Fans of Haruki Murakami are in for an extraordinary theatrical experience as his award-winning 1985 novel, Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, is brought to life on stage at the Esplanade Theatre from 3 – 5 April 2026.
Produced by HoriPro Inc., this highly anticipated production marks the first-ever stage adaptation of the iconic novel, crafted by playwright Ako Takahashi and helmed by acclaimed director-choreographer Philippe Decouflé. The show promises a stunning fusion of fantasy, cyberpunk, surrealism, dance, and visual spectacle.
Mirroring the novel’s dual-structured narrative, the performance unfolds across two parallel worlds:
Hard-Boiled Wonderland
Dive into a futuristic Tokyo through the eyes of Watashi, portrayed by celebrated actor Tatsuya Fujiwara (Battle Royale, Death Note, Kaiji, Rurouni Kenshin). As a data specialist working for the “System”, Watashi uses a unique encryption method known as “shuffling”. His routine life spirals into chaos when he encounters a mysterious Doctor (Narushi Ikeda) and his granddaughter (Miu Tomita).
The End of the World
Enter a hauntingly dreamlike walled town alongside Boku, played by Kiita Komagine / Ryunosuke Shimamura, who becomes separated from his shadow (Shuntaro Miyao) at the city gates. Told that the shadow’s death will cost him his heart, Boku sets out on a philosophical and emotionally charged quest for truth and freedom.
Featuring a star-studded Japanese cast and captivating dance-theatre elements, the production combines farce, tragedy, philosophy, and Murakami-esque mystery for a mind-bending live experience.
Premiering in Tokyo in January 2026, the show arrives in Singapore for one weekend only.
Show Details
- Esplanade Theatre
- 3 – 5 April 2026
- Fri & Sat: 8pm | Sun: 2pm
- Duration: 2hrs 30mins (incl. 20-min intermission)
- Admission: 13+ | Advisory: Contains some mature content
- Performed in Japanese with English surtitles
Ticket Prices
Standard: $68, $98, $128, $158
Student, NSF, Senior Concessions: From $56
PWD Concessions: $56
Esplanade&Me Specials
Early Bird (28 Oct – 27 Nov 2025) – Limited tickets
• Black: 20% off
• White: 15% off
• Discover: 15% off (Min. 2 tickets)
From 28 Nov 2025, 10am – Limited tickets
• Black: 15% off
• White: 10% off
• Discover: 10% off (Min. 2 tickets)
Applicable for Standard Cat 1 & 2 tickets only.
Tote Board Arts Grant
Eligible schools may use the grant to subsidise up to 50% of programme costs.
