Japanese 'Kiki's Delivery Service' Musical Symphony Orchestra Version to Visit Taiwan in July
The beloved original story and animation of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' will have its premiere in Taiwan in July as a new symphony orchestra musical. Author Eiko Kadono expressed her joy, and the production will use rich orchestral music to depict Kiki's journey of finding her value and courage through loneliness and setbacks.
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TAIPEI (CNA) – The original story and animation of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' are widely popular, and the original musical will premiere in Taiwan in July. This new musical is an orchestral version, using rich orchestral music to portray the little witch 'Kiki's' journey of finding her value and courage through loneliness and setbacks.
According to Niu Er Arts news materials, Eiko Kadono, now 91 years old, attended the musical's announcement press conference in Tokyo today. She expressed her joy that this work could "fly out" and connect with Taiwan. Eiko Kadono believes that "magic" does not only exist in stories; "when a person discovers what they are most passionate about and puts in effort, the miracle that appears at that moment is magic."
Eiko Kadono's original 'Kiki's Delivery Service' was created by the children's literature author over 27 years, from 1982 to 2009. In 1989, it was adapted into an internationally renowned animated film by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki; in 1993, it was adapted into a musical by renowned director Yukio Ninagawa; in 2014, it was remade into a live-action film; and in 2016, a stage play version was performed in London's West End.
This musical version coming to Taiwan was created by director Koki Kishimoto and composer Ryota Kojima in 2017. It has had five tours, and 2026 marks its 10th anniversary, with a team of 70 people traveling across the sea to Taiwan. Koki Kishimoto stated that he is a big fan of Eiko Kadono and will leverage the power of vivid staging to embody the spirit of the original work.
Ryota Kojima stated that he visited the National Theater in Taipei and the National Taichung Theater for site surveys and was very pleased with the acoustics of both international-level venues. He hopes that through the symphony orchestra, the audience can experience more delicate musical layers.
Honoka Yamato, 18, who plays 'Kiki,' recently moved to Tokyo to pursue her stage career, and she says, "This is quite similar to Kiki's experience." Honoka Yamato also mentioned another similarity with 'Kiki': "Just do it, don't overthink." Takumi Kitagawa, who plays 'Tombo,' is a singer-actor, and this is his first international tour. He said, "I am 22, but I have the heart of a boy, and I hope to showcase the carefree personality of this character."
The plot of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' describes 13-year-old apprentice witch 'Kiki' leaving her hometown with her black cat Jiji, as per tradition, to begin independent training in an unfamiliar city. Facing loneliness, setbacks, and confusion, she gradually finds her value and courage through her delivery work. The musical stage will use physical wire-flying special effects, allowing the audience to witness 'Kiki' soaring through the air.
The 'Kiki's Delivery Service' musical will run from July 10th to 19th at the National Theater in Taipei, and from July 24th to August 2nd at the National Taichung Theater. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150511
According to Niu Er Arts news materials, Eiko Kadono, now 91 years old, attended the musical's announcement press conference in Tokyo today. She expressed her joy that this work could "fly out" and connect with Taiwan. Eiko Kadono believes that "magic" does not only exist in stories; "when a person discovers what they are most passionate about and puts in effort, the miracle that appears at that moment is magic."
Eiko Kadono's original 'Kiki's Delivery Service' was created by the children's literature author over 27 years, from 1982 to 2009. In 1989, it was adapted into an internationally renowned animated film by Studio Ghibli and directed by Hayao Miyazaki; in 1993, it was adapted into a musical by renowned director Yukio Ninagawa; in 2014, it was remade into a live-action film; and in 2016, a stage play version was performed in London's West End.
This musical version coming to Taiwan was created by director Koki Kishimoto and composer Ryota Kojima in 2017. It has had five tours, and 2026 marks its 10th anniversary, with a team of 70 people traveling across the sea to Taiwan. Koki Kishimoto stated that he is a big fan of Eiko Kadono and will leverage the power of vivid staging to embody the spirit of the original work.
Ryota Kojima stated that he visited the National Theater in Taipei and the National Taichung Theater for site surveys and was very pleased with the acoustics of both international-level venues. He hopes that through the symphony orchestra, the audience can experience more delicate musical layers.
Honoka Yamato, 18, who plays 'Kiki,' recently moved to Tokyo to pursue her stage career, and she says, "This is quite similar to Kiki's experience." Honoka Yamato also mentioned another similarity with 'Kiki': "Just do it, don't overthink." Takumi Kitagawa, who plays 'Tombo,' is a singer-actor, and this is his first international tour. He said, "I am 22, but I have the heart of a boy, and I hope to showcase the carefree personality of this character."
The plot of 'Kiki's Delivery Service' describes 13-year-old apprentice witch 'Kiki' leaving her hometown with her black cat Jiji, as per tradition, to begin independent training in an unfamiliar city. Facing loneliness, setbacks, and confusion, she gradually finds her value and courage through her delivery work. The musical stage will use physical wire-flying special effects, allowing the audience to witness 'Kiki' soaring through the air.
The 'Kiki's Delivery Service' musical will run from July 10th to 19th at the National Theater in Taipei, and from July 24th to August 2nd at the National Taichung Theater. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150511