A Jubilant Return: 'Me and My Girl' Set for 2026 Toho Revival with Star-Studded Cast

The Toho Theatrical Department has announced the long-awaited revival of the musical masterpiece "Me and My Girl" after approximately 17 years, produced by Toho. This highly anticipated production is set to open in December 2026 at EX THEATER ARIAKE.

New cast members include Hiroki Miura as Bill Snibson and Mone Kamishiraishi as Sally Smith. The duo previously showcased their excellent chemistry on stage in "Spirited Away," and their reunion is attracting significant attention. Miura expressed his overwhelming joy on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, "I'm so happy I don't know what words to use. I'll do my best!" and enthusiastically added, "Let's do it! Lambeth Walk!!" Kamishiraishi also commented, "I'm too excited...!!!" further fueling fan anticipation.

Adding to the excitement, the cast features other talented performers such as Madoka Hoshikaze as Jackie, Ryunosuke Onoda as Gerald, and seasoned veterans Tsutomu Arakawa and Miyu Ayahashi. Ayahashi shared her delight at a long-held dream coming true, writing, "This is a work I've admired ever since I saw the Takarazuka production of 'Me My' in 1995! Finally, I get to be a part of the story."

"Me and My Girl" is a heartwarming romantic comedy set in 1930s London, following Bill, a young man from the working class, who unexpectedly inherits a peerage, and his struggles alongside his girlfriend Sally. Its charm lies in catchy songs and dances, including the cheerful "Lambeth Walk," and it has long been cherished as "a musical that makes everyone happy." It is an enduring classic often described as the male version of "My Fair Lady."

Following this announcement, many fans have expressed their joy on social media. Comments such as "Mone-chan and Miura Haku-sama are co-starring😭✨🍋. I absolutely want to go," and "I can't wait to see the Lambeth Walk again, which completely captivated me at the Imperial Theatre Concert!" poured in, highlighting the high anticipation for both the 17-year revival and the new cast. Fans' unique perspectives also emerged, with excitement over Mone Kamishiraishi's tap dance skills and mentions of the end of Yoshio Inoue's long-standing record of co-starring opposite her in many productions.

How will the new Bill and Sally captivate audiences with the iconic "Lambeth Walk," a song that unites the entire theater? The opening in December 2026 at EX THEATER ARIAKE is highly anticipated.

The Context

This announcement is significant for Japanese musical theater fans for several reasons. Toho, one of Japan's leading entertainment conglomerates, is a major producer of stage musicals, often bringing classic Broadway and West End productions to Japanese audiences. The revival of "Me and My Girl" after 17 years by Toho is a testament to the show's enduring popularity and its place as a beloved classic in Japan.

"Me and My Girl" itself is a classic British musical that first premiered in 1937. It gained significant international recognition with its 1980s London revival and subsequent Broadway transfer. In Japan, it has been particularly popular, with numerous productions, including highly acclaimed runs by the all-female Takarazuka Revue, which has a massive and dedicated fanbase. Miyu Ayahashi's comment about seeing the Takarazuka production underscores this deep connection.

The casting of Hiroki Miura and Mone Kamishiraishi is a major draw. Hiroki Miura is a rapidly rising star known for his strong vocal and dance skills, often seen in "2.5D musicals" (stage adaptations of anime/manga) and other mainstream productions. Mone Kamishiraishi is a highly versatile and popular actress and singer, known for her roles in films ("Your Name."), television, and critically acclaimed stage performances, including the lead in the stage adaptation of "Spirited Away." Their previous collaboration in "Spirited Away" (where Miura played Haku and Kamishiraishi played Chihiro) created considerable buzz and demonstrated their excellent stage chemistry, making their reunion in "Me and My Girl" a highly anticipated event.

The "Lambeth Walk" is a signature number from the musical, an energetic and joyous song and dance that often involves audience participation, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Its mention in the article and social media reactions highlights its iconic status.

EX THEATER ARIAKE is a relatively modern venue in Tokyo, known for its flexible space and capacity to host concerts, live events, and theatrical productions. While Toho often uses larger, more traditional theaters like the Imperial Theatre for its major musicals, EX THEATER ARIAKE offers a different, perhaps more intimate or contemporary, setting for this revival.