Long-awaited Japan Premiere of the Hit Korean Musical 'The Secret Garden'!
The original musical 'The Secret Garden', which received high acclaim in South Korea, is making its Japanese premiere featuring notable young casts such as Iroha Okuda and Taisei Shima.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 22, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 22, 2026 at 12:51 (20 min after Collected)
The original musical 'The Secret Garden', which was reconstructed from Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved classic novel by a group of prominent Korean creative talents and generated enthusiastic fans locally, is finally making its long-awaited premiere in Japan.
The greatest appeal of this work lies in its magnificent structure that transcends the framework of the novel. Playwright Kim Sol-ji, renowned in the Korean theater and musical industry for delicate psychological depictions and dramatic storytelling, has built a multi-layered world weaving 'another drama (the story of children weaving a book)' into the original work. Fused with this is beautiful and fresh music by composers Brandon Lee (Lee Sung-joon) and Kang Ha-nim, who have created numerous hits such as the musicals 'Frankenstein' and 'Ben-Hur'.
It is a well-made musical that recorded an astonishingly high audience rating of 9.7 during its Korean premiere and was highly praised for its perfection, receiving nominations in four major categories (Grand Prize, Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music) at the 'Korea Musical Awards'.
For this memorable Japanese premiere stage, brilliant next-generation stars who will lead the future of the Japanese musical world and reliable, talented cast members have gathered.
Young talents who are currently attracting the most attention will challenge the musical 'The Secret Garden', including Iroha Okuda (role of Amy & Mary), who is active in Nogizaka46 and fascinates with her solid singing ability and transparent presence; Taisei Shima of NORD (role of Charlie & Colin), who leads the next generation with overwhelming singing ability; Michiru Irodori (role of Deborah & Martha), who supports the work with outstanding acting skills; and Raita and Dai Isono (role of Beagle & Dickon / Double cast), who shine with strong individuality and performance.
It is a heartwarming story in which children raised in an orphanage perform the story of 'The Secret Garden' while regenerating their own wounded hearts along with the vitality of plants.
Cast Introductions:
- Iroha Okuda (Nogizaka46) as Amy & Mary
Born on August 20, 2005. From Chiba Prefecture. Joined Nogizaka46 in February 2022 and started activities as a 5th generation member. Made a major selection for the role of Juliet in her stage debut in the musical 'Romeo & Juliet' in May 2024. Served as the center for the under song 'Otoshimono' included in the 36th single 'Cheat Day' released in August of the same year, and was active as a selected member in the 37th single 'Hodoukyou' released in December. She is expanding her activities, such as playing the role of Olympe in the musical '1789 - Les Amants de la Bastille' performed in April 2025, and starring as Lady Bess in the musical 'Lady Bess' in February 2026.
- Taisei Shima (NORD) as Charlie & Colin
Born on January 29, 1998. From Hokkaido. Debuted as a member of 'NORD' in 2016. His singing at the Apollo Theater 'Amateur Night' in New York was highly evaluated, and he has appeared in numerous music programs. Major recent stage appearances include 'A Silent Voice', 'Loserville', 'GIRLFRIEND', 'Frankenstein', 'Your Lie in April', and 'Blood Brothers'. He is scheduled to appear in the musical 'Kuuhaku no Hibiki' in June 2026 and has a solo live tour coming up in August and September.
- Michiru Irodori as Deborah & Martha
Born on October 19. Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and raised in Tokyo. Joined the Takarazuka Revue as an 99th generation member. Thereafter, she played an active part as a daughter role star in the Snow Troupe and Moon Troupe. She was the first heroine in the new face performance of 'Hoshiai Ichiya' and served as the heroine in two subsequent new face performances. She has experienced being the heroine of Drama City and Tokyo performances three times, including 'Don Juan'. Her roles include Yahiko Myojin in 'Rurouni Kenshin' and Saeko Nogami in 'CITY HUNTER'. Left the Takarazuka Revue in November 2025 after playing Miss Adelaide in 'GUYS AND DOLLS'. Her first stage performance after leaving the troupe will be in May 2026 as Tose, the sister-in-law of Soseki Natsume, in the musical 'I Love Bocchan'. She will also appear in 'Terakoya Seigido Shisho, Hashiru' in August.
- Raita as Beagle & Dickon (Double Cast)
He has learned jazz, contemporary, street dance, etc. since childhood, and specialized in performing arts in high school and university. In addition to appearing in genres ranging from musicals to straight plays, he is widely active in planning and producing stage projects and events, fashion modeling, and as a DJ. Major appearances include 'DURIAN DURIAN' (as Ken), the musical 'Marie Curie' (as Ruben), the musical 'Touken Ranbu' series (as Mitsuyo Oodenta), and the musical 'Romeo & Juliet' (as Paris).
- Dai Isono as Beagle & Dickon (Double Cast)
Born on December 14. From Chiba Prefecture. After debuting as a model, he started his career as an actor in 2016.
The greatest appeal of this work lies in its magnificent structure that transcends the framework of the novel. Playwright Kim Sol-ji, renowned in the Korean theater and musical industry for delicate psychological depictions and dramatic storytelling, has built a multi-layered world weaving 'another drama (the story of children weaving a book)' into the original work. Fused with this is beautiful and fresh music by composers Brandon Lee (Lee Sung-joon) and Kang Ha-nim, who have created numerous hits such as the musicals 'Frankenstein' and 'Ben-Hur'.
It is a well-made musical that recorded an astonishingly high audience rating of 9.7 during its Korean premiere and was highly praised for its perfection, receiving nominations in four major categories (Grand Prize, Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music) at the 'Korea Musical Awards'.
For this memorable Japanese premiere stage, brilliant next-generation stars who will lead the future of the Japanese musical world and reliable, talented cast members have gathered.
Young talents who are currently attracting the most attention will challenge the musical 'The Secret Garden', including Iroha Okuda (role of Amy & Mary), who is active in Nogizaka46 and fascinates with her solid singing ability and transparent presence; Taisei Shima of NORD (role of Charlie & Colin), who leads the next generation with overwhelming singing ability; Michiru Irodori (role of Deborah & Martha), who supports the work with outstanding acting skills; and Raita and Dai Isono (role of Beagle & Dickon / Double cast), who shine with strong individuality and performance.
It is a heartwarming story in which children raised in an orphanage perform the story of 'The Secret Garden' while regenerating their own wounded hearts along with the vitality of plants.
Cast Introductions:
- Iroha Okuda (Nogizaka46) as Amy & Mary
Born on August 20, 2005. From Chiba Prefecture. Joined Nogizaka46 in February 2022 and started activities as a 5th generation member. Made a major selection for the role of Juliet in her stage debut in the musical 'Romeo & Juliet' in May 2024. Served as the center for the under song 'Otoshimono' included in the 36th single 'Cheat Day' released in August of the same year, and was active as a selected member in the 37th single 'Hodoukyou' released in December. She is expanding her activities, such as playing the role of Olympe in the musical '1789 - Les Amants de la Bastille' performed in April 2025, and starring as Lady Bess in the musical 'Lady Bess' in February 2026.
- Taisei Shima (NORD) as Charlie & Colin
Born on January 29, 1998. From Hokkaido. Debuted as a member of 'NORD' in 2016. His singing at the Apollo Theater 'Amateur Night' in New York was highly evaluated, and he has appeared in numerous music programs. Major recent stage appearances include 'A Silent Voice', 'Loserville', 'GIRLFRIEND', 'Frankenstein', 'Your Lie in April', and 'Blood Brothers'. He is scheduled to appear in the musical 'Kuuhaku no Hibiki' in June 2026 and has a solo live tour coming up in August and September.
- Michiru Irodori as Deborah & Martha
Born on October 19. Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and raised in Tokyo. Joined the Takarazuka Revue as an 99th generation member. Thereafter, she played an active part as a daughter role star in the Snow Troupe and Moon Troupe. She was the first heroine in the new face performance of 'Hoshiai Ichiya' and served as the heroine in two subsequent new face performances. She has experienced being the heroine of Drama City and Tokyo performances three times, including 'Don Juan'. Her roles include Yahiko Myojin in 'Rurouni Kenshin' and Saeko Nogami in 'CITY HUNTER'. Left the Takarazuka Revue in November 2025 after playing Miss Adelaide in 'GUYS AND DOLLS'. Her first stage performance after leaving the troupe will be in May 2026 as Tose, the sister-in-law of Soseki Natsume, in the musical 'I Love Bocchan'. She will also appear in 'Terakoya Seigido Shisho, Hashiru' in August.
- Raita as Beagle & Dickon (Double Cast)
He has learned jazz, contemporary, street dance, etc. since childhood, and specialized in performing arts in high school and university. In addition to appearing in genres ranging from musicals to straight plays, he is widely active in planning and producing stage projects and events, fashion modeling, and as a DJ. Major appearances include 'DURIAN DURIAN' (as Ken), the musical 'Marie Curie' (as Ruben), the musical 'Touken Ranbu' series (as Mitsuyo Oodenta), and the musical 'Romeo & Juliet' (as Paris).
- Dai Isono as Beagle & Dickon (Double Cast)
Born on December 14. From Chiba Prefecture. After debuting as a model, he started his career as an actor in 2016.
FAQ
What is the musical 'The Secret Garden' about?
It is an original musical that reconstructs the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett from a unique perspective by Korean creatives. It received high praise, recording a 9.7 audience rating at its Korean premiere and being nominated in four major categories at the Korean Musical Awards.
Who are the main cast members for the Japanese premiere of the musical 'The Secret Garden'?
The main cast includes Okada Iroha (Nogizaka46) as Amy & Mary, Shimatai Sei (NORD) as Charlie & Colin, Ayami Michiru as Deborah & Martha, and Raita and Isoyama Daisuke as Beagle & Dickon (W-cast).
Who are the creators of the Korean version of the musical 'The Secret Garden'?
The script is written by Kim Solji, a well-known figure in Korean theater and musicals, and the music is composed by Brandon Lee (Lee Songjun) and Kang Hanim, known for works such as 'Frankenstein' and 'Ben-Hur'.
What is Okada Iroha's musical performance history?
Okada Iroha made her stage debut as Juliet in 'Romeo & Juliet' in May 2024, played Olympe in '1789 - Lovers of the Bastille' in April 2025, and is scheduled to star in 'Lady Beth' in February 2026.
Where did Ayami Michiru originally perform?
Ayami Michiru joined the Takarazuka Revue as a 99th generation member and performed as a leading lady in the Yuki and Tsuki troupes. She will leave the company in November 2025, and her first stage performance after leaving will be in the related musical 'I Love Bocchan' in May 2026.