Orb: On the Movements of the Earth – Acclaimed Manga Receives Stage Adaptation Starring Masataka Kubota

A stage adaptation of the manga Orb: On the Movements of the Earth by Uoto has officially been announced.

This powerful story follows individuals who risk their lives in pursuit of the truth about the Earth's motion. The stage production brings together internationally acclaimed creators and a star-studded cast known for their strong individual presence. With a blend of physical expression, acting, singing, and live music, a brand-new interpretation of Orb will be brought to life on stage.

About Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is based on the manga of the same name by Uoto, serialized in Big Spirits Comics (published by Shogakukan). It is a highly acclaimed work, having won the Grand Prize at the 26th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Awards.

Set in 15th-century Europe, during a time when heretical ideas were punished by burning at the stake, the story follows those who risk their beliefs and lives to prove the heliocentric theory, which challenged the dominant geocentric worldview.

The prodigy Rafał is expected to major in theology, but one day, a mysterious man researching a "heretical truth" appears before him.

The stage adaptation will be directed by Abshalom Pollak, known in Japan for works like the musical The Cat That Lived a Million Times and the opera Rashomon. Working alongside scriptwriter Keishi Nagatsuka, they aim to transform the manga’s depth into a dynamic live performance.

The creative team includes Umitaro Abe for music and Ella Rothschild for choreography. The cast features a group of exceptional talents with strong acting and physical performance abilities, including Masataka Kubota, Toko Miura, Yusuke Onuki, Mitsuru Fukikoshi, Songha, and Mirai Moriyama. Together, they aim to deliver a production that transcends a typical stage adaptation, using movement, acting, song, and sound to reimagine Orb.

The production will premiere in October 2025 at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, with a nationwide tour scheduled for November.

Creator & Cast Comments:

Author: Uoto
It’s an incredible honor. I’m simply excited to see how “panels” will be transformed into a “stage.”

Scriptwriter: Keishi Nagatsuka
Uoto-san’s dialogue is brilliant. It brings out each character’s charm in a different way than the manga. While every character shines, I was drawn particularly to the perspective of Novak, the inquisitor. Unlike others chasing truth, he’s firmly grounded in the secular present. And yet, he ends up deeply involved in the heliocentric revolution. I hope to breathe theatrical life from this starting point.

Director: Abshalom Pollak
When I encountered Orb and its stage adaptation concept through Horipro, I was instantly captivated. I’ve read graphic novels worldwide, but Orb is truly a masterpiece. I'm thrilled to reunite with my longtime collaborators—Mirai, Songha, Yusuke, and Umitaro—and to work with new, passionate talents. Breathing life into this story for new audiences and longtime fans alike is a great joy. On stage, I hope to express Orb's brilliance in a fresh and vibrant way for all to experience.

Composer: Umitaro Abe
Imagining and empathizing with those who were drawn to the heliocentric theory is a deep joy. I’ve always loved thinking about the universe since childhood. I look forward to imagining the music of celestial bodies and working with this wonderful team.

Choreographer: Ella Rothschild
It’s a deep honor to create once more with Abshalom and talented Japanese artists. The fear and thrill of questioning the unquestionable, the burden of resisting fate, and the unstoppable drive to move the world—I'm thrilled to help create a live experience that embodies all of this.

Masataka Kubota
“Our lives are helplessly confined to our era. Still, we want to hope.” I can’t forget how those truth-filled words from the manga echoed in my mind. It’s a joy to bring Orb to the stage. The beauty of the staff and cast has given me a true sense of justice. I’ll give everything I have to this role.

Toko Miura
Reading the manga, I was moved by the struggle for the freedom to learn and to question. I’m determined to devote all the heart and time I can to express this world through acting, dance, and song. I will respect this beloved work to the fullest and grow through my experience with this team.

Yusuke Onuki
I’m truly happy to be part of Orb, a manga I love! Working again with Abshalom and Mirai Moriyama since The Cat That Lived a Million Times excites me. With this incredible cast and the global premiere, I can’t wait to help shape this complex story. I'm also looking forward to Nagatsuka-san’s script and Abe-san’s music. This will be a world like no other—get ready!

Mitsuru Fukikoshi
Most stage works can be roughly divided into three kinds. For example:

A stage where 10 cm is just 10 cm.

A stage where 10 cm is shown as 2 cm.

A stage where 10 cm is portrayed as a meter.

A stage where 10 cm is 50 grams.

A stage where 10 cm is a rain-soaked red high heel.
…Wait, that’s five. Oops, I lied. Basically, the types are infinite. But finding things you dislike is pointless. Rather than playing it safe with what's familiar, let’s discover new favorites from among the endless options. That’s what I hope working with Abshalom will be. I’m looking forward to it.

Songha
Abshalom is a remarkable person—an extraordinary actor and director. I learned the depth and joy of physical performance from him during The Cat That Lived a Million Times. And with my “senior cat” Mirai Moriyama joining us, it feels like a reward. The energetic artwork and accelerating narrative of the original... I’m confident this team can explore new realms of stage expression never seen before.

Mirai Moriyama
As someone who has long loved Orb, I’m thrilled to work on its stage adaptation with creators and cast members I deeply trust. The human world is always chaotic, but I hope this production—even if not a full Copernican revolution—can shift how people perceive the Earth we live on.

Anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Opening Movie

Anime Orb: On the Movements of the Earth Ending Movie

Source : Orb Official WEB