Yosuke Iida, who has graced the stages of "Cats," "Les Misérables," and "The Phantom of the Opera," launches new project "MUSICAL COMPASS" to guide musical enjoyment!

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, a new project called "MUSICAL COMPASS," led by musical actor Yosuke Iida, known for his roles as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" and others, will launch. Iida will serve as a "pilot" to guide audiences in enjoying musicals both domestically and internationally.

The main content will be the podcast program "Yosuke Iida's MUSICAL COMPASS," released every other Wednesday. Iida will share the profound charm of musicals from his unique perspective. Future plans include live events such as concerts and participatory projects for the audience.

This project aims to deliver information that will make musical fans, as well as those who have previously found musicals daunting, eager to visit the theater. Please look forward to it.

"MUSICAL CAMPASS" Main Visual

Project Overview

[Title] MUSICAL COMPASS

[Launch Date] July 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

[Organizers] The Yomiuri Shimbun, Vivoyage

Official Website URL: https://musical-compass.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@musical_compass

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicalcompass_/

X: https://x.com/musicalcompass_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591116280300

Yosuke Iida Profile

<Profile>

Born in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. He joined the Shiki Theatre Company in 2004 while studying vocal music at Tokyo University of the Arts. He remained with the company for 20 years, starring in numerous musical productions such as "Cats," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "The Man Who Walked Through the Wall." He captivated audiences with his profound baritone voice and rich expressiveness.

After leaving the company, he starred as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables." He is one of the few actors worldwide to have played major roles in all three of the "world's three major musicals": "Cats," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Les Misérables."

Currently, he is expanding his activities beyond the stage to include television dramas and variety shows. He is also showcasing a new side as an artist, having released his 1st Single "I CHOOSE" in June. This summer, he is scheduled to hold his first solo full-orchestra concert, "billboard classics YOSUKE IIDA Premium Symphonic Concert -MAESTOSO-" in two cities: Tokyo (July 3) and Kyoto (August 8).

Yosuke Iida

<Interview>

Yosuke Iida shares his thoughts on the launch of this project.

URL: https://musical-compass.com/interview/20260701/

Content Introduction

<Podcast Program "Yosuke Iida's Musical Compass">

▽ Overview

Yosuke Iida, who enjoys watching musicals himself and travels to Broadway and the West End, will serve as a "pilot" to guide you through the enjoyment of musicals in this audio content. The program will cover a wide range of topics, including background information and trivia about famous works, Iida's personal thoughts on his stage roles, how to get tickets, and tips for further enjoying your theater experience.

In addition to distribution on various audio streaming apps, behind-the-scenes footage and the latest information will be shared on the official social media channels.

The theme song for this content, "Theme of MUSICAL COMPASS," was written by Ryohei Mori, who has been active as a music director and conductor for various grand musicals. Please pay attention to this song, which is filled with the essence of musicals.

[Program Name] Yosuke Iida's MUSICAL COMPASS

[Production] The Yomiuri Shimbun, Vivoyage

[Director] Mariko Takase

▽ Distribution Themes and Schedule *Approximately 20 minutes per episode

#1 "The Day I Met 'CATS'" July 1, 2026 (Wednesday) 12:00 PM (First episode only)

#2 "The Current State of Musicals Seen Through the Tony Awards" July 8, 2026 (Wednesday) 4:00 PM

Thereafter, every other Wednesday at 4:00 PM, a total of 20 episodes (scheduled).

*Distribution schedules are subject to change due to circumstances.

▽ Audio Distribution App URLs

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.jp/podcasts/ad6a5720-6865-4d26-998d-b5daf5a7ee3b

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/jp/podcast/id6785742371

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033H8fIxdysUsFX88Z5OyE

▽ Theme Song

"Theme of MUSICAL COMPASS"

Composer: Ryohei Mori

▽ Ryohei Mori Profile

Composer, conductor, and pianist. Born in Tokushima Prefecture in 1989. After graduating from Tokushima Prefectural Jonan High School, he graduated from the Department of Composition at Tokyo University of the Arts. He completed his graduate studies in conducting at the same university, receiving the Acanthus Prize upon completion.

He began playing piano in childhood and started composing seriously in high school. He is active in a wide range of genres, primarily classical music, including composition, arrangement, piano, and conducting. In recent years, his activities in chamber music have also increased.

In the musical theater field, he has conducted "Les Misérables," "Miss Saigon," "Love Never Dies," "To Live," "The King and I," and served as music director for "The Phantom" and "Little Shop of Horrors." He has also performed piano, conducted, and arranged for other performances and live shows.

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

The Yomiuri Shimbun / Vivoyage

MUSICAL COMPASS Office

Email Address: musical-compass@yomiuri.com