Popular 2.5D musical and stage roundup
A 2.
5D musical where you can experience the worlds of manga, anime, and games—originally set in two dimensions—in a vivid, real-life performance!
Unlike live-action films, the unique actions and performances of 2D worlds can be enjoyed in the real world, right before your eyes.
That’s the appeal, captivating not only fans of the original works but countless others as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of the most popular titles among these hugely popular 2.
5D musicals.
Your favorite manga or anime might be featured, too!
Be sure to check them out and immerse yourself in the world of 2.
5D!
Summary of Popular 2.5D Musicals and Stage Plays (1–10)
Hetalia
Hidekaz Himaruya’s work Hetalia, which personifies countries.
The story—built with world history, current events, and original elements—gained popularity through its anime and film adaptations, as well as drama CDs and character songs.
Since 2015, stage musicals have been performed, featuring characters in vibrant costumes that capture each nation’s traits, delivering lively, powerful, and at times poignant performances.
It’s a work that can be enjoyed whether or not you’re familiar with the source material.
Nintama Rantarō
The anime Nintama Rantarō has been popular for many years, especially among children.
It’s based on Sobe Amako’s gag manga Rakudai Ninja Rantarō, and the anime, which has long aired on NHK E-Tele, has been watched by many kids—including those who are now adults.
It was adapted into an animated feature film in 1996, and into a live-action film in 2011 starring Shiro Kato in the lead role.
The first stage musical adaptation premiered in 2010, offering dynamic sword-fighting and action.
It’s a production that lets audiences experience a slightly different side of the Nintama world than in the anime—one we hope not only adults but children will enjoy.
MANKAI STAGE『A3!』
A3! is a mobile app game released as a handsome-actor training game.
Since the original is a game about nurturing theater troupe members, it seems to pair well with stage expression.
It portrays the characters’ growth, their bonds with their companions, and their progress toward regular troupe performances.
Because it depicts both the characters’ human sides and their ways of being as actors, it’s also interesting to watch how each character carries themselves in those moments.
It looks like the musical parts will let you enjoy the contrast between everyday life and onstage performances, too.
Haikyu!!
Haikyu!! is a hugely successful manga by Haruichi Furudate themed around high school volleyball.
Following characters who strive tirelessly toward the national tournament while overcoming various hardships, the series has a strong female fan base even from the original manga.
It was first adapted for the stage in 2015 as the Hyper Projection Play.
The lead role of Shoyo Hinata has been played by actors such as Kenta Suga and Kotaro Daigo, who also voiced a role in Weathering with You.
The stage production lets you feel the intensity of the matches, and true to Hinata’s famous line, it almost smells like that medical adhesive patch in real life!
The Prince of Tennis
Often called a rite of passage for young actors, “Tenimyu,” the musical adaptation of The Prince of Tennis, is based on Takeshi Konomi’s wildly popular tennis manga and is considered a pioneering work in the 2.
5D musical scene.
Many actors who are now active in dramas and commercials actually got their start in Tenimyu.
With its many unique characters, it’s also a lot of fun to find your favorite.
Be sure to experience the fully satisfying stage packed with songs, dances, and distinctive team costumes!
Touken Ranbu
Isn’t Touken Ranbu the work that gained overwhelming support from women and helped popularize 2.
5D adaptations? It’s based on a simulation game where you train “Touken Danshi,” handsome personifications of famous Japanese swords.
Even Japanese swords, which many people don’t usually encounter, attracted new attention, and female fans known as “Touken Joshi” started to appear.
In the musical, beyond the dazzling costumes of each Touken Danshi, acrobatic performances like backflips have also become a major draw.
Black Butler
Black Butler is a dark fantasy manga by Yana Toboso set in late 19th-century Britain.
It follows the Earl Ciel Phantomhive—seeking revenge for the murder of his parents—and his demon butler, Sebastian, as they confront a series of cases that terrorize England, each drawing closer to their respective goals.
It was adapted for the stage in 2009, featuring actors who are also active on television, such as Yuya Matsushita and Yuta Furukawa.
The production conveys the original’s dark worldview as a palpable, real fear, accompanied by grand, powerful songs.