GEAR: Non-verbal Theatre
GEAR Theater (ART COMPLEX 1928) · NakagyoSubway Tozai Line 「京都市役所前」Station · about 5 min walkOpen in Google Maps ↗
GEAR is a non-verbal theatre show with a long run at its dedicated theatre in Kyoto's ART COMPLEX 1928. The 90-minute show has no dialogue, telling a story of an abandoned toy factory through mime, breakdance, magic and juggling. General tickets start at ¥3,800 in three seat classes.
Before you go
GEAR is Japan's first non-verbal theatre production, running in Kyoto since April 2012. The 90-minute show uses no words at all: world-class mime, breakdance, magic, juggling and puppetry combine with a steampunk stage set to tell a story of rebirth in an abandoned toy factory. With no language barrier, children and international visitors can all follow it.
The story unfolds in a toy factory still running after humanity has gone: the humanoid robot 'Roboroid' meets 'Doll', a doll once made here. Doll's mysterious power draws unexpected abilities from the robots, while Doll itself grows closer to being human through contact with them — until a sudden rampage shatters the moment.
- Ninety minutes with zero dialogue — the story is told through bodies and visuals, no Japanese needed.
- Mime, breakdance, magic and juggling fused with light and projection; the cast rotates daily.
- A small dedicated theatre on the 3rd floor of the 1928 Building — close seats, strong immersion.
- The cheapest Economy seats have about 30% of the view blocked by equipment — know before you buy.
- Getting there
- The dedicated GEAR Theatre is on the 3rd floor of the 1928 Building at 56 Benkeiishi-chō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto (ART COMPLEX 1928). The official site gives no detailed directions.
- Booking
- Prices (same for advance and door): Premium ¥7,800, Standard ¥5,800, Economy ¥3,800; elementary to high-school students ¥5,800/¥4,800/¥2,800; preschoolers (4–6) ¥1,800/¥1,300. Under-3s are not admitted except at Kids' Day shows (paid, reservation required). Showtimes vary by day — 13:00, 14:00, 18:00 or 19:00; doors open 30 minutes before. The official online shop charges no fees (credit card); also via eplus, Confetti, Jalan, Asoview, phone 0120-937-882 or the theatre box office. Advance tickets until 23:59 the day before; same-day tickets subject to availability.
Can I enjoy it without Japanese?
Yes. The show has no dialogue at all; the official site presents it as non-verbal theatre told through performance and visuals.
How long is the show?
1 hour 30 minutes.
Can children attend?
Ages 4–6 have child tickets; under-3s only at Kids' Day shows (paid, reservation required).
Can I buy tickets on the day?
If seats remain — official online tickets sell until 90 minutes before each show.
What is the catch with Economy seats?
The official site notes equipment, beams and sets block about 30% of the view, hiding some scenes.
Sources GEAR official ticket page
- Address (for taxis)
- 〒604-8082 京都市中京区三条通御幸町東入弁慶石町56 1928ビル3階