19 Jun 2026
Replacement Cast: The Royal Ballet's La Fille mal gardée (5 July matinée)
Following the first announcement on 13 June of Principal Akane Takada's withdrawal from The Royal Ballet's Japan tour due to injury, we have further discussed with the Company to find the best artistic solution for audiences regarding the replacement casting for the role of Lise in La Fille mal gardée on Sunday 5 July at 13:00 at Kawaguchi LILIA FUKAGAWA MIRAI HALL.
The principal role will now be danced by First Soloist Sae Maeda, chosen with confidence by The Royal Ballet's Director Kevin O'Hare to deliver the best performance to audiences in Japan. She has just made a beautiful role debut at the Royal Opera House. Her partner in the role of Colas will be Principal Calvin Richardson as originally scheduled.
We apologise to our valued audiences who have been anticipating the appearance of Akane Takada in La Fille mal gardée, but appreciate everyone's kind understanding for the unavoidable situation. At the same time, we hope you will enjoy the outstanding performance with Sae Maeda and Calvin Richardson.
Statement by Kevin O'Hare, Director of The Royal Ballet
Dear Audience and Friends in Japan,
It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Akane will be unable to join us for this Japan tour. Due to medical reasons, she is unfortunately unfit to perform. I sincerely apologise to everyone who was looking forward to seeing her, but ballet is a live and beautifully unpredictable art form, and we truly appreciate your grace and understanding at this time.
In her place, Sae Maeda will dance the role of Lise in La Fille mal gardée. Sae is a remarkably talented dancer, and her recent debut in London was a resounding success. I am entirely confident that you will thoroughly enjoy what she brings to the stage. Her partner, Calvin Richardson, has had an extraordinary second Season as a Principal Dancer with the Company, making impressively acclaimed debuts as Colas in La Fille mal gardée, Albrecht in Giselle and Prince Rudolf in Mayerling. I am so pleased audiences in Japan will get to see him perform Colas. They are already in rehearsals in preparation for what I know will be a brilliant and heartwarming performance.
For Giselle, I am delighted that Francesca Hayward will dance the title role. Francesca is a truly exquisite artist, celebrated for embodying the classic values of The Royal Ballet with her flawless technique and natural musicality. She shares a truly wonderful partnership with Cesar Corrales, who is dancing Albrecht opposite her, and their performance together will undoubtedly be magnificent.
I truly believe we have found the absolute best solutions under the circumstances, and I sincerely hope you will support and welcome these wonderful dancers.
Warmest regards,
Kevin O'Hare
Director, The Royal Ballet
Japan Performing Arts Foundation (NBS)
*Casting as of 19 June 2026 is subject to change.
*Changes in the programme or the cast do not entitle holders to return or exchange tickets.
