A kabuki adaptation of Naruto is slated for August later this year at the Shinbashi Enbujō theatre in Ginza.
It has been unveiled that Wagakki Band will provide a song for the production.
Naruto was first serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who trains in the art of ninjitsu, who must take out his enemies, and who ultimately aspires to be Hokage, the leader of the village. The series has brought in fans across the globe, with well over 220 million copies sold in over 40 countries outside Japan. Kabuki actors Bandou Minosuke and Hayato Nakamura will appear in the new kabuki adaptation where they will play the roles of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha respectively.9
Comment by Bandou Minosuke (Naruto Uzumaki):
“On this occasion we will be borrowing the power of Wagakki Band. It’s very encouraging! No other music is better to combine the unique perspective of the original Naruto work which has spanned all ages and nationalities, and the purely Japanese image of kabuki!”
Comment by Hayato Nakamura (Sasuke Uchiha):
“I am so happy for Wagakki Band to be kindly providing a song for the new Naruto kabuki play. Wagakki Band’s sound, which combines traditional Japanese instruments and Western instruments, though new, has a sense of nostalgia within it, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing how that ties in with the kabuki.“
Comment by Yuko Suzuhana (Wagakki Band):
“I really wanted to do a kabuki collaboration, so I am humbly honoured for my voice to have been heard. That Wagakki Band’s sound was said to be a necessary element has realised our mutual love. We have felt the overwhelming popularity of Naruto when we have been overseas, so to be associated with such a representative piece of work from Japan through music has all of us, who have been fans of Naruto since long ago, very excited.”
The chemistry between the world created by the new Naruto kabuki play and Wagakki Band is something to very much look forward to.
■Information
Naruto Kabuki
Location: Shinbashi Enbujō, Tokyo
Running: August 4, 2018―August 27, 2018
Official Homepage: http://naruto-kabuki.com/
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Naruto Anime Series Celebrates 20th Anniversary With New Gallery Featuring Collaborations With Five Animators
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the globally popular Naruto anime series, NARUTO THE GALLERY will be held at AKIBA_SQUARE inside Akihabara UDX from December 10, 2022 until January 31, 2023. The gallery will feature collaborations with five animators. This will be the first Naruto exhibition held since 2015. The event will focus on the growth of the characters, the bonds they share with their friends, and the many fights that have taken place over the past two decades. Iconic scenes from the Naruto anime series will be on display in collaboration with five up-and-coming animators: Ai Niina, Kohei Kadowaki, que, Kosuke Sugimoto, and Kohta Morie. This will give fans the chance to see an unprecedented and unique view of the world of Naruto which can only be seen at the event. Admission Bonus: Gemaki-style CardGoods An original Gemaki-style Card featuring a newly-drawn visual will be handed out to those visiting the exhibition. The first lineup of exclusive event-only merchandise has been revealed and longtime fans of the series won’t want to miss adding some of these goods to their collection. Participating Artists / Episode Ai Niina / Sasuke's Ninja Way Kohei Kadowaki / Naruto's Path que / The Land of Waves Kosuke Sugimoto / Sasuke's Vessel Kohta Morie / Naruto and Kurama ©NARUTO THE GALLERY実行委員会 Information
NARUTO THE GALLERY (Naruto 20th Anniversary Project)
Running: December 10, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Venue: AKIBA_SQUARE (Inside Akihabara UDX)
Official Site: https://naruto-20th.jp -
A pop-up collaboration cafe for the popular anime series NARUTO and BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, has been announced! The event will be held from October 29 until November 25 on the fourth floor of Tokyo Solamachi.
Original Merchandise & Cafe Menu
There will also be a large collection of new merchandise featuring brand new illustrations for fans so snag. Along with acrylic keychains and pins, printed cookies, T-shirts, and towels will also be available! At the collaboration cafe, fans can enjoy a lineup of dishes inspired by popular characters from both series, including Boruto’s Spiral Burger, Sasuke’s Stew, and Sasori’s Puppet Pancakes. A full dessert and drink menu will also be available for fans wanting to try dishes like Sakura’s Life-Long Love Parfait and Itachi’s Tsukiyomi Chocolate. A total of eight original coasters will be available, and one will be handed out with each dish ordered. Sasori's Birthday Project
The event will also celebrate Sasori’s birthday from November 8 until November 13. Guests can enjoy a special pancake set featuring the popular character along with a festive birthday decoration! More information will be posted on the official Twitter page, so be sure to check that and the official website! Information
NARUTO ＆ BORUTO: Snow, Moon, and Flowers Collaboration Cafe and Merch
Running: October 29 – November 25, 2022
Venue: Tokyo Solamachi, West Yard 4F #4, Tree Village Official TV Shop
Official Website: https://tree-village.jp
-
Today, luxury brand Montblanc launched a new collaboration collection with the popular anime and manga series Naruto. Items from the collection are available to purchase worldwide. Since its release 20 years ago, Naruto has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its inspiring story and beloved characters. The designs featured in the new collection feature illustrations of the character printed in dynamic poses. The collection features everything from leather goods to writing instruments.
The new items highlight Naruto’s relationship with his mentor Jiraiya, stressing the importance of mentors and knowledge. The brushstroke-like curves on each piece emphasize the anime style, and all bags come in a refined black color with orange accents. To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, a special short anime was created to highlight the power of writing and communication. The brief animation shows Jiraiya reflecting on Naruto’s journey and the ample advice he passed down while focusing on what’s important in life. Meanwhile, Naruto uses a fountain pen to write down what it really means to be a ninja. The collection also features a new edition of Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück. The special-edition fountain pen features a Hidden Leaf Village motif in gold with a matching nib and a ruthenium-coated embellishment. A special pop-up store is open on the first floor of Hankyu Men’s Osaka until October 18. By snapping a photo of the collaboration products and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MontblancXNaruto, fans can snag an original Montblanc x Naruto memory card game. Additionally, those making a purchase will get an original furoshiki! Whether you’re a fan of Naruto or a fan of Montblanc’s goods, this collaboration might be impossible to pass up. Information
Montblanc x Naruto
Release Date: October 12, 2022
Pop-up Store
Venue: Hankyu Mens Osaka 1F
Running: October 12 – October 18, 2022
Details: https://bit.ly/3rtWGAn
-
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime series, Usaburo Kokeshi has created two traditional dolls modeled after Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. The original manga series by Masashi Kishimoto has become a global phenomenon, and fans won’t want to miss out on these unique pieces! Preorders are now open. Usaburo Kokeshi makes each of these pieces by hand, transforming them from children’s playthings into traditional works of art. The wood used to create these pieces is from trees in Gunma Prefecture. Usaburo Kokeshi Doll - Naruto Uzumaki
Usaburo Kokeshi Doll - Sasuke Uchiha These adorable dolls completely recreate both character’s outfits and hairstyles, and the designers clearly focused on the small details. Enjoy these palm-sized versions of your favorite Naruto characters! ©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ Information
Naruto Kokeshi Dolls from Usaburo Kokeshi
Details/Preorders: https://tfansite.jp/feature/naruto2207
Orders Open August 3, 2022 at 11:00
Release Date: Late October 2022
-
The Naruto and Boruto Ninja Village located at the Nijigen no Mori anime theme park in Hyogo is celebrating its third anniversary! A new event has begun celebrating Sakura’s birthday, and fans of the characters will be able to grab some neat merch. Those who purchase tickets to this special event will receive a Mission Accomplished Sticker featuring an original, newly-drawn design. The celebration is running until June 30! The escape game will have park guests running around the park looking for panels with hints on how to progress. For this event, the panels contain keywords and illustrations related to Sakura. Visitors will really have to use their brains to figure out the solution! Guests will also be able to write congratulatory messages on cherry blossom petal stickers associated with Sakura and stick them to life-size character panels. Original goods featuring characters in original event costumes will be on sale. © 岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ
Information
Naruto Shippuden x Escape Game – Ninja Village 3rd Anniversary Special Mission: #12 Sakura and Hinata
Running: May 21 – June 30, 2022
Details: https://nijigennomori.com/naruto_shinobizato/ -
Anly’s new song VOLTAGE will serve as the new ending theme song for the TV Tokyo anime series Boruto. This will be the second time that Anly has teamed up with the Naruto series, having previously performed the opening theme Kara no Kokoro from Naruto Shippuden. The track has been streamed over 20 million times globally.
Comment from Anly
It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with the Naruto series, and I’m deeply moved to be returning to contribute. VOLTAGE is a song meant to cheer people up and to inspire friends to overcome anything standing in their way. While it’s similar in many ways to Kara no Kokoro, I feel like this is even cooler than Boruto’s dad’s song! I hope everyone enjoys it. The new ending theme song will premiere with the new episode of Boruto airing on TV Tokyo on January 9, 2022.©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ Information
Boruto – Naruto Next Generations
Airing on TV Tokyo Sundays starting January 9, 2022
Official Site: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/boruto/