The Japanese stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli's acclaimed animated film Spirited Away concluded its month-long, sold-out run at Shanghai Culture Square on Aug 17.

As the production's exclusive stop in China, Shanghai hosted all 42 performances, attracting over 78,000 theatergoers.

Data shows that half of the audience came from outside Shanghai, including about 2,000 overseas ticket holders, underscoring the enduring global appeal of Hayao Miyazaki's classic.

The production also boosted Shanghai Culture Square's membership program, with new members accounting for 75 percent of the total.

During their stay, the Japanese cast embraced local culture, sharing experiences on social media of sampling Shanghai delicacies like steamed buns and white liquor, and visiting landmarks including the Bund and Shanghai Disneyland Resort.

Shanghai Culture Square is preparing for a slate of upcoming productions, including Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, returning after six years, and Moliere, a new French musical blockbuster making its China debut.

Some of the upcoming performances, including Swan Lake and Moliere, are eligible for the 2025 cultural consumption vouchers. Within just two days of the vouchers going online, 937 theatergoers redeemed them for more than 1,300 tickets, generating over 810,000 yuan ($112,734) in box office sales.

Source: Jiefang Daily