Princess Mononoke Heads to the Kabuki Stage: First Costume Reveal and Details Shared
We have exciting news for Ghibli fans! Hayao Miyazaki's 1997 masterpiece Princess Mononoke is coming to life on stage this summer in the most magnificent form of traditional Japanese theater. The first video teaser showing the actors in costume has been released for this special production, which will be performed at the historic Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Tokyo between July 3 and August 23, 2026. The visuals, which combine traditional Kabuki aesthetics with Ghibli's mystical world, have already sparked great curiosity.
This production is not an ordinary play; it will be performed in a special genre called "Super Kabuki," which blends traditional techniques with modern stage effects. The cast is truly a parade of stars. The lead character Ashitaka is played by 21-year-old talented actor Danko Ichikawa, the grandson of the creator of the Super Kabuki genre. In the role of the wolf girl San, we will watch the experienced 35-year-old Kazutaro Nakamura. The fact that all roles will be played by male actors in accordance with Kabuki tradition raises expectations for the stage interpretation of strong female characters such as San and Lady Eboshi.
The team behind the production is just as impressive as the cast. Legendary composer Joe Hisaishi, the creator of the film's original score, is also at the helm of the music for the stage adaptation. The script was written by Keiko Niwa, known for Ghibli films such as Arrietty and When Marnie Was There, along with Kazuhisa Tobe. The director's chair is occupied by Kensuke Yokouchi, who previously directed the One Piece Kabuki play. This giant team
