A Dying Art Form Where Children Can Learn Love, Manners, and Cooperation! Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' Launches New Original Musical 'URASHIMA' for the First Time in 15 Years; Crowdfunding Begins for Stage Production by 98 Children

Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume,' operated by Gekidan BDP (Inagi City, Tokyo; Representative Director Chairman: Yo Aoto), which has been creating original musicals themed around 'love, kindness, and compassion' for 32 years since its founding by musical actor Yo Aoto, who built his career at NHK Broadcasting Children's Troupe, Subarashiki Hito, and Gekidan Shiki, will stage its first new original musical in 15 years, 'URASHIMA - At the Bottom of the Dragon Palace Sea -' on September 21, 2026 (Monday, holiday) at the Nakano ZERO Main Hall, the largest cultural hall in Nakano Ward, Tokyo.

In preparation for this performance, crowdfunding has begun on June 27, 2026 (Saturday) to support the production of the work and its future legacy.

An arrangement of the familiar 'Urashima Taro' into a moving story no one has ever heard. A heartwarming original work.

'URASHIMA' is a completely original musical that depicts the universally known Japanese folktale 'Urashima Taro' from a new perspective.

Taro, who has loved the sea since childhood and dreams of becoming a fisherman, confronts universal themes of 'how to live life' and 'deep family love' through various encounters and experiences in the mysterious underwater world of the Dragon Palace.

Furthermore, centered on the message 'Changing the present changes the future,' the musical depicts hope, human connection, and the preciousness of living in the moment, which are especially important in today's rapidly changing world.

The cast consists of 98 children from all over the country. Each child breathes life into this work, singing, dancing, and acting with all their heart.

Join us in creating a masterpiece that will be performed for generations to come!

Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' has previously reinterpreted Japanese classics such as 'Momotaro,' 'Kaguya-hime,' and 'Kojiki' into entirely new original musicals, providing opportunities for many children to challenge themselves. With 'URASHIMA,' the aim is not just a one-time performance, but to develop it into a signature work that will be passed down across the country for the next 20 to 30 years, allowing many children to participate.

However, producing a new musical requires significant costs for stage sets, costumes, and more. With recent increases in material and production costs, we have decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign to maintain the quality of the work and ensure its future legacy.

The funds raised will be used for stage sets and props to create the fantastical world of the Dragon Palace, original costumes, and public relations/promotional activities to reach a wider audience. This project also offers various rewards, such as performance tickets, rehearsal viewings, and backstage tours, allowing supporters to experience the creation process of 'URASHIMA.'

Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' views this project not just as a fundraiser, but as an opportunity to build a community of supporters who will champion the children's endeavors. We wish to create the birth of a work that will be passed down to the future together with many of you.

Performance Details

Performance Title: Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' New Original Musical 'URASHIMA - At the Bottom of the Dragon Palace Sea -' (First in 15 Years)

Script: Kenichi Okumura Music: Shingo Katano Direction: Chihiro Nakazawa

Date & Time: September 21, 2026 (Monday, holiday) Sea Group: 12:30 PM start / Shell Group: 4:30 PM start

Venue: Nakano ZERO Main Hall

Ticket Sales: July 25, 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 AM

Crowdfunding Details

Campaign Period: June 27, 2026 (Saturday) - August 31, 2026 (Monday) Target Amount: 3,000,000 yen

The total production cost for 'URASHIMA' is estimated at approximately 19,000,000 yen. Theater rental and basic operating costs will be covered by ticket sales. The funds raised will be carefully used to enhance the 'quality of the stage that can be performed for a long time' and 'the ability to reach a wider audience.'

● Usage of the 3,000,000 yen crowdfunding target:

Stage Set & Prop Production Costs: 1,400,000 yen (To three-dimensionally express the fantastical world of the Dragon Palace)

Costume Production Costs: 1,000,000 yen (Original costumes to vividly color the deep sea world)

Public Relations & Promotion Enhancement Costs: 300,000 yen (To place large posters at stations to reach future audiences and future troupe members!)

Crowdfunding Fees, etc.: 300,000 yen

During the first full rehearsal

【Crowdfunding Page】

https://camp-fire.jp/projects/950497/view

【Performance Special Page】

https://www.gekidan-bdp.jp/w/urashima

<Video>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L6anUBuCBc

Messages from the Production Team

Scriptwriter Kenichi Okumura:

My own daughter is a member of Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume.' Not only as a scriptwriter, but also as the chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, which supports the children's activities by arranging rehearsal spaces and preparing costumes, I support the troupe.

My daughter joined Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' when she was in first grade. At the time, she was very shy and not good at speaking in front of people, but the warm reception she received from the older girls during the trial lesson was the reason she joined. Before I knew it, 10 years had passed, and she is now in her second year of high school.

Looking back on these 10 years, it wasn't always smooth sailing. There were times she was frustrated at not getting the role she wanted, and times she cried because she forgot her lines during a performance. However, it was precisely because of that frustration and those failures that the desire to 'try harder next time' was born, and she gradually grew. What's truly important isn't whether you get the role you hoped for, but how you accept the outcome and switch your mindset to move forward. I believe that being able to accumulate such experiences is the great value of this theater company. The children who continue will surely have a moment to blossom greatly somewhere. The timing differs for each child, but I am convinced of this after watching children for 10 years. That is why, as the PTA chairman, I emphasize the importance of continuing for a long time to the parents.

I have poured those feelings into this new work, 'URASHIMA - At the Bottom of the Dragon Palace Sea -.' The line 'Changing the present changes the future' appears in the play. The future doesn't change dramatically on a special day; it is shaped by how you spend each day, by the accumulation of those days. So as not to regret 'if only I had done this back then' 30 years from now, I want to convey the message to the children, and to the audience, to cherish 'today' and live towards their dreams.

This work also depicts not only the importance of having dreams but also the bond between parents and children and friendship with peers. Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume' is a very unique troupe where not only children but also parents are deeply involved in the creation of works through the 'Parent-Teacher Association.' Because of this, parents and children can walk towards the same goal and watch their children's growth up close. Many families seem to discuss musical production at home. Children challenging their dreams, families supporting them, and friends encouraging each other. All of these are the underlying themes of the work 'URASHIMA - At the Bottom of the Dragon Palace Sea -.'

I would be very happy if this work becomes an opportunity for the children to take a step towards their future, and for everyone who sees it to re-examine the importance of the present moment.

Composer Shingo Katano:

A composer. As the music director of Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume,' he has composed music for numerous original musicals, including 'Momotaro!,' 'KAGUYA,' and 'Hime Kagura.' He has created many delicate and accessible songs that complement the stories.

The wonderful thing about this theater company is not just the stage techniques. I have seen many children who initially came in with apprehension grow by supporting each other with peers of different ages. Older students look after younger ones, and children who couldn't concentrate become a little stronger. Being able to witness these changes up close is a great joy for an instructor. I would be happy if this 'URASHIMA' becomes an opportunity for the growth of many children, as a stage where both boys and girls can shine.

When presenting the familiar folktale 'Urashima Taro' as a musical, the first thing I prioritized was that the children performing it could truly enjoy the music. While this work is based on a folktale, it has modern arrangements and has become a story that feels more relatable. I wanted the music that colors this world to be as close to the real music we hear in our daily lives as possible, not just something simplified because it's for children.

Since it's a work performed by children, I've taken care to ensure that the chorus balance and solo ranges are manageable, but I don't think 'this is good enough because they are children.' Children are exposed to various kinds of music just like adults, and they grow significantly when they encounter music they find interesting and want to sing. The part that might feel a bit difficult in this music is the rhythm, but rhythm isn't something that naturally develops as you become an adult. I want children to experience various rhythms from a young age and feel the joy of it.

During rehearsals, I never limit the children's potential. Based on past experience, children's capacity for growth is truly immeasurable, and I have repeatedly seen them grow significantly right up until the performance. Therefore, I don't set limits early on. While acknowledging their strengths, I value working together to figure out 'what is needed to improve' and moving forward.

While singing ability has aptitudes and individual differences, I believe anyone can improve with practice. If you continue to work at it, your expressive range will definitely broaden. When dividing chorus parts, I am conscious of utilizing the unique charm of each person's voice.

Director Chihiro Nakazawa:

A director, choreographer, and dancer. After studying dance in New York for two years, she returned to Japan and joined Gekidan BDP. As the general producer for Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume,' she has directed and choreographed numerous original musicals.

At Children's Theater Company 'Ooki na Yume,' we have created many original musicals based on Japanese myths and folktales, such as 'Momotaro,' 'Kaguya-hime,' and 'Kojiki.' Japanese stories have many charms that resonate across eras and borders, such as love, compassion, and cherishing others. I want to convey those charms to people overseas through our stage performances. At the same time, I hope that Japanese children themselves will feel a sense of closeness to their own culture and stories and take pride in them.

While the troupe is a place to learn singing, dancing, and acting, I believe it is even more so 'a place where one can grow as a person.' A musical cannot be completed by one person alone. We create a single work by supporting each other, and sometimes being supported by others. That experience leads to compassion, cooperation, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to think and act independently. Therefore, I value creating 'performances that move people's hearts' with the children, rather than just teaching technical skills. I believe that a performance can only truly reach people's hearts with compassion for others and trust in one's peers.

We have received many comments from parents, such as 'My child, who was shy about speaking in public, has gained confidence,' 'I found a safe place to spend time outside of school,' and 'My child's perspective has broadened through interacting with peers of different ages.' I am also reminded of the value of this troupe every time I hear children say, 'I made friends,' 'I've come to enjoy taking on challenges,' and 'I gained confidence by completing the performance.'