (geki ni deru) or 演じる (enjiru)
Jōen is the staging of the whole show. Actors 'appear in' (deru) or 'act' (enjiru) the work.
-
Using 上演 for a TV broadcast.
→
放送 (hōsō)
TV and radio use 'broadcast'. 'Jōen' is only for live theater.
Tips
Use with Particles
Remember that '上演' is a noun. Use 'を' with the verb form: '劇を上演する'. Use 'で' for the location: '劇場で上演する'.
Kanji Clue
The kanji 演 (en) is the key. It relates to acting (演技) and theater (演劇). If there's acting, it's likely 上演.
Screen vs Stage
Always double-check. Is it a screen? Use 上映. Is it a stage? Use 上演. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Event Planning
If you are looking for a show's length, look for '上演時間'. It's the standard term on all Japanese theater programs.
Traditional Arts
When visiting a Kabuki theater, the program will list the '上演目録' (repertoire). This tells you which traditional plays are being staged.
Politeness
In a theater, use the polite form '上演いたします' if you are a staff member, or '上演されます' when referring to the work respectfully.
Compound Words
You can combine 上演 with many words. '上演中' (currently playing), '上演後' (after the performance), '上演前' (before the performance).
Announcements
Listen for 'まもなく上演...' (Performance will shortly...). This is your cue to find your seat and turn off your phone.
Copyright
If you want to perform a Japanese play, you must search for the '上演権' holder to get permission.
Industry Term
In the theater industry, '上演' is the formal term. Using it instead of 'yaru' (to do) makes you sound professional.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an actor going **UP** (上) on stage to **EN**-act (演) a play. Jō-En!
Visual Association
Visualize a red theater curtain rising (Up = 上) to reveal an actor acting (演).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find the word 上演 on a Japanese theater website like the National Theatre of Japan.
Word Origin
The word is composed of two Chinese characters (Kanji). '上' (Jō) traditionally meant 'to present to a superior' or 'to put up.' '演' (En) comes from the idea of 'expanding' or 'practicing,' which evolved to mean performing or acting.
Original meaning: To present a performance to an audience.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Cultural Context
None, but be respectful when discussing traditional arts 'jōen' as they involve strict protocols.
English speakers often use 'performance' or 'show,' but 'staging' is the closest technical equivalent to '上演'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Theater Lobby
- 上演時間は？
- 上演中ですか？
- 上演スケジュール
- 上演パンフレット
News Headline
- 日本初上演
- 上演中止を発表
- 再上演が決定
- ロングラン上演
School Festival
- 劇を上演する
- 体育館で上演
- 上演の練習
- 上演の成功
Legal/Business
- 上演権の取得
- 上演料の支払い
- 上演許可証
- 無断上演
Traditional Arts
- 歌舞伎の上演
- 古典の上演
- 定期上演
- 上演目録
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か面白い劇が上演されていますか？ (Is there any interesting play being staged recently?)"
"そのミュージカルの上演時間はどのくらいですか？ (How long is the performance time for that musical?)"
"この劇場で上演される作品はいつも素晴らしいですね。 (The works staged at this theater are always wonderful, aren't they?)"
"上演中に休憩はありますか？ (Is there a break during the performance?)"
"あの有名な作品が再上演されるって知っていましたか？ (Did you know that famous work is going to be restaged?)"
Journal Prompts
今日見た劇の上演について感想を書いてください。 (Write your thoughts about the performance of the play you saw today.)
自分が劇を上演するとしたら、どんな話を書きたいですか？ (If you were to stage a play, what kind of story would you want to write?)
伝統的な上演と現代的な上演、どちらが好きですか？ (Which do you prefer, traditional performances or modern performances?)
上演が中止になった時の気持ちを想像して書いてください。 (Imagine and write about how you would feel if a performance was cancelled.)
海外で日本の劇を上演することの難しさについて考えてください。 (Think about the difficulties of staging a Japanese play overseas.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use '演奏' (ensō) for playing instruments or '公演' (kōen) for the concert event. '上演' is strictly for theatrical works like plays or operas where actors perform a story.
上演 (jōen) is specific to staging a play or drama. 公演 (kōen) is a more general term for any public performance, including dance, music, and theater. You can use 'kōen' for a play, but 'jōen' emphasizes the 'staging' aspect.
Yes, it is very common in the context of entertainment and arts. You will see it on posters, in news reports, and on ticketing websites.
You can use '上演中' (jōen-chū). This is often seen on signs outside theaters while a performance is in progress.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for a school play or any amateur theatrical production.
It usually refers to the total duration of the performance. If there is an intermission, the schedule will often specify 'first act,' 'intermission,' and 'second act' separately.
Usually, '公演' (kōen) or 'パフォーマンス' (pafōmansu) is better. '上演' implies a narrative work like a play.
No, for TV shows, use '放送' (hōsō - broadcast). '上演' requires a physical stage and a live audience.
It means 're-staging' or a 'revival' of a play that was performed in the past.
Add 'suru' to make '上演する' (to stage/perform). For example: '新しい劇を上演する' (Stage a new play).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence: 'The play will be performed at the National Theater.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence: 'How long is the performance time?'
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Write a sentence: 'We are staging a play in the gym.'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance was cancelled due to rain.'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance is currently in progress.'
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Translate: 'Performance rights'
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Write a sentence: 'Many fans want a revival.'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance starts at 6 PM.'
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Write a sentence: 'They performed the play in London.'
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Write a sentence: 'The curtain for the performance finally rose.'
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Translate: 'Performance schedule'
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Write a sentence: 'Please check the performance time.'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance was a great success.'
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Write a sentence: 'This play is performed every year.'
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Write a sentence: 'I am looking forward to the performance.'
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Translate: 'Banned performance'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance ended early.'
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Write a sentence: 'There are ten performances in total.'
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Write a sentence: 'The play was staged with a new interpretation.'
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Write a sentence: 'The performance will begin shortly.'
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Say: 'The performance will begin shortly.'
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Say: 'How long is the performance time?'
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Say: 'I want to see the performance.'
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Say: 'Is the performance still going on?'
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Say: 'The performance was wonderful.'
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Say: 'We are staging a play next week.'
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Say: 'Where is the performance being held?'
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Say: 'The performance was cancelled due to snow.'
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Say: 'I'm looking forward to the revival.'
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Say: 'Please turn off your phone during the performance.'
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Say: 'The performance time is three hours.'
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Say: 'The curtain finally rose.'
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Say: 'Is there an intermission during the performance?'
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Say: 'The performance schedule has changed.'
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Say: 'The performance was a success.'
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Say: 'Who has the performance rights?'
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Say: 'The performance will end at 9 PM.'
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Say: 'This is the first performance in Japan.'
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Say: 'I am nervous about the performance.'
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Say: 'The performance was very moving.'
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You hear: 'まもなく上演が始まります。' What is about to happen?
You hear: '上演時間は二時間半です。' How long is the show?
You hear: 'ただいま上演中です。' Can you enter the theater?
You hear: '本日の上演は中止となりました。' Is there a show today?
You hear: '上演中の撮影はご遠慮ください。' What is forbidden?
You hear: '再上演が決定しました。' What happened?
You hear: '上演スケジュールをご確認ください。' What should you check?
You hear: '上演権を取得しました。' What did they get?
You hear: '上演の幕が上がります。' What does this mean?
You hear: '海外での上演を計画しています。' Where is the show going?
You hear: '上演回数は全十回です。' How many shows are there?
You hear: '上演終了後にサイン会があります。' When is the signing event?
You hear: '上演目録から一作選びます。' What are they choosing from?
You hear: '上演許可が必要です。' What is needed?
You hear: '上演に際しての注意事項です。' What are they about to say?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
上演 (jōen) is the essential Japanese term for 'theatrical performance.' Use it when a live play is being presented. Example: 劇団が新しい舞台を上演する (The troupe stages a new play).
- 上演 (jōen) refers specifically to performing or staging a play or opera on a stage.
- It is a noun that can become a verb by adding 'suru', meaning 'to stage'.
- Do not confuse it with 'jōei' (上映), which is used for screening movies.
- Commonly found in theater schedules, news about musicals, and traditional arts like Kabuki.
Use with Particles
Remember that '上演' is a noun. Use 'を' with the verb form: '劇を上演する'. Use 'で' for the location: '劇場で上演する'.
Kanji Clue
The kanji 演 (en) is the key. It relates to acting (演技) and theater (演劇). If there's acting, it's likely 上演.
Screen vs Stage
Always double-check. Is it a screen? Use 上映. Is it a stage? Use 上演. This is the most common mistake for learners.
Event Planning
If you are looking for a show's length, look for '上演時間'. It's the standard term on all Japanese theater programs.
Example
新作の上演です。
Related Content
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女優
A1A female actor who performs in films, television shows, or stage plays. It is a specific term for women in the acting profession, though the gender-neutral term 'haiyuu' is also increasingly common.
芸術家
A1A person who creates art, such as painting, sculpture, or music, using skill and imagination. It is a broad term used to describe both professionals and individuals who dedicate their lives to creative expression.
舞踊
A1舞踊 (buyō) refers to the art of dancing, specifically as a formal or traditional performance. While common dancing is often called 'odori' or 'dansu', 'buyō' usually implies a disciplined artistic expression or classical stage performance.
踊り
A1A noun referring to the act of dancing or a specific type of dance. It is often used to describe traditional Japanese folk dances or rhythmic movements performed to music.
映画
A1A motion picture or film shown in a theater or on a screen for entertainment. It is a common medium for storytelling that combines visual images and sound.
画家
A1A professional or dedicated person who creates visual art through painting or drawing. In Japanese, it specifically refers to someone specializing in fine arts rather than commercial illustration.
公演
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彫刻家
A1A sculptor is an artist who creates three-dimensional works of art by carving, modeling, or welding materials such as stone, wood, metal, or clay. The term is specifically used for the person who practices the art of sculpture.
舞台
A1A physical platform where performances such as plays, dances, or concerts take place before an audience. It can also figuratively refer to the setting or location where a story, event, or historical incident unfolds.
