The hit picture book Poupelle of Chimney Town, created by Japanese comedian and author Akihiro Nishino of the comedy duo King Kong, has been announced for stage adaptation as an Off-Broadway musical! There are even reports that actor Keisuke Koide, who has been living in New York, may star in the production. While details remain limited, here is what has been officially revealed so far.
What is the picture book Poupelle of Chimney Town?
Poupelle of Chimney Town is a bestselling picture book written and produced by Japanese entertainer Akihiro Nishino. Within just three months of release, it sold over 100,000 copies. Created by a team of 35 artists over four and a half years, the book features intricate artwork and a deeply moving story that resonates with both children and adults. The book’s unique world has been brought to life in innovative exhibitions using LED illumination, VR, and 3D installations, held across Japan and overseas.
During its growing popularity, Nishino made headlines by releasing the entire book online for free. Contrary to criticism, sales increased even more, with total copies exceeding 400,000 as of 2019. After successful stage productions in Tokyo and Hyogo, an Off-Broadway musical adaptation was announced for September 2020.The picture book has since been translated into 19 languages. The upcoming stage version will use the English title Poupelle of Chimney Town, the same as the international edition. Three months later, an animated film produced by STUDIO4°C was also confirmed, marking another major milestone for this growing franchise.
Story of Poupelle of Chimney Town
The story is set in Chimney Town, a city surrounded by 4,000-meter-high cliffs and filled with chimneys that constantly emit smoke. The townspeople have never seen the blue sky and do not know that a world exists beyond their town.
On Halloween night, a deliveryman flying through the smoky sky drops a heart he was carrying into a garbage heap outside the town. From that heart is born Poupelle, a smelly “garbage man” who breathes gas. He meets a young chimney sweep named Lubicchi.
Lubicchi lost his fisherman father at an early age and admires him for venturing into the “monster-filled sea.” Lubicchi and Poupelle quickly become friends, spending every day together. But the townspeople mock Lubicchi for playing with a filthy garbage man, and he eventually stops seeing Poupelle.
Later, Poupelle learns that his life is short. Wanting to fulfill a dream, he takes Lubicchi on a journey aboard a balloon-powered ship to finally see the stars beyond the smoke…
Akihiro Nishino talks about the stage adaptation
The Japanese stage version of Poupelle of Chimney Town was praised for its stunning recreation of the book’s world. Nishino, who wrote the script himself, expressed confidence that “this story will continue to be performed on stage for decades to come.” Watch the video above to hear Nishino discuss the creative process behind the production.
Latest updates – Who will star in the musical?
Although the cast has not yet been confirmed, the U.S. casting site “Backstage” posted a notice recruiting workshop participants for Poupelle of Chimney Town until March 15. According to the listing, rehearsals were scheduled for March and April, with workshops held at Pearl Studios in New York beginning April 11.
Some reports suggested that Keisuke Koide might play Poupelle. Koide moved to New York in 2018 to study English, and if cast, this production could mark his official return to acting after a two-year hiatus.
Character guide for the musical
Meet the main characters of Poupelle of Chimney Town — each bringing unique charm to the story of Poupelle and his young friend Lubicchi.
| Character | Description |
| Poupelle | The main character. A “garbage man” born from a heart that fell into a trash heap. His breath emits gas and smells terrible. His full name is Halloween Poupelle. |
| Lubicchi | A 10-year-old chimney sweep who lost his fisherman father early in life and lives with his mother. Quiet but full of curiosity. |
| Bruno | Lubicchi’s father. A brave adventurer who believed stars existed beyond the smoke and died exploring the sea once thought to be filled with monsters. |
| Laura | Lubicchi’s mother. A strong yet gentle woman who supports her son with love. |
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