The main visuals of Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi, who will be playing the new roles of Chihiro in the stage play “Spirited Away”, have been released.
“Spirited Away” was adapted and directed by John Caird, Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, based on Hayao Miyazaki’s blockbuster film, and became a huge hit.
The stage, which combines characters who seem to have jumped out of the world of movies and the real thrill of a live performance where you can even feel their passionate breathing, was the winner of the 47th Kazuo Kikuta Drama Award, which honors outstanding achievements in popular theater. It received high acclaim, including achieving the feat of winning the Kazuo Kikuta Drama Award.
Kawaei Rina
In this stage play, Kanna Hashimoto and Mone Kamishiraishi, who have been playing the role of the main character Chihiro since the first performance, will be joined by Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi, who won the role in the new audition. Starting with the performance at the Imperial Theater in March, the play will go on a national tour in Japan, and will be performed overseas for the first time in London, UK.
What has been released is the main visual of Rina Kawaei and Momoko Fukuchi, who will be playing the roles of Chihiro (alternating appearances) from the Imperial Theater performance starting in March 2023. It captures Chihiro’s Kawaei-san wandering into the world of Yaoyorozu Gods, and Chihiro’s Fukuchi-san standing in an oil shop against a moonlit night in the background. Comments have also arrived from Mr. Kawaei and Mr. Fukuchi who saw the visual.
Fukuchi Peach
◆Rina Kawaei comment
I’m thrilled to see myself in the world of Spirited Away, but at the same time, I’m also humbled to know that it’s finally about to begin. I want to do my best to play Chihiro in a way that moves the hearts of the viewers!
◆Momoko Fukuchi comment
I felt like he was guiding Chihiro through this mysterious town.
I look forward to seeing you all.
The play “Spirited Away” will be performed at the Imperial Theater and other locations in Tokyo from Monday, March 11th, and at the London Coliseum from Tuesday, April 30th to Saturday, August 24th.