Association for Corporate Support of the Arts. - Kigyo Mécénat Kyogikai

The Nissay Theatre opened in 1963 in commemoration of Nippon Life Insurance Company’s 70th year in business. The theatre has continued to stage operas, plays and musicals from home and abroad. Among them, the “Nissay Masterpiece Theatre” that started in 1964 is a program that invites sixth grade students to musical performances by the Shiki Theatre Company for free, which tours eleven cities around the country. A total of over 6,650,000 students have been invited to this program over the past 43 years.
The “Nissay Opera” series features operas performed by significant cast and crew. The “Nissay Opera Series for Young Audience,” which started in 1979, invites junior high and high school students to performances with commentary at a modest price. The “Nissay Opera Stage Forum” began in 1993, a program in which directors and technical staff introduce the stage set of these performances to many students on-site. In the same year, the “Nissay International Family Festival” was also initiated. The festival, which includes a variety of performances such as ballet and musical dramas, is a popular event held during summer vacation for children and their parents.
Established in 1995, the “Nissay Backstage Award” sheds light on backstage staff who have supported the stage for many years and honors their dedication. Award winners are given a prize as well as life annuity from age 70, which is a rare form of support that stems from Nissay’s primary business. The Mécénat Award particularly focuses on Nissay’s unique involvement with individuals who support the stage.