Waitress Comes to Tokyo! Watch Scenes From Japanese Production of Sara Bareilles's Musical

The first Japanese-language production of Sara Bareilles and Jessie Nelson's musical Waitress has opened at the Nissan Theatre in Tokyo, and we've got some newly released clips fro you to enjoy. The production was staged in a Covid-safe manner, with some members of the creative team traveling to Japan, and others working remotely thousands of miles away.
Here are Mitsuki Takahata as Jenna, alongside Mamoru Miyano (Dr. Pomatter), Emma Miyazawa (Dawn), and LiLiCo and Rinko Urashima, who alternate the role of Becky.

[@lalalalaaAa123]

Hi I'm fluent in English and Japanese and I'd like to confirm that they did a FANTASTIC job translating this into Japanese, I'm particularly impressed with Dawn's song!!

[@TheGadgetPanda]

I wonder why they didn't translate "Sugar Butter Flour". Do you suppose the average Japanese theatre goer would understand those three words?

[@mehhhh1221]

@@TheGadgetPanda I think the would know these words. A lot of the newer japanese words come from English. They have an alphabet just for that. A lot of the J-pop songs have English words in it too. The elders may not know these words but young people, may not have the best pronunciation, but at least knows the basics

[@mehhhh1221]

I'm not really japanese, but I live my whole life here. So if I said something wrong, feel free to correct me. Hope I helped!

[@thatoneannoyingsoprano8066]

@@TheGadgetPanda something i’ve noticed with translations of shows from english is that they usually leave certain motifs in english as people can pick up on what they mean throughout the show and it’s easier for the translator because it shows up so often. the way people in other non western countries interact with english is different too as there is a whole bit of media they consume on a regular basis that includes English so they mostly know what those words mean

[@lalalalaaAa123]

@@TheGadgetPanda Almost all popular Japanese songs have English words in them. In Japan, you learn basic English from the time you start school. Saying “Sugar Butter Flower” in the Japanese production of Waitress is equivalent to saying “So long, Farewell, Alvederzane, Goodbye” in the English version of The Sound of Music

[@janeseymourtheonlyonehetru5811]

Ah yes, time to break my heart in a different language

[@elladrew4045]

I-

[@kentinson1670]

Please don't call me out like that🤣🤣

[@crimsondahlia]

Oh god I felt that 😭😅

[@alexrcastaneda]

Yup

[@arandomtheatrekid8855]

**cries in japanese**

[@TalkAsSoftAsChalk]

The beauty of Waitress honestly transcends the confines of language. This sounds absolutely gorgeous. Sara and Jessie created a masterpiece.

[@AndrewLoganJameson]

Pfft 😂

[@alistairt7544]

That's the beauty of music 🎶 💗

[@tablecloth364]

no not jessie

[@TheWiseGrif]

Knowing how...complicated...it is when translating Japanese song to English for covers, i wonder how difficult it is in reverse, trying to keep it in tempo and everything

[@shy8311]

Probably just as hard if not even harder. Cause the languages are so different. Normally the sentence either is too short or to long XD I dont know if the translation is good but they made it sound really good, even though it probably was really hard to translate.

[@oldvlognewtricks]

Much easier, given Japanese has fewer strict rules about emphasis and scansion, and there are far more options about how many distinct syllables you sing for each word. If you were to try and make it adhere to traditional Japanese songwriting conventions it would be harder (just at it would be in English to have only perfect rhymes and accurate stresses - modern English songwriting is usually this strict) but as far as I understand it Japanese is far more forgiving when setting words to music.

[@shy8311]

@@oldvlognewtricks I dont think its that easy cause japanese actually is pretty strict as far as I remember. I myself dont speak japanese I just watch videos of someone who currently learns the language and talks about it. So feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I dont think its super easy to translate and keep the meaning. Since there are words that look the same and maybe are pronoumced the same but they mean something completley different. Plus I think translating in gemeral is pretty hard. I am german and its not super easy to translate because the german sentences would mostly end up longer than the original. But maybe its easier in japanese. At least the pronounciation would be easier than in german.

[@oldvlognewtricks]

@@shy8311 The language is strict, but the rules for arranging musical stresses are not as strict as in English. Translating is always hard regardless of the language, language and meaning is always hard regardless of the language. My point is that Japanese has more flexibility when it comes to options for pronouncing a word differently and the number of syllables in a given word, and which of those syllables need to fall on strong beats than English. For example It would be very strange indeed to pronounce a diphthong as two syllables in English, but in Japanese songwriting you always have the option of it being one or two syllables as you prefer. You could do it in English if you wanted to, but then you’re getting into making specific effects that impact the way the song will be received, rather than just standard word-setting.

[@akiko3337]

Mitsuki Takahata, who plays Jenna, is a huge musical nerd and has been to Broadway multiple times to see shows! She even sang she used to be mine on a TV show (and did a fantastic job ofc). I am so so happy that she plays Jenna!!

[@anthonycapala1043]

Do you happen to know if there’s a video of her singing she used to be mine on that Tv show? She sounds so pretty, I’d love to hear her sing that song!

[@azzimaz]

Glad to see more recognition for one of my fav Japanese actress. Loved watching her since Kahogo no Kahoko 🥰😍

[@sophie5199]

PLS THE ACTRESS PLAYING DAWN IS LITERALLY PERFECT FOR THE ROLE

[@stephengiallombardo2336]

I think she resembles Kimiko Glenn who was the original Dawn on Broadway.

[@rileydeleon6589]

@@stephengiallombardo2336 and Kimiko is part Scottish and Japanese. 😊 love this!! 🥰

[@user-cg9vf3cn6k]

Her name is Emma Miyazawa La Fleur. SHE WAS AMAZING!

[@ea2002]

i fricking love her

[@araw_buwan]

I really wish I could see a slime tutorial of this production. It looks like it does the Broadway production justice.

[@ashildrtheswift3028]

@Pete Kemp Not everyone can afford to go see a show in person, especially those in different countries. It would help if more shows brought out DVDs

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

@Pete Kemp But... if people don't have money to see the shows, nor do they have other shows to trade for it, how do you expect them to suddenly have money for an official slime tutorial? I get the point you're making but sometimes people rely on a recording being uploaded here

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

Without the slime tutorials for waitress I would have never even seen it in the first place

[@alexonline2340]

agreed! i'd love to hear what she used to be mine sounds like in japanese

[@kenniesaurus27]

@Pete Kemp Shesh, relax! Musicals like Les Mis, Legally Blonde and Starkid Production have their whole professional shot full and free, available for everybody on KZbin yet they’re doing hella fine. If you’re worrying about ticket sales declining, take a look at competitive sports. Games of soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, etc. get broadcast mainstream all the times. People can just turn on their television and enjoy them no problem, yet there’s still millions of people decided to buy tickets and watch the games in person anyway.

[@whydowelivejusttosuffer7861]

Omg the actress playing Dawn has such a perfect voice for her character!

[@rinakokochan]

I agree this very much. Her voice is charming.

[@Victoria-_]

I think so too!! She’s amazing

[@neskki]

i REALLY wanted to hear she used to be mine but I LOVED THIS-

[@sylviaaurseonne]

*now, i can't wait to sing “when he sees me” in japanese*

[@CJAshes]

I absolutely love that they cast Mamoru Miyano as Dr. Jim. The man is one of the greatest anime voice actors in Japan.

[@laurenconrad1799]

I find it fascinating that they used English letters on the waitress’s name tags instead of writing the names in alliterative Japanese or using Japanese names for the characters.

[@catto5387]

I think it's because the musical is still supposed to be set in the US and they're all playing people from the US. So I'd imagine any set pieces or props with words on them will still be written in English for immersions sake.

[@vcantdrive]

WAIT OMG MAMORU MIYANO AS DR. POMATTER????!?!?!! THIS IS AMAZING OMG 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@iamplup5543]

I knew he had experience in theatre BUT DAMN I DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMIN

[@sasuke-hr6uq]

The name of actress playing Jenna is Mitsuki Takahata. I love her very much! I supposed to see this musical in Japan. I want you to know about her more! I'm sorry if my English is wrong.

[@dgable5932]

Your English is really good! And thank you so much for letting us know! I hope you have a great time when you see the musical! ^^

[@justjosie4940]

You have great English! Enjoy the musical :)

[@tine3587]

Is she Narumi from the live act. of Watakoi? I think she is ... btw your English is good

[@sasuke-hr6uq]

@@tine3587 Yes! She appeared on it.

[@tine3587]

@@sasuke-hr6uq I knew it haha thanks

[@user-vc5bv2so7t]

東京公演観に行きました！WAITRESSが私にとって初めての生ミュージカルで、なんて素晴らしい体験なんだ…と心を奪われてしまいました。 いつかブロードウェイに行ってミュージカルを見るという新しい夢もできました。この映像を見ただけで席に座って物語に引き込まれたあの体験を思い出して涙が止まりません。大変な時代の中、この作品に出会えて、体験することができて本当に嬉しいです。映画、そしてミュージカル”WAITRESS”という素晴らしい作品を生み出してくださった全ての方々に感謝しきれないほどの感謝を…！！！！！あとジェナのパイ食べたい！！！！！！！(唐突の日本語)

[@user-jm7bf4wd2x]

御園座公演観に行きました。初めてミュージカルを観たのですが、高畑充希ちゃんの演技と、歌唱力がすごくて吸い込まれました。 充希ちゃんのミュージカル観てみたいなと思っていたので、夢が叶いました😍

[@amandat3655]

:( so happy to see Broadway alive in Tokyo. Waiting for the lights to come up in the US!!

[@daffo595]

I DON'T THINK SOME OF YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND. MAMORU MIYANO IS THE DOCTOR. HOLY SHIT. edit: someone better upload a clip of this version's bad idea reprise lmfaoooo

[@donaldoconner]

Ok....? Why does he warrant that reaction?

[@legendocampo8009]

@@donaldoconner hes one of the top male voice actors in anime

[@murdermcmurderface]

The Doctor? As in, Doctor Who?

[@kentinson1670]

Can ya'll tell me if bad idea is posted? My mom found out about it and it was very awkward to explain it what it was about

[@sav1052]

He looks like such a cinnamon roll awh

[@judythegirl3867]

Sugar butter flour is a global phenomenon that transcends language.

[@isabeauxx7538]

I can’t speak Japanese but now I want to go and see Waitress in Japan

[@livieyuh]

STOP THIS MAKES ME SO HAPPY

[@alexevans99]

As an amateur JP->EN translator, I do NOT envy the people who translate things like this into a singable format. It's hard enough already without having to fit the words into the structure of a song, haha.

[@actualtrash2546]

yeah I went to see this live the other day and I was suuuper amazed by how amazingly This was translated. It was so awesome!

[@lizziecatherine7048]

Got chills during You Matter To Me. This looks so amazing! Also LITTLE LULU IS THE CUTEST IM DYING!

[@aznmochibunny]

According to the musical's official website, there are 3 different girls casted to play Lulu, and they're all adorably cute.

[@anyam5195]

THEY ARE ALL SO TALENTED OMG I LOVE THIS SO MUCH

[@sage5530]

nothing better than not needing subtitles because you already know the songs word for word

[@wiktoriajablonska638]

They will be doing Waitress in Poland soon (which is my home country) and I'm really excited to see how they do it in polish

[@chile7954]

THE ENDING MY HEARTTT

[@arandomtheatrekid8855]

AND THE GIRL PLAYING LULU IS SO CUTE I CANT-

[@sassypants7536]

@@arandomtheatrekid8855 I DIED

[@FallOutNPanic14]

This gave me chills. Theatre truly transcends language.

[@t3hwa]

OMG MAMORU MIYANO!??!?! now i really wanna see this even more 😭😭

[@yuffalyric1047]

Side profile I was thinking the Doctor looks like Mamo, but the IT REALLY IS HIM! HAHAHAHAA

[@arandomtheatrekid8855]

THE WHAT BAKING CAN DO CLIP GOOD LORD THEYRE SO TALENTED

[@iAmMadeOfSoup]

I CAN’T WAIT FOR JAPANESE STUDIO ALBUM

[@RyeClarke]

UGH YES!

[@slayersango16]

I DEMAND TO SEE MORE CLIPS OF BAD IDEA AND YOU MATTER TO ME FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF SEEING MAMORU MIYANO

[@broadwayfigureskater]

This melted my heart and made me so happy to see Waitress being performed on stage again!!! 🥧❤️

[@jacklim8184]

i L O V E THISSSSS. I WANT WAITRESS TO SPREAD ACROSS THE WORLD AS FAR AS IT CAN GO TBH im always a mega proponent for asian jennas and while i never really got my broadway/west end wish i have this, and i have waitress manila, and they make me oh so very happy

[@batsy_]

This is the best news!! Waitress is one of my all time favorite musicals; it means a lot to me. I'm so happy to see it be localized in others places of the world :))

[@ynhunguyen6842]

Mitsuki Katahata can literally nail anything OMG she's a gorgeous genius! 😇

[@joelbarrientes2831]

This cast is insanely talented omg. This looks so good!!!

[@belladrewstarkey4369]

I need to see a full cover of Dawn's song! The actress had a really pretty voice! I can hear the lyrics in my head!!!! ❤❤❤

[@0nigirix3]

I have deceased Can we please have a dvd or an official audio recording please I am begging you

[@silentsmurf]

🤞 🥺

[@aznmochibunny]

I took a look at the official website merchandise, and it doesn't seem an original cast recording CD is available.

[@urmomschesthair5778]

the little girl playing lulu is absolutely adorable i’m dying this is so cute

[@noctsuke]

Please please please have a cast recording!! This is amazing!!

[@nuhandkerchief344]

mamoru miyano my beloved

[@maya-sh4su]

Our* beloved

[@nuhandkerchief344]

@@maya-sh4su you're right

[@ys-ix1my]

日本公演（博多座）行ってきました。みなさんとても素晴らしかった… 映像化は無理なのかもですが、せめて音源だけでも日本版キャストで出して欲しい…

[@sage5530]

when he sees me and just a taste are so fucking cute!!! they nail the characters and make it their own at the same time

[@DanAcev]

Mamoru Miyano!!! Omg 💖

[@shuttternote]

They need to release a blu ray or a dvd for this ✨ i'm getting it for mamo 🥳

[@kariistired7039]

Why is no one talking about Mamoru Miyano??? He’s literally amazing

[@veeraseppala2200]

their dawn is so adorable

[@silentsmurf]

Omg I’ve been waiting for clips since this was announced 🙏 so glad Takahata Mitsuki was chosen to do Jenna justice.

[@susie8799]

Omg I love the actress who plays Dawn here

[@azzimaz]

OMG, Takahata Mitsuki she's amazingly talented & gorgeous as always 😍

[@crimsondahlia]

There better be a cast recording for this. istg. 😍😍😤

[@mollyjones9988]

Interesting that they used the words sugar, butter, and flour but everything else is in japanese

[@sassypants7536]

And ''opening up'' at the end!

[@aznmochibunny]

Probably has something to do with the fact the Japanese words for sugar and flour not matching the tempo. As for butter, there isn't a Japanese alternative word to butter.

[@nicolefarrugia4914]

@@aznmochibunny I think maybe it’s not even that deep and they just wanted to keep it as a motif throughout the show, it’s a nice little nod to the original production too 😊

[@aznmochibunny]

@@nicolefarrugia4914 This could be true as well. I did hear some of the original production crew was involved in supervising the Japanese adaptation.

[@absolutelynot524]

I love the ensemble part on the end

[@justcallmeteacup4711]

My heart this makes me so happy, Waitress is my favorite musical 😭 And that Dawn, amazing! I wanna watch this so bad

[@kamorasocials1112]

I’d love to see an Asian Becky like this on Broadway

[@emilygracey]

Light Yagami?! Oh, I am so here for this!!

[@emilygracey]

Dr Pomatter is going to take a pie....and EAT IT!!!!

[@bug2372]

does the person also play light yagami or do you think all asian people look like anime characters ...

[@janeyguillen428]

@@bug2372 He genuinely voiced Light Yagami, chill

[@aliciaz6224]

@@emilygracey I want you to know just how hard this pie comment made me laugh, genuinely made my day lol

[@emilygracey]

@@aliciaz6224 Aww, thank you!!

[@kk-pp5wr]

I just went to see this whole show live today and lost my word. What an amazing show, I'm sending them all applause and big pride.

[@joyz3150]

I've watched the PH version of this before the pandemic happened and it was fun. I'd never know I also needed the JPN version! They did a good job translating! ALSO MAMORU MIYANO IS THE DOCTOR HALP

[@danimaddie]

I am always so amazed at the people who can translate a song so the melody and feeling can be maintained. Now doing this with a whole show like this??? Incredible!!

[@princkleminckle1159]

broadway musicals being brought to Japan is like the coolest thing we've ever deserved ❤❤ there's likely a chance more musicals like this is going to get the same treatment and I'm honestly looking forward to it !! (now excuse me while I wait for a dear evan hansen japanese production)

[@iAmMadeOfSoup]

THE JENNA IS SO CUTE

[@CaatsGoMoooo]

Waitress is my all-time favourite musical and now I get to sob about it in another language????? Count me in! 😭

[@amac9443]

This still gives me all the same feelings. We are one!! Love this.

[@me-ko2qn]

このジェナ役は、現在日本で一番行けてる若手女優高畑充希が適役ですね。 この舞台ウェイトレスは本当に面白い。 高畑充希は最高❗‼️

[@shreddedalto8982]

The cast sounds perfect!! This jenna reminds me a bit of movie jenna

[@JSG4869]

Omg it's Miyano Mamoru !

[@chompet123]

btw their Dawn is so similar to Kimiko Glenn!

[@zooleykuh]

right?! they even kinda sound the same

[@aleenaneena6084]

THE WAY SEEING MIYANO MAMORU SURPRISED ME SO MUCH FHDJJD WHAT IS HE DOING HERE WHY IS HE ABSOLUTELY EVERYWHERE?????

[@zooleykuh]

miyano mamoru aka the voice actor for light yagami, chrollo lucilfer, dazai osamu, tamaki suoh etc… as dr. pomatter? oh my god i’m excited

[@mordybarnett5043]

I would literally love to see this!

[@camreynolds]

Jenna is talented, but def an alto.

[@arigibb8576]

agreed, she's also a bit pitchy :/

[@camreynolds]

@@arigibb8576 she's so cute though and I love this whole thing so I can't be too upset haha

[@ceetaylorr]

Ari Gibb a bit is an understatement 😭

[@genevievelai7079]

OMG MIYANO MAMORUUU WHATTTTT

[@futuresuperstar4life]

Holy crap their dawn is amazingggg!!

[@absolut3lyalyssa]

I reaaaally want a produced version of the waitress with these actors, they’re amazing!

[@voiceappeal]

You matter to me was the sweetest thing I have ever seen.

[@kindlelight]

Oh wow, Dawn's voice is perfect! They all sound amazing. I wish I could see it live!

[@jadevanwijk9467]

i don't even know japanese but this is amazing

[@glenadelfebe5283]

I want a cast album by them 🥺

[@shela404]

Mamo is amazing as Dr. Pomatter 😍

[@allyson--]

So lovely!!!

[@beviwaphillips3328]

I never knew i needed this in life but holy shit its amazing

[@ririchwn]

O H MYGOD MAMORU MIYANO AHHHH

[@sadmem1650]

the final number of this show always gets me, it's so wholesome ;-;

[@howlette]

Time to relearn all the lyrics in Japanese!

[@allysoncabreza9758]

THIS IS PERFECT

[@aiyiedufreaqoe4762]

Mamo as Dr Pomatter?? Tell me more

[@RyeClarke]

I KNOW RIGHT?! I SCREAMED HAHAHA

[@linguagemdoslivros]

OMG so beautiful

[@gabbiejsn]

LOVE THISSS

[@jellyfish754]

Oh my God, I love this already! 😍

[@curbstopper5000]

This warms my heart💗 I love this

[@dyeeni]

i dont speak nor understand japanese but i know if i watch this show id still be bawling my eyes out

[@LaurenLaass]

This is so cool!!

[@jayment3634]

I got chills!

[@aham9065]

this is VERY addicting-

[@meg-aronincheese6463]

MAMORU MIYANO AS DR. POMATTER OMG

[@MarlonVilloso]

I'm so happy

[@sav1052]

If you enjoyed this, check out the book "Before the Coffee Gets Cold". It was originally a play in Japan and was adapted to a series of short stories. It's about a cafe where people can teleport back in time.

[@ivy2of431]

this is so cool!