Interview: Tatsuya Ueda Shares His thoughts on AFTER LIFE

Tatsuya Ueda : Starring in the stage play "After Life"(Click here to see Review: After Life ) which is a stage adaptation written by Jack Thorne, renowned for his work on the script of the stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and based on the movie "Wonderful Life" directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. Tatsuya Ueda is a member of KAT-TUN and not only actively involved in music but also TV series, variety shows and theater productions as a multi-talented artist. Some of his notable stage appearances include "Romeo and Juliet" (2009), “Tomin suru kuma ni soine shite goran" (2014), "Aoi hitomi" (2015), "Shin-sekai Romance Orchestra" (2017), "POLITICAL MOTHER THE CHOREOGRAPHER'S CUT" (2019), and "Birdland" (2021). He also appears on "KAT-TUN No Shokuho GET-TUN" every Thursday on TBS and "Nanisuru KAT-TUN?" once a month on Fuji TV. Additionally, "Ueda Tatsuya No Pirates Radio'' is broadcasted every Saturday on bayfm radio.

Could you share your honest thoughts when you received the offer for this stage production?

I decided after reading the script. When I read it, I was intrigued by the concept of the story taking place after death, something that I had always wondered about in my daily life. The idea of portraying a world of "Ifs" was fascinating, so I decided to take the offer.

Were there any particular aspects of this production that left a strong impression on you, especially when comparing it to other stage productions you've been a part of?

Each stage production is unique, with different approaches to rehearsals and diverse co-stars, which creates a distinct vibe for each one. I encountered various challenges this time, too but I managed them during the rehearsal process.

Did your perspective on "death" change after working on this production?

No, it hasn't changed at all. My image about death remained unchanged. However, I find the idea of such a world, as depicted in the play, to be a beautiful concept.

Could you share some of the difficulties you faced during rehearsals and how you overcame them?

I focused on maintaining a smile as I work in the hospitality industry in this role. As guiding and assisting the arriving deceaseds, how to give appropriate responses and make them speak up comfortably, was something I have been in a position where I receive such things as part of my job in my life. I had never experienced this before. Since it starts from "making deceaseds to speak up their memories", I speculated how I can make them comfortable when speaking. Initially I was told I am frightening the way I listen. So during rehearsals, I worked on improving it and finding ways to make them comfortable.

What do you think are the key highlights of this production?

Since we are all human beings, death is an inevitable part of life. This play encourages us to contemplate what memories we would choose if we were to die. It's a stage production that allows the audience to share in this contemplation, rather than just being interested or not, as death is something everyone will eventually face. I believe it conveys a message that touches the hearts of the living.

Could you give a message to your fans overseas?

It is a bit unfortunate that there haven't been many opportunities for me to perform overseas recently. However, if there is a chance to go overseas, I would love to meet you all at the concerts. I would be grateful if you all could continue to support me.

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