DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES goes Japan

© 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

After five years, the cult musical by VBW is finally back in Japan! So far, over half a million people have seen the adventures of vampire hunter “Professor Abronsius” and his assistant ‘Alfred’ in the dark empire of the “Count von Krolock” in almost 350 shows.

On May 10, 2025, the acclaimed premiere of the musical by Michael Kunze (book) and Jim Steinman (music) took place at the Brillia Hall in Tokyo. A total of 71 shows are planned in four cities – Tokyo, Aichi (Nagoya), Osaka, and Fukuoka – until the end of July. 

From world premiere to global cult phenomenon 

Since its premiere on October 4, 1997, at the Raimund Theater, the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien has exported DANCES OF THE VAMPIRES to 15 countries, and the show has been translated into 13 languages. In addition to numerous productions in Germany, the musical has made stops in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Japan, France, Hungary, Russia, Poland, Estonia, Finland, the USA, Slovakia, and Switzerland. Around the world, DANCES OF THE VAMPIRES has now attracted a total of around 11 million viewers and around 11,000 performances.

DANCE OF THE VAMPIRES in Japan 2025

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    A person stands on a stage with their arms outstretched. They are wearing a striking costume consisting of a red jacket, black trousers, black gloves with lace trim, and a cape draped over their shoulders. The background shows a dark stage set with architectural elements such as columns and balustrades.

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Two people are standing on a stage in historical costumes. The person on the left is wearing a light-colored coat, a red bow tie and a cap. The person on the right is dressed in a red and purple cloak with a white collar. The background is blue and suggests a theater backdrop.

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Two people can be seen on a stage. On the right stands a person in a red and black costume with a long cape. On the left sits a person in a round wooden bathtub covered with white lace. Only their head is visible.

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Two figures can be seen on a stage in a theater scene. On the left stands a person in a long black cloak with jewelry, who appears to be gesturing or speaking to the other figure. On the right sits another person, partially covered by a lace cloth draped over a wooden round bathtub. The background is dark, highlighting the figures standing in the spotlight.

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Two people are standing on a stage in the middle of a theater scene. On the left is a person wearing a dark, elaborate costume with long sleeves. They are holding a large sponge in their hand and have one finger raised—possibly in a gesture of explanation or instruction. On the right is another person wearing light-colored, worn clothing covered in snow.

  • © 2025 Toho Co., Ltd.

    Several performers are on a stage bathed in purple and blue spotlights. They are wearing dark costumes and performing a dynamic dance scene in which their arms are stretched out expressively in different directions. Artificial snow is falling on the stage, enhancing the dramatic effect of the scene. In the background, a large, blurred screen or backdrop can be seen, possibly displaying visual content related to the performance.

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