Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten Stage Greeting Reunites Cast After 13 Years

The long-awaited premiere of Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten was celebrated with a special stage greeting at Shinjuku Balto 9 in Tokyo on August 29, 2026. The event brought together the film’s main voice cast, including Yuki Aoi (Kaname Madoka), Saito Chiwa (Akemi Homura), Kitamura Eri (Miki Sayaka), Nonaka Ai (Sakura Kyoko), Mizuhashi Kaori (Tomoe Mami), Asumi Kanako (Momoe Nagisa), and Kato Emiri (Kyubey).

Fans packed the theater lobby, many clutching favorite character goods and wearing T-shirts while passionately discussing the series. When the cast appeared on stage, thunderous applause filled the venue.

At the start, Yuki cheerfully addressed the audience about the film they were about to see. Saito asked if anyone was watching for the first time, and after a big response, she smiled and promised to keep any secrets. Kitamura, Nonaka, Mizuhashi, and Asumi also expressed warm gratitude. Kato, voicing Kyubey, joked about feeling nervous to join the magical girls on stage, lightening the mood.

When the conversation turned to the 15 years since the TV series first aired, the audience reacted with surprise and admiration. Saito asked how many had watched it live 15 years ago and how many discovered it later, and both groups raised hands in large numbers, highlighting the series’ cross-generational appeal. Yuki remarked, “This is truly a work loved by people of all ages.”

Reflecting on the weight of 15 years, the cast shared a lively exchange. Yuki spoke about how she was a newcomer at the time and now finds herself in a position to mentor younger cast members. Mizuhashi recalled the social phenomenon of the original broadcast, saying, “It was shocking to see the whole town covered in Kyubey.” Kato added, “There’s even a Kyubey in this theater’s restroom.” Yuki then joked, “If you’ve ‘made a contract,’ even an old man becomes a magical girl (laughs). Be careful!” The audience burst into laughter.

Kato discussed Kyubey’s role, saying, “I feel he’s deeply loved as a character you love to hate. For me, Kyubey is a character who lives by being hated. Maybe someday there will be a Kyubey who gets used by the magical girls (laughs).” She added, “When I talk about Madoka Magica, my thoughts turn evil. I have no guilt about doing bad things to magical girls!”

The talk then shifted to each actor’s favorite aspects of their characters. Nonaka passionately described Kyoko’s appeal: “She’s rough around the edges, but she cares deeply about people and can’t leave them alone. She has that cool, old-school delinquent big-sister vibe, and a fiery side that goes to save others.”

Kitamura praised Sayaka: “Sayaka always stands closest to the viewer. She’s tossed around by fate, worries, struggles, and her Soul Gem gets clouded—that imperfection and rawness is very human. She also has a stoic side that doesn’t get swept away in Homura’s loops. In this film, Sayaka is really ‘Sayaka-cool’ and ‘Sayaka-cute.’ I love everything about her.”

Yuki shared her feelings for Madoka: “At the time, I was close in age and worried about her realistically. Now that I’ve grown older, I see her as even more precious and noble. She’s loved by many, and because she can share that love, she can sacrifice herself easily—I love that about her too.”

Saito spoke about Homura: “I love the part of her that loves Madoka. Adults learn to compromise and protect their hearts as they age, but Homura never gives up. She resets and tries again, and I respect her pure strength and desire to save and protect.”

Mizuhashi offered a unique take on Mami: “Mami has the interesting quality of ‘living on because she died.’ Because she became the starting point of the story, she remains in everyone’s hearts. By dying, she left a strong impression and continues to live—I feel her greatness.”

Asumi highlighted Nagisa’s charm: “Among the girls, Nagisa has a more childlike mentality, which gives her a special appeal. In this film, I think you’ll feel that side even more.”

To close the event, Saito addressed the audience warmly: “Madoka Magica is a work where your impressions change completely depending on the path you’ve walked. After watching, you might think ‘Huh?’ or ‘Wow!’—either is fine. Because it’s your Madoka Magica. We’ve cherished this work for 13 years, and we send it out trusting in your ability to receive it. From now on, it becomes yours, so please love it for a long time.”

Yuki added, “This film also depicts the strength of the Mitakihara friends, and I think it’s a chance to understand the characters even deeper. Thanks to everyone’s support, the time has come for this myth to move again. Those watching in theaters are part of that myth. Please keep telling this story from here on.” The audience responded with a standing ovation.

The event concluded as a memorable day for the cast and fans who have supported the series for 15 years. The stage greeting for Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Walpurgis no Kaiten ended amid warm cheers and high expectations.

Event Overview

Date: August 29, 2026
Venue: Shinjuku Balto 9
Speakers: Yuki Aoi (Kaname Madoka), Saito Chiwa (Akemi Homura), Kitamura Eri (Miki Sayaka), Nonaka Ai (Sakura Kyoko), Mizuhashi Kaori (Tomoe Mami), Asumi Kanako (Momoe Nagisa), Kato Emiri (Kyubey)
MC: Mori Haruka