Akihiro Nishino's Poupelle of Chimney Town is coming to the American stage.

The adaptation, based on Nishino's book-turned-anime film of the same name, will receive a private industry presentation in New York later this week at the Pershing Square Signature Center. The piece is a collaboration between Japanese and American artists, and will be performed in English.

Set in grimy Chimney Town, whose sky is obscured by thick, grey smoke, no one bothers to look up, except for Lubicchi—a dreamy-eyed young boy who yearns to see the stars he’s only heard about in stories told to him by his father. One night, a chance encounter with Poupelle—a monster made entirely of garbage—sparks an epic adventure as the unlikely duo searches for clarity in a world thick with confusion.

Nishino is one of Japan’s most acclaimed young artists. A celebrated comedian, author, illustrator, and filmmaker, Nishino originally rose to fame as part of the comedy duo King Kong. His debut book, Dr. Ink’s Starry-Sky Cinema, was released in 2009 and was soon followed by Zip & Candy Robots Christmas, Music Box World, Poupelle of Chimney Town, Honya No Poncho, and Tick Tock, the Promised Clock Tower. 

Poupelle of Chimney Town has sold more than 730,000 copies, making it one of the most popular modern illustrated children's books in Japan. In 2020, the story was adapted into a Japanese fantasy film, animated by Studio 4°C. Poupelle of Chimney Town was previously adapted as a Japanese play in 2020, and as a musical in 2021.