A brand-new production of DEATH NOTE The Musical has been announced for November 2025, marking its first staging in five years. The show will be held at Tokyo Tatemono Brillia HALL and will commemorate the musical’s 10th anniversary since its debut.

The dual role of Light Yagami (Kira) will be played by Seishiro Kato and Ao Watanabe, while Hiroki Miura takes on the role of the genius detective L. Kenji Urai, who originally played Light in the 2015 and 2017 runs, will now portray the Shinigami Ryuk. Riho Sayashi will play Misa Amane, and Megumi Hamada returns after eight years to reprise her role as Rem. Soichiro Yagami, Light’s father and the chief of police, will again be played by Kiyotaka Imai, continuing from the 2020 cast. Sayu Yagami, Light’s younger sister, will be portrayed by Riko from HUNNY BEE.

A Global Hit Returns to the Stage

Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2003 to 2006, DEATH NOTE is a suspense thriller that follows Light Yagami as he gains the power to kill via a supernatural notebook and attempts to create a new world, while being pursued by the world’s greatest detective, L.

The musical adaptation premiered in 2015 and has been restaged in Japan in 2017 and 2020, and in South Korea in 2015, 2017, 2022, and 2023—all met with critical acclaim and sold-out runs. The Korean production even won Best Musical of the Year in 2022. In 2023, a concert version in London also sold out completely.

Cast Comments

Seishiro Kato (Light Yagami)
“Ten years ago, I was just an audience member watching the premiere at the Nissay Theatre. I never imagined I’d one day play Light. In today’s world where anyone can claim their own form of justice and pass judgment, I hope to deliver something meaningful through Kira’s story and Frank Wildhorn’s dynamic music.”

Ao Watanabe (Light Yagami)
“Light is the embodiment of the ‘dark hero’ archetype—his transformation from righteousness to extremism is fascinating. I’m honored to be part of this and look forward to performing the intense psychological battles with Seishiro-san and the cast.”

Hiroki Miura (L)
“I’ve seen every past production of this musical. Being able to join the cast as L in this legendary Japanese production is both thrilling and humbling. I’ll give it my all with love and sincerity.”

Riho Sayashi (Misa Amane)
“As a singer stepping into a musical, I’m working hard to internalize the unique expression required for the stage. I’m excited to see what we can create together in this beloved work.”

Riko (Sayu Yagami)
“I'm honored to play Sayu in this milestone production. Though nervous, I’ll do my best to bring audiences a truly wonderful show.”

Megumi Hamada (Rem)
“It’s been eight years since I last played Rem. With a mostly new cast this time, I’m excited to see the fresh energy and hope to deliver a rich, layered production.”

Kenji Urai (Ryuk)
“When I was asked, ‘Would you play Ryuk?’ I was shocked—and thrilled! Having played Light in past productions, it’s a dream come true to now portray Ryuk. Together with Rem, I’ll bring the world of the Shinigami to life.”

Kiyotaka Imai (Soichiro Yagami)
“I’m grateful to return after the 2020 run was cut short due to the pandemic. The emotional power of this musical is something only theater can provide—and I aim to deepen my performance even more this time.”

Cast List

Light Yagami: Seishiro Kato / Ao Watanabe (Double Cast)
L: Hiroki Miura
Misa Amane: Riho Sayashi
Sayu Yagami: Riko (HUNNY BEE)
Rem: Megumi Hamada
Ryuk: Kenji Urai
Soichiro Yagami: Kiyotaka Imai

Staff List

Original Work: DEATH NOTE by Tsugumi Ohba (Story) and Takeshi Obata (Art), published by Shueisha Jump Comics
Composer: Frank Wildhorn
Lyrics: Jack Murphy
Book: Ivan Menchell
Translation: Kayoko Jo
Lyric Adaptation: Ako Takahashi
Orchestrations & Arrangements: Jason Howland
Music Director: Akihiro Shiota
Director: Tamiya Kuriyama
Scenic Design: Shusaku Futamura
Lighting Design: Jiro Katsushiba
Sound Design: Koichi Yamamoto
Costume Design: Jun Arimura
Hair & Makeup: Naoki Kamata
Projection Design: Daiki Ueda
Choreography: Tomoko Tainaka
Vocal Coach: Shin Chiaki
Assistant Director: Megumi Toyoda
Stage Manager: Takashi Kato

Source : ORICON NEWS