Dandadan Stage Play ‘Occultic Stage’ Opens in Tokyo with Rehearsal Photos and Cast Comments

The first stage adaptation of Dandadan has opened! See rehearsal photos and read comments from the cast and director.

2026-08-27OkabeRintarou5 min read
Dandadan Stage Play ‘Occultic Stage’ Opens in Tokyo with Rehearsal Photos and Cast Comments

The first stage adaptation of the hit manga Dandadan has officially opened! Stage Play “Dandadan” ~Occultic Stage~ began its Tokyo run on August 26, 2026, at the Nihon Seinenkan Hall. Ahead of the premiere, rehearsal photos from the dress rehearsal have been released, along with comments from director Ito Imahito and the cast.

Dandadan is a manga by Tatsu Yukinobu, serialized in Shueisha’s manga app “Shonen Jump+”. The story follows Momo (Ayase Momo), a high school girl who doesn’t believe in aliens, and Okarun (Takakura Ken), an occult-obsessed boy who doesn’t believe in ghosts, as they face a variety of supernatural phenomena. The series has surpassed 14 million copies in cumulative circulation, and its in-app views exceeded 1 billion as of June 2026. The TV anime, which began in 2024, has already announced a third season, drawing attention both in Japan and abroad.

In this stage adaptation, Momo is played by Murayama Aki, a former member of AKB48 who has since earned acclaim for her solo lead roles in musicals. Okarun is played by Ninomiya Reimu, and the transformed version of Okarun (cursed by the Turbo Granny) is played by Hyakuna Hiroki. The Turbo Granny herself is voiced by Tanaka Mayumi, reprising her role from the TV anime.

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The Tokyo performances run until September 3 at Nihon Seinenkan Hall, followed by Osaka performances from September 11 to 13 at Sky Theater MBS. With direction by Ito Imahito, script by Kameda Shinjiro, and music by Konishi Ryo, this summer’s youth-meets-occult stage promises to deliver a thrilling experience.

Cast and Staff Comments

Director: Ito Imahito (Umebou)

“Can Dandadan really be adapted for the stage? We gathered a brilliant staff from various fields to bring that overwhelming world and relentless battles into the theater. The best cast members run through that world as their characters. With dance and action rarely seen in 2.5-dimensional stage productions, plus the heat unique to theater, please come and experience the moment Dandadan explodes right before your eyes!”

Momo (Ayase Momo): Murayama Aki

“There are moments when the story feels very close to you, and also unrealistic events that can only be depicted in dreams. I hope you’ll be swept up and fascinated by the world of Dandadan unfolding right in front of you, and come to love it even more. Please also pay attention to the colorful characters and the beautifully dancing ensemble!”

Okarun (Takakura Ken): Ninomiya Reimu

“The opening day has finally arrived. I really wanted to deliver this to the audience as soon as possible! The energy of the cast I felt at the first meeting, the wonderful scenes that came together as rehearsals progressed—I’ve been restless waiting to finally present this work created by this strongest company. This production is packed with expressions that only theater can achieve. In an age of advancing technology, the cast runs freely across the stage, vividly coloring the world of Dandadan through physical expression. This is a theatrical entertainment that everyone, from small children to grandparents, can enjoy. You just have to see it in the theater!”

Okarun (Transformed): Hyakuna Hiroki

“The stage play Dandadan has finally opened! During rehearsals, there were many moments where I wondered how this would work on stage, but once we entered the theater, with the lighting, sound, and the audience’s heat added, it has become an incredible Dandadan. Please pay attention to the physical expressions and full-body action of all the performers! Without overthinking, just dive into this world and get excited together. I’ll also run at full speed to the end!”

Seiko: Nakabeppu Aoi

“Following the manga and anime, we have completed a work that we can proudly present as ‘This is the stage version of Dandadan!’ The dynamism you can only experience in a live performance, the numerous battle scenes unfolding right before your eyes—I myself was astonished every day by the overwhelming physicality and skillful expression of those in charge of action and dance. It would be a waste not to see this stage! Please experience the power and emotion unique to theater at the venue!”

Aira (Shiratori Aira): Tanaka Riko

“The stage play Dandadan has successfully raised its curtain! With the strongest cast and creators, the possibilities are truly infinite. Because we could keep pursuing perfection, we kept adjusting until the very end, and finally we can deliver the best view and performance to everyone. I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. You’ll probably find that you don’t have enough eyes to take it all in. (laughs)”

Acrobatic Saru: Yamazaki Risa

“I’m very happy to be able to deliver the world of the stage play Dandadan to everyone on opening day! Of course, the story woven by the unique characters is a highlight, but please also pay attention to the spectacular action, dance, and expressions unique to the stage. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the world of Dandadan created with the best cast and creators at the theater!”

Production Information

TitleStage Play “Dandadan” ~Occultic Stage~
TokyoAugust 26 (Wed) – September 3 (Thu), 2026, Nihon Seinenkan Hall
OsakaSeptember 11 (Fri) – September 13 (Sun), 2026, Sky Theater MBS
OriginalDandadan by Tatsu Yukinobu (Shueisha “Shonen Jump+”)
DirectorIto Imahito (Umebou)
ScriptKameda Shinjiro
MusicKonishi Ryo
CastMomo (Ayase Momo): Murayama Aki
Okarun (Takakura Ken): Ninomiya Reimu
Okarun (Transformed): Hyakuna Hiroki
Seiko: Nakabeppu Aoi
Aira (Shiratori Aira): Tanaka Riko
Acrobatic Saru: Yamazaki Risa
Voice CastTurbo Granny: Tanaka Mayumi
EnsembleAkane Ayumu, Ikeda Haruka, Otsu Yuhi, Omachi Ayuho, Kitada Ryoko, Kyone, Kurokawa Kenya, Takeuchi Itsuki, Toi Kimiteru, Tokuichi Akiyoshi, Matsumoto Yukiko, moemodan, Yanagisawa Kasumi, Yoshida Amane
SwingHoshino Akari, Yamazaki Ryuto
SupervisionShueisha (“Shonen Jump+” Editorial Department)
Mix GreenLawson Ticket
CooperationJapan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association
OrganizerStage Play “Dandadan” Production Committee
Ticket PriceWeekdays: 12,500 yen / Weekends: 12,800 yen (all reserved seats, tax included)

©Tatsu Yukinobu / Shueisha ©Stage Play “Dandadan” Production Committee

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