‘Spirited Away’ by Studio Ghibli to Get Stage Adaptation

Fans of Spirited Away rejoice! For the first time ever, the fantasy feature film has been set for a stage adaptation that will open at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo, Japan in February 2022. Enthusiasts of the anime will be able to relish the extraordinary storytelling once again but in a different medium. 

It will be produced by leading Japanese theatre production company Toho, and written and directed by Tony and John Caird. The latter has made his mark in the entertainment industry for his work on Les Misérables and Daddy Long Legs.

As of now, it is scheduled to make its round in various regions in Japan including Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Nagoya . 

However, Toho is keen to take the play to other parts of Asia and Europe, where the film has become a cultural phenomenon. We are keeping our fingers crossed that it happens soon. 

Also read: I Spent A Day Eating My Way Through the Real-Life Town of ‘Spirited Away’

Cast of Spirited Away stage adaptation

Image credit: Studio Ghibli UK Official Instagram Page

The part of Chihiro will be played by two females. They are:

• Kanna Hashimoto, a 22 years old singer-turned-actress.
• Mone Kamishiraishi, known for lending her voice to character Miyamizu Mitsuha in Your Name. It will be the first time Hashimoto will be appearing on stage.

Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (the original Japanese title) directed by renowned Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli has won the hearts of many since its release in 2001. It is heralded by fans as one of the Japanese animation film studio’s most remarkable masterpieces, and rightfully so.

As a matter of fact, Spirited Away has bagged numerous accolades. This includes an Oscar award for best animated feature at the 75th Academy Awards. Moreover, it was also the highest grossing movie in Japan for a whopping 19 years. It was recently being overtaken by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train which hit the theatres in October last year. 

Who is excited to catch the stage adaptation of Spirited Away when it comes to a city near you?

Also read: 10 Destinations in Asia That Were Inspired By Studio Ghibli Movies!