It has been revealed that voice actor Kensho Ono will be playing the role of Harry Potter in the stage production of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," based on the popular fantasy "Harry Potter" series written by J.K. Rowling. Ono voiced Harry in the Japanese dubbed version of the "Harry Potter" film series, and will play 37-year-old Harry, who has become a father in the stage version.
The stage version is a new adventure story set 19 years after the final volume of the novel, centering on the relationship between 37-year-old Harry Potter and his son, Albus. Since the Tokyo performance in 2022, a variety of actors have played Harry Potter. The show will conclude its four-and-a-half-year run on December 27th, bringing the curtain down on the long-running production. For the final year, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Kanji Ishimaru, Kanji Ishimaru, Osamu Mukai, Yusuke Yusuke Onuki Hiraoka will appear among the previous cast members who have played Harry. In addition, Ono and Shota Ueno, who previously served as a cover actor, will also appear, bringing together "10 Harry Potters." The length of appearances varies depending on the cast.
Ono commented, "I am truly honored to have been given this opportunity in the final year of the Japanese tour. With respect to the cast and staff who have been running the show since 2022, I would like to do my best to ensure that the show continues until the very end. I still remember the excitement and thrill I felt when I first saw 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' in the theater. The feeling was the same as when I saw 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' in the cinema. I was 12 years old when I first voiced Harry. I have completely forgotten how it felt back then... (laughs). I have known Harry for a long time, so I am looking forward to savoring the joy of being able to play him again and spending a happy time on stage. Lumos!!"
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is a stage play that premiered in London, England in 2016. It depicts Harry and his friends 19 years after their battle with Lord Voldemort. The Japanese version will open in 2022. The total audience number has exceeded 1.3 million, and the play has performed a total of 1,300 times.
Here are some comments from the actors who play Harry Potter:
◇Tatsuya Fujiwara
It is a great pleasure and honor to be able to return to this stage once again in the final year of this long-running production that has now concluded after four years. One of the great attractions of this production was that people who had never seen a play before came to the theater because of the Harry Potter series. Nothing would make me happier than if this opportunity led to more people discovering the joys of theater and continuing to visit the theater. As the original cast, I would like to deliver a performance that I am proud of in this memorable year that marks the end of this pinnacle of production. Please come and experience the final "magic."
◇ Kanji Ishimaru
It feels like ages ago when I played Harry. And that's because it's already been four years since the area around Akasaka Station was painted in Harry Potter colors. I still go to see "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" from time to time. It's like home to me. This year, I'm returning as an actor. I wonder what kind of story I'll be able to weave with my new friends? I'm looking forward to that day. Please come see Ishimaru Harry at the theater!
◇ Osamu Mukai
My name is Osamu Mukai, and I will be playing Harry Potter for the first time in three years, since 2023. Since the premiere in 2022, there have been 174 performances, and not a single performance has been the same, so I feel nostalgic for those exciting days. For me, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the play I have performed the longest, and it is an important work to me, as I still have connections with the original cast. That's why I am so happy to be able to make a comeback like this. And since it's a revival, I intend to perform with even more energy and delicacy than last time. I hope to create a magical world together with all the audience members. Please come and witness the power of magic at the theater!
◇Naoto Fujiki
I can't believe I can become Harry again! It takes courage to face that epic story, but the joy of returning to that wonderful magical world outweighs that. I hope I can overcome the conflict between father and son, fight Voldemort with Hermione, Ron, and Draco, and reach the wonderful final scene at the end of the play, which I consider to be my reward. I'll be waiting for you in the magical world!
◇ Yusuke Onuki
I am truly happy to be able to return to the magical world once again. I am sad that "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is coming to an end, but I am nothing but grateful and excited to be involved in the finale of this wonderful play! Whether you have seen it yet or not, please come to the theater to experience this moving experience that you will never see again! I look forward to seeing you.
◇Yu Yoshizawa
2026 will be the final year for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in Japan, so to liven up the year, I, Yoshizawa Yu, will be returning as Harry Potter on Valentine's Day, February 14th. This year marks a rare opportunity for all the previous Harrys to return to the theater. I'm looking forward to performing alongside cast members I've never paired with before, and to portraying fresh human drama. This will also be my last time playing Harry Potter. I'll be bracing myself for the challenge. Please enjoy this "magical world" filled with the thoughts of all the cast and staff involved in this production.
◇ Goro Inagaki
Last year's performance brought me many new encounters and discoveries, and it once again made me realize the immense power of the Harry Potter series. I am very happy to be able to play Harry again in this world. As time flows differently from last time, I would like to cherish each day I live as Harry and run through it with everyone in the company. I look forward to sharing that moment with everyone at the theater.
◇Yuta Hiraoka
I am currently enjoying the precious experience of a long-running production, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every day, I feel the challenges, learning, and joy of working as a team to create a production. This is the "last year," and I have never been so enchanted by the magical world of a stage production before. It's sad that it's over, but that's why I want to make it a stage that will remain in the memories of those who come. Supporting each other, I want to deliver excitement right to the end.
◇ Shota Ueno
I'm Ueno Shota, the new Harry Potter! Since the beginning, I've been supporting all the Harrys as a cover, but from now on, I'll be on stage as the main character. That doesn't mean anything will change on stage. I'll just be there as Harry Potter, pouring my whole being, heart and soul into it. I'm happy to be reunited with my former classmates in my final year, and what a stroke of luck it is to meet (Ono) Kensho, who I co-starred with 18 years ago, as the same Harry! As a way of repaying everyone who has supported this play up until now, and to be the battery for everyone in the company who has never given up and kept the performance going, I will devote my all to seeing it through to the very end!
