K-musical 'Almond' Enters Japan; THE BOYZ's Sangyeon to Star in His First Stage After Discharge

[Financial News] The original musical 'Almond,' based on a bestselling novel of the same name, will take the stage in Japan in 2027 in a TV Asahi-produced production.
On the 23rd, Live announced that a licensed production of 'Almond' had been confirmed. It will premiere at EX THEATER ARIAKE in Tokyo from February 13 to 28, 2027, before moving to Orix Theater in Osaka from March 5 to 8.
THE BOYZ member Sangyeon and Japanese singer and actor Akito Teshima have been double-cast as Yoonjae, the lead character in the Japanese premiere.

EX THEATER ARIAKE, where the Tokyo performances of 'Almond' will be held, is a 1,500-seat theater that opened last April within Tokyo Dream Park, which TV Asahi opened in Tokyo this year. Through March 2027, the venue has designated its first year after opening as its 'OPENING YEAR' and is presenting a variety of plays and musicals as part of its 'Opening Lineup.' The musical 'Almond' is also included in that lineup.
Sohn Won-pyung's novel 'Almond' is a bestseller that has been translated and published in 30 countries worldwide, with cumulative sales exceeding 2.5 million copies. In Japan, it was recognized for its literary merit after ranking first in the translated fiction category at the 2020 Japan Booksellers Award, which is selected through votes by local booksellers.
Live has led the globalization of K-musicals by previously bringing 'Marie Curie' and 'Fan Letter' to the Japanese market. The musical follows Yoonjae, a boy who has difficulty feeling emotions because the almond-shaped amygdala in his brain is underdeveloped. After meeting Goni, a boy his age filled with anger, and Dora, a girl with a free-spirited sensibility, Yoonjae gradually changes. Through his journey, the work explores the meaning of genuine empathy and communication needed in the present day. It was embraced by audiences for its beautiful music and delicate coming-of-age narrative after its Korean premiere in 2022, and returned to the stage in 2025.

The Japanese licensed production will present a new staging by a local creative team, based on the script and music of the Korean original production. Yuna Koyama is handling the adaptation and direction. She is a director who won the Best Director Award at the 25th Yomiuri Theater Awards and has worked across both theater and musicals. Her previous credits include the Japanese licensed production of 'Dear Evan Hansen,' the Japanese musical 'Itaewon Class,' based on a Korean drama, and the musical play 'Thirty-Nine.'
THE BOYZ's Sangyeon and Japanese singer and actor Akito Teshima have been double-cast as Yoonjae, the lead character in the Japanese premiere. Sangyeon, the leader of THE BOYZ, has built stage experience through appearances in the Japanese production of 'Crash Landing on You' and other works. 'Almond' will be his first stage production since his military discharge, as well as his first challenge performing in Japanese. Akito Teshima, a former main vocalist of the group SOLIDEMO, has appeared in major musicals including '1789 Les Amants de la Bastille' and 'Lady Bess.'
The cast also includes Hiroshi Yazaki and Yuki Yanagida as Goni. Yazaki has worked across musicals and theater, while Yanagida is a member of MATSURI who has also pursued an acting career. Suzuka Tomita, a member of Hinatazaka46 who has appeared in the musical 'Vincenzo' and other productions, will play Dora.
Through this Japanese licensed production, 'Almond' will expand the global achievements of its source novel into performing arts content and further demonstrate the potential for Korean original musicals to enter overseas markets.
[email protected] Shin Jin-ah Reporter