On August 24th local time, the final performance of the stage production of "Spirited Away" took place at the London Coliseum. Photos of the curtain call, as well as a celebratory card from Studio Ghibli’s producer Toshio Suzuki, have been released. The card includes comments from the actresses who portrayed Chihiro: Kanna Hashimoto, Mone Kamishiraishi, Rina Kawaei, and Momoko Fukuchi.

The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki’s film "Spirited Away" began its 2024 run in March at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, followed by performances at Misonoza in Aichi in April, Hakataza in Fukuoka from April to May, Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall in Osaka from May to June, and Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater hitaru in Hokkaido in June. Concurrently, the company traveled to the UK to perform at the London Coliseum from April to August, marking their first overseas performance with 135 shows.

The London run was the largest-ever overseas performance in Japanese theater history with an all-Japanese cast performing in Japanese. It also marked the first time Toho has organized such an endeavor, filling the West End’s largest venue, with approximately 2,300 seats, to capacity every night, drawing around 300,000 attendees. With the performance at 7:30 PM on the 24th (Chihiro played by Kamishiraishi), the six-month-long 2024 run came to a close. Producer Suzuki’s handwritten card, penned in both Japanese and English, was addressed to the London company of about 200 people, featuring an illustration of Yubaba exclaiming “Jackpot!” in delight.

Comments from the Actresses Who Played Chihiro

Kanna Hashimoto: As of August 24th, 2024, the final performance of "Spirited Away" was held at the London Coliseum. I had the honor of debuting in this production on May 7th, and I still vividly remember the first time I stepped into this magnificent theater in London.

I was completely overwhelmed by the stunning decor and design of this 100-year-old venue and felt pure joy in being able to perform there. The stage adaptation of "Spirited Away," which began on March 2nd, 2022, at the Imperial Theatre, attracted many audiences across Japan. But I never imagined that we would go beyond Japan and perform for audiences in London.

As we reached the final performance safely, I am filled with deep emotion and, above all, a sense of relief. The journey leading up to the opening was fraught with challenges, but overcoming them and creating this work together with staff from both Japan and abroad was, for me, akin to Chihiro's journey into the unknown. This experience has enriched me, giving me much and helping me grow.

To the audiences who traveled from all over the world to see us at the London Coliseum, I extend my heartfelt thanks. I also want to convey my deepest gratitude to the most important cast and staff of the company—thank you for your hard work and for everything.

Mone Kamishiraishi: I am truly relieved that we reached the final performance. It feels like a dream, but every step we took was real. Traveling between Japan and London for the performances was immensely enjoyable. I experienced the delicate shifts in the tone of the play depending on the atmosphere, which is one of the true delights of live theater.

In London, the company became a family, transcending language and culture. I learned so much from the local staff, who always worked with such joy and positivity, even during the toughest times. After the final performance, all the Japanese and British cast and staff members clapped three times together, and the sound was perfectly synchronized, reflecting the unity we built over these four and a half months. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported us. Thank you very much!

Rina Kawaei: Starting from the Imperial Theatre and then moving to London, I have had a truly rich and long-lasting experience. The time spent with the cast and staff, helping and challenging each other, has been an invaluable period in my life.

Having devoted more than half of 2024 to this production, now that it has ended, I feel a strange sense of having been in a dream, much like Chihiro’s story. I realize that I was supported by so much love and warmth.

I am full of gratitude for the chance to bring this play to audiences all over Japan and to stand on a West End stage. The warm applause and cheers from the audience allowed me to witness unforgettable, dreamlike scenes. Thank you so much.

Momoko Fukuchi: The stage production of "Spirited Away" has come to a successful conclusion. While I feel a sense of sadness that this long journey has ended, when I look back on the past nine months, I find that every moment, from rehearsals to the actual performances, is filled with cherished memories. I was deeply inspired by the company members who continued to challenge themselves with each performance, and I am truly happy to have been part of this team, playing the role of Chihiro.

At the beginning of the play, Chihiro appears on stage alone, and each time, a member of the direction team would give me the signal with a "go ahead." The sentiment behind that "go ahead" made me feel both encouraged and reassured, and it was a moment I came to love.

The landscape that emerged in the space we created with the audience gave me immense joy and emotion. I want to hold onto and cherish the feelings I encountered during this journey. Thank you very much.

Source : ORICON NEWS