Simba Times 7,000

The Shiki Theatrical Company of Japan held its 7,000th performance of “The Lion King” Sept. 26.

The Disney musical has been performed in the company’s theaters in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka for the past 11 years and nine months.

The milestone was achieved at Shiki’s Tokyo venue, where actor Akihiko Fukuoka, who plays the villain Scar, told the audience, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart, representing all the animals and plants of the savanna.”

The musical hit the 7,000 mark faster than any stage show in the history of Japanese theatre, according to Kyodo news service.