Spirited Away Stage Show Opens in Shanghai with Kanna Hashimoto
Key Facts
• Stage production of Spirited Away opened in Shanghai
• Kanna Hashimoto plays the role of Chihiro
• Originally premiered at Imperial Theatre in March 2022
• 2024 performances included a Japan tour and 135 London shows
• Shanghai run takes place at Shanghai Culture Square with 42 performances

Stage production of Spirited Away opens in Shanghai, featuring Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro. © Toho Co., Ltd.
The stage production of Spirited Away has opened in Shanghai, featuring Kanna Hashimoto in the role of Chihiro. Following a domestic tour in Japan and a large-scale run in London, the Shanghai performances will take place at Shanghai Culture Square from July 14 to August 17, with a total of 42 shows scheduled.
A Worldwide Stage Journey for Spirited Away
The stage adaptation of Spirited Away first premiered in March 2022 at Tokyo's Imperial Theatre. In 2024, the production returned to the same venue in March before embarking on a domestic tour across Japan from April to June. Simultaneously, the cast also performed overseas, staging 135 performances at the London Coliseum between April and August.
This marked a large-scale overseas presentation of a Japanese-language production with an entirely Japanese cast. It also represented the first time Toho Co., Ltd. organized such an event in the West End, where the London Coliseum, with approximately 2,300 seats, drew full houses each night and attracted around 300,000 attendees.

Stage production of Spirited Away opens in Shanghai, featuring Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro. © Toho Co., Ltd.
Kanna Hashimoto Leads the Shanghai Cast
In the Shanghai performances, Kanna Hashimoto reprises her role as Chihiro. The production continues with its rotating cast format, featuring multiple actors for key roles. The cast arrived in Shanghai accompanied by new promotional photos, showcasing scenes from the production in the new venue.
This Shanghai run follows the success of previous performances in Japan and the UK, maintaining the same production values and staging style. The photos released highlight the visual storytelling and character portrayals that define this adaptation of Spirited Away.

Stage production of Spirited Away opens in Shanghai, featuring Kanna Hashimoto as Chihiro. © Toho Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Culture Square Hosts 42 Performances
From July 14 to August 17, a total of 42 performances are scheduled at Shanghai Culture Square. The venue is notable for its underground structure, making it the world's largest underground theatre. With a seating capacity of 1,949, Shanghai Culture Square is known for hosting a wide range of domestic and international productions, including musicals, plays, and ballet performances.
This leg of the tour continues the international expansion of the stage production, offering audiences in Shanghai the opportunity to experience Spirited Away in its Japanese-language theatrical form.
FAQ
Q: When did the Shanghai performances of the Spirited Away stage show begin?
A: The Shanghai performances began on July 14, 2025.
Q: Who plays the role of Chihiro in the Shanghai production?
A: Kanna Hashimoto plays the role of Chihiro in the Shanghai performances.
Q: How many performances will be held in Shanghai?
A: A total of 42 performances are scheduled at Shanghai Culture Square.
Q: Where were the 2024 overseas performances held?
A: The 2024 overseas performances took place at the London Coliseum.
Q: How many people attended the London run of the show?
A: Approximately 300,000 people attended the London performances.
Spirited Away London
Source : ORICON NEWS