The third installment of the Sazae-san stage adaptation has been confirmed for June at Meijiza and July at Shin-Kabukiza. The newly revealed visuals and cast lineup show that the main cast from the 2019 and 2022 productions will be reprising their roles:

Sazae – Norika Fujiwara
Masuo, now busier due to a promotion – Shingo Katsurayama
Fune, a caring mother concerned about her children – Keiko Takahashi
Namihei, now retired – Ken Matsudaira

New Generation of Isono Family Children

The child roles have been completely recast:
Katsuo, now a university student – Naoya Kusakawa (ONE N’ ONLY) / Yusuke Sato (lol) (dual cast)
Wakame, attending a vocational school – Honoka Hirao (Hinatazaka46)
Tarao, now in middle school – Shoma Fujishiro (wink first / TRAINEE) / Hikaru Matsuzaki (dual cast)
Additionally, Tama, the family’s beloved cat, will once again be played by Toshiya Sakai, continuing his role from the 2019 and 2022 productions.

The play, written and directed by Takayasu Tamura, will depict the unchanging warmth of the Isono family, set 10 years after the anime’s timeline.

The Everlasting Legacy of Sazae-san

Originally a four-panel manga, Sazae-san has been airing as an anime since 1969, spanning the Shōwa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. In 2024, the anime celebrates its 55th anniversary, solidifying its status as a beloved national treasure.

The first stage adaptation in 2019, held in Tokyo (Meijiza) and Fukuoka (Hakataza), explored the Isono family’s life 10 years after the anime, capturing the subtle yet heartfelt changes in their daily lives. After a successful second installment in 2022, the third stage play will once again bring the Isono family to the stage in June 2025 at Meijiza and July 2025 at Shin-Kabukiza.

Cast Comments

Norika Fujiwara (Sazae)
"Sazae is a bit clumsy, but she never lets anything get her down. Her cheerful, straightforward nature lights up everyone around her. I feel incredibly lucky to once again play Fuguta Sazae, alongside an amazing family: Shingo Katsurayama, Keiko Takahashi, and Ken Matsudaira."

"Even as times change, I think we all still admire the strong family bonds of the Isono household. I hope this stage play will make everyone think, ‘Family is truly something special.’ We’ll bring a heartwarming and love-filled performance to the audience!"

Ken Matsudaira (Namihei)
"Japan’s favorite father is back once again! Namihei is a stubborn but deeply emotional character, and I absolutely love playing him. In the previous production, the scene where he meets his ancestors in a dream left a lasting impression on me. I hope our audience will laugh, cry, and leave with warm hearts."

Honoka Hirao (Wakame)
"Hello, everyone! I’m Honoka Hirao from Hinatazaka46, playing Wakame! Having grown up watching Sazae-san, I am beyond thrilled to be part of this production. I will do my best to capture Wakame’s warmth and charm, and I hope to bring my own unique take on her character!"

Toshiya Sakai (Tama)
"Tama’s presence was felt all over the stage in the last two productions. This time, I vow to leave an even bigger mark on the stage—and aim for the top cat character in the world! Meow!"

Source : ORICON NEWS