The musical "Breaking Fruit" opens! The musical that has received a huge response in Korea is finally making its Japanese premiere!

The musical "Bagwa" has created a sensation in Korea. Based on the bestselling novel "Bagwa" (written by Ku Byung-mo), which centers on a female assassin in her 60s, "Bagwa" was selected as one of the "100 Most Important Books" by the New York Times. It has been translated into 13 languages ​​and is read worldwide, not just in Japan. The musical will premiere in Korea in March 2024, bringing together a talented team of creators, including director Lee Jin-ah ("Jesus Christ Superstar"), composer Lee Na-young ("Next to Normal"), and librettists Jang Hye-jung and Lee Jin-ah. This deeply moving masterpiece will be making its long-awaited Japanese debut at the New National Theatre, Middle Hall.
Hanazawa Mari has been chosen to play the lead role of female assassin Chogaku. Having appeared in numerous musicals and played a variety of characters, this is her first time playing an assassin, and she will be taking on intense sword fighting and action scenes. Also playing Tu, a young man who vows to take revenge on Chogaku, who killed his family, will be Urai Kenji, who continues to be at the forefront of the musical world. This will be the first time that Hanazawa and Urai will appear together in a full-scale musical. Other cast members with unique personalities who are also active in the musical world, such as Nakayama Yuma and Kumagai Ayaharu, as well as Takeda Shinji, will add luster to the show.
Prior to the opening, we were able to cover the pre-opening interview and public dress rehearsal that took place on March 6th.

"The Flowers Finally Bloom" Japan Premiere Musical Finally Opens ~ Interviews and Cast Comments Just Before the Opening ~

■Kenji Urai
Tomorrow is the premiere in Japan. The flowers will finally bloom. Hanaso-san's performance as Tsumekado is so captivating, and watching her from the wings is the height of happiness.
Hanaso-san has been in the entertainment industry for a long time, but now she is taking on a new challenge. Seeing her with big wings growing from her senior's big back, we feel that we too must work hard. Starting tomorrow, we will do our best to keep up and deliver to our audiences. Thank you for your support.

■Mari Hanafusa
Finally, opening day dawns tomorrow. It's a pretty hard performance, so I'm feeling tired now that we've run through it (laughs), but I think of this as just the beginning, and I hope that everyone in the company will stay healthy, energetic, and safe until the final performance, without a single person missing, and that we can deliver a moving experience to the audience. I hope that as many people as possible will come and see it. Thank you very much.

■Yuma Nakayama
As this is the Japanese premiere, I think it is a very precious work. I don't have much experience with musicals myself, but listening to the cast's singing, music, and performances is so enjoyable and moving.
I believe that the power of the music, the stage sets, the costumes, and more will all be enjoyable for all five senses, so I hope to really excite everyone.

■ Kumagai Ayaka
Finally, the first day begins.
The entire company supported each other and through repeated trial and error we have come to where we are today.
I feel that it is a completely new style of musical.
I'm feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation as I wonder how this work, which is making its Japan premiere, will resonate with audiences.
We will do our best to ensure you have a great time, and we look forward to seeing you at the theater!

■Shinji Takeda
Something incredible has been created. It would be a lie if this doesn't put Hanaso in the running for theatrical shows. I think everyone will be able to experience a completely new story.
This is a hard-boiled action musical starring a woman in her 60s. I'm honored to witness the birth of this new dark hero. I look forward to seeing you at the theater.

Powerful action and heart-stirring singing! The appeal of the musical "Hakka" - A student's theater report

"Bagga" is based on the Korean novel "Bagga," and I had the opportunity to see the musical. Particularly memorable were the number where they danced under umbrellas in the rain, Ryu's powerful number, and the duet number where the young Tsumekaku and Tsumekaku created a beautiful harmony. I was also amazed by the way the dogs were controlled from behind, moving like real dogs. The cast members' vocal range was of course impressive, and there were many scenes with swords, which were very powerful. I particularly enjoyed the slow-motion sword swings and the fight scenes with flashing lights. Before seeing the musical, I had no idea what to expect, given that it was a Korean musical, but the story was easy to understand and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Haruna Shoji, 3rd year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Watching the play "Breaking Fruit" was a heart-pounding experience. The singing voice contained a variety of expressions, from the strength of when she was tense to the different strength she had gained after gaining her freedom, and each note resonated deeply in my heart. In particular, during the scene where Ryu died, I felt Cho Gak's heartbreaking emotions come through so vividly, and it felt like my heart was being squeezed tightly. The expressions and movements were delicate, and the range of emotions—sadness, fear, the excitement of love, hope, and despair—touched my heart. The stage design and lighting enhanced the world of the story. The singing voice at the climax was ephemeral yet powerful, leaving a lasting impression long after the performance was over. The overall performance effortlessly conveyed the sadness and beauty of the story, making it a truly impressive performance.
Haruka Tsukamoto, second-year student at Rikkyo University

This musical allowed me to see a new side of Mari Hanazawa, who has a beautiful and noble image. There were many action scenes, and it was very impressive to see her show a different side to her previous stage performances.
The character of Tsumekaku is a hitman, a unique profession, but he exudes a coolness and maturity that only comes with age, while at the same time I felt a certain cuteness and human loneliness. As I watched, I found myself captivated by Tsumekaku, who showed me so many different expressions.
The stage direction was also a highlight, with dynamic productions that made full use of the space of the New National Theatre's Medium Theatre, and there were many powerful scenes that allowed me to immerse myself in the world of the work without getting bored until the very end. The stage was full of new charm and strong energy.
Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University

<Musical "Breaking Fruit - Pagua" Performance Summary>

[Performance date, time, venue, seat type]
▼Tokyo performance
March 7th (Sat) - March 22nd (Sun), 2026 New National Theatre, Medium Theatre 1-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
All seats reserved: S seats 14,800 yen (tax included) A seats 9,800 yen (tax included) U25 same-day exchange ticket 7,500 yen (tax included)

▼Osaka performance
March 27th (Fri) - March 29th (Sun), 2026 Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall 3-3 Chayamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
All seats reserved: S seats 14,800 yen (tax included), A seats 9,800 yen (tax included), B seats 7,800 yen (tax included)

▼Fukuoka performance
April 4th (Sat) - April 5th (Sun), 2026 Kurume City Plaza The Grand Hall 8-1 Mutsumon-cho, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture
All seats reserved: S seats 14,300 yen, A seats 9,900 yen, B seats 6,600 yen, U-25 same-day exchange ticket 5,500 yen (tax included)

● Official website: https://musical-pagwa.jp/
●Official X: @musical_pagwa

Original work Gu Byeong-mo's novel “HAKA”
Script & Lyrics by Hyejeong Jang, Gina Lee Music by Nayoung Lee
Original Production by PAGE1

Organized by: Musical "Hakka" Production Committee
[NHK Enterprises / Pia / h.stage / Air Media / Nippon Broadcasting System]

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on March 6, 2026: Haruna Shoji, a third-year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences; Haruka Tsukamoto, a second-year student at Rikkyo University; and Yurie Watanabe, a second-year student at Josai International University.