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演劇と言う共通語

THE UNITED LANGUAGE OF THEATRE

Who We Are

Za Trans-Pacific Productions is a Seattle-based company that promotes the work of contemporary Japanese and Japanese-American playwrights and theater artists, mentors new and developing Japanese and Japanese-American voices in the theater, and strives to build an artistic community across the Pacific. "Za" is  a Japanese word for troupe, theatre, seats, and constellation (also sometimes the way Japanese people pronounce the word "the"). Our mission is to be the bridge between Japan and the U.S. through theatre, and to broaden our collective vision as artists and people. 

What We Do

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Producing & Directing

We produce, direct, and promote the work of contemporary Japanese and Japanese-American playwrights and theater artists, American works infused with Japanese cultural flavor, and multilingual and multicultural theatre productions with other theatre companies.  We are also interested in partnering with Japanese musicians, visual artists, chefs, bakers, and others in an effort to enrich our audience and  participant experiences. 

Directing Portfolio: mimikatano.com

Two-time Gregory Award nominee

Director of Outstanding Production of the Year winner, 2024

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Artist Exchange

We create opportunities and facilitate artist exchanges between Japan and the U.S. to broaden the reach of theatre professionals in

both countries.

Past and present partners include:

Joy Kids Tokyo 

Urinko Gekidan of Nagoya

Piccolo Theatre of Kobe

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Cultural Consulting & Dramaturgy

We provide a deeper understanding of the cultural context of Japan through dramaturgy and cultural consultation for theatrical productions.

Service includes coaching on Japanese manners and movement (shosa), pronounciation of Japanese words, and cultural accuracy on prduction design.

Past projects include:

Seattle Children's Museum: Jump to Japan Exhibit

Book-It All Over: Sadako and the Thousand Cranes

Newburyport Children's Theatre (MA):

Masque of Beauty and the Beast

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Translation

We have expertise in dialogue and humor in Japanese and English. We translate scripts, copy, and speeches; generate and proofread subtitles; and provide live translation for

in-person events.

Past projects include:

Kamishibai No Ta-chan, Seattle Tour: Simultaneous performance translation

Niwa Gekidan Penino at On The Boards:  

Post performance Q&A, Subtitle proof

About the Founder

Mimi Katano

I came to the U.S. from Tokyo in 1983 and never left. I finished high school in California before moving to Boston for college and graduate school. I have been very fortunate to be able to pursue training and a career in American theatre. Since moving to Seattle I have come to appreciate my Japanese heritage even more, as well as the vibrant and welcoming theatre community here. With the skills and life experience I have acquired in producing, directing, choreography, teaching,  and performing, I am excited to find opportunities to connect my two cultures. In doing artist exchange work, I have seen artists from both sides of the Pacific thrill at sharing their culture and their craft, and take that excitement and inspiration back to their work.

I would be honored to find those moments with you.

Photo credit: Joe Iano

Let's collaborate!

We look forward to talking more!

Logo design by Takamitsu Terukina | Photo credits: Rick Wong/Trina B. Wright/Urinko Theatre/Joe Iano

© 2025 Za Trans-Pacific Productions LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2025 by Za Trans-Paicfic Productions. All rights reserved.

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