The “miracle true story” that earned acclaim in New York is back in motion. A musical you will want to experience now: “SERI—One Life 2026”.

Today, we are pleased to introduce a deeply moving musical that is perfectly suited to the start of 2026. The work is “SERI,” for which SUNNY SIDE UP is in charge of PR and communications.

Given the themes of “disability” and “a true story,” some may imagine a rather serious narrative. However, what “SERI” delivers is “a light that shines brightest in the darkness” and “beautiful music” that gently defy such expectations.

Once you see it, you will surely want to tell someone about it. Why should you see this work in the theater now? We will unpack its appeal through three key points.

Point 1. A “miracle true story” born in New York and widely talked about returns!

The story is set in New York. A Japanese couple’s daughter, Seri, was born without both eyes and a nose. Despair, loneliness, repeated surgeries, and medical lawsuits, as well as the couple growing apart…

“Mikan no Okurimono (An Unfinished Gift),” a true story that chronicles eight years of struggle and love between Seri and her mother, Mika, who walked alongside her. Did you know this love-filled story was adapted for the stage as the original musical “SERI—One Life”?

After its premiere in 2022 and a screening event in New York in 2023 that drew a strong response, the production returns in February 2026 as a long-awaited new version, with the script, direction, and music further refined.

While the synopsis alone reads like a record of a harrowing battle, what this musical portrays is not “tragedy.” With theatrical imagination, it beautifully depicts the “world” and “light” that only Seri can see in the darkness—an uplifting story that celebrates “one life.”

Point 2. The magic of physical expression and singing that transcends words

The greatest appeal of this work lies in how it is expressed.

(C) Kazuo Onodera

● Nonoha Yamaguchi’s overwhelming physical expression

Playing the lead role of Seri is Nonoha Yamaguchi, returning from the original production. She conveys Seri’s emotions—though Seri cannot speak—through dance and physical expression alone. Her presence is the very embodiment of “a light that shines in the darkness.” The moment you see her smile, you will surely feel, like her mother Mika, a powerful love that says, “Let’s live with this child.”

● The voice of J-Min, a star of the Korean musical theater scene

Also, making her first appearance in Japan’s musical theater world as Mika, Seri’s mother, is the accomplished J-Min, known for performances in Korea such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” This work has a power that transcends borders—strong enough to make her decide, “I want to take on the challenge even with the language barrier.” In the intimate space of Ikebukuro’s “Owlspot,” this is a rare opportunity to be immersed in a top-class Asian vocal performance.

● The creators sharpen the evolution of the 2026 version

This time, parts of the script and music have been revised, further deepening the work’s overall worldview. Scriptwriter and lyricist Ako Takahashi, composer and music director Mako Kuwabara, and director and choreographer Naomi Geshi reunite once again, polishing the creation down to the finest details.

Through this reconstruction by a formidable creative team, an even more refined stage has been born. Whether you saw the original production or are encountering it for the first time, you will surely be moved by the evolved world of “SERI.”

Point 3. “Different, yet the same”

Our births, circumstances, and the worlds we see are different for each person. That is why there may be times when you cannot find an answer to how we can truly understand one another.

But this story teaches us that no matter how different our appearance or circumstances may be, human warmth and the joy of living are, in fact, the same for everyone.

The light Seri found in the darkness is surely our own story as well. Not through logic, but by simply opening your heart to the “one life” before you—such simple, warm emotion awaits you.

Please experience this emotion in the theater.

(C) Kazuo Onodera

With great care, this work portrays themes rich in meaning, quietly posing questions to the viewer’s heart and leaving a gentle afterglow.

If it has caught your interest, please do come to the theater and feel that “light” for yourself.