Reading drama "Naruse goes to take over the world"

©Shochiku

[The series has sold over 15 million copies and is a winner of the Bookstore Award!] The reading play "Naruse is Going to Take Over the World" will be performed at Sogetsu Hall (1st basement floor, Sogetsu Kaikan, 7-2-21 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo) from September 13th (Sat) to 15th (Mon, national holiday), 2025.

Since its publication in 2023, the original novel "Naruse Will Take Over the World" (Shincho Bunko) by Miyajima Mina has surprised, sympathized with, and made many readers laugh, saying, "I've never met a protagonist like this before." Set in Otsu, Shiga, the story depicts the outstanding drive of Naruse Akari, a high school girl who "always accomplishes what she sets her mind to," and the way she draws those around her into her life. It has gained not only literary acclaim but also popularity through word of mouth from readers, winning numerous awards, including the Booksellers' Award. Together with the sequel, "Naruse Will Follow the Path She Believes," the series has become a social phenomenon, selling a total of over 150 million copies.

The story will be brought to life on stage in the form of a recitation drama, with a different cast of popular and talented voice actors each day, allowing for a luxurious production that allows you to enjoy a different side of the story at each performance.

I had the opportunity to see the first performance.

■ Opening Day Performance Review

To tell you the truth, I had never read or even come across this work, "Naruse Goes to Take Over the World." I didn't know anything about the plot or the characters, but even without any prior knowledge, I was completely absorbed in the story! Iwata Haruka's (who plays Naruse Akari) sharp, clear voice resonated deep in my ears, perfectly matching Naruse's boundless cheerfulness and strong will.

The most memorable scene was the confession scene by Umeda Shuichiro (who plays Nishiura Koichiro). The embarrassment and nervousness of telling someone you love them, and the strong desire to tell them anyway, was a stunning performance that really made me realize what it means to "muster up the courage." I encountered this work from a slightly different angle than usual, and it was very refreshing. The tension and excitement of the scene, which cannot be fully conveyed through words, can be felt more realistically through the reading aloud. It's sure to be a new way to enjoy the story. I hope you take this opportunity to go and see it!

Zhang Yin-na, second-year student at Sophia University

It was my first time to see a reading session, and it completely overturned my image of it being "just a reading"! It felt so real, like the voice actors were recording the anime right in front of me, and with the addition of spotlights and gestures, I felt like I was jumping into the world of the story. The sound effects in between were also very realistic, and I was naturally drawn into the story.

There was even one person playing three roles, and I was so impressed by the amazing differences in their performances that I wondered, "Is that really the same person!?" There was no confusion as to who was which character, and each one felt so alive. The audience was drawn into the story, and at funny scenes they couldn't help but chuckle, creating an exciting atmosphere of the whole venue enjoying the story together. In particular, Iwata Haruki's performance as Naruse was powerful, and I was moved by the straightforward determination to "go my own way" and "take on challenges." It was a wonderful experience that I would like everyone to experience at least once.

Chiharu Yamada, second-year student at the University of Information, Management and Innovation

While expressing the worldview of the original work vividly, it retained a freedom that wasn't a full-scale stage play, which was very interesting. I was able to dive into a coming-of-age story that felt like a glimpse into the naive daily life of high school students. The uniqueness of the protagonist, Naruse, is at the core, and the way the surrounding characters are drawn into Naruse's pace is an aspect of everyday life that is common to everyone, and I was captivated. With elements of comedy, youth, friendship, and more, this single story offered glimpses of various perspectives, making for an engaging structure. Unlike anime, this live reading play allowed me to see a unique version of "Naruse is Going to Take Over the World," and because it wasn't a stage play, I was able to experience the atmosphere of the audience, their freedom, and the flexibility of interpretation, which I found fascinating.

It was my first time to see a live reading, so I went to the venue with high expectations. Unlike anime or stage plays, I was able to experience the performance firsthand, conveyed through live vocals. It was very impressive to see how the timing and atmosphere of the reading changed depending on the tension, atmosphere, and mood of the moment.

Senshu University, second-year student, Hoshi Moeka

<Overview of the performance>

■ Story
In 2020, at the start of her summer vacation as a second-year junior high school student, her childhood friend Naruse started saying strange things again. She said she would visit the Seibu Otsu store every day, which was facing closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and would be featured on live broadcasts... She tried out for the M-1, then started a long-term experiment with her own hair, and memorized and fulfilled the Citizen's Charter. No one can take their eyes off Naruse Akari, who continues to forge ahead on her own path with all her might.

■Ticket information
Ticket prices: All seats reserved SS seats: 11,000 yen (tax included), S seats: 9,900 yen (tax included), A seats: 8,800 yen (tax included), B seats: 6,600 yen (tax included)
General (first come, first served) tickets
eplus https://eplus.jp/naruten_rodoku/
Animate https://www.animate-onlineshop.jp/pn/pd/3172984/

■Performance official website/Official X
・ Official website:https://plan.shochiku.co.jp/naruseakari_roudoku/
・Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/naruse_roudoku

©Mina Miyajima/Zashiki Warashi/Shinchosha

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on September 13, 2025. Sophia University sophomore Zhang Yina / Information Management and Innovation University sophomore Yamada Chiharu / Senshu University sophomore Hoshi Moeka