It’s been years since Naruto: Shippuden came to an end, and the franchise has seen only a few major new projects since then, including the live spectacle NARUTO: The Shinobi Way of Life in late 2023. Now, Naruto is returning to the stage with a theatrical production unlike any previous adaptation.
A new dialogue-free live show, Ningeki NARUTO, has been announced for Kyoto’s historic Minamiza Theater. The production will run from February to June 2027, and the announcement was accompanied by an official teaser visual and a short promotional video, giving fans their first look at the upcoming stage performance.
Naruto Takes the Stage at Kyoto’s Historic Minamiza Theater
The venue is just as significant as the production itself. Located in Kyoto’s Shijo-Kawaramachi district, Minamiza is Japan’s oldest theater and one of the country’s most iconic performance venues. Instead of relying on dialogue, Ningeki NARUTO will tell its story through live acrobatics, aerial performances, and stage illusions. The production will also combine Minamiza’s traditional kabuki stage techniques with modern projection mapping to bring Naruto’s ninja battles to life.
The production is based on the early “Boy” arc from Masashi Kishimoto’s original Naruto manga, following Naruto Uzumaki’s journey in the Hidden Leaf Village. According to the producers, Ningeki NARUTO is designed as a dialogue-free “ninja” live show that uses movement, acrobatics, and visual storytelling to make the story accessible to audiences around the world, regardless of language.
Meet the Team Behind Ningeki NARUTO
The production is directed by Go Ueki, a stage director known for his non-verbal performances and previous adaptations of Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon. Joining the creative team is Neil Dorward, a global creative consultant best known for his work with Cirque du Soleil. Together, they aim to bring Naruto to the stage through a unique blend of Japanese theater and large-scale visual performance.
In a statement, Dorward said it was “a great honor” to work alongside Ueki and the Japanese creative team, adding that Naruto’s themes of perseverance and friendship have connected with fans around the world for many years.
The production is being developed by Nelke Planning and S-SIZE, two companies with extensive experience adapting manga and anime for the stage. They are working in collaboration with Weekly Shonen Jump, V Jump, Saikyō Jump, and the Japan 2.5D Musical Association.
Actress Yuri Takahashi has been cast as Naruto Uzumaki for the show’s first performance period, with additional roles including Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and Kakashi Hatake also confirmed as part of the ensemble. Because the production is billed as a rotating, long-run residency rather than a fixed, limited engagement, casting for later performance periods may shift as the run progresses through its five-month Kyoto stay.
Naruto Aims to Attract Visitors to Kyoto
The new Ningeki NARUTO production is designed to appeal not only to theater fans but also to domestic and international visitors exploring Kyoto. By staging the show at the historic Minamiza Theater, the production aims to offer tourists a unique way to experience one of Japan’s most popular manga franchises in a cultural setting.
The approach reflects a growing trend in Japan, where anime- and manga-based stage productions are also promoted as tourism attractions. Located in Kyoto’s popular Shijo-Kawaramachi district, Minamiza is already a well-known destination for visitors interested in the city’s traditional performing arts.
What to Expect Next
With Ningeki NARUTO set to open in February 2027, more details are expected in the coming months. The production team has yet to announce the full cast, ticket sales schedule, or additional promotional materials, all of which are likely to be revealed closer to the premiere.
While Naruto has inspired several stage adaptations over the years, Ningeki NARUTO takes a different approach. Instead of relying on dialogue, the production will use movement, acrobatics, projection mapping, and traditional Japanese stagecraft to bring Naruto’s story to life for audiences from around the world.
