Kabuki Experience | A Japanese Cultural Experience for Overseas Corporate VIPs

Welcoming overseas CEOs and executives in Japan is both a major opportunity and a moment of pressure. Many hosts want to deliver a memorable Japanese cultural experience, while knowing that failure is not an option when corporate reputation is at stake.

This article introduces a successful case in which kabuki was incorporated into a new product promotion event for a global corporation. By combining traditional performing arts with corporate values, the program offers practical insight into hosting foreign VIPs with confidence.

Client Background and Objectives

The project began with a clear request: to express “Japaneseness” within a corporate promotion event for overseas guests. At the same time, the client sought a visually striking presentation that would enhance the product’s appeal—leading to the choice of kabuki.

To reflect this concept, we proposed a performance featuring a red lion, rather than the traditional white. The venue was set in an ornate room at Meguro Gajoen, allowing both authentic Japanese aesthetics and vivid color expression to stand out.

In Japanese traditional arts, color carries symbolic meaning.
Vermilion, often associated with shrines, represents protection, while kumadori makeup in kabuki conveys character traits through color and shape. These cultural explanations helped present kabuki as both visually impressive and intellectually engaging.

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Schedule

• Introduction to the history of kabuki and the symbolism of color in Japanese performing arts
• Lunch accompanied by a live kabuki performance
• Transportation to the company’s headquarters event
• Dinner reception after the headquarters event (arranged by MOTENAS JAPAN)

Experience Details

The program began with an in-depth introduction to kabuki.

Because the client placed particular importance on kabuki movement and expression, extra time was allocated to this segment. Prior to the event, detailed interviews were conducted to identify points that should align with the company’s corporate philosophy, and the lecturer’s content was adjusted accordingly.

This level of customization—even in lecture content—is a key strength of MOTENAS JAPAN and reflects its tailor-made approach to cultural programs.

Visual materials used during the explanation were produced in-house. Performer arrangements, filming, and coordination were all handled one-stop, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the program.

The Q&A session was lively, followed by a makeup demonstration. Volunteers among the foreign guests experienced kumadori makeup firsthand, creating a memorable moment of “becoming a kabuki actor”.

Guests then moved to another room to enjoy lunch alongside the kabuki performance. An English-speaking MC, printed materials, and attentive staff support ensured that international guests felt comfortable and engaged at all times.

What MOTENAS JAPAN Makes Possible

MOTENAS JAPAN also handled arrangements for the dinner reception following the headquarters event.

While the client focused on hosting duties, our team managed venue preparation, including seating coordination and allergy-based menu adjustments in close collaboration with the restaurant.

Staffing was tailored to the scale of the event. For larger programs, multiple bilingual staff members are assigned alongside the lecturer, ensuring smooth communication and attentive hospitality for foreign VIPs.

This structure allows clients to concentrate fully on their event—one of MOTENAS JAPAN’s key advantages.

Delivering Exceptional Hospitality Through Japanese Culture

Blending Japanese tradition with corporate messaging is never simple when welcoming overseas VIPs.

However, through careful listening and flexible customization, it becomes possible to create a one-of-a-kind Japanese cultural experience.

From event planning and on-site operation to post-event receptions, MOTENAS JAPAN provides end-to-end support. Always from the guest’s perspective, we remain committed to delivering experiences that ensure confidence, impact, and success.