On August 15, 2026, the reading drama “Galileo Series: The Devotion of Suspect X” took place at Hitotsubashi Hall in Tokyo. Based on Higashino Keigo’s best-selling novel, which won the Naoki Prize, the production brought together a stellar cast of voice actors for a single day of performances.
The story is one of the most acclaimed entries in the “Galileo” series. Following the 2024 reading drama “Detective Galileo,” this new production once again featured Eguchi Takuya as the genius physicist Yukawa Manabu, known as “Galileo.” Nakamura Shugo portrayed Kusanagi Shunpei, the detective from the First Investigative Division who consults Yukawa on difficult cases. Namikawa Daisuke took on the role of Ishigami Tetsuya, a brilliant mathematician and high school teacher who becomes the central figure of the mystery, while Ishii Misa played Hanaoka Yasuko, the neighbor Ishigami secretly admires.
At the opening, Yukawa (Eguchi) appears in a white lab coat and glasses, reading the title aloud to set the stage. The narrative then shifts to Ishigami (Namikawa), a quiet high school math teacher, and his neighbor Yasuko (Ishii), who lives with her daughter. Yasuko once worked in the nightlife industry but divorced her violent husband and now works at a bento shop run by a former colleague, living peacefully with her daughter. Ishigami, harboring quiet feelings for her, regularly visits the shop.
One day, Yasuko’s ex-husband Togashi appears at her workplace, demanding money and trying to rekindle their relationship. He even forces his way into the apartment she shares with her daughter. In a struggle, Yasuko and her daughter accidentally kill him. Left desperate, they are approached by Ishigami, who has noticed the commotion next door. Understanding the situation, Ishigami uses his extraordinary intellect to construct a perfect crime through intricate calculation and strategy.
Meanwhile, Detective Kusanagi (Nakamura) is assigned to a case involving a body found with its face disfigured and fingerprints burned off. Evidence—including a stolen bicycle, a drum can with burned clothing, and fingerprints matching those from a rental room under Togashi’s name—leads police to identify the victim as Togashi. Suspicion falls on Yasuko, but she and her daughter have a perfect alibi: they were at a movie theater at the time, with tickets and witnesses to back it up.
Kusanagi interviews Ishigami, Yasuko’s neighbor, and later mentions this to Yukawa. Yukawa realizes the man is his former university classmate—the only mathematician he has ever acknowledged as a genius. Yukawa visits Ishigami, and the two old friends catch up after many years.
However, Yukawa notices something odd in Ishigami’s behavior and becomes convinced that Ishigami is involved in the case. Ishigami, in turn, senses that Yukawa suspects him. What follows is a battle of wits between two geniuses. As Yukawa gradually uncovers the truth, he confronts the shocking devotion and resolve hidden behind Ishigami’s scheme.
The play’s distinctive structure is an inverted mystery: the audience sees the murder first and then watches as the trick behind the cover-up is slowly revealed. Why are Yukawa and Kusanagi unable to approach the truth easily? How does Ishigami conceal the crime committed by the mother and daughter?
Beyond the intricate puzzle, the human drama deeply resonates with the audience. Yukawa, usually cool and analytical, is visibly torn between friendship and truth as he realizes that the genius he respects is deeply involved. Eguchi skillfully portrays Yukawa’s subtle inner conflict—his joy at encountering another genius, and his confusion and sorrow at what that genius has done.
Nakamura’s Kusanagi observes Yukawa’s unusual state while calmly pursuing the case as a detective. He understands Yukawa’s struggle yet continues to seek his help, caught between his duty as a police officer and his loyalty as a friend. Nakamura gives Kusanagi a compelling presence.
Ishii’s Yasuko is a complex character tossed by fate. A single mother working hard at a bento shop, she hopes for a modest happiness with her daughter. After committing murder in an unexpected turn, she carries the heavy burden of being a perpetrator, while also feeling a glimmer of happiness as a woman—along with guilt toward Ishigami. Over the two-hour performance, Ishii brings out Yasuko’s many facets.
The most crucial role is undoubtedly Ishigami, played by Namikawa. With a gloomy expression and muttering speech, he initially seems unapproachable. Yet he uses his brilliant mind to devise a startling trick that deceives the police, all to save Yasuko and her daughter. The “devotion” and “resolve” he displays leave the audience both shocked and moved. Namikawa’s restrained acting powerfully demonstrates his range as a voice actor.
As the curtain fell, the hall erupted in thunderous applause for the four leads’ passionate performances. Speaking on behalf of the cast, Eguchi expressed gratitude: “Thank you to everyone who came to see the show. We were able to complete the performance safely.” He added with relief, “There will also be archive distribution, so please watch it as many times as you like!”
The August 15 performances, featuring Eguchi, Namikawa, Nakamura, and Ishii, are available for streaming. Day and night performance tickets are on sale, along with a special set that includes bonus footage. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the world of “The Devotion of Suspect X” again and again through the archive.
Performance Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Reading Drama Galileo Series “The Devotion of Suspect X” |
| Dates | August 15, 2026 (Sat) – 2 performances |
| Venue | Hitotsubashi Hall (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) |
| Original | Higashino Keigo “The Devotion of Suspect X” (Bungeishunjū Bunko) |
| Organizer | Avex Pictures |
| Planning Cooperation | Bungeishunjū |
| Script and Direction | Watashi Omu |
| Cast | Yukawa Manabu: Eguchi Takuya Ishigami Tetsuya: Namikawa Daisuke Kusanagi Shunpei: Nakamura Shugo Hanaoka Yasuko: Ishii Misa Actors: Shinohara Isao, Uesugi Akira, Kikuchi Tomoka |
Streaming Tickets
Sales period: Until August 30 (Sun) 19:00
- Day performance / Night performance single ticket: 4,400 yen (tax included) – view one performance
- Special video set ticket: 8,800 yen (tax included) – view both day and night performances, includes bonus full-view videos
Archive viewing: From the end of each performance until August 30 (Sun) 23:59. No further extension available.
(C) Higashino Keigo / Bungeishunjū / Avex Pictures Inc. 2026
