Osaka Comedy Festival 2026 Brings International Comedy and Cirque du Soleil Auditions to Japan
Osaka is getting ready to welcome performers and comedy fans from around the world for OSAKA COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026, taking place from October 10 to 12, 2026.
The three day festival will bring together street performances, theatre shows and international comedy in the heart of Osaka. With a focus on physical and non verbal comedy, the festival aims to bring audiences together through humour that can be enjoyed across language barriers.
The festival will take place at Namba Square and SPACE14 at Shinsaibashi PARCO. Namba Square will host free outdoor performances, while SPACE14 will feature ticketed theatre shows.
Comedy That Crosses Language Barriers
One of the main ideas behind OSAKA COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 is comedy that can be understood regardless of language. The festival will feature physical and non verbal performances, allowing audiences to enjoy the humour without needing subtitles or translation.
Namba Square will become an outdoor stage throughout the festival, with performances from a variety of artists as well as food trucks featuring Osaka products.
The street programming will run from October 10 to 12 and will be free to attend.
International Performers Take the Stage
The festival lineup includes several performers who have already reached international audiences. Among them is Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura, also known as TONY, who appeared as a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent.
WES P has appeared on Got Talent programs in more than 10 countries and is known for his physical comedy performances, while GABEZ previously performed in the sports pictogram segment during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The festival will also feature Akira Ishida of NON STYLE, who is involved in the theatre programming at SPACE14.
Cirque du Soleil Auditions Come to Osaka
Another major part of the festival is its collaboration with Cirque du Soleil Casting.
A clown workshop and audition will take place on October 7 and 8, followed by a circus act audition on October 9.
Performers selected through the workshops and auditions will take the stage during the festival on October 12, giving emerging talent an opportunity to perform in front of a live audience.
The auditions will be led by Charlie Burrows, Head of Scouting and Head of Casting for Resident Shows and Senior Casting Advisor at Cirque du Soleil.
Theatre Performances at SPACE14
Visitors looking for a theatre experience can also attend performances at SPACE14. OSAKA COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 “CHALLENGE” takes place on October 10, with performances scheduled for 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
The SKIT COMEDY SHOW follows on October 11 at 12:30 PM.
Advance tickets range from ¥2,500 to ¥3,000, while tickets purchased at the door range from ¥3,000 to ¥3,500, depending on the performance.
OSAKA COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 Event Details
Dates: October 10 to 12, 2026
Cirque du Soleil workshops and auditions: October 7 to 9, 2026
Locations: Namba Square and SPACE14 at Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka
Street performances: Free admission
Theatre tickets: ¥2,500 to ¥3,500 depending on the performance and ticket type.
For the full schedule, ticket information and festival updates, visit the official OSAKA COMEDY FESTIVAL 2026 website.
