Get ready, idol fans! The stage adaptation of Auri Hirao’s beloved manga, If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die, is officially taking shape with the grand reveal of its main cast members. This highly anticipated production promises to bring the heartwarming and hilarious world of underground idol fandom to life on stage, starring an impressive ensemble that includes familiar voices and idol group stars!
Leading the charge is Aika Kobayashi, widely celebrated as the voice of Yoshiko Tsushima in Love Live! Sunshine!! and a member of the iconic Aqours. She steps into the shoes of the passionate protagonist, Eripiyo, whose devotion to her favorite idol knows no bounds. Opposite her, playing the charming idol Maina Ichii, is Anzu Omura, a talented member of the Japanese female idol group SKE48. What’s more, an incredible 14 other members of SKE48 will also grace the stage, portraying various idol characters within the play, ensuring an authentic and vibrant performance!
Main Cast Spotlight:
- Eripiyo: Played by Aika Kobayashi
- Kumasa: Played by Kotori Kojima
- Motoi: Played by Tatsuyuki Kawaratani
ChamJam Members:
- Reo Igarashi: Played by Kaho Sato (SKE48)
- Sorane Matsuyama: Played by Rika Aoki (SKE48)
- Maki Hakata: Played by Miyo Nomura (SKE48)
- Yumeri Mizumori: Played by Miyu Nakasaka (SKE48)
- Yuka Teramoto: Played by Yune Hara (SKE48)
- Aya Yokota: Played by Ami Kurashima (SKE48)
- Maina Ichii: Played by Anzu Omura (SKE48)
Maple♡Doll Members:
- Mei: Played by Momoyo Koyama
- Ruri: Played by Kokomi Ito (SKE48)
- Hinaka: Played by Riina Sugimoto (SKE48)
Stellights Members:
- Harumi Iwaoka: Played by Mio Nishii (SKE48)
- Hanami Inoue: Played by Kyoka Shinohara (SKE48)
- Ryoka Noda: Played by Reona Ida (SKE48)
- Natsumi Murai: Played by Misato Kawauchi
- Kana Yamazaki: Played by Yoshino Kitagawa (SKE48)
- Maria: Played by Kimie Akahori (SKE48)
Behind the scenes, the creative team is equally impressive. Ichidai Matsuda, known for his work on the War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius stage adaptation, takes the helm as both writer and director. Providing the musical backbone, **Elements Garden**, renowned for their contributions to series like Uta no Prince-sama and Symphogear, will compose original songs. Fans can look forward to brand new tracks for the in-play idol groups—ChamJam, Maple♡Doll, and Stellights—promising an unforgettable auditory experience.
Mark your calendars! The If My Favorite Pop Idol Made It to the Budokan, I Would Die stage play is scheduled to run at the Tokai City Arts Theater Main Hall in Nogoya-City, Aichi Prefecture, from February 20 to 23, 2026. Following its Aichi run, the production moves to Tokyo’s Hikosen Theater from February 27 to March 1, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets, with advance sales having kicked off on October 12 and continuing until November 16!
This stage play builds on the legacy of Auri Hirao’s original manga, which has been captivating readers in Tokuma Shoten’s COMIC Ryu since June 2015, with its 12th tankobon volume set for release on December 12, 2025. The story has previously been adapted into a 12-episode TV anime in early 2020, followed by a ten-episode live-action TV drama in late 2022, and even a sequel feature film in May 2023. The enduring popularity of this tale of devoted fandom truly speaks for itself!
For those new to the phenomenon, the core premise revolves around Eripiyo, a passionate music-lover whose sole ambition is to see her beloved underground pop group, ChamJam, reach the prestigious Budokan stage. Believing that ChamJam’s mere existence enriches her life, Eri is prepared to sacrifice everything—even her own well-being—to fulfill this dream. As the synopsis humorously notes, “At their last performance she got a crazy nosebleed. Hey, no one said being a super-fan was easy!”