This is the book and lyrics of one of Sondheim's musicals. Using motifs from Japanese theatre and music, such as Kabuki and Noh, it explores East/West relationships from the moment in 1852 when an American commodore made the first ever official contact with Japan, up to the present day Westernization of the country. "Pacific Overtures" won Best Musical, Best Book (by John Weidman), and Best Score as well as six other Tony Awards for its Broadway premiere in 1976. Its London premiere was not until 1987, by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum, though it had been staged in Manchester the year before. Stephen Sondheim also wrote "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Into the Woods".