Studio Ghibli’s beloved masterpiece Princess Mononoke is being adapted for the kabuki stage. The curtains will rise in Tokyo’s Shinbashi Enbujo theater starting this July.
The production will be staged by Shochiku Kabuki, which, under the influence of actor Ennosuke Ichikawa III, pioneered the concept of “Super Kabuki,” which is a dynamic branch of kabuki theater that merges traditional techniques with contemporary styles and narratives. It previously adapted popular works such as One Piece.
Danko Ichikawa (left) as Ashitaka, Kazutaro Nakamura (middle) as San and Tokizo Nakamura (right) as Lady Eboshi | Photo courtesy of Lawson Ticket
Meet the Cast of Princess Mononoke
In keeping with kabuki’s tradition of an all-male cast, Kazutaro Nakamura will take on the role of San. Nakamura made his stage debut in 1995 at the age of 5.
“Princess Mononoke was released when I was in elementary school, and although I only vaguely remember it at the time, when I watched it again as an adult, I remember feeling that the memorable lines, which were somehow very Kabuki-like, left a lasting impression on me,” said Nakamura.
Danko Ichikawa (left) will play Ashitaka and the Forest Spirit, and Kazutaro Nakamura (right) will play San | Photo courtesy of Fashion Press
He will be joined by Tokizo Nakamura, who will portray the antagonistic Lady Eboshi, and Danko Ichikawa, who will take on the dual roles of the heroic Prince Ashitaka and the Forest Spirit. Ichikawa is the grandson of the Super Kabuki founder.
“The song I listened to when I received the news of my grandfather’s passing was ‘Ashitaka’s Diary’… I still vividly remember receiving ‘hope’ in the midst of my grief. This was before I was offered this role, and I can’t help but feel it was somehow fateful,” said Ichikawa.
Leading up to the play’s premiere, a documentary series chronicling its production will be streamed every Friday on Shochiku’s YouTube channel.
How To Get Tickets
The show will run from July 3 to August 23, with performances at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some dates will feature only one performance, so please check the theater website for the full schedule. Tickets for July performances are already available, while tickets for August performances will go on sale on June 25.
Tickets start at ¥3,000 for B-tier seats on the third floor, and go up to ¥18,000 for premium box seats.
Audience members aged 30 and under can purchase all ticket types on the day of the performance for half price, subject to availability. Day-of ticket sales start at 10 a.m. at the Shinbashi Enbujo theater box office, and up to one ticket per eligible customer can be purchased at the discounted rate.
Guests will be required to fill out a special purchase form and present original photo ID that verifies their age.
For all other tickets, guests can make reservations directly through Shochiku by phone or via its ticketing website. Tickets are also available through Lawson Ticket and Ticket Pia. Certain packages, including Ticket Pia’s exclusive offerings, come with additional perks such as a first-class bento box to enjoy during the performance.
