Ongakuza Musical to Stage World Premiere of 'A MONSTER CALLS' as "Kaibutsu wa Sasayaku" (A Monster Whispers)

Human Design Inc., which operates stage arts creation and human resource development training businesses, will host Ongakuza Musical's new production "Kaibutsu wa Sasayaku" (A Monster Whispers) in October and December 2026. The original work is the children's literature 'A MONSTER CALLS,' which simultaneously won the Carnegie Medal and the Kate Greenaway Medal. This production marks its world premiere as a musical.

Deeply resonant with Ongakuza Musical's core theme of "loss and regeneration," this work depicts the process of a boy confronting his inner self through his encounter with a "monster." Furthermore, this production has been selected for the "FY2026 Agency for Cultural Affairs Support Project for Children's Performing Arts Viewing Experience," and will be staged as an initiative to deliver the experience of performing arts to the next generation, including providing free invitation seats for children and half-price seats for companions. By connecting the work's theme with the creation of viewing opportunities, the value of performing arts will be opened up more widely to society.

Main Visual: Nobumasa Takahashi

Synopsis

Thirteen-year-old Conor lived with his sick mother, harboring unspoken anxieties at school and at home. One night, a yew tree in his backyard transforms into a "monster." The monster tells Conor three stories, and finally bids him, "Tell your own story." As he listens to these strange yet somehow real stories, feelings that Conor had long suppressed begin to stir within him. The reason why a nightmare appears every night at 12:07 also gradually reveals its outline.

The third story ends, and finally, it is Conor's turn to speak. What is "his own story" that he has kept hidden deep in his heart? And what are the feelings he is about to confront?

Message from Scriptwriter/Director

'A Monster Calls' is a wonderful work that cherishes unspoken feelings. I still remember the shock I felt when I first read the original. I have long wished to turn this story into an original musical, and that wish is finally taking shape. The protagonist boy harbors many feelings he cannot quite articulate, and the monster begins to tell him stories. Losing someone important is painful. But it is precisely through loss that things can also be found. Ongakuza Musical has always valued the theme of "loss and regeneration." After eight years, we are finally delivering this new work to everyone. We look forward to seeing you at the theater.

Taro Aikawa, Representative of Ongakuza Musical

Schedule and Venues

[Ota Ward Preview Performance] Ota Citizens' Hall Aplico Sunday, October 11, 2026

[Tokyo Performance] Sogetsu Hall Friday, December 11, 2026 - Sunday, December 20, 2026

Ticket Sales

[Ongakuza Mate First Priority (First-come, first-served)] Ongakuza Mate Prime Members Saturday, June 20, 2026, 10:00 - Saturday, June 27, 2026, 23:59

[Ongakuza Mate Second Priority (First-come, first-served)] Ongakuza Mate Prime Members / Standard Members Sunday, July 5, 2026, 10:00 - Sunday, July 12, 2026, 23:59

[General Release] Monday (Holiday), July 20, 2026, 10:00 -

Performance Overview

"Kaibutsu wa Sasayaku" (A Monster Whispers)

Original Work: 'A MONSTER CALLS' by Patrick Ness Original Idea: Siobhan Dowd Script & Direction: Taro Aikawa, Wormhole Project Music: Hiroshi Takada, Kosuke Kaneko Choreography: Wormhole Project Art: Yuto Kubota Costume: Masami Hara Hair & Makeup: Kazue Kawamura Lighting: Yuta Watanabe Sound: Toru Obata Music Director: Hiroshi Takada

Cultural Arts Partner: Machida City

Main Visual: Nobumasa Takahashi

Co-organizer: Ota City Cultural Promotion Association (Ota Ward performance) Supported by: Ota City Board of Education (Ota Ward performance) Cooperation: Sogetsu Foundation, Sogetsu Culture Business Co., Ltd. (Tokyo performance) Produced & Hosted by: Human Design

FY2026 Agency for Cultural Affairs Support Project for Children's Performing Arts Viewing Experience

About Ongakuza Musical

Website: https://www.ongakuza-musical.com

Since its founding in 1987, Ongakuza Musical has continued to create original musicals with the theme of "loss and regeneration." Its works, rich in profound philosophy and originality, such as "Shabondama Tonda Sora made Tonda" and "The Little Prince," have received numerous awards, including the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Award, Kinokuniya Theater Award, and Yomiuri Theater Award. In recent years, it has also gained high acclaim as an educational platform for nurturing the sensibilities and imagination of younger generations through school performances and workshops. Furthermore, by utilizing the company's philosophy in human resource development training for corporations, with actors serving as instructors, it returns the learning from stage creation back to society.