The musical reading play "SOUND THEATRE × Natsume's Book of Friends," which has captivated audiences over three previous stagings since 2013, is set to return with a new production approximately 8 years later. Official merchandise details and pre-order information have been announced for SOUND THEATRE × Natsume's Book of Friends Otogeki no Sho: Natsugasumi, scheduled for July 18, 2026 (Saturday) at Tokyo International Forum Hall A. Additional cast members for the production have also been revealed.
Official Event Merchandise and Pre-Order Sales
Ahead of in-venue sales on the day of the event, pre-order sales for official merchandise are available through the Natsume's Book of Friends Anime Official Online Store. Items include goods featuring the event key visual and newly drawn illustrations, along with tote bags, compact opera goods, and more — a selection designed to be enjoyed on the day of the performance and beyond.
Pre-Order Period: April 23, 2026 (Thursday) at 12:00 PM to April 30, 2026 (Thursday) at 11:00 AM
(Convenience store payments accepted until April 26, 2026 (Sunday) at 11:59 PM)
Merchandise details and pre-orders are available here:
https://natsume-animestore.jp/lp/ST2026
Notes:
- Items purchased through the pre-order sale are planned to be delivered before the event. Please note that delivery may be delayed due to production circumstances or logistics congestion.
- Detailed shipping dates will be announced once confirmed.
- Delivery to Okinawa and remote islands may take additional time.
- If orders significantly exceed estimates, pre-orders may close early even during the pre-order period.
- Product images are for illustrative purposes. Actual design and specifications may differ slightly.
Additional Cast Revealed
The following additional cast members have been announced for SOUND THEATRE × Natsume's Book of Friends Otogeki no Sho: Natsugasumi:
Suishin and other roles – Takase Yukou
Taniosaki and other roles – Matsukawa Hiroki
Yokai and other roles:
Abe Ryoma
Tsunokura Eriko
Yamada Kyona
Event Overview
Event Name: SOUND THEATRE × Natsume's Book of Friends Otogeki no Sho: Natsugasumi
Date: July 18, 2026 (Saturday)
- [Matinee] Doors open 1:00 PM / Show starts 2:00 PM
- [Evening] Doors open 5:00 PM / Show starts 6:30 PM
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A (3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005)
Programs:
- Act 1: Otogeki Version of "Mizusoko no Tsubame"
- Act 2: Otogeki Version of "Itsuka Kuru Hi"
Both the matinee and evening performances share the same program.
Cast (Reading):
Kamiya Hiroshi / Inoue Kazuhiko / Kimura Ryohei / Suganuma Hisayoshi / Yunoki Suzuka / Ono Daisuke / Komatsu Mikako / Takase Yukou / Matsukawa Hiroki / Abe Ryoma / Tsunokura Eriko / Yamada Kyona
Musicians — Yoshimori Shin Ensemble:
- Piano & Conductor: Yoshimori Shin
- Violin: Muroya Koichiro, Kodera Rina, Ito Aya, Yanagihara Ariya
- Viola: Shimaoka Tomoko
- Violoncello: Iwanaga Tomoki
- Clarinet: Toyonaga Mie
- Percussion: Sekine Mari
Staff:
Original Work: Yuki Midorikawa "Natsume's Book of Friends" (Serialized in Hakusensha's "LaLa")
Supervisor: Omori Takahiro (Anime Series General Director) / Script: Yoshinaga Aya / Direction: Okamoto Takaya / Music: Yoshimori Shin
Official Website and SNS:
- Event Official Website: https://natsume-animestore.jp/lp/ST2026
- Anime Official X Account: https://x.com/NatsumeYujincho
- Anime Official Instagram: https://instagram.com/natsumeyujincho_info/
Further updates will be shared on the event official website, the anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" official X account, and in the pages of LaLa magazine.
About SOUND THEATRE
SOUND THEATRE is known as a "new-sensation musical reading play." While many productions fall under the category of "reading plays," SOUND THEATRE sets itself apart by paying careful attention to stage design, lighting, special effects, and costumes — not just the reading performance itself. By incorporating elements that stimulate all five senses, it pushes the audience's imagination to its limits, creating what can be called an "image theater."
Live music performed on stage allows the music and narration to complement, enhance, and synchronize with each other. Through these elements, audiences can imagine the temperature, weather, and movements of the characters within the story, allowing them to vividly experience the emotions and recollections of each character.
©Yuki Midorikawa / Hakusensha / "Natsume's Book of Friends" Production Committee
