Love Live! Series' 15th Anniversary Special "School Idol Musical" Returns in 2026
We have exciting news for Love Live! fans! As the series' 15th-anniversary celebrations continue in full swing, it has been announced that the highly acclaimed School Idol Musical production will return to the stage in 2026 with a special run. This special production will meet audiences at the prestigious New National Theatre in Tokyo from September 19 to 26, 2026. Serving as a tribute to the series' roots and its fifteen years of success, this performance has already been marked on calendars.
One of the most notable aspects of this new production will be the use of a "revolving stage" mechanism, which will be utilized for the first time since its initial run in 2022. Known as mawaributai in Japanese theatrical tradition, this system allows for much more fluid, dynamic, and cinematic transitions between scenes. For fans who miss the enchanting atmosphere of the original performances, this technical detail seems set to elevate the musical's visual splendor to a level worthy of the series' 15th anniversary.
School Idol Musical holds a very special place in the Love Live! universe. It is the first production to feature entirely original characters and a story not adapted from an existing anime or game. The story focuses on the sweet rivalry between Tsubakisakuhana Girls' High School, known for its tradition and academic success, and Takizakura Girls' Academy, which features a modern idol department. This coming-of-age story, which begins when the paths of main characters Rurika Tsubaki and Anzu Takizawa cross, has been so beloved since its 2022 premiere that it even inspired a television series at the end of 2024.
Launched in 2010 through a collaboration between ASCII Media Works, Lantis, and Sunrise, the Love Live! project has transformed into a massive multimedia empire reaching millions of fans over fifteen years. The 15th-anniversary celebrations are not limited to this musical; they will continue with a special tribute album featuring artists like Hatsune Miku, set to be released in January 2026, and a major festival in February 2026. Details regarding ticket sales and updates on the current cast for the musical are expected to be announced through official channels in the coming months. When the stage lights go up again in 2026, we will once again feel the endless energy of the idol world in person!
