Amidst a reckless schedule, I thought, "This kind of amusing ensemble might never come together again!"

Strangely, this felt similar to my first job with Koki Mitani. The approach came from an unexpected direction, not quite what I had envisioned. It wasn't so much a desire as... well, a private fantasy like, 'If I ever get to work with him, maybe it'll be on something like this?' (laughs).

With Mitani-san, I expected to be invited to work on a 'stage play,' but my first job was an offer for a 'drama.' I thought Director Tsutsumi might offer a 'film,' but surprisingly, it was an offer for a 'stage play.'
Both turned out to be delightful betrayals of my expectations.

Taking on a stage production at this time was quite a reckless decision. My schedule was packed tightly before and after, making it an impossible situation. However, the thought that this amusing ensemble might never come together again, and the allure of the intimate space of the historic theater 'The Suzunari,' drew me in. Plus, I figured I'd be treated as a guest (laughs), so my stage time would likely be considerate. The director even mentioned at a pre-production dinner that '10 days would be enough for rehearsals'...

However, I couldn't even glance at the script for a while due to the Osaka run of "The Hit Parade." Then, April and May were filled with filming for the WOWOW drama "Mama wa Mukashi Papa datta" and rehearsals and performances for a casual live show. Amidst this packed schedule, I flipped through the script and realized... 'I'm in this way more than I thought!?' My eyes widened. But having accepted, I had to give it my all! Yes, the diligent me gave it her all!!

Kibako no Kai's first production: a painful, poignant, and amusing story.

In the end, I could only attend rehearsals for about five days, not the promised ten... Around the third day, realizing the gravity of the situation, I brought Katorine Seto into my home. She stayed up late with me, running lines... and somehow, we made it to opening night. I'm so grateful to Katorine.

Kibako no Kai was formed by director Yukihiko Tsutsumi, actors Kazuaki Hanmi, Yoshihiro Nozoe, and Ryosuke Tadaki. I was honored to be chosen as the guest for their inaugural production.

The play was written by Norihiko Tsuda. It's a story about a theater troupe, about long-struggling, unsuccessful actors. It was a painful, poignant, and amusing tale. I played Sakura Shimasaki, the troupe's star actress. She's a top actress whose only skill was quickly memorizing lines (though that was starting to fade). In the story, unable to keep up, she conspires with the stage manager to hide cue cards on the set – a rather pathetic situation.

The costume that appeared at the beginning of the play, which everyone called the 'Ashura Baron,' was spectacular. I doubt I'll ever have a chance to wear anything like it again (laughs). The makeup was also interesting. The concept was that actress Sakura Shimasaki, having hidden cue cards in the stage set, could easily deliver lines for two roles. Thus, the costume represented her playing both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth simultaneously.

I was given a fun role and was able to let loose completely. In the latter half, the characters earnestly reveal their individual struggles. The story of watching a taped rerun of a TV drama I had a small role in, until the tape wore out, was tear-jerking. There were also the troupe members still doing theater while working part-time jobs, and then... someone commits murder... it was a sad story.

Don't miss the upcoming performance "SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE," starting July 5th (Sunday)!

I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get to interact much with those wonderfully amusing gentlemen (though, in fact, all three are a year younger than me), but what a comforting presence they were! (laughs) It felt like anything would be okay with them around. They are wonderful actors. I truly hope to work with them again.

And then there was Erika Yanagida, a high school student. I think she's going places. She improved day by day, and remained unfazed. It was admirable and felt great. Sharing the small dressing room at The Suzunari with her became a fond memory. She often helped me with my lines in the dressing room when I was short on rehearsal time. I still receive emails full of emojis from her. Thank you to everyone who came to see Kibako no Kai's "Sui."

The Tokyo performances might have been a bit hard on your seats, but let's consider that a memory too. And of course, there were three days of performances in Nagoya, my hometown and that of Director Tsutsumi and actor Tadaki-san! Thank you to all the acquaintances who came to show their support, and to all the audience members who attended. Thank you for coming.

We also had Komeda's coffee. And Shiro Noir. I received Onimanju as a gift. Mr. Tadaki gave me Miso Katsu Drops. A satisfying trip (laughs).

And now, I'm in the midst of rehearsals for the performance "SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE," starting July 5th (Sunday)! I'm battling a rather formidable opponent. I'll share more about it next month.

My regular programs, BS2's "Doremi Fa Wonderland" and Chukyo TV's "Shiroi Inu no Shiawase," are also progressing smoothly.
The movie "60-sai no Love Letter" is also now showing, so please go see it.