You can never please die-hard fans of an anime when it comes to making a live-action adaptation.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is one of the most popular magical girl anime of recent years. Its dark yet fascinating story earned it a spot on the list of Top 10 Gross but Compelling Anime, and its characters dominated the top magical girl rankings, many earning higher ranks than even Sailor Moon.
Thanks to its enormous popularity, the franchise, which already has several movies, is also getting a live stage adaptation. It will be based off of its popular side-story mobile game, Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record!, which features an additional main character, Iroha Tamaki, as well as multiple more new characters. The play was announced back in July, but only recently did the official Twitter release photographs of the cast in costume.
https://twitter.com/stage_magireco/status/1030047333013118978Each of the main characters will be played by a member of the popular idol group Keyakizaka46, sister group to AKB46’s rival Nogizaka46. The cast members, who were also recently announced, are:
- Memi Kakizaki as Iroha Tamaki
- Hina Kawata as Homura Akemi
- Miku Kanemura as Sayaka Miki
- Akari Nibu as Madoka Kaname
- Suzuka Tomita as Tsuruno Yui
- Miho Watanabe as Felicia Mitsuki
- Mirei Sasaki as Yachiyo Nanami
- Kyoko Saito as Kyoko Sakura
- Shiho Kato as Mami Tomoe
- and Sarina Ushio as Sana Futaba
Fans of Keyakizaka46 are delighted to see their favorite idols playing their favorite anime characters, but rival group AKB48’s fans and many fans of the anime, however, were not at all pleased with the casting or costuming, and were quick to leave negative comments about it on Twitter:
“I can’t see this as anything but a parody video lol”
“Can you all stop destroying our dreams please? Seriously…”
“Compared to the original, this is really sad…”
“Gross”
“Just stop.”
But many more kind Madoka Magica fans countered with more positive tweets like, “These are real people, with real feelings; you shouldn’t say such nasty things!” and “The girls are working really hard on top of all of their other work to do a good job.” A lot of Keyakizaka46 fans were supportive of the endeavor, while others were just excited to get to see the play itself.
▼ A video comparing the actresses to the game characters
The play, titled Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record, after the mobile game, will be held once or twice a day, six days per week between August 24 and September 9 at the Akasaka ACT Theater in Tokyo. Tickets are 8,800 yen (about US$80) each and will likely be bought up quickly by Keyakizaka48 and Madoka Magica fans, so get yours quickly if you want to go! You can find information on how to get tickets from the play’s home page (Japanese only).
Can’t make it? Don’t worry, you can still express your love of the anime by sporting Madoka Magica accessories, shoes, and even lingerie.
Source: Twitter/@stage_magireco via Kinisoku
Featured image: Twitter/@stage_magireco
Cast of Madoka Magica anime gets into the Easter spirit with line of special holiday merchandise
Japanese Lolita fashion designers create amazing Madoka Magica dresses
Magical anime fan art has characters appearing to leap off the page in tender act of friendship
Full orchestra to perform music from Attack on Titan, Madoka Magica, Evangelion at Tokyo concert
“Scary” mass of idol fans break through security at 2016 Tokyo Idol Festival 【Video】
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Idol singer from Keyakizaka46 says she’s now working as a Tokyo bar hostess
Anime fan gets maybe the nicest letter of noise complaint ever from his neighbor
How to most effectively use your itasha anime car windows for a clever trick
Anime’s top 10 gross but compelling series, as chosen by fans