The special stage production 「音楽詩『火垂るの墓』シンフォニー朗読劇」 — a symphony reading play based on Hotaru no Haka (Grave of the Fireflies) — is set to be performed on December 7, 2026 at the Shinjuku Cultural Center Main Hall in Tokyo. Doors open at 17:30, with the performance beginning at 18:30.

About the Work

Hotaru no Haka is a novel by Nosaka Akiyuki drawn from his own wartime experiences. Set in the outskirts of Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, it follows Seita, a 14-year-old boy, and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko, who lose their parents during the war and struggle to survive amid the chaos surrounding Japan’s defeat in World War II. The story was adapted into an animated film by Studio Ghibli in 1988 and continues to be highly regarded both in Japan and internationally.

The “音楽詩” (musical poetry) stage format premiered in September 2023, blending the film’s score — composed by Mamiya Yoshio — with full orchestral performance and live narration.

Cast and Staff

For this production, Nakayama Yuma takes on the role of Seita, while Naota Himana plays Setsuko. They are joined by Sumiyoshi Miki and Maruoka Izumi as newly added cast members.

The RENAISSANCE CLASSICS ORCHESTRA, led by music director Yanagisawa Hisao, will handle the orchestral performance. Leading Japanese soprano Koda Hiroko will also appear, performing songs from the story including “Hanifu no Yado” alongside the Yokohama Boys and Girls Chorus. Still images from key scenes of the animated film will be projected on screen throughout the performance.

Cast Comments

Nakayama Yuma commented: “Throughout my career as an actor, I have had the opportunity to take on roles in works dealing with war and the postwar era. Hotaru no Haka is not only a timeless masterpiece but also something precious that we Japanese must never forget. This will be my first time performing in a reading play format. I will give my all to convey feelings of love for family and loved ones, and my hope that peace will continue for future generations — through both words and the music of the full orchestra.”

Naota Himana commented: “I remember watching this as a child and being too frightened to finish it. Now that I’m an adult, I’m sure my perspective and how I receive the story have changed. I’m grateful to have the chance to face this work again — this time as a performer.”

Performance Details

• Date & Time: Monday, December 7, 2026 — Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
• Venue: Shinjuku Cultural Center Main Hall, Tokyo