Review: THANK YOU OSAKA SHOCHIKUZA THEATRE!

At Osaka Shochikuza, Thank you Osaka Shochikuza Theatre!~WE are Shochikuza Danshi! Filled with fondest memories of our Kansai Junior days in the tatami dressing rooms, we celebrate the special place of our youth with Ae! SUPER farewell ceremony~. was staged as a one-night-only special event. Bringing together Kansai Junior alumni and current members who have built their careers on this very stage, the production served as both a celebration of history and a heartfelt tribute to the theater that shaped them.

Featuring performers from SUPER EIGHT, WEST., Naniwa Danshi, and Ae! group, alongside other familiar faces, the show unfolded through a dynamic blend of music, dance, and talk segments. By weaving in iconic songs and staging from the past, the performance vividly traced the legacy of Kansai Juniors.

Before the curtain rose, the screen displayed playful, Osaka-inspired visuals, Takoyaki and the path leading to the Shochikuza stage, evoking a sense of nostalgia. As archival footage began to roll, anticipation in the audience quickly reached a boiling point.

The moment the title was announced, the theater erupted in screams. Ae! group opened the show, descending the staircase with explosive energy as they launched into “Firebird.” Naniwa Danshi followed, delivering polished harmonies before stepping down in unison, captivating the audience with their bright and engaging presence.

WEST. then took the stage, immediately commanding attention. Takahiro Hamada’s warm, crinkled smile stood out as chants of “Shochikuza!” and “Eejanaika!” filled the venue. Their performance carried not only to the audience in the theater but also beyond the screen to viewers watching remotely.

With the opening of “Banban!!,” the atmosphere shifted once again. Daiki Shigeoka’s lead-in set the tone as Ren Nagase and Koji Mukai joined, recreating the vibrant spirit of their Kansai Junior days. Kazuya Ohashi beamed down the runway, and the entire venue jumped in unison, reaching a level of excitement that felt like a grand finale from the very start.

The screams in the venue surged even higher with “Naniwa Iroha Bushi.” SUPER EIGHT rose onto the stage from below on the yagura platform, as Tadayoshi Ohkura struck the taiko powerfully from above. Their overwhelming presence drew the other groups forward to dance at the base of the structure, transforming the entire space into a jubilant celebration.

Once they talk, each group shared heartfelt words. WEST. reflected on the irreplaceable nature of the day, while Naniwa Danshi called out to fans watching via livestream. Ren also spoke candidly about how much he had been looking forward to the occasion.

The middle portion shifted into a talk segment presented in a tiered format, hosted by Akito Kiriyama and Joichiro Fujiwara. Through ranking-style discussions, the cast revisited memories filled with laughter. SUPER EIGHT described Shochikuza as “the origin of everything,” underscoring its significance in their journey.

The latter half began with “Tabibito,” performed with staging reminiscent of its original production. Shingo Murakami’s narration set a warm tone, drawing laughter from the audience. In a surprise moment, Hiroki Uchi appeared on stage, performing the song nearly two decades later. His emotional expression, along with a smiling high-five exchanged with Ryuhei Maruyama, left a lasting impression. His words, “Thank you for welcoming me back,” conveyed deep gratitude to both his fellow performers and the audience.

The medley that followed revived beloved units from the past. The opening notes of “Dial Up” triggered loud cheers, while B.A.D., performed by Akito and Junta Nakama, delivered “V.I.P.” Takahiro and Ryuta Muro faced each other for a gentle duet, closing with a shared smile and peace sign that softened the atmosphere.

Koji Mukai, Ryusei Onishi, and Daigo Nishihata presented a cool, refined performance, with Koji’s polished stage presence standing out. In contrast, Kazuya brought infectious energy back into the room. Between songs, quick-fire comedic bits added a distinctly Kansai flavor.

As the show neared its end, each member shared personal reflections. Yoshinori Masakado described the moment as “a view I will never forget,” while Daigo spoke of the growth he experienced at Shochikuza.

The finale, “Osaka Romanesque,” brought all performers together. Naniwa Danshi’s delicate harmonies shone through, while Akito sang the final chorus as if speaking directly to the audience and Shota Yasuda’s soaring vocal embellishments enriched the song’s emotional depth. Gold confetti cascaded down, visually sealing the moment.

In the final scene, the entire cast joined hands. Led by You Yokoyama, the call of “Honma ookini (Thank you)” echoed from the stage, answered by the audience shouting “Osaka Shochikuza.” As silver streamers filled the air, a long chapter in the theater’s history drew to a close.

The encore shifted the mood once more, with the performers linking shoulders and smiling freely. In a playful moment, Daiki lifted Ren, drawing laughter from the crowd. The night concluded with Shingo’s closing remarks, leaving behind a warm and lingering afterglow.

This was more than a performance. It was a living embodiment of shared history, an unforgettable moment that truly felt like a graduation ceremony.

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