The journey from A to ZED began with an announcement on April 7, 2005 that Cirque du Soleil came to an agreement with the Walt Disney Company and Oriental Land Co., Ltd (the company that administers Tokyo Disneyland Resort) to open a permanent theater in Tokyo. Ground was broken on the $140 million USD, 2,000 seat project on April 18, 2006 and blessed by a Shinto priest from nearby Seiryu shrine. By October 1, 2007, construction was far enough along to announce the show would officially open on October 1, 2008, during the Resort's 25th Anniversary celebrations.

"ZED" became the show's official name on June 3, 2008 (though it had been leaked to the fandom some time before the official announcement). ZED would go on to premiere on time to rave reviews and spectacular attendance. Since its premiere (and over 1,000 performances), ZED has proven to be very popular and reached the one-millionth guest milestone faster than any other show in Japan.

However, the effects of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami event, which took place on March 11, 2011, greatly changed the business environment for the theater (and all of Japan). Based on a review of the expected results and the long-term viability of the show, it was mutually agreed on July 25, 2011 to indefinitely close the Cirque du Soleil Theater Tokyo and cease performances of ZED as of December 31, 2011.