A new musical reading drama performed approximately eight years after its last staging, "SOUND THEATRE x Natsume's Book of Friends: Ongeki no Sho – Natsugasumi" is coming to Tokyo International Forum Hall A on July 18, 2026. The evening performance will be streamed live exclusively on U-NEXT, and additional after-talk participants and new venue merchandise have been announced.
Live Streaming Information
The evening performance will be streamed live via U-NEXT, including the after-talk that follows. A catch-up streaming period is also planned after the live broadcast ends. U-NEXT ticket purchasers will additionally receive a special live comment video featuring the cast.
A signed poster giveaway campaign for Hiroshi Kamiya (voice of Natsume Takashi) and Kazuhiko Inoue (voice of Nyanko-sensei / Madara) is also being held exclusively for U-NEXT ticket purchasers, with 3 winners selected.
Performance: July 18, 2026 (Saturday) [Evening Performance] – Show starts at 6:30 PM (streaming begins 6:00 PM)
Ticket Sales Period: June 19, 2026 (Friday) 3:00 PM – August 2, 2026 (Sunday) 7:00 PM
Catch-up Streaming Period: From after the performance ends on July 18, 2026 – August 2, 2026 (Sunday) 11:59 PM
Price: ¥4,400 (tax included)
Purchaser Benefit: Live comment video from the cast
Viewing & Purchase Page: https://t.unext.jp/r/natsume_live
Please note that the performance is broadcast live, so start times may vary. Details are subject to change without notice.
After-Talk Performers
Additional cast and staff members who will appear at the after-talk following the evening performance have been announced.
Cast: Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuhiko Inoue, Ryohei Kimura, Hisayoshi Suganuma, Suzuka Yunoki, Daisuke Ono, Mikako Komatsu
Staff: Takaya Okamoto (Director)
The after-talk is for evening performance ticket holders only. It is scheduled to last approximately 15 minutes after the performance ends. Participants are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds will be issued due to changes in participants.
New Venue Merchandise
New merchandise items will be added to the venue shop for the July 18 event. In addition to pre-ordered items, four new products will be available for purchase.
Images are for illustrative purposes only. Designs and specifications may differ from the actual products. The Odekake Pouch W does not include plush toys.
Venue Sales Start: July 18, 2026 (Saturday) from 9:00 AM (planned)
Priority access times may be in place for ticket holders.
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A Lobby
Details on day-of merchandise will be announced at a later date.
Gacha Acrylic Stand Venue Pre-Sale
Acrylic stands from "SOUND THEATRE x Natsume's Book of Friends: Ongeki no Sho – Natsugasumi" will be available for venue pre-sale at the July 18 event.
The merchandise shop and gacha machines are located in separate areas and items cannot be purchased together. Gacha machines accept cash only. Change machines will be available, though they may be crowded, so it is recommended to bring coins in advance.
Event Overview
Event Name: SOUND THEATRE x Natsume's Book of Friends: Ongeki no Sho – Natsugasumi
Date: July 18, 2026 (Saturday)
[Matinee] Doors open at 1:00 PM / Show starts at 2:00 PM
[Evening] Doors open at 5:00 PM / Show starts at 6:30 PM
Venue: Tokyo International Forum Hall A (3-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005)
Program:
Act 1: Ongeki Version "Suisoko no Tsubame"
Act 2: Ongeki Version "Itsuka Kuru Hi"
Reading Cast:
Hiroshi Kamiya / Kazuhiko Inoue / Ryohei Kimura / Hisayoshi Suganuma / Suzuka Yunoki / Daisuke Ono / Mikako Komatsu / Ukou Takase / Yuki Matsukawa / Ryoma Abe / Eriko Kakura / Kyona Yamada
Musicians:
[Makoto Yoshimori Ensemble]
Piano, Conductor: Makoto Yoshimori / Violin: Koichiro Muroya, Rina Kodera, Aya Ito, Yuya Yanagihara / Viola: Tomoko Shimaoka
Cello: Tomoki Iwanaga / Clarinet: Mie Toyonaga / Percussion: Mari Sekine
Original Work: "Natsume's Book of Friends" by Yuki Midorikawa (serialized in Hakusensha's "LaLa")
Event Planning & Production: NAS
Official Event Site: https://natsume-animestore.jp/lp/ST2026
Anime Official X Account: https://x.com/NatsumeYujincho
©緑川ゆき・白泉社／「夏目友人帳」製作委員会
