End of the World and Hard-Boiled Wonderland (Haruki Murakami / Philippe Decouflé)

The boundaries between dreams, memories and realities blur in this dazzling stage adaptation of Haruki Murakami's popular novel about consciousness and identity.

Enter the fragmented mind of Watashi, a human data processor employed by the 'System', who encrypts information within his own brain. As he navigates secret conspiracies and tries to make sense of the chaos around him, he discovers a shocking truth that could bring an end to his world.

Adapted for the stage by Ako Takahashi, directed and choreographed by Philippe Decouflé and starring Tatsuya Fujiwara (films: Death Note, Battle Royale), the performance sees the two parallel worlds of Murakami's much loved novel brought to life on stage, through inventive direction and a brilliant creative team.

Performed in Japanese with English surtitles.

Duration: 2h 50m (including a 20-minute interval)

Age guidance: 12+

Event information:

The role of "Boku" will be performed by Kiita Komagine and Ryunosuke Shimamura on a daily basis as below:

Thu 8 Oct, 7pm: Kiita Komagine

Fri 9 Oct, 7pm: Ryunosuke Shimamura

Sat 10 Oct, 7pm: Ryunosuke Shimamura

Sun 11 Oct, 2pm: Kiita Komagine

Presented by the Barbican.

Produced by HoriPro Inc.

Supported by Japan Creator Support Fund.

Performers: Tatsuya Fujiwara (Watashi), Misato Morita (Librarian / She), Shuntaro Miyao (Shadow), Miu Tomita (Woman in Pink), Kiita Komagine (Boku), Ryunosuke Shimamura (Boku), Haru Fujita (Small Guy / Caretaker), Shinya Matsuda (Big Guy / Gatekeeper), Narushi Ikeda (Professor / Colonel)

Ticket prices: Standard from £29 (£25 + £4 transaction fee)

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2026/event/end-of-the-world-and-hard-boiled-wonderland

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