Alexandre Desplat “From Paris to Hollywood” 2026 Japan

• December 7, 2026
  Event date:
• December 9, 2026
  Event end:

What to expect in 2026

Alexandre Desplat “From Paris to Hollywood” 2026 brings the Academy Award- and Grammy Award-winning French film composer to Japan for two special orchestral concerts in Tokyo and Osaka. The performances present Desplat’s cinematic music in a concert-hall setting, with Desplat himself conducting Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo and Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi appearing as the special guest at both performances.

The Japan concerts take place on December 7 at Suntory Hall Main Hall in Tokyo and December 9 at The Symphony Hall in Osaka. Both performances open at 6:00 PM and begin at 7:00 PM.

The concert is built around Desplat’s career in international cinema. His music has covered prestige dramas, independent films, major Hollywood productions, fantasy films and collaborations with directors including Wes Anderson, Guillermo del Toro and other internationally recognized filmmakers. His Academy Award-winning scores include The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water.

The Japan performances are especially significant because Desplat will conduct his own music. Rather than simply having an orchestra perform arrangements of his scores, the concerts place the composer himself at the podium with Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo.

Joe Hisaishi’s appearance adds another major film-music figure to the programme. Hisaishi is officially listed as the special guest for both Japanese performances, creating a distinctive meeting between two composers whose work has become closely associated with international cinema.

The concerts are also taking place in two highly regarded Japanese concert halls. Suntory Hall’s Main Hall has 2,006 seats, while The Symphony Hall in Osaka has a dedicated orchestral concert environment designed around its acoustics.

Event dates

The Japan edition of “From Paris to Hollywood” consists of two performances.

Tokyo: Monday, December 7, 2026

Venue: Suntory Hall Main Hall

Doors: 6:00 PM

Start: 7:00 PM

Osaka: Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Venue: The Symphony Hall

Doors: 6:00 PM

Start: 7:00 PM

The official Suntory Hall listing confirms the Tokyo performance for December 7 at 7:00 PM, while the Osaka venue and Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo both confirm the December 9 performance at 7:00 PM.

These are separate one-night concerts rather than a multi-day festival. Visitors can therefore choose the Tokyo or Osaka performance according to their Japan itinerary, while dedicated fans may plan a trip around both concerts.

The organizers also state that opening times, performance times, programme details and performers may be subject to change, so visitors should check the official information again before attending.

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Venue & festival site

The Tokyo concert takes place at Suntory Hall Main Hall, located in Akasaka, Minato-ku.

Venue: Suntory Hall Main Hall

Address: 1-13-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8403, Japan

Capacity: 2,006 seats

Main Hall seating: 858 lower-floor seats and 1,148 upper-floor seats

Stage area: Approximately 250 square metres

Suntory Hall opened in 1986 and was designed specifically as a major concert venue. Its Main Hall has a vineyard-style seating arrangement, with the audience surrounding the performance area rather than being arranged entirely in rows facing forward.

The hall also contains a large Rieger concert organ with 74 stops, making the Organ Seat category a distinctive seating option for this event.

The Osaka concert takes place at The Symphony Hall, at 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku, Osaka.

Venue: The Symphony Hall

Address: 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku, Osaka, Japan

The hall is specifically designed for orchestral and classical performances, with seating distributed around the stage to create a close relationship between the audience and musicians. The venue’s hall guide includes first-floor, second-floor side and choir seating as well as upper-level seating areas.

For a cinematic-score concert, both venues provide a very different experience from a conventional film screening because the audience hears the orchestral arrangements live without the original movie playing as the central attraction.

Full lineup

The principal lineup for both Japan concerts is confirmed as follows:

Alexandre Desplat: Conductor and featured composer

Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo: Orchestra

Joe Hisaishi: Special guest

Desplat will conduct the orchestra during the Japan performances. Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo provides the orchestral forces for both concerts, while Joe Hisaishi joins the programme as special guest.

The Japanese concert announcement describes Desplat as a major contemporary film-music composer whose career has included more than two decades of internationally recognized cinema. His work has received major awards and has included collaborations across both independent cinema and large-scale Hollywood productions.

Joe Hisaishi’s involvement gives the Japan concerts an additional connection to Japanese film music. His official concert calendar lists both December performances alongside Desplat and Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo.

No additional featured soloists have been announced in the principal Japan lineup at the time of the current event information.

Headliners & featured artists

Alexandre Desplat

Desplat is the central artist of the concert and will conduct the performances himself. His filmography spans independent cinema, historical dramas, animation, fantasy and major Hollywood productions.

He won Academy Awards for The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water, two scores that demonstrate different sides of his compositional style. His work is known for detailed orchestration, distinctive instrumental combinations and themes that can function both dramatically within a film and independently in concert.

Joe Hisaishi

Joe Hisaishi is the special guest for both Japan performances. His international reputation is strongly associated with Japanese cinema and animation, including his long-running creative relationship with Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

His appearance makes the Japan concerts more than a presentation of Desplat’s European and Hollywood career. It also places two internationally recognized film composers within the same live concert project.

Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo

Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo is the orchestra performing Desplat’s music at both Japanese venues. The orchestra is listed as the official accompanying ensemble for the Tokyo and Osaka performances.

Stages & performance areas

This is an orchestral concert rather than a multi-stage festival, so there are no separate festival stages or artist areas.

The main performance area in Tokyo is the stage of Suntory Hall’s Main Hall. The hall’s stage measures approximately 250 square metres and is designed to accommodate large-scale orchestral performances.

The Osaka performance takes place on the main stage of The Symphony Hall. Its seating arrangement places the audience around and above the orchestral performance area, helping create the close acoustic environment for which the hall is known.

The performance configuration is centered on:

• Alexandre Desplat conducting
• Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo performing the orchestral scores
• Joe Hisaishi appearing as special guest
• Large-scale cinematic arrangements presented in dedicated concert halls

There is no separate outdoor stage, festival village or standing concert area announced for either performance.

Stage-by-stage schedule

Because this is a two-city concert rather than a multi-stage festival, there is one principal performance area at each venue.

Tokyo performance area

The Tokyo concert takes place in Suntory Hall’s Main Hall. Doors open at 6:00 PM, giving ticket holders approximately one hour to enter, find their seats and prepare for the concert before the scheduled 7:00 PM start.

Osaka performance area

The Osaka concert takes place at The Symphony Hall. The venue opens at 6:00 PM and the performance begins at 7:00 PM.

The final Japanese running order has not been fully published as a track-by-track schedule. Therefore, individual scores should not be treated as confirmed until the organizers release the final programme.

The previous “From Paris to Hollywood” presentation in Paris provides useful context for the type of music associated with the project, but the Japan programme may differ.

Set times

Both Japanese performances have the same published timetable.

6:00 PM: Doors open

7:00 PM: Concert begins

The precise finishing time for the Japan performances has not been officially confirmed. A previous Paris presentation of “From Paris to Hollywood” was approximately two hours including an intermission, while the recorded concert version has a running time of approximately 100 minutes.

The Japan concert should therefore be treated as an evening orchestral performance lasting well beyond the 7:00 PM start, but visitors should allow additional time for the final duration to be confirmed.

Latecomers may not be allowed to enter immediately. Suntory Hall states that late arrivals can be admitted at a suitable break depending on the individual performance.

Ticket types

The official ticket categories for both performances are:

VIP Package: approximately $253

S Seat: approximately $133

A Seat: approximately $117

Organ Seat: approximately $104

These amounts are approximate USD conversions of the officially published ticket prices, using approximately ¥158.05 per US dollar. The official ticket prices are ¥40,000, ¥21,000, ¥18,500 and ¥16,500 respectively.

The A-seat category includes some seats positioned beside the stage, so spectators should check the seating map carefully before purchase. The organizers also warn that some seats may have limited or obstructed views.

The Organ Seat category is particularly associated with Suntory Hall’s Main Hall because the venue has a large concert organ. Seating positions should be checked for the individual performance and venue.

Ticket availability is different between the two performances. The current Ticket Pia listing shows the Tokyo performance’s listed presale allocation as sold out, while Osaka ticket sales remain active through the published sales period.

VIP & premium options

The VIP Package is the main premium experience offered for the Japan concerts.

VIP Package includes:

• One S-seat ticket
• Participation in a Q&A session with Alexandre Desplat
• Q&A session planned before the concert

The Q&A is designed around questions submitted in advance, with selected questions answered by Desplat on the day. The detailed timing is to be announced separately.

The VIP allocation is limited.

During the Q&A session, mobile phones, audio equipment, video equipment and recording devices cannot be used. VIP customers also cannot leave and re-enter after entering the venue. The VIP package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged after purchase.

For visitors who do not need the Q&A experience, S seating provides the principal premium concert-seat option.

Event rules

The event is subject to several important admission and ticket conditions.

Age restriction: Children under school age are not permitted to enter the concerts.

Ticket transfer: Tickets cannot be transferred to third parties.

Resale: Resale for profit is prohibited.

Auction listings: Listing tickets on auction platforms is prohibited.

Restricted views: Some seats may have obstructed or partially restricted views.

Seating: Some seating positions may require spectators to remain seated.

Group bookings: Buying multiple tickets does not guarantee that all seats or standing positions will be directly next to one another.

Programme changes: Opening times, performance times, programme details and performers may change.

Suntory Hall also advises audiences to avoid clothing, shoes or accessories that produce unnecessary noise. There is no formal dress code, but concert etiquette is expected.

Visitors should also expect normal concert-hall restrictions concerning recording and mobile devices. At Suntory Hall, audience members should switch off mobile phones and electronic devices during performances.

How to get there

Suntory Hall is located at 1-13-1 Akasaka in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

Roppongi-itchome Station: Approximately 5 minutes from Exit 3 via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line.

Tameike-sanno Station: Approximately 7 minutes from Exit 13 via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.

Bus: Akasaka Ark Hills is the nearest bus stop.

The hall is situated within the Akasaka ARK Hills complex, making the Tokyo performance straightforward to reach by subway.

The Symphony Hall in Osaka is located at 2-3-3 Oyodominami, Kita-ku.

JR Fukushima Station: Approximately 7 minutes on foot.

JR Shin-Fukushima Station: Approximately 10 minutes on foot.

Hanshin Fukushima Station: Approximately 10 minutes on foot.

JR Osaka Station: Approximately 15 minutes on foot.

For visitors arriving by Shinkansen, Osaka Station and the surrounding Umeda area provide convenient onward connections to The Symphony Hall.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is the most practical option for both concerts.

For the Tokyo performance, Roppongi-itchome and Tameike-sanno stations provide the main subway connections. Suntory Hall also has a taxi drop-off area, while nearby parking facilities include parking at ARK Mori Building and the ANA InterContinental Tokyo.

For Osaka, The Symphony Hall recommends public transportation because parking capacity around the venue is limited and reservations are not available. The official access information also asks visitors to avoid street parking.

Tokyo: Roppongi-itchome or Tameike-sanno subway stations

Osaka: JR Fukushima, Shin-Fukushima or Hanshin Fukushima

Parking: Limited nearby options; public transportation recommended

Because both concerts begin at 7:00 PM, visitors should aim to reach the venue district before 6:00 PM rather than arriving shortly before the performance.

Accommodation areas

For the Tokyo concert, several central districts provide convenient accommodation.

Akasaka: The closest area to Suntory Hall, with hotels and restaurants within easy reach of the venue.

Roppongi: Convenient for visitors wanting restaurants, nightlife and access to Roppongi-itchome Station.

Akasaka-Mitsuke: Well connected to multiple subway lines and central Tokyo attractions.

Shimbashi: Useful for travelers who prioritize rail connections and access to other Tokyo districts.

Suntory Hall itself identifies nearby hotels including ANA InterContinental Tokyo and The Okura Tokyo.

For Osaka, the most convenient accommodation areas are:

Fukushima: Very close to The Symphony Hall and suitable for walking back after the performance.

Umeda: A major hotel, shopping and dining district with extensive rail connections.

Osaka Station: Convenient for visitors continuing their Japan trip after the concert.

Kita: Provides access to the broader central Osaka hotel and restaurant network.

Food & drink

Suntory Hall has an INTERMEZZO Cafe & Bar where visitors can purchase food and refreshments around concert times. The surrounding ARK Hills complex also contains restaurants, and the hall offers nearby restaurant promotions connected with concert ticket stubs.

However, outside food and drinks should not be taken into the auditorium. Visitors attending the Tokyo performance can therefore arrive early enough to use the foyer facilities or eat at nearby restaurants before entering the concert hall.

The Symphony Hall also has the Symphony Café and related foyer facilities. These provide options for visitors before performances and during intervals, subject to the day’s operating schedule.

Osaka’s Fukushima and Umeda districts also offer extensive restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the venue.

For a 7:00 PM concert, eating before the performance is generally the easiest option, especially for visitors who need to make a train connection immediately after the show.

Accessibility

Suntory Hall is designed as a barrier-free venue, with ramps and lifts for visitors with mobility requirements.

The Main Hall provides:

• 14 accessible chairs
• 6 wheelchair spaces
• Accessible toilets on lower and upper floors
• Wheelchair rental on a first-come, first-served basis
• Access for guide dogs, service dogs and hearing dogs

For this particular concert, customers requiring wheelchair access must first purchase an S-seat ticket and then contact the event inquiry desk. One accompanying person can use the designated accessible area and also requires a ticket.

The Symphony Hall also provides barrier-free facilities and accessible routes. Its access information confirms nearby rail stations and dedicated accessibility arrangements within the building.

Visitors requiring wheelchair seating should contact the organizer as early as possible because available accessible spaces can be limited.

Best days to attend

There are two dates to choose from, and both feature the same principal artistic lineup.

December 7 in Tokyo: The Suntory Hall performance offers the opportunity to hear Desplat’s music in a 2,006-seat Main Hall renowned for its vineyard-style configuration and purpose-built concert acoustics.

December 9 in Osaka: The Symphony Hall performance provides a different concert-hall environment in a dedicated orchestral venue close to Fukushima Station.

For Tokyo travelers: December 7 is the natural choice for visitors already exploring central Tokyo and the surrounding Akasaka and Roppongi districts.

For Osaka travelers: December 9 works particularly well for visitors staying around Umeda, Fukushima or Osaka Station.

For dedicated Desplat fans: Attending both dates provides the opportunity to experience the same project in two different Japanese concert halls.

The current Ticket Pia listing indicates that the Tokyo presale allocation is sold out, while Osaka sales remain listed as active. Availability can change, so visitors should check the official ticket page before making travel arrangements.

Previous year’s highlights

The “From Paris to Hollywood” project was presented internationally before its 2026 Japan concerts. One of the major earlier presentations took place at Philharmonie de Paris in January 2025, where Alexandre Desplat conducted the Orchestre de Paris.

The 2025 programme provided a broad overview of Desplat’s film career. It included music from:

• The Tree of Life
• The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
• The Queen
• The King’s Speech
• The Lost King
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• The Grand Budapest Hotel
• The French Dispatch
• The Shape of Water
• Little Women
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Argo
• Syriana
• The Imitation Game
• Godzilla

The Paris presentation lasted approximately two hours including an interval. Its programme moved between independent cinema and major Hollywood productions, highlighting Desplat’s ability to create different orchestral identities for different directors and films.

The Japanese concerts follow this broader career-spanning concept, but the final Japan track order should be confirmed separately because the organizers state that programme details can change.

The Japan edition also adds Joe Hisaishi as special guest, alongside Pacific Philharmonia Tokyo and Desplat himself conducting.

Official tickets

Tickets for Alexandre Desplat “From Paris to Hollywood” 2026 are being sold through the official event and ticketing channels.

Official Ticket Pia: https://t.pia.jp/pia/event/event.do?eventBundleCd=b2669466

The official ticket categories are VIP Package, S Seat, A Seat and Organ Seat. The VIP Package includes one S-seat ticket and participation in the planned pre-concert Q&A session with Alexandre Desplat.

The current Ticket Pia listing shows the December 7 Tokyo allocation as sold out, while the December 9 Osaka listing remains on sale through the published sales period, currently shown as ending November 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM for that presale.

Visitors should always confirm the latest availability, seating information and sales deadlines directly with the ticket provider before booking travel.

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