Next month, Hetalia, the anime and manga franchise featuring anthropomorphized nations and a hefty amount of homoerotic subtext, is getting its very own live-action musical adaptation, and the play’s producers have just released the first photos of the cast in costume as their respective nations.
In Hetalia’s early days as a webcomic, creator Hidekaz Himaruya kept the primary focus on the Axis trio of Italy, Japan, and Germany, who are depicted as broad caricatures of the stereotypical image of the three countries’ fun-loving, reserved, and disciplined societies. As the series has continued, dozens of countries/characters have made appearances, including micronations such as Sealand and defunct powers like the Holy Roman Empire.
However, for the upcoming play, titled Hetalia Musical: Singin’ in the World, the producers have narrowed it down to nine nations taking center stage, starting, of course, with Italy, played by Ryoki Nagae.
The other characters confirmed as making the cut are Germany (Yoichiro Omi)…
…Japan (Keisuke Ueda)…
…America (Ryuko Isogai)…
…England (Daisuke Hirose)…
…France (Juri)…
…Russia (Yuki Yamaoki)…
…China (Taishi Sugie)…
…and, finally, Austria (Takuya Kikuchi).
Singin’ in the World has a bit tougher mountain to climb in bringing its source material into the real world than two other recent anime-to-live-action projects, the Rurouni Kenshin Takarazuka musical and Prison School TV drama. Both of those productions feature entirely Japanese character lists and also less stylized costumes than Hetalia. Looking through the photos here, though, we don’t think fans of the series will have any trouble telling who’s supposed to be who when the curtain rises on the Hetalia musical.
Speaking of which, Singin’ in the World opens on December 24 at the Zepp Blue Theater in Tokyo and runs until December 29. Evening performances will be held every day, and also matinees on the 24th, 26th, 27th, and 29th. Tickets are priced at 7,900 yen (US$66), and can be reserved here starting November 8.
Related: Hetalia Musical: Singin’ in the World official website
Source: Anime News Network
Images: Hetalia Musical: Singin’ in the World official website (edited by RocketNews24)
Live-action Attack on Titan musical reveals in-costume photos of full cast【Photos】
Live-action Spy x Family stage play releases first in-costume cast photos【Photos】
Cast of live-action Gintama anime adaptation appears in costume for first time 【Photos】
Classic anime Fushigi Yugi’s musical adaptation cast shown in costume for first time 【Photos】
Cast of new Bleach rock musical appear as their anime-inspired characters for the first time
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
First live-action Spy x Family stage play video previews more in-costume cast members【Video】
Believe it! Naruto live-action stage play returns, shows off huge new cast and costumes【Photos】
Supporting cast of live-action Fullmetal Alchemist movie appears in costume for first time【Video】
Prison School’s live-action cast appears in costume, looks the part of its anime inspiration
Live-action Princess Mononoke stage cast appears in costume for first time[Video]
A live-action Attack on Titan musical is on the way【Video】
Live-action Spy x Family stage reveals its four Anyas!【Photos】
Rurouni Kenshin comes to picture-perfect life as photos of stage musical’s cast are released
Cast of this summer’s live-action Naruto stage play looks more awesome than ever in new photos
Live-action Hunter x Hunter stage play is first in almost 20 years, reveals in-costume cast【Vid】
Trials of Mana gets live-action adaptation as stage play, full cast of heroes to appear
Netflix shows off live-action Cowboy Bebop cast in costume, Japanese Internet less than impressed
Fans Compare Apparent Leaked Live-Action Bleach Photos to Cosplay
Fairy Tail hero’s abs are as hot as his flames in first cast photo of anime’s upcoming stage play
Hit ’90s shojo anime classic Marmalade Boy live-action movie trailer, release date revealed