Japan Premiere! Off-Broadway Musical “Loved by Ernest Shackleton” Running through Wednesday, June 24 at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theater East

Stage Show Highlights Video Now Available!

2026.06.17 16:15

アーティストジャパン

June 11, 2026(Thu) The Japanese premiere of the Off-Broadway musical *Ernest Shackleton Loves Me* (Original Title: *Ernest Shackleton Loves Me*) opened at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theatre East (Toshima Ward, Tokyo) (Organized by Artist Japan / 18 performances in total).

Stage Highlights Video: https://youtu.be/GdMer0oUrzY

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」メインビジュアル

“Ernest Shackleton Loves Me” Main Visual

The Off-Broadway musical *Ernest Shackleton Loves Me* won the prestigious Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical in 2017—often considered the Off-Broadway equivalent of a Tony Award—and garnered significant attention in Japan, including a limited theatrical release in movie theaters.Cat, a sleep-deprived single mother struggling to balance raising her child with her career as a video game music composer, posts a self-introduction video on a “dating app” one day. Suddenly, she receives a reply from Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922), one of the 20th century’s most renowned Antarctic explorers.Ernest, whose ship has been wrecked in Antarctica and who is stranded on the ice floes, reaches out to Cat across time and space, inviting her on a grand adventure.This is a whimsical and original musical adventure in which Cat, captivated by Ernest’s unconventional spirit as he faces the challenges of the journey, eventually falls in love with him across time and space.

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」シーン1

“Loved by Ernest Shackleton” Scene 1

The lead role of Cat is played by Jun Shibuki, a former top star of the Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe. With over 20 years since her acting debut and having celebrated her 40th anniversary in show business this past April, she continues to hone her craft in an ever-wider range of roles.Ahead of the opening, Shibuki commented, “I feel like I’ve finally come across a production that’s even more challenging than my days as a Takarazuka top star (laughs). At first, I thought, ‘Are we really doing a musical with just the two of us?!’ But with the addition of video projections, I think it’s become an even more dynamic production.”

In the role of Sir Ernest Shackleton is Takeshi Ihara, who earned acclaim for his performance in Clint Eastwood’s American film *Letters from Iwo Jima*. He possesses the indomitable spirit and presence befitting an explorer, as well as a rare sense of comedy.Ihara expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m both excited and nervous to see how the audience will react. The pacing is excellent, and there are so many wonderful numbers, so I’m confident this will turn out to be a production that everyone will enjoy.”

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」シーン2

“Beloved by Ernest Shackleton” Scene 2

The production is directed by Ikunosuke Okazaki, an up-and-coming talent who, drawing on his experience at the National Theatre Training Institute and the Actors Studio in New York, aspires to be a playwright, stage director, and film director. Last year, his second feature film, *Wosh*, was released at Shinjuku Piccadilly and 105 other theaters nationwide, attracting significant attention in the film industry.(The “saki” in Okazaki is written with the character for “cliff” [崎]). The music director and keyboard conductor is Masahiro Nakamura, who creates stage music and artistic works by leveraging his knowledge and skills as a Doctor of Music.

When Cat and Ernest find themselves in dire straits, a “ray of hope” emerges. It teaches them how to survive even when life seems lost, instilling a “never give up” spirit and the strength to forge ahead. Filled with laughter and hope, this powerful production will leave you brimming with energy for tomorrow after the show.

The Off-Broadway musical *Beloved by Ernest Shackleton*, a tribute to everyone, will run at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre’s Theatre East through Wednesday, June 24.

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」シーン3

“Loved by Ernest Shackleton” Scene 3

[STORY]

Cat is a sleep-deprived single mother struggling to balance raising her child with her career as a video game music composer.

Late one night, after posting a self-introduction video on a dating app, Cat suddenly receives a reply from Sir Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922), the Antarctic explorer hailed as one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders.

Ernest, whose ship had been wrecked in Antarctica and who was stranded on the ice floes, reaches out to her across time and space, inviting her on a grand adventure.

Their “adventure” begins, and Cat—who has spent her life holding herself back—finds herself drawn to the unconventional Shackleton… Unexpectedly, the two discover in each other a light that illuminates and guides them.

Jun Shibuki <Cat>

[Comments Ahead of the Opening]

I’ve had the opportunity to perform in several musicals so far, but I’ve never encountered music as challenging as this… It feels like I’ve finally come across a production that’s even more demanding than my days as a Takarazuka top star (laughs). I even found myself thinking, “Are we really doing a musical with just the two of us!?” But with the addition of video projections, I believe it has become an even more dynamic production.

Working within the relatively uncommon theme of an adventure story, we’ve relied on the support of so many people to create this wonderful production. I feel that everything we’ve built up, step by step, in the rehearsal hall has finally led us to this day.

It’s a story about Cat, a single mother, who grows while learning important life lessons from Ernest—it’s a truly fun and wonderful production. I’d be delighted if many people discovered this show, came to the theater, and left thinking, “That was really good” or “We saw something special.”I’ll do my best right up until the final performance so that everyone leaves feeling energized.

On a personal note, there are a few kiss scenes in the play, and they’re the kind where I thought, “I’ve never done a kiss scene like this before!” so I’d love for you to keep an eye out for them (laughs).

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」紫吹淳ソロカット

“Loved by Ernest Shackleton” – Jun Shibuki Solo Shot

Tsuyoshi Ihara (Ernest Shackleton) and others

[Comments Ahead of the Opening]

I’m both excited and nervous to see how the audience will react. The show has a great pace and features many wonderful numbers, so I’m confident it has turned out to be a production that everyone will enjoy. I’m really looking forward to it.

Before rehearsals began, I wondered if I’d be able to keep up with this schedule, but since both Ms. Shibuki and I have been doing this for decades now (laughs), we’ve been working hard in rehearsals to deliver a great performance to everyone on opening night.

Looking back on rehearsals now, what strikes me as nostalgic is how cool it was back then (laughs). Now, the costumes (designed for Antarctic explorers) are so, so hot… I really miss the coolness of the rehearsal space (laughs).

To ensure we deliver the best possible performance of the Off-Broadway musical *Loved by Ernest Shackleton*—which is making its Japanese premiere—I’ll be giving it my all from today through the final performance.

「アーネスト・シャクルトンに愛されて」伊原剛志ソロカット

“Loved by Ernest Shackleton” – Takeshi Ihara Solo Shot

Director: Ikunosuke Okazaki

*The “saki” in Ikunosuke Okazaki is written with the character for “cliff” (崎).

[Comments Ahead of Opening Night]

Since this is my first time directing a play, I’m actually looking forward to seeing how I’ll feel when opening night finally arrives.

This production is based on the historical figure Ernest Shackleton. His biography notes that, amid the harsh conditions of the Antarctic expedition, it was not food or supplies but music that proved most important—and that aspect is what inspired this musical.

It’s the story of a composer in the present day who has lost his confidence. After traveling back in time, he hears Ernest say, “Your music is saving us,” and gradually regains his confidence. I believe this is a truly wonderful production that reassures us—even when we wonder, “Is there any value in my existence or my work?”—that “it absolutely does have value.”

In this production, footage plays on a screen throughout nearly the entire show, creating a work where theater and video are seamlessly linked. I was the one who produced that footage, but since there was no screen in the rehearsal space, no one was there to praise me for it—which made me feel really lonely (laughs). I’m looking forward to the audience seeing it and giving me lots of praise.

For me personally, everything was uncharted territory, but I approached rehearsals with the exact same mindset as Ernest: “Even if I don’t understand it, I’ll give it a try.” Both of them engaged with the production with such sincerity, and inspired by their example, I worked hard to do my best and not be outdone.

Music Director & Keyboard Conductor: Kunihiro Nakamura

[Comments Ahead of the Opening]

It’s an incredibly challenging, high-level production, and while both the singing and the instrumental parts are demanding, Ms. Shibuki and Mr. Ihara have brought such rich musical expression to their performances that I, too, am really looking forward to opening night.

In this production, Cat—played by Ms. Shibuki—is a musician, and Ernest Shackleton—played by Mr. Ihara—plays the banjo, making this a work with deep connections to music.

During stage rehearsals, I even found myself on the verge of tears while performing (laughs). The struggles of a musician and those of an explorer intertwine, leading to a fantasy that feels like a musical adventure for the two of them. As I perform, I strongly feel that this is a production that is, above all, fun, humorous, and moving. I hope you’ll look forward to it.

■Performance Overview

Show Title: Off-Broadway Musical

　　　　　　　 “Loved by Ernest Shackleton” (Japan Premiere)

Original Title: Ernest Shackleton Loves Me

　　　　　　　 Book by Joe DiPietro

　　　　　　　 Music by Brendan Milburn

　　　　　　　 Lyrics by Valerie Vigoda

　　　　　　　 Orchestrations and Additional Music by Ryan O'Connell

Translation: Tsuneyoshi Odashima

Director: Ikunosuke Okazaki

Music Director and Keyboard Conductor: Masahiro Nakamura

Cast: Cat / Jun Shibuki