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Japan Anime News Edit by Taimu Tsuji

Stage Play "Spirited Away" to Be Performed in China: Largest Japanese-Language Theatrical Production Overseas

On January 20, Toho announced that the stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's critically acclaimed animated film Spirited Away will be performed in Shanghai, China. The performance will feature an all-Japanese cast and be presented in Japanese, with the poster visual also unveiled. Further details on the cast will be announced later.


Poster for the Shanghai performance of the stage play Spirited Away

Poster for the Shanghai performance of the stage play Spirited Away


A Legacy of International Success

The stage play made its world debut at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre in March 2022. In 2023, it toured across Japan while simultaneously making its international debut in London. As the largest Japanese-language production performed overseas, the London performances were groundbreaking, held at one of the largest West End venues with approximately 2,300 seats, selling out daily and attracting an audience of about 300,000.


Shanghai Culture Square, the venue for the Spirited Away stage play

Shanghai Culture Square, the venue for the Spirited Away stage play


Shanghai Performance: A Milestone in Japanese Theater

Building on its success in London, Spirited Away will open in Shanghai this year. The production will be staged at the Shanghai Culture Square, the world’s largest underground theater, boasting 1,949 seats. Performances are scheduled from July 14 to August 3. Like in London, the Shanghai run will feature Japanese actors performing in Japanese.


Shanghai Culture Square, the venue for the Spirited Away stage play

Shanghai Culture Square, the venue for the Spirited Away stage play


This marks a significant milestone as the largest Japanese-language theatrical production ever performed in China. Although Toho has a history of staging productions overseas, they have predominantly featured local casts performing in the local language. Notable examples include Gone with the Wind in London (1972) and Los Angeles (1973), as well as productions like Roman Holiday, Marie Antoinette, Lady Bess, and Your Lie in April staged in South Korea. However, this Shanghai performance, following the Japanese production model used in London, is a first for Toho.


Source : ORICON NEWS

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