New Musical 'Princess Anio' ~ Hẹn gặp lại Again ~ Visuals Unveiled, Advance Ticket Sales Begin May 27 (Wed)

Princess Anio Executive Committee

The 'Princess Anio' Executive Committee (Brain Group, Yamaha Music Vietnam, NPO International Exchange Promotion Council) will premiere the new musical 'Princess Anio' ~ Hẹn gặp lại Again ~ at the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre <Hall> starting Saturday, September 12.

Additionally, advance web lottery ticket sales will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27, through various ticket agencies, with general sales starting at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 13.

Main Visual Expressing 'Hope Beyond Nations and Eras'

This work is a love story that crossed the seas, based on the true story of a Vietnamese princess and a Japanese merchant from about 400 years ago. Through the love and lives of the two protagonists, it depicts the preciousness of acknowledging and trying to understand various differences such as culture, customs, nationality, and social status.

Princess Ngoc Hoa, who married and moved to Nagasaki, was affectionately called 'Anio-san' by the people. The procession of her marriage is still passed down today as the 'Red Seal Ship' performance in Nagasaki's traditional festival, the 'Nagasaki Kunchi.' It is not just a romance tale, but a memory of the ancient maritime connection between Japan and Vietnam, and a symbol of the friendly history between the two nations where people have connected heart-to-heart across borders.

The subtitle 'Hẹn gặp lại' is a Vietnamese phrase meaning 'see you again' or 'reunion.' Their lives were by no means peaceful. The era was moving towards national isolation, making it difficult to freely cross the seas. In the midst of an irresistible historical tide, Princess Anio lived brightly and resiliently in a foreign land, believing in a future where she could meet her parents and loved ones in her homeland again, while Sotaro gently embraced her.

The main visual embodies the hope that the warm feelings between people will be passed on to the future, transcending time and distance.

Advance Web Lottery Ticket Sales Begin Wednesday, May 27! General Sale Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026

*A total of 21 performances are scheduled. Preview performance: Friday, September 11, 2026

Ticket Kanagawa / Ticket Pia / e+ (eplus) / Lawson Ticket / Asoview! / Confetti

For details, please visit the official website's ticket page: https://musical.anio.jp/schedule/

Ryunosuke Onoda Visits Hoi An, Vietnam

Visiting the Japanese cemetery by the Thu Bon River with lantern-lit boats

Ryunosuke Onoda, who plays Araki Sotaro (in a double cast), visited Hoi An, Vietnam, a place connected to the story, in mid-May. He toured sites such as the Japanese Bridge (Lai Vien Kieu), the Japanese cemetery, and a replica of a red-seal ship displayed in the old town, experiencing the history of 17th-century Japan-Vietnam exchange and the connections with Japan that still remain in the city.

Onoda said he was strongly captivated by the warmth of the local people, the unique humid atmosphere, and the vibrant green landscapes, commenting, 'I felt once again how close Vietnam and Japan are.'

He also visited the studio of lacquer painter Saeko Ando, who created the key visual. He said he 'felt a futuristic, cosmic energy' from the lacquer paintings in the studio and added, 'When I first saw the lacquer painting of 'Princess Anio' that became the basis for the key visual at last year's production announcement, I felt the potential of the work and was deeply impressed. I had wanted to meet the artist who created this piece, so I was truly happy to meet her.'

Strolling along the Thu Bon River in front of the red-seal ship replica

A Journey Guided by a Mysterious, Chance Encounter

One of the most memorable moments during his visit to Hoi An was a chance encounter while viewing the red-seal ship replica. A Japanese man approached him, saying, 'This is still used in the Nagasaki festival today.' This sparked a conversation that expanded to Araki Sotaro, Princess Anio, and even the opera and musical adaptations. The man was part of a tour group from Nagasaki and had deep knowledge and affection for the historical facts about Araki Sotaro. He was reportedly very surprised and delighted when Onoda told him he was playing the role of Araki Sotaro in the musical.

Onoda said, 'It was very impressive that I didn't seek out the conversation myself, but by chance, in Hoi An, I met someone who is still trying to pass down the story.' He added, 'Through my involvement in this work, I realized that Araki Sotaro and Princess Anio are still very important figures to the people of Nagasaki.'

He also reflected, 'I was so happy to be able to bring joy to someone through the work and the role outside of a theater,' and commented that his experience in Hoi An, where he could directly feel the thoughts and bonds of people passed down to the present day, not just the story's background, became an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the role and his feelings for the work.

Newest PV Released, Featuring Four Cast Members in Costume

The official website has also released the latest promotional video. For the first time for the musical 'Princess Anio,' the four actors playing Princess Anio and Araki Sotaro (double cast) appear in costume in the PV.

The love story that transcends nations and eras is finally beginning to move!

The Story of Princess Anio

From the day we met, every day has been precious.

In the early 17th century, during the Age of Discovery. In the bustling trading port of Hoi An, the merchant Araki Sotaro from Nagasaki, Japan, has a fateful encounter with Princess Ngoc Hoa, a princess beloved by her people. A curious and tomboyish princess and Sotaro, who chases his dreams across the sea. The two connect, transcending country and status.

Laughter fills the port town, surrounded by lively companions. In Nagasaki, where she married, the princess was affectionately called 'Anio-san' and lived happily. But then, the harsh wave of national isolation strikes. Still, the two hold hope in their hearts and continue to weave a future with their loved ones through the flow of time.

Inspired by the historical fact passed down to this day as a performance in the 'Nagasaki Kunchi,' this original musical delivers the story of two people who loved each other across borders, their days filled with happiness. A love story that continues to shine brightly today!

Araki Sotaro (Double Cast)

Captain of the red-seal ship 'Araki-bune.' Possesses courage and wisdom, kindness to help others, and pride as a merchant. Gains the trust of King Nguyen and is given the name 'Nguyen Thai Lang.'

Mario Tashiro

Graduated from the Vocal Music Department (Tenor) of the Faculty of Music at Tokyo University of the Arts. Began piano and violin in childhood and started formal vocal training at 15. Made his opera debut in 2003 with 'A Streetcar Named Desire' while still in university. Made his musical debut in 2009 with 'Marguerite.' Since then, he has been active in numerous stage productions, mainly musicals. Major works include 'Elisabeth,' 'Marie Antoinette,' and many others. Winner of the 39th Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award.

Ryunosuke Onoda

Has been active in musicals since childhood, armed with solid acting skills, dance ability cultivated from a young age, and overwhelming singing prowess. In 2011, he won the Sylvester Levay Special Award at the '1st Sylvester Levay International Musical Singing Concert & Competition.' Major works include 'Les Misérables,' 'Miss Saigon,' 'Mary Poppins,' and many others.

Princess Anio (Princess Ngoc Hoa) (Double Cast)

Youngest daughter of King Nguyen. A princess loved by the people for her brightness and kindness. A free-spirited and curious tomboy who loves to sneak out into the town. Possesses the inner strength to choose her own path in life.

Kurisu Oto

As a musumeyaku (female role) in the Flower Troupe of the Takarazuka Revue, she has played numerous important roles since joining in 2014. After leaving the company in 2022 with 'The Pilgrim's Years ~Franz Liszt, Soul's Wandering~' and 'Fashionable Empire,' she has been active mainly in musicals. She has appeared in popular works such as 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' and 'Kakegurui.' She continues to refine her expressive abilities in concerts and reading performances, engaging in a wide range of activities.

Do Phan The Hang

Self-taught from the age of 3, she listened to 'The Phantom of the Opera' from morning till night and mimicked the lyrics and melodies even as a child who did not understand English. She made her musical debut at 15 in 2022 with 'Alice in Wonderland.' In 2023, she won the Silver Prize in the vocal category at the Asia Arts Festival. She was then accepted as the top student into the Vocal Music Department of the Vietnam National Academy of Music. She continues to pursue her passion for music.

Cast

Mario Tashiro, Ryunosuke Onoda, Kurisu Oto, Do Phan The Hang

Kiyotaka Imai / Rie Yoshizawa, Rumi Iryo

Hideo Kurihara, Katsumi Toi

Junichiro Saito, Misato Hirumuta, Maya Asaba, Hoang Phuong Linh

Yayoi Okoshi, Fuka Suzuki

Koichi Fujiura, Kiichi Hirose, Yukio Murakami, Hiroshi Muto, Daisuke Moriyama

Yuzuki Ishida, Kokone Imamura, Satsuki Ushimaru, Karin Shinoda, Gota Kaminishigo

Mizuki Denpoya, Hikari Nakamura, Junya Narahara, Yumi Yano, Rena Yamashita

Creative Team

General Director/Director/Script/Lyrics (Japanese): Daisuke Oyama

Composer: Tran Manh Hung

Script/Lyrics (Vietnamese): Ha Quang Minh

Choreographer: Kenichi Honma

Artistic Advisor: Tetsuji Honna

Set Design: Masako Ito

Lighting: Shigeo Saito

Costume: Kozue Hibino

Hair & Makeup: Eri Akamatsu

Sound: Hideo Hara, Masahito Otsubo

Stage Video: Nobuhiro Matsuzawa, Yuki Nakazawa

Fight Choreographer: Naoki Kurihara

Stage Manager: Koji Koizumi

Assistant Director: Mao Sunagawa

Choreography Assistant: Takeko Kitamura

Music Supervisor: Megumi Chinju

Orchestrator: Satoshi Takeuchi

Electronic Music Designer: Hiro Iida

Vocal Coach: Yuki Kadoi

Band Coordinator: Shin Ongaku Kyokai

Orchestra Conductor: Tetsuji Honna

Musicians: Princess Anio Band, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra (recording)

Casting: Satoshi Nakanishi, Maiko Oba

Historical Advisors: Seiichi Kikuchi, Hiromichi Tomoda

Japanese Language Coaches: Ryoji Noguchi, Nguyen Do Thanh

Key Visual: Vietnamese Lacquer Painter Saeko Ando

*Musical Key Visual

The key visual for the musical 'Princess Anio' was created by lacquer painter Saeko Ando and the design team to match the musical's concept. It is based on the data of the Vietnamese lacquer painting key visual created for the opera 'Princess Anio,' with a star-filled sky digitally composited into the background.

Project Honorary Advisors: Pham Quang Hieu, Naoki Ito

Project Supervisor: Yuji Kuroiwa

Special Advisor: Takio Yamada

Production Advisor: Tran Ly Ly Production: Shinji Sasaki

Producers: Doan Ngoc Hieu, Yuji Otake

General Producer: Naomasa Furukawa

Executive Producer: Toshihide Maeda

Event Outline

*Information as of May 19, 2026

Title: Musical 'Princess Anio' ~ Hẹn gặp lại Again ~

Performance Dates: Saturday, September 12, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 *Total of 21 performances scheduled Preview Performance: Friday, September 11, 2026

Venue: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre <Hall> (281 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)

Organizer: 'Princess Anio' Executive Committee

(Brain Group, Yamaha Music Vietnam, NPO International Exchange Promotion Council)

Co-organizer: Nikkei Inc.

In cooperation with: KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre

Honorary Advisors

Pham Quang Hieu (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Viet Nam in Japan) Naoki Ito (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Japan in Viet Nam)

Supported by

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, Kanagawa Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, The Vietnam Association in Japan, Japan-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Association, NPO Japan-Vietnam Sakai Friendship Association, NPO Sakai International Exchange Association, NPO Nagasaki-Vietnam Friendship Association, Association for Promotion of Healthy and Secure Society, The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam, Nagasaki Prefectural Tourism Federation, Nagasaki Prefectural Medical Association, Nagasaki City Medical Association, The Tokugawa Memorial Foundation, The Yokohama Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, Da Nang City, Vietnam Television, Ho Guom Opera House, Vietnam Musicians' Association, Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, Ho Chi Minh City Ballet, Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, Hoi An Center for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan, Association of Vietnamese in Japan, Association of Vietnamese Traditional Culture and Arts in Japan

Sponsored by

[Platinum Supporters]

Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Tokyu Corporation

[Gold Supporters]

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd., AEON CO., LTD.

[Silver Supporters]

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, The Shoko Chukin Bank, Ltd., Hotel Mikazuki Group, Sotetsu Holdings, Inc., RIZAP GROUP, Inc., JTB Corp., Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, MUFG Bank, Ltd., All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd., Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., ITO EN, LTD., Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

[Bronze Supporters]

International University of Health and Welfare, Kiraboshi Bank, Ltd., The Bank of Yokohama, Ltd., Keikyu Corporation, ATELIER YOSHINO, Japan University of Economics, Hollywood Graduate School, Minatomirai Line, NTT East Corporation, Achievement Corp., FANCL CORPORATION, ITOCHU Corporation, Kanagawa Kenmin Kyosai, East Japan Railway Company, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

In cooperation with: Sanshusha Publishing Co., Ltd.

Official Website: https://musical.anio.jp

Inquiries about this production

'Princess Anio' Executive Committee Office: [email protected]