Music, Dance and Theatre: Aichi Prefectural Art Theater is at the heart of Nagoya's cultural life and is part of the impressive Aichi Arts Center, Art Plaza, 1-13-2 Higashisakura Higashi-ku (tel: (052) 971 5511; website: www.aac.pref.aichi.jp/english) (which in addition includes an art museum, a library, a restaurant and a number of art shops). The art theatre consists of three venues: a theatre where opera, ballet, music and theatre performances take place; a concert hall for classical music, famous for its superb acoustics; and a mini theatre for experimental and innovative performing arts productions. Nagoyah Noh Theatre, 1-1-1 Sannomaru, Naka-ku (tel: (052) 231 0088), near the castle and the city hall has a seating capacity of 630 and is renowned for its beautiful lighting and rich acoustics. It also has an earphone guide system to help visitors understand the performance they are watching. The stage was constructed completely from 600-year-old Japanese cypress trees.

Film: Screening English-language films frequently, Century Cinema, Department Store PARCO, East Building 8th Floor, Sakae (tel: (052) 264 0580; website: www.eigaya.com), is popular among expats and English speakers. The same goes for the Piccadilly cinemas (website: www.nnk-cinema.co.jp). Piccadilly 1-4, 6-7F Mitsui Building (tel: (052) 551 5461) is located just southeast of JR Nagoya Station, while Piccadilly 5-6 is located in the Century Toyota Building just five minutes away. Both cinemas have excellent facilities.