What this is
Naruse Takes Over the World is a stage adaptation of Mina Miyajima's bestselling and award-winning novel, brought to life at Kyoto's historic Minami-za theatre in July 2026. The production stars Mizuki Yamashita and Ryoko Fujino in leading roles, offering audiences a live theatrical interpretation of a celebrated work of contemporary Japanese literature. The story explores themes of ambition and determination, translating the novel's emotional core into a full stage production. This adaptation represents a meaningful bridge between modern Japanese literary culture and the performing arts, making it a notable event in Kyoto's cultural calendar.
Who should go
Theater enthusiasts and fans of contemporary Japanese literature will find this production particularly rewarding, especially those already familiar with Mina Miyajima's original novel. Followers of lead actresses Mizuki Yamashita and Ryoko Fujino will have a rare opportunity to see them perform live on stage in a high-profile theatrical setting. The themes of ambition and determination give the production broad appeal for audiences who enjoy thought-provoking drama with emotional depth. Multiple seating tiers are available, so book early — premium front S-seats and the special Zeze Kara seats sell out fastest.
Good to know
Tickets can be purchased through eplus.jp or pia.jp — both platforms accept foreign credit cards, and Lawson convenience store pickup (combini) is the most reliable collection method for visitors without a Japanese postal address. Minami-za is one of Japan's oldest and most storied theatres, with a capacity of around 1,000 seats arranged in a traditional tiered layout — seating is fully assigned, so your tier matters when booking. The venue is located in the heart of Gion, just steps from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line, making it very easy to reach from central Kyoto or Osaka. The performance will be conducted in Japanese with no English subtitles expected, so familiarity with the source novel may enhance your experience. Photography and recording are typically prohibited inside the auditorium during performances at Minami-za.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.