'Atsumori 2026' Suddenly Trends on X, Sparking Excitement for GeGeGe no Nazo Stage Adaptation

The phrase "Atsumori 2026" has suddenly trended on X (formerly Twitter), becoming a major topic of conversation among many users. Behind this buzz lies the announcement of a stage adaptation for the popular anime film GeGeGe no Nazo and the casting of two beloved actors.

The trend began when actors Suzuki Hiroki and Murai Ryota were announced as key cast members for the GeGeGe no Nazo stage production. As soon as this information was released, long-time fans erupted in cheers, exclaiming, "It's Atsumori 2026!" and "Isn't that Nobunaga and Ranmaru?!"

The phrase "Atsumori 2026" originates from the historical variety show Sengoku Nabe TV ~Nantoka Rekishi ga Manaberu Eizo~ (Sengoku Pot TV ~Videos Where You Can Somehow Learn History~), which aired from 2011 to 2013 and became a cultural phenomenon. Within the show, the unit "Nobunaga to Ranmaru," featuring Suzuki Hiroki as Oda Nobunaga and Murai Ryota as Mori Ranmaru, performed their hit song "Atsumori 2011." Its impact and their unique performance left a strong impression on many viewers.

News of Suzuki and Murai reuniting has been nothing short of a "Nobunaga to Ranmaru" revival for fans of the Sengoku Nabe TV generation. On social media, excited posts like "Pot otaku will die from this..." and "I'm hyped for this unexpectedly amazing cast" were plentiful. There were also many nostalgic comments, such as "I was a high school student during Atsumori 2011, and now I'm well into my 30s... time flies."

Many fans are referring to this reunion as "virtually Atsumori 2026," heightening their anticipation for the stage play. The phenomenon of a phrase evoking a past hit song dominating trends once again underscores the history built by these two actors and their strong bond with their fans.

The Context

GeGeGe no Nazo (Mystery of GeGeGe) is a 2023 anime film that serves as a prequel to the popular and long-running GeGeGe no Kitaro franchise. It gained significant acclaim for its mature themes and unique storytelling, attracting both new audiences and long-time fans. Its stage adaptation is a highly anticipated event.

Sengoku Nabe TV ~Nantoka Rekishi ga Manaberu Eizo~ (often abbreviated as Sengoku Nabe TV or "Sengoku Pot TV") was a highly popular Japanese variety show known for its comedic and often musical interpretations of Japanese history. It featured various segments, including idol groups portraying historical figures, parodies of news programs, and educational skits. The show gained a significant cult following and launched the careers of many young actors.

"Nobunaga to Ranmaru" was one of the most beloved musical units from Sengoku Nabe TV. It featured actors Suzuki Hiroki as the Sengoku-era daimyo Oda Nobunaga and Murai Ryota as his loyal page, Mori Ranmaru. Their song "Atsumori 2011" became an iconic hit, famously incorporating elements of the classical Noh play "Atsumori," which Oda Nobunaga was known to perform before battle. The song's unique blend of historical references, modern music, and the actors' captivating performances made it a standout, creating a strong nostalgic association for fans with the two actors.

The phrase "Atsumori 2026" trending now is a clear nod to "Atsumori 2011," signifying that fans view the reunion of Suzuki Hiroki and Murai Ryota in the GeGeGe no Nazo stage play as a spiritual successor or continuation of their beloved "Nobunaga to Ranmaru" dynamic, even though it's a completely different production. This strong fan sentiment highlights the lasting impact of Sengoku Nabe TV and the enduring popularity of these two actors in Japan's entertainment scene.