Taiwanese and Japanese Teams Collaborate on Recording for Live-Action Kiki's Delivery Service

(CNA) - The live-action musical "Kiki's Delivery Service" will premiere in Taiwan in July, featuring the world premiere of its symphonic version. The Japanese rhythm section recorded in Tokyo, while Taiwanese musicians handled the strings and wind instruments, creating a cross-border musical puzzle together.

According to a press release from Niou Arts, many past musical tours have used digital audio (MIDI). To achieve a grand and magical feel for the "Kiki's Delivery Service" musical, Niou Arts collaborated with Japan's Fuji Television and the RKX team. In May, the full orchestral arrangement, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, was recorded at Platinum Studio in Taiwan, followed by post-production and mixing by the Tokyo team.

Taiwanese producer Chen Zhe-sheng stated that most musicals previously used digital accompaniment or minimal arrangements with only a few strings, piano, and jazz drums. This production of "Kiki's Delivery Service" breaks from past conventions by bringing together musicians for a full recording.

The development of Japanese musical theater is unique. It does not simply replicate Western Broadway or London's West End models but maximizes Japan's meticulous craftsmanship. Japanese musicals often adapt 2D animations, games, or manga into 3D live-action stage performances, allowing musicals to integrate with Japanese subculture. The "Kiki's Delivery Service" musical is one such representative work.

The duo of Kiki's Delivery Service director Koki Kishimoto and composer/music director Ryota Kojima have extensive experience in the Japanese theater and musical scene. Honoha Yamato, who plays Kiki, is a recipient of the "Toho Cinderella Musical Award," and Takumi Kitagawa, who plays Tombo, is active in television and stage. The team's exciting performances, combined with the symphonic recorded version, aim to bring more courage and strength to Taiwanese music fans.

The new symphonic production of the live-action "Kiki's Delivery Service" musical will be performed from July 10 to 19 at the National Theater in Taipei and from July 24 to August 2 at the National Taichung Theater. Niou Arts has created a unique musical theater installation at the outdoor plaza of Taipei SOGO Department Store's Zhongxiao Branch, inviting friends of all ages to step into Kiki's magical world in advance. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150629

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