Shinken Ranbu Sai 2018
- Fan Interviews -
This is a special part of our newsletter. We will be interviewing fans that attend the musicals from now on. If you attend any musicals and want to tell us about your experience, let us know.
For now, these are the highlights and exclusive interviews with fans who attended Shinken Ranbu Sai 2018 this year! Thank you to all who let us interview you! :)
WARNING: THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILERS, IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE SPOILED, PLEASE TURN BACK NOW.
Renni (@novaxelus)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Before going to the show I felt really stressed and anxious, but also excited. The stress and anxiety came from not knowing what to expect from this year's show since I was going to the opening day. The closer the day got, the number I felt. Each second grew closer the day of and I became super hyper. Usually when I get super excited for something like this I don't know how to control my emotions!! LOL
After the show, I felt like I was in a fever dream. My brain was so dead and numb I couldn't process my feelings and I just kept asking myself "did that really happen?", my heart is still trying to move on and repair itself from the post SRS18 blues but I don't think I will ever get over it.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Dead. Haha jk. Honestly, my thoughts during the show were something along the lines of "is this seriously happening, am I dreaming?" and "Arayan (Araki Hirofumi, Nikkari Aoe’s actor) is so beautiful irl, I am actually dying", in all seriousness being able to see my boys perform live and hear the songs in real time was truly another world experience. all the penlights flooding the arena made me realize that I made it, I worked hard to get to where I was and it was so worth it. if you told me a year ago that I would be in Japan seeing my favorite boys perform I would say you were lying
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
Most memorable part was definitely the Matsuri festival. It was so intense and the new outfits and songs made the whole scene come to life, along with other surprise things along the way!! Definitely, something to look forward to watching.
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Good lord, definitely the Toukenai Mahou cover by Sengo and Nikkari. Talk about dying and going to heaven. My life completely froze during that moment and nothing felt real. Shoutout to Toumyu for putting my two thirst boys together to do a duet.
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
The show did not fail to surprise me this year. So many new songs, new set, and outfits I was super entertained for the entire duration. Also, our seats were amazing so I cannot express how much I loved it in words. I cannot wait to watch the live stream!!
Hina(@hinatarotea)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Before the show was mostly a feeling of disbelief and excitement, not knowing what to expect, and there was something about waiting with everyone outside the venue that was exciting and like... neat seeing all these other fans there to see the same thing. It was fun trying to see if I could tell everyone's bias from what they carried or wore.
It wasn't until they started talking in the speakers right before the show started that everything kind of hit and I felt mild anxiety like, “oh this is happening and this is happening right now”
About like... the decorations and how they looked like a festival and how it was really nice aesthetic.
After the show [I] was a daze LOL I didn't really start feeling things until we were walking out of the venue and talking about what had happened but even then the feelings didn't truly hit until the day after when I had time to sleep/process everything.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Everything happened so much. I think it really depended on what was happening on stage at the time but the opening was a lot of awe and feeling of like... When I look down at the stage the actors were Very Real.
Overall though, it was really fun!! I got caught up in the energy of the actors and the audience, and when songs/characters that I loved came up my energy levels increased significantly.
Unfortunately I wasn't too familiar with all the songs so most of the time I was just going along with it but even that was really fun since TouMyu always makes it really interesting to watch and being able to swing penlights is interactive/engaging.
The first half was definitely awe though they did a lot of cool stuff! It was really well put together.
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
Okay, I say this as a Hori bias but there was this one new wintery/christmas-y song that was really pretty and ended with ShougoHori (Sakamoto Shougo, Horikawa Kunihiro’s actor) standing alone on stage surrounded by fog + snow/stars that was like.... really pretty...... and I loved it so much I burned it into my memory
Also bits and pieces of the first half but that was more of a blur of things happening a lot that I remember the feeling of watching it but not actually what happened as clearly as I remembered the Hori scene (laughs).
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
I have a lot of favorite songs from the show but I think overall considering impact + visuals + how much I like the song, Kemono was my favorite but honorable mentions to Dare no Mono Demonai Jinsei (TomoKane duet) which I love objectively and was incredible to watch live, and also the entire first half medley of new festival songs for their visuals and how much energy they had (also the costumes were super cute I loved them).
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
There's a gaping srs-shaped hole in my heart that can't be filled and I want to go again (laughs)
Overall it was a great experience to see everything live, I didn't have enough eyes at any time of the show but everything I did manage to see was incredible, 15/10 fantastic experience and I desperately want to experience it again.
Kat(@Kinlyu)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
I arrived in Tokyo on the 27th so I already went to the venue just to take a look, while the performance was ongoing. Just being there was exciting already and I could hear the cheers from inside the budoukan <3 I talked to some people who were hanging out there and that made me feel like 'it's fun talking to people who enjoy the same thing', so that's the feeling I kept when I went there in the morning of the 28th. I was pretty tired but after the show I felt very much awake and super happy, but I also felt SRS is something to see at least twice because you can't keep your eyes on 18 boys xD
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Since I sat pretty far away, I could see the choreography really well, but no facial expressions (except on the screen), so that was a bit sad. The whole introduction was very nice and refreshing, and for the rest of the show they really tried to put as much songs in there and give everyone a time to shine. I couldn't help but think that SRS is going to get harder to do with more and more swords on stage haha. But the energy from the actors and the audience is amazing, everyone seems to be having fun.
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
Somehow, Kitazono Ryo returning as Kogitsunemaru and the immediate flood of yellow lights from the audience. I was there in Paris when he couldn't perform on stage so I really felt that both Kitazono-san and the fans were really happy to have him back on stage.
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Ohhh help, there were so many songs ^^; I like that they still threw Mistake in there, it's so damn catchy xD
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
SAKIYAMA SLAYS <3 Idol Ishi (Sakiyama Tsubasa, Ishikirimaru’s actor) is pretty dangerous. But honestly, everyone did so well and I'm happy I'll get to see the live viewing cause once really isn't enough ^^; Oh and during my show Ishikirimaru and Iwatooshi exchanged towels, that made me happy too <3 I had a great time and managed to talk to some Japanese fans while lining up for goods and my neighbours inside, and everyone agrees that with more characters it's getting harder to get the penlight colours right and changing it is a pain in the butt. Also the 2018 pudding cup penlight definitely isn't a fan favourite, which is understandable, it's bulky and not as bright as regular penlights so it's hard to even see it.
Jaime(@queenjeimiri)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
I was so nervous! Actually this trip is my first time riding a plane, and as a child, I have a fear of riding a plane. I thought about backing out to be honest, because I was really scared, but with the thoughts of seeing Shou (Arisawa Shoutarou, Izuminokami Kanesada’s actor) gave me courage and was like go with the flow and waited for it. Also, the process of getting a Japan Visa from my country is really hard - i honestly lost my hope but luckily I got an approval so my nervousness escalated real quick when I got the decision! After the show? I cried. I want to go back. I want to watch them forever. I want to replay the festival over and over again - not just with the video but live.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
I kept chanting "Oh God" during the show. They are all so good!! Watching them live moved me so much. And because I was sitting 3rd row in front I can clearly see their expressions; like how they love and how they're enjoying dancing and singing on stage. I'm sorry, looks like that's not an answer for this question because I can't focus with the other Touken Danshi because, well, all my mutuals knows who I came here for. And also I don't think I have any other thoughts DURING the show except THEY ARE ALL SO GOOD IN PERSON!!! I love them all!!
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
As a Shou stan, of course, everytime he's on stage which is like 75% of the whole performance. Lmao!! I love the opening ― he smiled at me!!! But yeah, the most memorable part. Agh, I can't choose. Maybe Dare no mono demo nai Jinsei?? Cause Arisawa Shoutarou is so エロい 😭😭😭 i don't know if I used the word correctly but he's totally in a different level this time. I actually have a thread that you guys might want to check - https://twitter.com/queenjeimiri/status/1070638821870460929?s=19
Can I also add another one? Tamura Shin (Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki’s actor)!! He ran on our aisle and he was just two people away from me and he's so cute!!!! He was about to go back where he came from but he stopped himself because there's already a touken danshi on his way to our aisle again so he looked for another route and that's just so cute of him agh!!!! He's so good as Mucchan and his interaction with everyone else is so cute!!!
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
The opening song!!!! I!! Love!! It!! So!! Much!! I can still hear it!! I love the showdown between the West and East Touken Danshi!! I love it!!! I want to watch them again!!! I love how Shou is like the leader of his group while the other is Mario (Kuroba Mario, Mikazuki Munechika’s actor)!!! And aaaah Shin also had a solo part for the opening!! The Yosakoi one and he led his group and that's just way too cool of him 😭 can I add another one? Err, two?? Dare no mono demo nai Jinsei - is already a given lmao. And Kemono. Man, Kemono leveled up way too much!!! They cut Shou's lines and shared them with the Genji brothers but added more for him - he got the lines sung by the Okitagumi first and it's....just....way....too....cool!!!! His voice is so strong so powerful I cried 😭💕
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
- I want to watch it again 😭😭 I hope they can give us the premium videos again! And I will definitely buy some premiums //coughs//
Sumiya(@Master_Sumiya)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
I was both excited and nervous. I couldn’t believe I was going to see a live performance of Toumyu for real. It really was a dream come true! The excitement lasted even after the show ended. I wish it never ended!
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
I was seated in the last row on the second floor, so everything seemed small on the stage, but I still tried to focus on my favourite actors. I got excited whenever my favourite actors appeared on scene or had a focus on them. I mostly thought “I love Toumyu so much” during the show ahah!
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
I really enjoyed the focus on Tomoe because I like both the character and the actor. I must admit that his solo performances were really memorable to me, they were all mesmerizing and beautifully executed! The other memorable moment for me would be when all the actors walked in the alleys. I was able to see some of them up close and even got to see Kensuke’s famous Hachisuka jump!
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
I am extremely biased for Mihotose and its songs, so my favourite song from Rabufes 2018 was Can you Guess What? because it was the first time where all the Mihotose swords appeared and sang together. It made me emotional and happy!
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
Rabufes 2018 was amazing and I enjoyed every second of it, but in my opinion, it has not surpassed Rabufes 2017. I am probably biased because I love Mihotose so much and they most likely skipped the Mihotose songs this year in order to let the hype grow for the re-run next year. Anyways, Rabufes 2018 did not disappoint and I am extremely grateful I was able to attend one of the shows in Tokyo!
Shana(@XvShanavX)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Uh well before going to the show I was actually pretty dead tired because I had just finished school submissions at the start of the week and I had to fly off at the end of the week coupled with con prep for the weekend JUST before flying to that entire week I was running on maybe 3-4 hours of sleep a day. Uh my flight to Japan was a morning flight to Haneda airport that reached around 3:45pm and then I had to travel to Kyoto which I reached at around 9pm to check into my hostel with my friend; the next day I needed to wake up at 3am to catch a morning flight to Sendai so I only had 2 hours of sleep and some naps whenever I could. Once I reached Sendai I dumped my stuff at a nearby hotel my other friends were at and we went to the venue via train+cab because that damned arena was legit up a mountain. It was more of disbelief and I didn’t really get hit with the realisation I was actually going FOR Ranbusai until I was seated THEN I GOT HELLA NERVOUS because all the Japanese Saniwas around me were all super cute girls dolled up while I looked like a train wreck HAHAHA
After the first show I felt numb like wtf just happened did I really see all of that I NEED MORE HOW TO REWIND
After the second show on the same day it was still I NEED MORE LIVE VIEWING WHEN I WANT TO WASSHOI WITH THEM AGAIN HAHAHA
Oh and to make matters worse SoftBank (Japanese service provider) died that day but I thought I didn’t have reception because we were literally up a mountain so no GPS to anywhere and if we got separated from our friends we couldn’t message each other because SoftBank died around 1pm and did not resume service until AFTER the second show.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
“Where is Ryo” (Kitazono Ryo, Kogitsunemaru’s actor) HAHAHAA
SORRY the first show my eyes use binoculars and glued to him because he’s my bias so I’m always looking for him. Somehow in BOTH shows I realized he didn’t perform Kemono but magically reappeared on stage AFTER Kemono. Ryo didn’t really move around much though, I have a feeling they are trying to keep him away from flashing lights due to his eye surgery. Kemono had quite a bit of flashing lights, maybe that's the reason. My thoughts were probably “wow they really looks exactly like how they look in their photos LOL” Idk what I was expecting but ya maybe i've seen too many overly shopped pics to expect something different irl LMAO
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
The really heartbreaking thing happened JUST BEFORE TIMELINE. Kogizono was in the middle of the second level of the stage and he apologised for worrying all the Saniwas and said he was back - THAT WAS THE PART I CRIED. AND THEN FROM WHERE I JUST KEPT TEARING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE. It doesn’t make it any better that the way the performance was choreographed made my mind run wild with various kogimika theories HAHAHA
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Erm, it was a new song, I don’t really know the title...how do I put it. It looked like a wedding ceremony for my kogimika ship, THEY WERE ON A FLOAT TOGETHER, AND EVERYONE WAS BELOW THE FLOAT WASSHOING AWAY. IT LOOKED LIKE A WEDDING CEREMONY. Ok so like during the matsuri segment, Sanjou side had this float, and Mikazuki + Kogi were on it, and they were being wheeled out to the front of the stage, and the rest were below the float, dancing.
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
Watching twice isn’t enough I may have to buy 4 tickets next time, also I need to change double the money next time.
Ri(@_moonrising)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Before going to the show, all I was thinking of was wanting to get to the venue because my feet hurt from walking around that day and traveling to Chiba from Tokyo (lol). But there’s also the excitement of seeing what kind of show Ranbusai will offer! I didn’t look for any spoiler or report about the show so I really have no clue what is to happen.
After the show, I was just speechless, both from being tired and overwhelmed. It’s to the point that I just want to keep the feelings to myself so I can savor all of what happened in the show. It was that great and fun to be in. I’m so thankful to Nadya for inviting me to see the show with her, and I didn’t regret any of it.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Tbh, I can’t even remember what was running through my mind during the show. I only remember having fun and trying to savor the moment because it’s my first Toumyu show ever. Being a casual fan/someone who just casually watches the Toumyu franchise, I just enjoy what was offered and shown to me. I know everyone in Toumyu is amazing so I really want to see them myself in person.
It was an overwhelming experience! I really had fun during the show!
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
The fanservice that we received! I wasn’t expecting very much, but I did hope that we see some of the Touken Danshi up close. Only to that point! But wow, who would have thought that our seat would bring us so much luck? 😂
Ishikirimaru looking directly at us and waving at us with his soft and kind expression, Sengo Muramasa giving us a heart sign and flirty expression, Monoyoshi being an adorable sword and giving us flying kiss, Nagasone bowing at us, Tonbokiri, Genji brothers and Horikawa walking to our spot. The overall show is fun, but to receive love from the Touken Danshi and to give back that support and feelings to them, I think that’s one experience you wouldn’t want to miss out doing 😊
Overall, it’s really Tomoe that still captured me. I am so happy that Ranbusai 2018 was able to showcase and focus on him so I was quite emotional all throughout the show.
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Kemono. I have been looking forward to this song since hearing it from Ranbusai 2017, and seeing it being performed live is exhilarating. I love songs with such beat because they’re always so fun and exciting! Plus the choreography for it is really good!
Oh, also, 誰のモノでもない人生. Good heavens, thank you for the Tomoe on a chair who’s strutting his goods. (From that point on, I felt like I didn’t register anything of what happened in the show tbh lol)
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
I have to be honest; Ranbusai 2018 was the third day of my 4-day straight 2.5d itinerary. I have learned to never do engage yourself to such an emotional adventure without breaks in between; it will definitely overwhelm you. But did I regret anything? No. Would I do it again? Yes.
I think even if you are a casual fan of Toumyu, you would enjoy Ranbusai. I think it’s a show one must try seeing because it’s easy to get into even without having to closely follow the whole franchise itself. If I could have the opportunity again, I would love to see another Ranbusai show!
Chris(@blkhvn_)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Excited and nervous. Anxious as it was my first time going to a show outside tokyo. Surprisingly the osaka crowd waa def a lot more forgiving and extra!!! Unlike Tokyo where it was frowned upon to dress up to the night and be as extra! Felt very elated after the show!!! I wanted to go back right away ahahaha
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Fantastic and show stopping they def pulled all the stops with this one! I was a lil sad to see less of sanjou but it’s good to see the baton being passed tho.
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
SPI OPENING THE MATSURI SEQUENCE WAS SO POWERFUL
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Def the matsuri!!! The floats!!! And of course any bits of Kogi!!!
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
I was def excited for the medley and for all the new boys but I can’t help but feel sanjos time is almost up. I cant blame them but im bias so my opinion is to 😂😂😂
Nadya(@egushouta)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
I knew that I would be going since mid-September, but the thought of it didn’t really sank until December started and I frantically prepared my letters, uchiwa, etc. Rabufes was like a dream and now that it’s over, it still feels that way sometimes. These were 18 boys I came to love 1.5 years ago and seeing them beyond the screen for the first time was exhilarating.
Afterwards, I truly felt it was worth every amount of money and time I spent up to this show. I thought I’d cry from being emotional (ngl I almost) but it was such a good time screaming and waving my penlight— the best festival I’ve probably had in life.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
The matsuri part was amazing because it showed actual cultural elements re: festivals and thinking about it now, I’m deeply moved. I’d celebrate festivals with my Chinese family and it’s in our beliefs that during these times of the year we should convey love and respect to our dead relatives . Rabufes looked like it wanted to emphasize on the fun of festivals and creating new memories (esp for Tomoe), but I’m sure they also wanted to touch on how this is a way for the touken danshis to communicate with their beloved former masters.
But on a lighter note, the live portion was beyond dangerous. I love how they used Genji to substitute lines in a lot of numbers, such as Kogi/Kashuu in Sanjou songs and Kashuu/Kuri in Kemono (during the 15th it was Hiza who took over Kuri’s lines and was seductively rubbing his arm). They were really adorable in the higawari talk too with the “babyun~” (screeches) in which for the 15th, Hiza also went “babyun” before running after his Anija—!!
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
The Hige-Kogi and Mika-Hiza scene that sent the whole arena to shambles LMAO. Though personally, it would be the higawari songs where they went around for fan service!
When Ishikirimaru passed by, me and Rii put one of our palms up to wave at him and upon seeing us he looked really surprised! He smiled and waved so excitedly he almost wanted to give us a high touch (cries). Another (albeit unexpected) was when Sengo passed by; for some reason, I instinctively gave him a heart sign with my hands and he leaned in to give me a heart back while smiling. You’re supposed to be a thot not a cute flirt please stop. (but thanks i died)
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
For the new songs, I loved Yuki Matsuri and the number at the very end (Endless Night With You ?). They both sound mellow and Toumyu always hits me with their ballads. Genji also got a lot of spotlight for both ;; Anija’s soft voice heals me every time.
As for the live songs, my favorites would be Just Time, Kemono, and Mistake! The common denominator is obvious but Genji… they really upped their game… seeing Hizakira’s acrobatics and Higemiu’s ballet moves in real was an Experience. Also Higemiu sounded so sexy when he sang “I want to take you away until daybreak falls-“ in Mistake…. god… Toumyu is the best mistake of my life.
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
- Their voices don’t sound as much different than in recording for the most part, which is good!
- I really enjoyed Team Mihotose’s performances ofc but every time they perform I thought of how it’d be even better if Zaikuri was there
- Anija’s behind in those white uchiban pants up close is a sight to behold. Thank you.
Eri(@eriKAKAKAAAA)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Before going the show I thought. “There’s no way I can survive” Kidding. I didn’t actually fully process that I was going to see all 16 live. I was kind of sad I wasn’t going to see Ryuji live (I’m not a Ryuji stan but hhh he is so talented). But even while queuing for goods I did not fully process the fact that I am watching Shinken Ranbu Sai. I could not expect what was going to happen at all and that was really exciting. I felt like I died and went to heaven. Kidding. I was so amazed by everything. The vocals, costumes, stage setting, acting and just the entire energy of the performance. I felt so happy that I saw them live and that I managed to see Sakiyama 40cm away from me.
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
“Is Renni okay.” AHAHAH, “wow they really are so talented”, “WELCOME BACK RYO” and “WHAT THE HELL MARITSUBA THAT IS TOO YABAI”. I was so proud of Ryo and my heart was just so full when I saw him perform Versus after coming back from eye surgery and then entire Atsukashiyama 2018 I couldn’t control myself and cried real tears.
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
Definitely Timeline, Versus, Uchiban segment and the Kotetsu moments. Timeline and Versus made me extremely emotional seeing Ryo come back after his eye surgery I was so proud of him and seeing Mario perform live and hit all the notes so well I was just so amazed by him and so so proud. Uchiban segment because so many actors passed by us and despite being so tired from running around and performing they still put on their biggest smiles and made sure everyone was enjoying themselves also because Sakiyama waved at me!!!! Kotetsu moments are a given for me because MY QUEEN Kensuke was making me cry with his big improvement and Imarin wasn’t making it easy for me everytime he interacted with Kensuke making the Urashima inside me cry.
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
REAL TOUGH ONE. Tie between In my Light, Timeline, Don’t Worry and Toukenai Mahou. Sanjoukiyo stan could not hold herself together during In my Light. Even though Ryuji and Ryo did not perform that song I was still amazed at everyone’s vocals and dancing. Timeline hurt my very soul with Mario hitting all the notes and Ryo being able to perform on stage with Mario for the first time. Don’t Worry was so pure for the soul and it is just such an uplifting song I hold close to my heart. Lastly, Toukenai Mahou was hilarious because Renni could not contain herself and kept on laughing and squealing. Other than that, it was very erotic and Araki and Mokkun’s vocals were extremely nice to hear in this acoustic version of the Soutaichou’s song.
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
It really is amazing to watch live. It is so different from watching on a screen and I am so amazed by how much Toumyu has grown since Trial and I am also extremely proud of Mario, Ryo, Sakiyama, Daichi and Shunya for how much they have grown since Day 1 of Trial performance. They have been through a lot with Atsukashiyama 2018 and even though they’re Soutaichou is not with them in this performance, I can feel the feelings and power of all 6 of them together. Also, very proud of Shoutarou and Kensuke they have grown and improved so much from Bakuten and wow they really did so well. Shoutarou’s characterisation of Kane-san, his dancing and singing was so good and Kensuke has made Hachisuka such a joy to watch perform live! yes I am so happy I got to watch all 16 live!
Alex(@osakamambo)
Question 1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?
Before going to see the show for the first time, at budokan, I went for a walk in the nearby imperial garden. At some point, I just laid down in the grass and started crying because I was so happy and thankful to be here! After seeing the show for the last time, which was the final performance at makuhari messe, all I could think was how much I wanted to see all of these boys again — not just my favorites — every single one of them!
Question 2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?
Despite all of my experiences as an avid theater goer of both the japanese and western variety, this was the most fun I ever had being part of an audience. I also had never seen so many gorgeous people in one place and was beyond impressed by the quality of their makeup, wigs and costumes. But mostly, my thoughts were, wow, I love all of these kids so much!
Question 3: What was the most memorable part for you?
Definitely Mikazuki and Kogitsunemaru’s duet, Timeline. I found myself crying all three times I saw it! It’s a beautiful song, and the baggage of emotions behind it considering Ryo’s injury and return to the stage made it so heart-wrenching... And on top of that, I could feel all my feelings of admiration and affection for Mario well up inside as I heard him sing.
Question 4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite song from the show?
Tomoegata and Kane-san’s duet, 誰のモノでもない人生! I know we’re expected to only be waving our penlights, but each time it came on, I couldn’t stop dancing! It’s an amazing song, the two of them are such charismatic performers, and it just felt like a huge party!
Question 5: Any other thoughts about the show?
I’m really proud of all of these actors, as well as the production in general. Seeing a show like this, it makes you understand that Toumyu deserves every ounce of the popularity it has gained, and it’s inspiring to see the way the actors and all staff involved alike never cut corners and always give it their all to deliver the greatest performance.