Mayu Matsuoka to Debut in Musical 'Dear Evan Hansen'

Japanese actress Mayu Matsuoka is currently rehearsing for her debut in the musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” which is scheduled to open in July 2026 ^[1].

The move marks a significant transition for Matsuoka, who is taking on her first full-scale musical role. By stepping into a medium that requires simultaneous acting, singing, and dancing, she is expanding her professional range beyond traditional stage and screen acting.

Matsuoka said the experience during a press event in Tokyo held for the exhibition “Picasso meets Paul Smith – Adventure of Playfulness” ^[2]. She said the preparation is rigorous, noting that she is practicing every day while struggling through the difficulty ^[3].

Despite the intensity of the rehearsals, the actress said she finds the process rewarding. She said the experience is very enjoyable, specifically highlighting that doing things she cannot yet do is the most exciting part of the challenge ^[4].

This pursuit of growth is the primary driver behind her decision to join the production ^[5]. The transition to a high-profile musical like “Dear Evan Hansen” requires a level of discipline and technical skill different from her previous work, creating a steep learning curve that she has embraced as a professional goal ^[4].

As the production nears its July 2026 opening ^[1], Matsuoka continues to balance the demands of the rehearsal schedule with her other public engagements in Tokyo ^[2].