The critically acclaimed anime film, “The Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe” (Kitaro Tanjou: GeGeGe no Nazo), is set to receive a stage play adaptation in early 2026, with performances scheduled across Japan. This announcement, made via the play’s official website and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, has generated considerable excitement among fans of the GeGeGe no Kitaro franchise.
The upcoming stage production will feature Hiroki Suzuki as Kitaro’s father and Ryota Murai as Mizuki, reprising the central duo from the film.
A Cinematic Prequel Comes to Life
“The Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe” film, which premiered in Japan on November 17, 2023, serves as a prequel to the 2018 GeGeGe no Kitaro anime series, delving into the untold origins of Kitaro and the tragic fate of his father. Produced by Toei Animation, the movie was part of the 100th-anniversary celebration of GeGeGe no Kitaro manga author Shigeru Mizuki’s birth. Unlike many previous adaptations, the film adopted a darker, more mature horror tone, specifically aimed at an adult audience. It achieved significant box office success, grossing a combined total of 3.22 billion yen (approximately 21.8 million USD) across its original PG12 and later R15+ “Genuine Edition” releases.
The narrative of the film is set in Showa 31 (1956) and follows Mizuki, a salaryman from the Imperial Blood Bank, who enters the secluded Nagura Village under the pretense of mourning, while on a secret mission. Simultaneously, Kitaro’s father arrives in the village in search of his missing wife, amidst a vicious power struggle within the dominant Ryuga family.
Stage Play Details and Creative Team
The stage play adaptation is slated to run in early 2026, with specific dates and locations confirmed. Performances will be held at the Sunshine Theater in Tokyo from January 9 to 25, 2026, followed by the Umeda Arts Theater Theater Drama City in Osaka from January 29 to February 1, and concluding at the Tosu Civic Culture Hall in Saga on February 7 and 8.
Norihito Nakayashiki, known for his work on stage plays like Kuroko’s Basketball and World Trigger, will direct the production. The script will be penned by Nobuhiro Mouri, who has previously worked on the Musical Hakuoki series. Kenji Kawai, the composer for the original anime film, will also provide the music for the stage play, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience for fans transitioning from screen to stage.
Confirmed Cast Members
In addition to Hiroki Suzuki as Kitaro’s father and Ryota Murai as Mizuki, the cast includes:
- Himena Okamoto (Nogizaka46) as Sayo Ryuga
- Yoko Soumi as Otome Ryuga
- Harumi Shuhama as Hinoe Ryuga
- Mikiko Okauchi as Toshiko Osada
- Koichi Kosse as Tokimaro Ryuga
- Kei Kato as Kozo Ryuga
- Shoma Nakata as Nezumi
- Ise Hashimoto as Tokiya Osada
- Ichiro Mikami as Katsunori Ryuga
- Shinji Rachi as Gengi Osada
The stage play promises to bring the “darkness,” “despair,” and “small ray of hope” from the film’s world to the live theatrical setting, inviting audiences to immerse their senses in this unique narrative.
