The 7th Okayama Children’s Future Musical 'Harold!' Shines at Osaka Expo

The 7th Okayama Children’s Future Musical 'Harold!'

On August 12 and 13, 2025, the 7th installment of the Okayama Children’s Future Musical, titled 'Harold!', was held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo's EXPO Hall 'Shine Hat'. Organized by Kabaya Ohayo Holdings, this year's musical highlighted the aspirations of children to soar into the world, under the theme 'From Okayama to the World'. In an age of digital advancement, the organizers believed in the importance of analog stage performances where children can engage with diverse individuals, cherishing the human connections that transcend time.

This edition was significant as it marked the first time the musical stepped out of Okayama, showcasing its talent on a grand stage at the Osaka Kansai Expo. The performance featured Tomoko Shigemoto, who played the heroine 'Minori' in the previous showing, taking on the role of 'Harold'. Also making her debut as the heroine was Aine Fujii, who previously portrayed the 'Jersey Princess'. The stage was magnificently adorned with 360-degree projection mapping and live band performances, illuminating the children as they took on this significant role.

The final day also saw the show streamed live on the official 'Harold!' YouTube channel, allowing audiences to experience the performance remotely. An archive of the performance is available here: YouTube Live Stream.

Since its inception in 2017, the Okayama Children's Musical 'Harold!' has emphasized the idea that nurturing individuals contributes to community development. Following its inaugural performance in March 2018, this seventh showing reflects the support the project has garnered from not only Okayama but from people all over Japan.

Looking ahead, the musical aims to continue nurturing future generations who can carry on the cultural legacy of 'Harold!'. The goal is to provide children with experiences that prepare them to thrive on the world stage.

Performance Details

Title: Harold!

Synopsis:

The story revolves around children who grow and discover new things through encounters with rich nature and humanoid AI robots.

Schedule:

- August 12, 2025 (Tue)

- Doors Open: 16:30
- Show Starts: 17:30

- August 13, 2025 (Wed)

- Daytime Show: Doors Open: 11:30, Show Starts: 12:30
- Evening Show: Doors Open: 15:30, Show Starts: 16:30

Venue:

Osaka-Kansai Expo, EXPO Hall 'Shine Hat'

Sponsors:

- Hosted by: Kabaya Ohayo Holdings
- Co-hosts: Ohayo Dairy Products, Life Design Kabaya
- Supported by numerous sponsors including Okayama Broadcasting, Sanyo Shimbun, and Panasonic Electric Works.

Collaboration and Support:

Supported by the Okayama Cooperative Society and endorsed by various government agencies and educational institutions.

Production:

Produced by the Okayama Children’s Future Musical 'Harold!' Expo Performance Executive Committee.

For more information, visit the official website: Okayama Children's Musical 'Harold!'.