Hyoen
Hyoen is a series of Japanese cross-genre ice shows produced by USM, starring 2010 Olympic men's figure skating bronze medalist and World Champion, Daisuke Takahashi. Hyoen fuses figure skating with Japanese culture, blending elements of Japanese traditional performing arts and contemporary storytelling, music and advanced visual effects into a unique theatrical spectacle. Each production features a narrative, integrating skating, acting, singing, dance and acrobatics, creating a multidisciplinary experience. Hyoen draws from Japanese heritage, whether through adaptations of classic literature, such as The Tale of Genji or modern reinterpretations of folklore, such as the Ura Legend, a legend from Okayama that inspired the Momotarō folk tale. Themes range from historical epics to contemporary fantasies, like Night on the Galactic Railroad in Hyoen 2024.
Hyoen stands out for its unique fusion of figure skating and various performing arts, lavish sets, intricate costumes, and innovative use of technology like projection mapping and spatial video production. The narratives often explore universal themes such as moral conflicts, justice, love, sacrifice/altruism and identity, framed within a distinctly Japanese cultural context. Sometimes underrepresented themes, such as same-sex attraction are addressed, e.g. in a scene called "Miroir", based on the Greek myth of Narcissus in the 2021 Hyoen spin-off production "LUXE".
Performers and creative contributors
The shows are headlined by Japanese men's figure skating pioneer Daisuke Takahashi, bringing both performance skill and star appeal. The casts are complemented by other popular top figure skaters, such as 2006 Olympic Champion Shizuka Arakawa, 2006 Olympic silver medalist Stéphane Lambiel, 2014 World silver medalist Yulia Lipnitskaya, 2012 World bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki, 2005 World Junior Men's Champion Nobunari Oda, 2010 World Junior Women's Champion Kanako Murakami and Takahashi's ice dance partner, 2022 Four Continents silver medalist, Kana Muramoto, as well as established actors, singers, dancers and performers like Blue Tokyo or Japanese taiko drum ensemble Tao (formerly: Drum Tao).Notable directors from different fields, musicians and choreographers contribute to the productions. VOGUE Japan served as artistic consultant for the 2017, 2019 and 2021 productions.
Rehearsal process and Evolution of performers' skills
Because the Hyoen productions are interdisciplinary and performers from various backgrounds perform together on the ice, rehearsals involve intensive training camps lasting several weeks. While actors and singers are learning the basics of figure skating, the figure skaters are receiving acting instructions and, in some cases, singing lessons. Therefore, Hyoen pushes the performers to expand their abilities beyond their field of expertise, creating a unique synergy. For Takahashi in particular, as a lead, who often delivers live singing and dialogue, Hyoen is a platform for his growth as an entertainer, enabling him to showcase his vocal and dramatic talents alongside his skills as a figure skater.Venue and Distribution
Hyoen is typically held at Yokohama Arena, accommodating large audiences. The shows are broadcast live on TV channels NHK BS Premium and CS Nittele Plus as well as streamed on Hulu Japan,, and and screened nationwide in cinemas.Visual production
Hyoen utilizes large-scale staging, projection mapping, spatial video production and intricate lighting to create immersive experiences. It was the first Japanese ice show to implement projection mapping after Daisuke Takahashi had taken part in a test-run for the fusion of this technology with figure skating, performed to the song GIFT by the Japanese pop rock band Mr. Children, in March 2016. The test-run as well as the subsequent implementation in Hyoen were realized by the art collective teamLab, an interdisciplinary group of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects.Productions
Hyoen 2017 - Basara
Date: May 2017Venue: Yoyogi 1st National GymnasiumNumber of shows: 6Attendance: 40,000Duration: 135 minutesLive Broadcast: NHK BS PremiumTheme: Inspired by the Genpei War and the legendary figure Minamoto no Yoshitsune, this show incorporated traditional Japanese Kabuki theater elements, one of Japan's most representative cultural arts. The narrative followed a dramatic fictional storyline loosely based on historic events, blending skating performances with Kabuki style acting, sword fighting, traditional Japanese music and vibrant costumes. It established Hyoen's signature style of merging athleticism with theatrical storytelling.Direction: Basara was directed by Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegorō VII, who also starred as the villain Nikki Danjo. Music: The show featured live Taiko drum performances by Drum Tao.Choreography: Kikunosuke Onoe, Kenji Miyamoto, Tokyo Gegegay Movement instruction: Kikunosuke Onoe effects: teamLab, Chūnori Notable Performers: Ichikawa Somegorō VII as Nikki Danjo, Daisuke Takahashi as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Shizuka Arakawa as Goddess Ina / Princess Snake-Hair, Emiya Ichikawa as Iwanaga-hime, Kikaku Nakamura as Saruta Hiko / Musashibo Benkei, Akiko Suzuki as Shizuka Gozen, Hirotaro Otani as Oni Sadobo, Sonosuke Sawamura as Yakko Edobei, Nobunari Oda as God Ninigi no Mikoto, Kanako Murakami as Ame no Uzume, Mai Asada as Konohana Sakuya Hime, members of BLUE TOKYO, Drum TaoHyoen 2019 - Like the Moonlight
Date: July 26–28, 2019Venue: Yokohama ArenaNumber of shows: 6Attendance: 45,000Duration: 125 minutesLive Broadcast: CS Nittelle PlusCinema delayed viewing: nationwide Streaming: Hulu, PIA Live StreamTheme: A loose adaptation of The Tale of Genji, a classic 11th-century Japanese novel by Murasaki Shikibu, depicting the aristocratic society of the Heian period, focusing on the romantic and political life of Hikaru Genji. Directed with a focus on elegance and emotion, the show incorporated elements of musical theatre to enhance its storytelling, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. It combined skating with live singing and acting, emphasizing the poetic beauty of the source material. Direction: Like the Moonlight was directed by internationally acclaimed theatre director Amon Miyamoto. Music: Takahiro Matsumoto of the rock duo B'z contributed the theme song. All other music was written by acclaimed soundtrack composer Kenji Kawai.Choreography: Kenji Miyamoto Movement instruction: Kikunosuke Onoe effects: teamLab, Chūnori Notable Performers: Daisuke Takahashi starring as Hikaru Genji, Stéphane Lambiel as Emperor Suzaku, Ayaka Hirahara as Kiritsubo Consort / Lady Fujitsubo, Reon Yuzuki as Matsuura, Tokuma Nishioka as Emperor Kiritsubo, Yulia Lipnitskaya as Murasaki no Ue, Shizuka Arakawa as Empress Kokiden, Seiji Fukushi as Chujo Tono, Kazuki Namioka as Nagamichi, Nobunari Oda as Onmyoji, Kanako Murakami as Sakikaze, Akiko Suzuki as Oborozukiyo, members of BLUE TOKYO, members of MOTOFUJILUXE 2021 (Hyoen spin-off)
Date: May 15–17, 2021Venue: Yokohama ArenaNumber of shows: 6Duration: 150 minutesLive Broadcast: CS Nittelle PlusCinema live viewing: nationwide Streaming: Hulu, ZAIKOTheme: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a full Hyoen production could not be realized. Instead, LUXE was promoted as a Takarazuka Revue-style Hyoen spin-off without a strict storyline, themed around a journey around the world, featuring loosely connected vignettes and lavish visual effects.Direction: LUXE was directed by Kikunosuke Onoe, who had previously directed Japanese dance dramas, as well as Kabuki and Takarazuka Revue works, and Ryo Harada, a Takarazuka Revue director.Music: Ayaka Hirahara wrote and performed the theme song live in the show. Most of the other music was written by Shoichi Tamasa.Choreography: Kenji Miyamoto, Daisuke Togin Visual effects: teamLab Notable Performers: Daisuke Takahashi, Ayaka Hirahara, Reon Yuzuki, Tokuma Nishioka, Shizuka Arakawa, Seiji Fukushi, Kazuki Namioka, Nobunari Oda, Kanako Murakami, Akiko Suzuki, Kana Muramoto, Keiji TanakaHyoen 2024 - The Miracle of the Cross Star
Date: June 8–11, 2024Venue: Yokohama ArenaNumber of shows: 4Duration: 150 minutesLive Broadcast: CS Nittelle PlusCinema delayed viewing: nationwide Streaming: ePlusTheme: The 2024 production was a loose adaptation of the classic philosophical fantasy novel, Night on the Galactic Railroad by Kenji Miyazawa. The story, revolving around a cosmic journey and exploring themes of self-sacrifice and altruism, was reimagined as a contemporary fantasy, focusing on protagonists Kakeru, a mineralogist and Tokio, an aeronautics scientist. The show featured a cast of 38 performers and combined skating, singing, and acting with a focus on emotional depth.Direction: The production was set to be directed by Amon Miyamoto again, who, due to an unspecified conflict, was replaced by Kikunosuke Onoe, who had worked on all previous Hyoen productions, one month before the opening of the show.Music: The story was entirely told through pre-existing songs of the Japanese pop rock duo YUZU, who also performed a short set at the end of each show. Amon Miyamoto chose the songs from the band's back catalogue that suited the storyline best and Kenji Kawai rearranged and re-recorded them, adding original parts where needed. Yūjin Kitagawa, one of the two members of YUZU, was in charge of musical direction. The band also wrote a theme song specifically for the show, titled ', which was subsequently released on the album '. Choreography: Kenji Miyamoto, Akiko Suzuki, Avecoo Acting instruction: Seiji FukushiSinging/vocal coaching: Kai HasegawaVisual effects: Notable Performers: Daisuke Takahashi as Kakeru, Takurō Ōno as Tokio, Kana Muramoto as Yuki, Kazuki Tomono as young Kakeru, Koshiro Shimada as young Tokio, Ayumi Urabe as young Yuki, Shizuka Arakawa as a "rich woman", Masahiro Ehara as the train conductor, Marie, Eliana and Kai Hasegawa portraying several roles, members of BLUE TOKYO, Ayumu Matsuoka of TOK¥O TRICKING MOB, YUZUHyoen 2025 - Kagamon no Yasha
Date: July 5–7, 2025Venue: Yokohama ArenaNumber of shows: 5Duration: 155 minutesLive Broadcast: CS Nittelle PlusTheme: Inspired by the, that served as the basis for the popular Momotarō folktale, the story explored the clash of ideals between Ura and Kibitsuhiko. Set in Okayama Prefecture, it explored themes of "justice" and "evil", featuring intense acting performances, ice-based action and sword fighting, set against a backdrop of Japanese mythology, with a focus on dramatic confrontations and cultural motifs. The regional connection, due to Okayama being Takahashi's home Prefecture, added a personal layer.Direction: The production was directed by movie director Yukihiko Tsutsumi, known for uniquely blending traditional and modern elements. Screenplay: Takuma SueharaMusic: Rock musician SUGIZO of Luna Sea and X Japan composed the music for the entire play and performed live on guitar and violin throughout the show. SUGIZO said about his involvement in the production: "It has been my long-cherished wish for a quarter century to work with director Tsutsumi Yukihiko, whom I respect deeply as an artist. I think this rock opera that I will create with director Tsutsumi using the expressive method of ice skating will be the culmination of my musical career".Choreography: Kenji Miyamoto, Kana Muramoto Movement instruction: Kikunosuke Onoe effects: Video production by RAM, Chūnori- Notable Performers: Daisuke Takahashi as Ura, Takahisa Masuda as Kibitsuhiko, Misato Morita as Asohime, Ryota Aoyama as Senshū, Seiji Fukushi as Yakumo, Eisaku Yoshida as Shadow Emperor, Shizuka Arakawa as Iron Goddess, Takuma Zaiki as Tometamaomi no Mikoto, Keiji Tanaka as Sasamorihiko no Mikoto, Koshiro Shimada as Takeru Inukai, Kana Muramoto as Kasumi, on-screen performance by Masachika Ichimura as Darkness Swallowing God, voice performance by Keiko Toda as Iron Goddess, members of BLUE TOKYO, Ayumu Matsuoka of TOK¥O TRICKING MOB, SUGIZO