National Anime 'Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi' Gets Highly Anticipated Stage Adaptation This Summer!

Thank you for your continued support. We are pleased to announce that "'Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi' Theater" will be performed in the summer of 2026 at "CBGK Shibugeki!!" in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Screening Decision Announcement

"Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" Theater
[Script, Direction, Music, Cast] Takuma Suehara
[Cast] Norika Fujiwara / Nonoka Murakata and others
[Performances] Wednesday, August 5 - Sunday, August 9, 2026 (Planned) / Shibuya CBGK Shibugeki!!

The spiritual home of the Japanese people is now revived on stage.
A special entertainment to experience the excitement you saw on TV that day with the "appeal of a live performance"!

"Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" is a national animation that aired on television from 1975 to 1994. Carefully visualizing folktales and traditions handed down across Japan, accompanied by the warm narration of Etsuko Ichihara and Fujio Tokita, it has been loved by generations from children to adults. The stories and worldview that transcend the boundaries of animation and have continued to be close to the hearts of people throughout Japan remain vivid and deeply engraved in people's memories even now, more than 30 years after the broadcast ended.

In this performance, we will carefully select a rich variety of stories from over 1,400 masterpieces, ranging from heartwarming human dramas and humorous comedic tales that make you chuckle, to chilling ghost stories, and perform them at CBGK Shibugeki!!, a theater in Shibuya at the forefront of the performing arts. For the cast, we welcome the actor Norika Fujiwara, who is widely active in both stage and film with her glamorous presence and solid acting skills, and will guide the audience into the world of the story with her expressive performance. In addition, the appearance of Nonoka Murakata, who is expanding her field of activity with her innocent singing voice and pure charm, has also been decided. Other talented actors, including members of the theater company "Obonro," will solidify the supporting roles. Furthermore, in this work, we are planning an audition for child actors. The world of "Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" will be woven by a diverse cast. In addition to performing, writing, directing, and composing the music is Takuma Suehara, an up-and-coming creator in the theatrical world who attracts attention with his highly universal stories and fantastical stage directing techniques, fascinating many audiences with his unique worldview. He will depict the charm of the story lightly and dimensionally.

Warnings against human desires, kindness, symbiosis with nature - a moment to feel once again the state of mind that Japanese people have cherished since ancient times. We will deliver special summer entertainment full of nostalgic, warm, and mysteriously appealing charm that can be enjoyed by three generations of parents and children, from the adult generation who grew up with the animation to the children who will encounter "Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi" from now on. Details regarding the program, ticket information, and the child actor audition will be announced in a follow-up report. Please look forward to it.

Cast Profile & Comments

■ Norika Fujiwara
Born in Hyogo Prefecture. Won the '92 Miss Japan Grand Prix while attending university. After graduation, she moved to Tokyo and began her career as an actor. Since then, she has been active in film and stage...