#Japan #Tokyo #Nogizaka46 #Secret Garden #Brandon Lee

The Japanese Premiere of 'The Secret Garden'

The enchanting musical, 'The Secret Garden,' which has captivated audiences in South Korea, is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Japan. Under the direction of Yuuko Kuwahara and with translations by Eri Yoshida, this production features a stellar cast including Iroha Okuda from Nogizaka46, Taisei Shima from NORD, Michiru Ayaki, and standout performers Raita and Daisuke Isono.

Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel, 'The Secret Garden' has been lovingly reimagined by a leading team of creatives from the South Korean musical scene. Notably, the script, penned by the acclaimed writer Solji Kim, elevates the story beyond its original format, integrating an additional narrative about children crafting their own stories. The music, which beautifully complements this intricate tale, is a collaboration between composers Brandon Lee (Lee Seong-jun) and Kang Han-im, known for their work on hits like 'Frankenstein' and 'Ben-Hur.'

The South Korean premiere received a remarkable audience rating of 9.7 and was nominated for four major categories, including Best Musical, at the Korean Musical Awards, attesting to its high caliber.

In this commemorative Japanese premiere, a new generation of stars is joined by seasoned talents, promising an unforgettable experience. The cast includes:

• - Iroha Okuda (Amy & Mary): Born on August 20, 2005, in Chiba Prefecture, Iroha joined Nogizaka46 in February 2022 as a member of its fifth generation. She will make her stage debut as Juliet in the musical 'Romeo & Juliet' in May 2024 and has already performed center roles in singles released this year.

• - Taisei Shima (Charlie & Colin): Born on January 29, 1998, in Hokkaido, Taisei debuted as a member of NORD in 2016. Known for his vocal prowess, he has made significant strides in musical theatre with recent notable performances in works like 'The Shape of Voice' and 'Frankenstein.' He has exciting projects lined up, including a solo live tour in 2026.

• - Michiru Ayaki (Deborah & Martha): An 99th generation Takarazuka Revue member, she has starred in multiple productions and will return to stage with roles in upcoming musicals post her retirement from Takarazuka.

• - Raita (Beagle & Deacon, W-Cast): Raita is a multifaceted artist schooled in various dance styles. He has a burgeoning career across musicals and straight plays, showcasing a diverse array of talents beyond acting.

• - Daisuke Isono (Beagle & Deacon, W-Cast): A rising actor hailing from Chiba Prefecture, Daisuke started as a model and has since transitioned to a successful acting career with significant roles already under his belt.

The narrative unfolds in a 1950s orphanage, where children prepare for a pivotal 'Open Day' intended for adoption. Amid the looming uncertainty of their futures, the kids weave a tale from 'The Secret Garden' to explore their hopes and dreams.

This heartwarming story centers around the children discovering not just their identities but healing through the magic of nature and friendship, drawing parallels with the original story's characters.

Public Performance Details

Dates: October 17, 2026 (Saturday) to November 1, 2026 (Sunday)
Venue: Yomiuri Otemachi Hall
Price: All seats reserved at 13,500 yen (tax included)
General Sales Start: June 27, 2026 (Saturday)
Official Website: Secret Garden Musical
Social Media: @musical_secretg
Production Committee: Musical 'The Secret Garden' Production Committee

This exceptional musical promises to resonate deeply with audiences, combining rich storytelling and breathtaking performances to bring the beloved tale to life once again on stage.