“MoN Takanawa: “MANGALOGUE: Phoenix,” a special performance held to commemorate the opening of “ MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, “is a theatrical manga live show that projects manga itself onto a large-scale screen . By blending sound, light, technological effects, and live narration , it immerses the entire audience in the world of the story.
A manga experience where the entire venue shares the story
A key feature of “MANGALOGUE: Phoenix” is that it treats the very act of turning the pages of Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix”—which has been specially colored for this performance—as the core mechanism of the show, rather than simply replacing the manga with video or stage elements.
Furthermore, the use of a robotic arm equipped with a camera at its tip to serve as the stage navigator is a production technique rarely seen elsewhere. The robotic arm, seemingly brought to life, follows the manga panels while projecting its line of sight onto a giant LED screen.
MANGALOGUE: Phoenix
The story centers on “Phoenix: Future Chapter.” This tale, which depicts a society living alongside AI and robots, was conceived over half a century ago yet contains many parallels with current technology and social conditions.
The performance will feature over 100 color-corrected original art sheets, newly colored by Tezuka Productions specifically for screening in an LED theater. Based on black-and-white original art created approximately 60 years ago, each sheet has been meticulously recolored by former assistants, respecting the original lines and page layout.
A stellar voice cast has been assembled to breathe life into the characters, including Hiroshi Yamadera as Iron Arm, Mari Natsuki as Phoenix, Shinta Furuta as Tamami, and Ano as Tamami.
The following cast members have been confirmed for “MANGALOGUER,” who will read the manga alongside Robot Arm:
From top left: Naoki Matayoshi, Yasufumi Terawaki, Mari Hanazou, Yudai Furukawa, Hayato Komori, Mai Shinuchi (formerly of Nogizaka46), Kazuma Chiba
You’re sure to feel the unique energy of a live performance as these artists resonate with one another across time and space.
About “Phoenix: Future Chapter”
Image courtesy of Asahi Shimbun Publications
One of the 12 stories in the “Phoenix” series by Osamu Tezuka, a leading Japanese manga artist hailed as the “God of Manga” for his groundbreaking achievements. Set in the year 3404 and beyond, it takes place in the most distant era of the series. Published in 1967, the story unfolds against a backdrop of environmental devastation, the transformation of human society, and research into artificial life.The story features elements reminiscent of AI and cloning technology, reflecting the scientific views and visions of the future prevalent at the time. Within the overall structure of *Phoenix*, which spans from the past to the future, the “Future Arc” is positioned as an episode depicting the ultimate destination of humanity.
MANGALOGUE: The Phoenix
📍 MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives Box 1000
🎟️ Get tickets here
🚇 Directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station; approx. 3-minute walk from Exit A4 of Sengakuji Station
