The Sakura Wars franchise is active in 2026 with a third stage play for the Shin Sakura Taisen series, and the series is noted as part of the late scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki's credits.
Sega's Shin Sakura Taisen series continues its live-theater run with a new stage play titled Shin Sakura Taisen the Stage: Seiden Tsurugi, scheduled for September 18 to 27 in Tokyo. The production is written and directed by Tomoharu Suzuki and features a cast that includes Yūri Ōta, Haruki Iwata, Chihaya Yoshitake, Momoyo Koyama, Uta Kawase, and returning cast member Yūna Sekine. This marks the third stage play for the series, extending the franchise's presence in live theater during its 30th anniversary year.
The franchise also appears in the credits of scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki, who died on January 23 at age 60. Kawasaki wrote scripts and series compositions for numerous anime, including Sakura Wars. His death was announced on May 28 by fellow screenwriter Takao Koyama, who noted Kawasaki was among the first members of the screenwriter training group Brazaanoppo. Kawasaki later founded his own writing group, Hiroyuki Kawasaki's Screenwriting and Research, which some former Brazaanoppo members joined after that group disbanded in 2016.
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Sega announced on July 13, 2026, that it will hold a one-day real event called SEGA UNIVERSE PLAYGROUND at Shibuya PARCO on August 8, 2026. The event is part of the SEGA UNIVERSE project, which aims to present the company's classic IPs through new experiences beyond video games. The marquee program is a two-part special talk show by Sakura Wars original creator Hiroi Oji, marking the franchise's 30th anniversary. Part one, titled "The Eve of Sakura Wars: The Road to the Project," will cover the series' creation and initial development. Part two, "Sakura Wars: A Storm of Romance in Taisho Cherry Blossoms," will discuss the cultural impact and social phenomenon that followed its release. Freelance announcer Atsuko Uchida will host. The event also includes live performances by DJs and beatmakers such as Knxwledge and DJ Mitsu the Beats, a T-shirt making workshop with designs from Sakura Wars, OutRun, and Dynamite Deka, food and drink collaborations with ON THE CORNER Shibuya, a collage art exhibition by high school student SORA inspired by NiGHTS into dreams..., and a large-screen playable setup of Guardian Heroes. Admission is free, though some activities require payment. A limited-time pop-up store, SEGA UNIVERSE POPUP STORE, will run from August 7 to August 30 on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO, selling merchandise tied to the SEGA UNIVERSE titles.
May 31
Sega's Shin Sakura Taisen series will get a new stage play titled Shin Sakura Taisen the Stage: Seiden Tsurugi, running in Tokyo from September 18 to 27. Yūri Ōta, Haruki Iwata, Chihaya Yoshitake, Momoyo Koyama, Uta Kawase, and returning cast member Yūna Sekine lead the production. Tomoharu Suzuki writes and directs.
May 29
Scriptwriter Hiroyuki Kawasaki died on January 23, fellow screenwriter Takao Koyama announced on X/Twitter on Thursday. Kawasaki was 60. He was born on November 17, 1965. Koyama, who founded the screenwriter training group Brazaanoppo in 1988, noted that Kawasaki was among its first members and called him "one of the most prolific screenwriters among the Noppo members." Brazaanoppo disbanded in 2016, and some of its members later joined Kawasaki's own group, Hiroyuki Kawasaki's Screenwriting and Research. Kawasaki wrote scripts and series compositions for numerous anime, including Blade of the Immortal, Ryoko's Case File, Silent Möbius, After War Gundam X, Sakura Wars, and Shinkon Gattai Godannar. He also co-wrote the Love Hina light novel. Animation director Masami Obari posted a tribute on X, saying he was "greatly indebted" to Kawasaki for Platinumhugen Ordian.