It has been announced that the popular anime "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga) will be adapted into a stage play. Titled "Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi Theater," it will run from August 5th to 9th at CBGK Shibugeki!! (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo). It has also been announced that actress Norika Fujiwara and child actress Nonoka Murakata will appear in the play. Auditions for child actors are also planned. Takuma Suehara will be in charge of the script, direction, and music.
The stage version will feature a diverse selection of stories from over 1400 classics, ranging from heartwarming human interest tales and humorous anecdotes to spine-chilling ghost stories.
"Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga) was a television anime series that aired from January 1975 to September 1994. It gained popularity with narration by Etsuko Ichihara and Fujio Tsuneda.
◇Norika Fujiwara's comment
"Good boy, go to sleep, just like always, now and always."
I never imagined that that beloved national animation, which I've cherished since childhood, would be made into a stage play!
"Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga), which nurtured the values and spirit that we Japanese have cherished and passed down, is something that cannot be fully described by the word "nostalgic" alone. The deeply moving narration, the worldview that feels somehow nostalgic and warm, and the melodies that you find yourself humming...all of it still lives vividly in my heart. I feel that there is great significance in this work, which gently conveys human compassion, cautionary tales, and respect for nature, being revived in the form of a stage production.
Takuma Suehara, who is in charge of the script, direction, and music, is someone who depicts stories with his own unique worldview and delicate sensibility. I am excited to see what kind of new life he will breathe into this work. I am also looking forward to seeing what kind of chemistry will be created when Takuma Suehara and the members of the theater company [Obonro] collaborate with Nonoka Murakata, whose straightforward and pure expressions are impressive.
This performance can be enjoyed by three generations, from adults to children. We hope that this musical drama will quietly touch your memories and emotions, leaving a lasting impression on you. This special performance will run for only five days this summer. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.
P.S. Just a personal thought, but I'd love to be with that "dragon" too (lol).
◇Comment from Nonoka Murakata
"Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga) will be made into a stage play! I love the song "Ningentte Iina" (It's Good to Be Human), and there are many folk tales that I like. Please look forward to seeing what role I will play ♪ I'm so excited for rehearsals to start soon ★ I hope lots of people will come to see it!
◇Comment from Tomoyuki Irie, Representative Director and CEO of Samurai Partners, the organizer of the event.
"Manga Nihon Mukashibanashi" (Japanese Folk Tales in Manga) is a truly national IP that has resonated with the hearts of Japanese people for 50 years. We feel that bringing its world to life on stage is of great significance in connecting Japanese culture to the next generation through the power of entertainment. Together with a stellar cast including Norika Fujiwara and Nonoka Murakata, who is affiliated with our company, we will weave together irreplaceable summer memories that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
