Interview : Kazuya Ohashi & Takuto Teranishi Lead “AmberS” Inaugural Production at EX THEATER ARIAKE
From Playful Banter to Powerful Vision, the Cast Unveils a Transformative Production
"AmberS" is currently being staged as the inaugural production of the newly opened EX THEATER ARIAKE in Tokyo’s Ariake district. Bringing together some of Japan’s most distinguished creative talents, including creative producer, original creator, and playwright Shigeaki Kato, director Masahiko Kawahara, music director Taisei Iwasaki, and character design supervisor Isao Tsuge, the production presents a visually and emotionally compelling theatrical experience. Centered on Kazuya Ohashi’s spirited youth Evel and Takuto Teranishi s enigmatic pianist Alan, the story follows a cast of characters navigating a world on the brink of transformation. This review takes a closer look at the dress rehearsal held on April 24.
Click here to read [Review: “AMBERS” STARRING KAZUYA OHASHI & TAKUTO TERANISHI]
First, may we ask each of you to give a brief greeting?
Shigeaki: I’m Shigeaki Kato. Thank you all for coming today despite your busy schedules. As this production marks the opening of EX THEATER ARIAKE, I feel a strong sense of responsibility, but I’m truly happy that we’ve been able to reach this day. It will be a short time, but thank you again for coming.
Masahiko: Thank you all for gathering today. I’m Masahiko Kawahara, the director. I’ve been working hard with the hope that Shigeaki will be praised for this piece. Thank you very much.
Kazuya: Hello! I ate too much pudding, now my butt’s all jiggly! (This is his signature gag, which he always uses as a greeting.) I’m Kazuya Ohashi, leader of Naniwa Danshi! Thank you all so much for being here today. I’ll do my best to make this a fun press conference with everyone. Thank you!
Takuto: I’m Takuto Teranishi, playing Alan. Thank you for taking the time to be here today… um… this is kind of awkward to follow (laughs).
Kazuya: Sorry, sorry! That’s on me!
Takuto: Opening night is tomorrow, and I’m just really excited. Thank you for being here today.
Soya: I’m Soya Igari from KEY TO LET, playing Orucca. Thank you very much. Starting from Shigeaki’s script to Mr. Kawahara’s direction, I’ve worked hard hoping to support our two leads in any way I can. We’ll make it through opening night safely! It’s already been the best days…!
All: (laugh)
Kazuya: It starts tomorrow! (laughs)
Soya: I’ll tighten my focus even more and give it my all (laughs).
Toa: I’m Toa Shimasaki, playing Louis, Evel’s younger brother. I hope my presence can add color to this production, and I’ll do my best throughout the run for a month. Thank you.
Koki: I’m Koki Kawasaki, playing Enrique. My character belongs to an organization called Juralylis, and I’ve been excited since the moment I was offered the role. Now that it’s taken shape and we’re finally opening tomorrow, I’m still full of excitement. I’ll give it my all until the end. Thank you.
Tatsuru: I’m Tatsuru Matsuo, playing Wolf. Thank you. My character is the strongest Padzhari soldier, so I hope to bring out my full potential and add something impactful to the stage. Looking forward to it starting tomorrow.
Rena: I’m Rena Yamasaki, playing Noah. Opening night is tomorrow, and I’m really excited to enjoy every moment with the company and make it all the way to the final performance. Thank you very much.
Gota: I’m Gota Watabe, playing Ken. My role is… an AI robot. I’m nervous. I’m paired with Rena Yamasaki… no, that’s not quite right…I exist as an AI robot who protects her. It’s a very entertaining production with many things happening. I think it has a lot of charm and highlights, so I hope many people will come see it. Thank you.
Suzuho: I’m Suzuho Makaze, playing Hilda. I’m thrilled that this production we’ve carefully built together will finally reach audiences starting tomorrow. I’ll do my best to live as Hilda until the final performance. Thank you.
Udanji: I’m Udanji Ichikawa, playing Vingas. I’m clearly a villain, someone whose face doesn’t suit a smile at all.
All: (laugh)
Udanji: But deep down, he’s actually a good person, so I’m curious how audiences will perceive him. I’m very happy to be part of this opening production at EX THEATER ARIAKE. Thank you very much.
Could you tell us about your thoughts and particular focus on this production?
Shigeaki: This project began about three years ago, when the effects of the pandemic were still very present. Even then, we were talking about building a new theater and staging its inaugural production. The early 2020s were a difficult time for the entertainment industry, but I believed that a hopeful era would eventually come.
“Ariake” itself carries an auspicious meaning, connected to the idea of dawn breaking. I wanted to create entertainment that feels like the arrival of morning.
Especially for younger audiences who may feel that theater has become less accessible, I hoped to create a production that is easy to enjoy, both for those watching and those performing.
We’ve spent three years moving forward with that idea, and thanks to the support of so many people, we’ve reached this day. I truly feel that this vision has taken shape.
Masahiko: Watching everything from the director’s seat, the sound in this theater is truly remarkable. The second and third floors also feel very close to the stage, which makes it an excellent venue. I think I’ve realized that sooner than any other director, so I’m very happy (laughs).
I hope many people will come, and that the it becomes lively, like the restaurants on other floors.
All: (laugh)
Masahiko: The building itself, I mean!
Shigeaki: Yes, Ariake as a whole.
Masahiko: I always aim to create productions that make the theater itself happy. This time, it’s full of spectacle and theatrical flair appropriate for an opening production, and everyone is overacting…
Kazuya: “Overacting” (laughs)?
Soya: That makes it sound like a bad thing! Don’t say it like it’s embarrassing (laughs)!
Masahiko: But truly, I think we’re taking a step forward with something that will make this theater very happy. Everyone is delivering passionate performances.
Shigeaki: The theater is wonderful. Now it’s up to the actors.
Kazuya: We’ll do our best!
Kazuya, as the lead, how do you feel about performing in an opening production?
Kazuya: This is my first time being part of an opening production, and I didn’t even know what that meant, so I looked it up. It basically said, “It’s a big deal”…
Soya: It says “it’s a big deal”!?
Kazuya: No, no! I mean, I felt that it was big deal. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, I want to deliver the “now” of “AmberS” to everyone. I hope audiences can enjoy it together with us, the cast, the staff, and everyone involved. I’ll do my best.
You mentioned feeling nervous. How do you feel now?
Kazuya: The “pudding” joke earlier was honestly to calm my nerves… but now I feel even more nervous (laughs)! We have the dress rehearsal after this, and I’m really nervous. But I want to enjoy it.
How about you, Takuto, as co-lead?
Takuto: As Kazuya said, being part of an opening production is a rare opportunity in a lifetime. I want to enjoy that moment, and I’m simply excited for audiences to finally see this original work by Mr. Kato starting tomorrow.
As Shigeaki mentioned, were the roles written with specific actors in mind?
Shigeaki: It’s a bit complicated… I had the story in mind first, then we went through casting, and after that I began writing the script. So I wrote the lines while imagining the actors.
Did either of you feel the roles reflected yourselves?
Kazuya: Evel is very devoted to his family, and I also value family a lot, so I’m really happy if that aspect was seen in me when writing the role (laughs).
Takuto: Well, I also care about family (laughs). But Alan is a character with great depth, so I feel I need to fully face him both mentally and physically.
Udanji, how do you feel about this opening production?
Udanji: I’ve experienced opening productions a few times, but I’m very happy to present such a wonderful piece as “AmberS” here. I’m nervous, but as the sole representative from the Kabuki, I’ll do my best.
You’ll also be singing again after some time, correct?
Udanji: Me!? (bursts into loud laughter)
All: (laughter) Vingas appeared!
Kazuya: That startled me (laughs).
Udanji: Yes, indeed. It’s quite a challenge (laughs), but I’m enjoying it.
How about you, Suzuho?
Suzuho: As everyone has said, it’s a rare experience. Since it’s a theater we’ve never performed in before, we won’t know the atmosphere until audiences are present. I’m very excited.
Soya, how is it working with your seniors?
Soya: Watching these two experienced leads, I learn something every day. But honestly… even though both leads carry the same responsibility, it feels like the cast’s trust is overwhelmingly on Mr. Teranishi’s side… (laughs).
Kazuya: Hey, hey, hey! (laughs)
Soya: It’s hard to deny (laughs). Yesterday during the final run-through, when Mr. Ohashi got flustered on stage, his Kansai dialect slipped out…
All: (laugh)
Soya: It’s really funny—he suddenly says things like “~yanna?” (laughs).
Kazuya: Mr. Kato didn’t know that… (laughs)!
Soya: Oops, I said it!
Shigeaki: Should we cast someone else? (laughs)
Kazuya: Please don’t! I’ll do my best!!
Shigeaki: Maybe call Shunsuke Michieda (Member of Naniwa Danshi, same as Kazuya)? (laughs)
Kazuya: Please no~!
Soya: He’s like the mood-maker.
Shigeaki: Yes, the mood-maker.
Kazuya: I support everyone!
Soya: We’re truly being led by the two of them.
Toa, as another Kansai district member?
Toa: Since I play his younger brother and we worked together as Kansai Jr., he’s always felt like a real older brother. I think that natural bond will come across on stage.
Um… Mr….Teranishi…
Takuto: Did you forget my name? (laughs)
All: (laughter)
Kazuya: No! He didn'! He didn't!
Toa: I did for a second… (laughs)
Takuto: I knew it…
Kazuya: No, no!
Toa: It’s my first time working with him, but he’s very kind and easy to talk to backstage. I hope we can grow closer… I mean, we will!
All: (laughter)
Soya: So you’re not yet? (laughs)
How about you, Koki?
Koki: I’ve rarely had the chance to work with either of them. I briefly worked with Mr. Teranishi when I was in elementary and middle school, so I’m happy to reunite.
As mentioned earlier, the way Mr. Ohashi creates the atmosphere is really remarkable. Not just in settings like this, but even in the rehearsal room, when everyone gathers for the first time, with all the staff and managers present, he’ll start things off with “pudding joke” (laughs). Moments like that really soften the mood, and as a junior, it made me realize how much the company is shaped by the presence of its lead. I’ve learned so much from watching him.
How about you, Tatsuru?
Tatsuru: I worked with Mr. Teranishi in “Endless SHOCK,” and he memorizes everything incredibly fast. Even though he’s busy, he comes fully prepared.
As for Mr. Ohashi…
Soya: Mr. Ohashi quietly says “Me too! Me too!” (laughs)
Tatsuru: No matter how much time passes, the lines just don’t stick… (laughs)
Kazuya: They do stick!! I’ve got them, I swear (laughs)!! Look forward to the dress rehearsal (laughs)!
Shigeaki: Hey!
Kazuya: I really do have them!
Soya: Saying “no matter how much time passes” is a bit harsh (laughs).
Tatsuru: Yesterday’s “~yanna?” was hilarious (laughs).
Toa: We were secretly talking among the cast about who would be the first to forget their lines, and it was unanimously Mr. Ohashi (laughs).
Shigeaki: Hey! Come on!
Kazuya: That’s not true! (laughs) I’ll nail it perfectly!
Tatsuru: According to him, he’s never messed up once in an actual performance.
Kazuya: That’s right! Not during the real show! I’ll be fine. Please look forward to it!
Rena, your character is drawn to Takuto’s piano performance?
Rena: Singing alongside Mr. Teranishi’s smooth piano playing is really enjoyable. The songs are different from what I’ve performed in musicals before, and I get to explore various genres.
Every day feels like, “This is so much fun!” I’m also the only teenager in the company, so I want to bring 100 times the energy all the way to the final performance.
Kazuya: She really helps us a lot with her energy. She’s like the sun.
Rena: No, no… I can’t compete with Mr. Ohashi (laughs).
All: (laugh)
Kazuya: Then we have two suns!
Rena: I’ll do my best to keep shining like the sun.
Takuto, you’ll also play piano?
Takuto: Please don’t focus on that too much (laughs). But I’ll try to make it feel natural as a pianist.
Shigeaki: I hope audiences also enjoy the singing.
Gota, how about singing as an AI?
Gota: It comes from here (points to back)!
All: (laughter)
Shigeaki: Design flaw! (laughs)
Gota: As an actor, I project from my back.
How about your role?
Gota: I’m written as an AI robot, but the lines Shigeaki wrote are filled with very delicate emotion. And there’s a stage direction that says “sigh.” I kept wondering what a sigh would even mean for an AI, and I thought about it so much I couldn’t sleep for three days…
Soya: So what did you decide?
Gota: I still don’t know.
Soya: Wait, you still don’t? (laughs)
All: (laughter)
Soya: So you didn’t figure it out, just got sleepy and went to bed? (laughs)
Gota: I did end up sleeping. I’m hoping I might figure it out during the dress rehearsal, and since Shigeaki is here today, I’d like him to see my “sigh” and tell me what he thinks.
Shigeaki: Apparently, AI these days can actually sigh. They even intentionally make breathing sounds to help put people at ease. So feel free to sigh however you like!
Gota: Got it. I’ll sigh freely.
What should audiences look out for in the action scenes?
Shigeaki: Which part?
Kazuya: All of it, really…
Takuto: The stage is used to its full extent, with large-scale action involving many performers, so I think there’s so much happening you won’t be able to take it all in at once.
Kazuya: The set is incredible as well, and I’d love for audiences to pay attention to the sword fight scenes that make use of it.
Shigeaki: There are also things that aren’t human appearing… not AI, though. I think you’ll understand if you take a close look at the poster.
Soya: That really surprised me! When I got to the rehearsal, the actual “thing” was there, I was honestly shocked.
Shigeaki: There are quite a few moments like that. I wrote them thinking, “How on earth are we going to stage this?” (laughs) Like, “Mr. Kawahara, what are you going to do with this?”
Masahiko: Well, I am a first-class director, after all.
All: (laughter and applause)
Kazuya: As expected!!
Masahiko:Bringing those freely imagined ideas to life takes not just me, but the strength of an exceptionally talented team. There are many moments where we’re determined to make it work, no matter what. As a result, it’s become a production packed with highlights, naturally so.
Finally, a message from Kazuya and Takuto for audiences looking forward to the show.
Takuto: As I mentioned earlier, this is both the inaugural production of a new theater and a completely original work. I believe a new chapter begins here starting tomorrow. I hope audiences will witness that very moment of its birth. All of us will give everything we have through to the final performance. Thank you very much.
Kazuya: As I said earlier, since this is the opening production… our "AmberS" is kind of like an opening too, you could say… so—
All: (a ripple of confusion spreads through the room)
Kazuya: Huh? No? Sorry, that’s not right (laughs). Let me try that again! I’m really nervous… but I hope that through “AmberS,” we can move the hearts of many people. I want this production to convey the importance of “now” to everyone watching. Together with the cast, the staff, and everyone involved, we’re creating something that can truly stir emotions. So we’ll give it our all…uh, we’ll do our best! (laughs)
Shigeaki: Ah… now I’m a bit worried (laughs).
Kazuya: I’m sorry! I’m really sorry! I’m just so nervous (laughs)!
Masahiko: …I just realized I said I was “first-class” earlier…
All: Now!? Now you’re thinking about that? (laughs)
Masahiko: I’ve been reflecting on it ever since I said it.
All: (laugh)
Kazuya: ou are first-class Truly!
Masahiko: And I said everyone is “overacting”… I’m really sorry…
All: (burst into laughter)
Kazuya: Don’t be so hard on yourself (laughs).
Masahiko: They’re just doing exactly what I asked of them…
All: No, no… (laughs)
Masahiko: That’s all.
All: (laugh)
AmberS Story
Set in Mitokio City, a provincial city within a vast nation, the land remains contaminated. The Romero Tank Company, led by Vingas (Udanji Ichikawa), oversees its purification, allowing citizens to enjoy a seemingly prosperous life. At a bar run by the cheerful young Evel (Kazuya Ohashi) and his wheelchair-bound younger brother Louis (Toa Shimasaki), various figures gather. Among them are Orucca (Soya Igari), leader of an anti-government group, and its member Enrique (Koki Kawasaki), as well as Noah (Rena Yamasaki), an heiress to the Romero Tank Company, along with her AI butler Ken (Gota Watabe). The space is filled with music performed by the mysterious pianist Alan (Takuto Teranishi).
One day, Louis collapses from his wheelchair and utters a prophecy: “The tiger has roared. A storm is coming.” After the storm passes, Evel sets out in search of the legendary amber elixir “AmberS,” said to grant eternal youth. Meanwhile, Hilda (Suzuho Makaze), the Supreme Commander of the military, visits Vingas accompanied by her subordinate Wolf (Tatsuru Matsuo), aiming to obtain and seize the rumored elixir. As ambitions and intentions intertwine, the question remains: who will ultimately claim “AmberS,” and what truth lies behind it? Thus begins a story leading toward a turning point in the world.
Click here to read [Review: “AMBERS” STARRING KAZUYA OHASHI & TAKUTO TERANISHI]
Photo Credit :[Ayaka Ozaki]
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