What this is
The Full Monty is a beloved comedy musical based on the iconic 1997 British film, adapted for the stage and nominated for nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. This summer 2026 production is a bold US-Japan co-production performed entirely in English, bringing together Japanese and Broadway talent for a rare bilingual creative collaboration. The story follows six unemployed men in upstate New York who hatch an audacious plan — stripping — as an unlikely path to self-worth, friendship, and redemption. The production stars Koji Yamamoto, known from the 2024 co-production of RENT, and Yuriyan Retriever, a comedian and filmmaker now based in Los Angeles making her musical theatre debut, alongside seasoned Broadway veterans. It represents a growing and exciting trend of high-calibre international stage co-productions finding audiences in Japan.
Who should go
This show is ideal for theatre lovers, fans of the original film, and anyone who enjoys English-language musical comedy with genuine heart and humour. The all-English production makes it especially accessible and appealing to expats, tourists, and bilingual audiences in Japan. Yuriyan Retriever's fanbase and the novelty of her stage debut will draw a curious, energetic crowd, while Broadway enthusiasts will appreciate the professional pedigree on display. The tone is warm, funny, and uplifting — suitable for adults and older teens. Book tickets early as the combination of recognisable IP and star casting is likely to generate strong demand.
Good to know
Tickets are most reliably purchased through eplus.jp or pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; select convenience store (combini) pickup at Lawson to avoid delivery complications. Tokyo International Forum Hall C is a mid-sized seated theatre with excellent sightlines — capacity is approximately 1,500, and the atmosphere for musical productions here tends to be polished and enthusiastic. The venue is fully air-conditioned, which is a welcome relief for a summer August performance. Bags are generally not checked at the door for theatre events here, but large luggage is discouraged. As this is an all-English production, no Japanese language ability is required to enjoy the show fully.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.