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

The 'Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi' Theater Production Committee (Samurai Partners, Ai Kikaku Center, Meijiza) will present the 'Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi Theater' in the summer of 2026 at 'CBGK Shibugeki!!' in Shibuya, Tokyo. ## Announcement of the Upcoming Performance [Script / Directing / Music / Cast] Takuma Suehara [Cast] Norika Fujiwara / Nonoka Murakata, and others [Performances] August 5 (Wed) - August 9 (Sun), 2026 / Shibuya CBGK Shibugeki!! ### The hometown of the Japanese heart is now revived on stage. A special entertainment where you can experience the emotion you saw on television that day through the 'appeal of live performance'! 'Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi' is a national animation that aired on television from 1975 to 1994. Carefully adapting folklore and legends handed down in various parts of Japan into video, and accompanied by the warm narration of Etsuko Ichihara and Fujio Tokita, it has continued to be loved across generations, from children to adults. The stories and worldview that have stayed close to the hearts of people all over Japan, transcending the boundaries of animation, remain deeply engraved in people's memories without fading, 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 comical, chuckle-inducing tales to spine-chilling ghost stories—and perform them at CBGK Shibugeki!!, a theater located in Shibuya, the forefront of stage arts. The cast welcomes Norika Fujiwara, an actor widely active in both stage and film with a glamorous presence and solid acting skills, who will guide the audience into the world of the stories 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 confirmed. Furthermore, talented individuals including actors belonging to the theater company 'Obonro' will support the production. Moreover, auditions for child actors are planned for this work. A diverse cast will weave the world of 'Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi'. In addition to appearing on stage, the script, directing, and music will be handled by Takuma Suehara, an up-and-coming creator in the theatrical world who has attracted attention for his highly universal stories and fantastical stage direction techniques, mesmerizing many audiences with his unique worldview. He will depict the charm of the stories dynamically and in a three-dimensional manner. It will be a moment to rediscover the state of mind that Japanese people have cherished since ancient times—kindness towards others, admonishments against greed, and coexistence with nature. From the adult generation who grew up with the anime to the children who will encounter 'Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi' from now on, we will deliver a special summer entertainment filled with a nostalgic, warm, and mysterious charm that will draw you in, enjoyable for three generations of parents and children. Details regarding the repertoire, ticket information, and child actor auditions will be announced in subsequent reports. Please look forward to it. ## Cast Profiles and Comments ### ■ Norika Fujiwara Born in Hyogo Prefecture. Won the '92 Miss Japan Grand Prix while studying at university. Moved to Tokyo after graduation and began acting. Since then, she has starred in numerous works, mainly in film and stage, and has been active in a wide range of fields including commercials, hosting, and voice acting. Main stage appearances...