Sugita Tomokazu, Ishida Akira, Sakura Ayane, Okamoto Nobuhiko, Suwabe Juunichi and More Star in Music Reading Play “READING HIGH Yoshitsune Senbonzakura”, Stage Photos Released!

Ongaku Roudokugeki READING HIGH premium 『TAIL to TALE ~Story from Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura~』 Performance Report

The Ongaku Roudokugeki READING HIGH premium 『TAIL to TALE ~Story from Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura~』, featuring a star-studded cast including Sugita Tomokazu, Ishida Akira, Sakura Ayane, Okamoto Nobuhiko, and Suwabe Junichi, was performed at THEATER MILANO-Za in Tokyo on May 31st and June 1st, 2025. With tickets quickly selling out, stage photos of the cast have arrived from the theater, which saw its opening day performances play to a full and appreciative audience.

READING HIGH premium 『TAIL to TALE ~Story from Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura~』 is a special premium performance brought to you by “READING HIGH,” the Ongaku Roudokugeki brand established by room NB (Sony Music Group) in collaboration with playwright and director Fujisawa Bunoh, showcasing an exceptionally luxurious cast.

“Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura” is famously known as one of the Three Great Kabuki plays and stands as a recognized historical masterpiece. It tells the tale of Yoshitsune, who is pursued by his elder brother Minamoto no Yoritomo and encounters a young kitsune named Genkurou Kitsune while fleeing towards Oushuu Hiraizumi with companions like Benkei. This particular production presents the story four years later, based on an original script penned by Fujisawa Bunoh. As a piece that had garnered many requests for a re-run among Fujisawa Bunoh’s works, this performance was finally staged as a “READING HIGH” version, delivered with full preparation and anticipation.

A truly 豪華 cast graced the stage: Sugita Tomokazu as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Ishida Akira as Kan’uri Kichiji, Sakura Ayane as Genkurou Kitsune, Okamoto Nobuhiko as Fujiwara no Yasuhira, and Suwabe Junichi as Musashibou Benkei. For Ishida-san, Sakura-san, and Okamoto-san, this marked their first appearance in the “READING HIGH” series.

Sugita Tomokazu, in his role as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, masterfully conveyed the character’s profound shift from his former self – a person of admirable character loved by all as a great general – to a man who has lost the light in his eyes, now merely a desperate figure awaiting the day of his inevitable defeat.

Sakura Ayane brought the role of Genkurou Kitsune, who continues to protect the solitary Yoshitsune, to life with a performance brimming with charm and pureheartedness. Her unwavering dedication to Yoshitsune and their touching exchanges deeply resonated with many audience members.

Okamoto Nobuhiko, playing Fujiwara no Yasuhira, portrayed his complex internal conflicts arising from his relationship with his influential father and Minamoto no Yoritomo with a performance rich in human depth. He offered a fresh perspective on a historical figure often labeled as a “villain.” Kan’uri Kichiji, portrayed by Ishida Akira, was presented as a merchant driven by personal gain rather than being bound by concepts of justice or evil. Ishida-san also delivered powerful lines reminiscent of Kabuki, captivating the audience.

Suwabe Junichi, in the role of Musashibou Benkei, was the very embodiment of a brilliant and peerless general. He expertly distinguished between the Benkei that Genkurou Kitsune transformed into and the true Benkei seen in flashbacks, powerfully leading the performance with his strong presence. Each of the five cast members fully displayed their unique talents, delivering performances that added significant depth and richness to the production.

Furthermore, a significant appeal of the “READING HIGH” series lies in the live performance by the band members. The music, specially composed for this work by Muranaka Toshiyuki, who also serves as the music director, was performed by four talented musicians: Muranaka Toshiyuki (Band Master, Cello, Drums, Keyboard, Guitar), Obata Takahiro (Keyboard), Inaizumi Rin (Vocal), and Furuta Tokiuta (Vocal, Flute). Despite the small ensemble size, each member skillfully utilized multiple instruments and vocal textures, creating layered and beautiful melodies that were truly breathtaking.

Muranaka-san incorporated the essence of “Tokiwazu,” a style he reportedly studied specifically for this production, into the music. Additionally, with Fujisawa Bunoh’s lyrics in both Japanese and English adding vocals to the songs, the unique and unparalleled world of “READING HIGH” was vividly brought to life. This captivating blend further drew the audience deeper into the narrative’s world.

Performance Overview

Performance Title: Ongaku Roudokugeki READING HIGH premium 『TAIL to TALE ~Story from Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura~』

Catchphrase: Yoshitsune’s final tale, it was like tearful night cherry blossoms.

Dates and Times:

May 31st, 2025 (Sat)
<Daytime Performance> Doors Open 13:15／Show Starts 14:00
<Evening Performance> Doors Open 17:45／Show Starts 18:30

June 1st (Sun)
<Daytime Performance> Doors Open 11:15／Show Starts 12:00
<Evening Performance> Doors Open 15:45／Show Starts 16:30

*Please note that opening and start times are subject to change.

Venue: THEATER MILANO-Za (Tokyu Kabukicho Tower 6F, Kabukicho 1-chome 29-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)

Original Work, Script, Lyrics, Direction: Fujisawa Bunoh

Music Composition, Music Direction: Muranaka Toshiyuki

Cast:

Musicians:

Production: Live Exam

Presented By: room NB (Sony Music Group)

By Nakase Koutarou

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