The Remarkable Premiere of the Musical '300th Birthday' in Tokyo

Exciting Premiere of the Musical '300th Birthday'

The highly anticipated premiere of the original musical "300th Birthday" will take place from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Za Koenji 1, located in Suginami, Tokyo. With tickets already on sale through Confetti, managed by Long Run Planning, this performance promises an unforgettable theatrical experience combining Hong Kong's shadow play artistry and an intriguing narrative about three generations of women.

Synopsis

The plot revolves around Kazami, a single woman in her forties working abroad. While she has climbed the career ladder, her past remains shadowed by the long-standing conflict between her mother, Tae, and her grandmother, Misono, who stayed in Japan. She receives word of Misono's critical condition and hastily returns home. Upon visiting her grandmother, she is enveloped in a mysterious scene, awakening in an underwater world ruled by mermaids. This enchanting setup leads Kazami to unravel her grandmother’s secrets, her mother’s inner turmoil, and the truths she had long sought. The lives of these three women intertwine, guiding them toward a singular truth.

Collaboration Between Hong Kong and Japan

The production is a result of the unique collaborative platform known as Hong Kong Sketches, bringing together artists from both Hong Kong and Japan to create an original musical. The project marks an exciting collaboration by the same production team that brought audiences the captivating "Hong Kong Sketches." Notably, 15 seasoned musical actors will grace the stage, while award-winning lighting designer, Sanfu Lau, who recently won the Best Lighting Design Award at the 32nd Hong Kong Drama Awards, has been actively involved since the initial planning stages. Lau is also recognized for creating a new genre of storytelling through his intricate paper sculpture work, merging light and shadow with original aesthetics.

About Sanfu Lau

Sanfu Lau, a renowned stage lighting designer, has an impressive repertoire of over 20 years, contributing to countless innovative and experimental theatrical productions in Hong Kong. His accolades include prestigious recognition at the Hong Kong Drama Awards and various performances in Singapore, Taiwan, and Macau, showcasing his exceptional talent in the realm of stage artistry.

The Significance of Hong Kong Sketches

Hong Kong Sketches stands out as the only platform where theater professionals from Hong Kong and Japan come together to co-produce performances that transcend cultural boundaries. The intent behind this collaborative effort is to present a unique musical experience that resonates with international audiences. Looking ahead to 2025, the organization plans to host children's workshops titled "Hello from Hong Kong - Let's Connect with Shadow Play!" as well as interactive sessions for audiences to engage with actors and experience the creative process behind "300th Birthday."

Performance Details

Musical: '300th Birthday'

- Dates: January 22 (Thursday) - January 25 (Sunday), 2026
- Venue: Za Koenji 1, Suginami, Tokyo

Cast Members

- Yukiko Ikeda
- Keimi Mizutani
- Lin Garan
- Misako Tachibana
- Noboru Hanzawa
- Reina Nemoto
- Akemi Takeuchi
- Taku Waki
- Kurumi Okubo
- Yuichiro Iiyama
- Risako Saito
- Aya Tsuruta
- Kana Kobayashi
- Haruka Miyahara
- Miki Akihane

Creative Team

- Playwright, Music, Producer: Momoko Ogata
- Director: Aki Sakaguchi
- Music Director: Toshi Ozawa
- Artistic Director: Kenichi Iwato (Art Scene Co., Ltd.)
- Assistant Director: Ayako Suzuki (Itsforis)
- Violin: Ayumi Akahoshi
- Costume Design: Yoko Fujimura
- Choreography: Miki Akihane (Itsforis)
- Sound: Sayaka Mizuki (Antiract Co., Ltd.)
- Lighting: Kumiko Akutagawa (Lightship Ltd.)
- Production & Ticketing: Haruko Suzuki, Ai Katagiri

Collaborators include All Staff, Itsforis Musical Company, Office A2, Super Eccentric Theatre Group, Toho Entertainment, Nano Square, HIDEKO Associates, and others.