Naruto Kabuki refers to two things. First, the original stage adaptation of Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto manga, titled New Kabuki 'NARUTO,' which premiered at Tokyo's Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in August 2018 and later ran at Kyoto's Minamiza Theatre in June 2019. Second, and more relevant right now, a brand new production called Ningeki NARUTO is set to open at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto for a five month run from February through June 2027, blending kabuki stagecraft with acrobatics and projection mapping in a dialogue free format.

If you searched "Naruto Kabuki" hoping to learn what it is, whether it's still running, or how to see the next version, this guide covers the full story using verified details.

What Is New Kabuki 'NARUTO'?

New Kabuki 'NARUTO' is an official stage adaptation of the Naruto manga, produced with the backing of Shueisha and the Naruto Kabuki Partners. It reimagines the series' core story of Naruto Uzumaki, an underdog ninja growing up in the Hidden Leaf Village, while highlighting his rivalry and eventual friendship with Sasuke Uchiha and the emotional backstory of Naruto's parents.

The production combined faithful manga details, such as Naruto's hairstyle and forehead protector, with traditional kabuki costuming and stagecraft. It was directed and written by G2, a writer known for large scale kabuki adaptations, with music composed by Wagakki Band, a group that fuses traditional Japanese instruments with rock.

Naruto Kabuki Cast and Creative Team

The original production featured well known kabuki actors in the lead roles.

Bando Minosuke II played Naruto Uzumaki.

Nakamura Hayato played Sasuke Uchiha.

Nakamura Baigyoku played Madara Uchiha.

Ichinose Hidekazu played Itachi Uchiha.

Ichikawa Emisaburo played Orochimaru.

Ichikawa En'ya played Jiraiya.

Ichikawa Emiya played Tsunade.

Nakamura Kangyoku played Sakura Haruno.

In interviews, Bando Minosuke spoke about growing up reading Naruto and described playing the title role as giving him an indescribable feeling, since he had followed the manga since childhood.

Naruto Kabuki Performance History

August 2018: New Kabuki 'NARUTO' premiered at the Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre in Tokyo.

June 2019: The production moved to the newly reopened Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto, with a special cast exclusive to that run, including Bando Minosuke and Nakamura Hayato reprising their roles as Naruto and Sasuke.

Since 2019, there has been no confirmed nationwide revival of the original kabuki play, though Naruto has continued to appear on Japanese stages through other live productions, including a 2023 live spectacle called NARUTO: The Shinobi Way of Life.

Is There a New Naruto Kabuki Show Coming?

Yes. In July 2026, producers announced Ningeki NARUTO, a new stage production set to open at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto for a long run from February to June 2027. This is the biggest Naruto stage project since the original kabuki adaptation and has been described by its producers as the largest ninja stage show in Naruto's history.

Unlike the 2018 kabuki play, Ningeki NARUTO is a dialogue free production. It tells the story of Naruto's childhood, drawn from the early "Boy" arc of the manga, through live acrobatics, aerial stunts, and projection mapping combined with Minamiza's traditional kabuki stage mechanisms. The goal, according to the production team, is to make the story accessible to international audiences without a language barrier.

Who Is Behind Ningeki NARUTO?

The show is directed by Go Ueki, known for previous non verbal stage adaptations of Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon. Neil Dorward, known for his work with Cirque du Soleil, joined as Global Creative Consultant. The production is developed by Nelke Planning and S-SIZE, working with Weekly Shonen Jump, V Jump, Saikyo Jump, and the Japan 2.5D Musical Association.

Casting revealed so far for the first performance period includes Yuri Takahashi and Ryuma Aoi sharing the role of Naruto Uzumaki, Rei as Sasuke Uchiha, Yui Oikawa as Sakura Haruno, and Hiroma as Kakashi Hatake. Because the show is structured as a rotating long run residency, casting for later stretches of the five month run may change as the production continues.

Where and When Is Ningeki NARUTO Playing?

The show runs at the Minamiza Theatre, located in Kyoto's Shijo Kawaramachi district, from February 2027 through June 2027. Minamiza is Japan's oldest theater and a designated cultural property, making it a significant venue choice for a manga adaptation aimed at both theater fans and tourists visiting Kyoto.

Full ticket sale dates and pricing had not been officially confirmed as of this update. Character visuals and a teaser were revealed in August 2026, with further casting and ticket details expected closer to the February 2027 premiere.

Naruto Kabuki Frequently Asked Questions

What is Naruto Kabuki?

It is the common name for New Kabuki 'NARUTO,' a stage adaptation of the Naruto manga that ran in Tokyo in 2018 and Kyoto in 2019, blending traditional kabuki performance with the story of Naruto Uzumaki.

Is Naruto Kabuki still running?

The original 2018 to 2019 production is not currently running. A new related stage show, Ningeki NARUTO, opens at Kyoto's Minamiza Theatre in February 2027.

Is Ningeki NARUTO the same as the original Naruto Kabuki play?

No. It is a separate, newly developed production. It uses Minamiza's kabuki stage techniques and traditional theater setting, but it is a dialogue free acrobatic and visual show rather than a traditional kabuki play with spoken dialogue.

Who played Naruto in the original kabuki production?

Bando Minosuke II played Naruto Uzumaki in both the 2018 Tokyo run and the 2019 Kyoto run.

Who is playing Naruto in the new 2027 show?

Yuri Takahashi and Ryuma Aoi are both cast in the role of Naruto Uzumaki for the show's first performance period.

Where can I watch or attend Naruto Kabuki?

The upcoming Ningeki NARUTO production will be staged at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto starting February 2027. Ticket sale details have not yet been released.

Bring the Fandom Home

While you wait for tickets and casting news, you can keep the spirit of the show going off stage too. If you want to represent Naruto in everyday life, you can purchase a Naruto t shirt from our shop and wear your fandom while you follow the latest Naruto Kabuki updates.

Final Thoughts

Naruto Kabuki has quietly become one of the more unique chapters in the franchise's history, moving from a traditional 2018 kabuki stage play into a large scale, internationally minded production with Ningeki NARUTO. For longtime fans, the original run with Bando Minosuke and Nakamura Hayato remains a landmark moment where a modern manga met 400 years of Japanese stage tradition. Looking ahead, the 2027 Minamiza production signals that Naruto's stage life is far from over, with a bigger creative team, a global consultant from Cirque du Soleil, and a five month run aimed squarely at both devoted fans and first time visitors to Kyoto. As more casting and ticket information rolls out, this remains one of the most anticipated live adaptations in anime stage history.