Interview: Koichi Domoto & Yuma Nakayama on the Final Year of 'Endless SHOCK'

Koichi Domoto (KinKi Kids): Koichi took on the roles of creator, composer, director, and lead actor for the last time in "Endless SHOCK," which opened at the Imperial Theatre on April 11. (Click here to read Review: "ENDLESS SHOCK" - Created, Composed, Directed, and Starring Koichi Domoto) This production, which he has been starring in since 2000, has surpassed 2,000 performances and holds the record for the most performances of a single role by a solo actor in Japan. Known for its immense popularity, "SHOCK" is often called "the most difficult ticket to get in Japan." Alongside his music career with KinKi Kids, Koichi has achieved remarkable success in musicals and stage productions, including receiving the prestigious Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award (菊田一夫演劇賞大賞). His notable works include "CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY THE MUSICAL," “MUSICAL KNIGHT'S TALE," and "DREAM BOYS" (as director).

Yuma Nakayama: Yuma plays Koichi’s rival in the Osaka performances of "Endless SHOCK." This marks his fourth appearance in "SHOCK" since 2018. Yuma has been making strides as an actor, appearing in stage productions and TV series. His notable works include the stage productions "DREAM BOYS" and "PLAYZONE," and the series “Gifted Season 2" (WOWOW). Recently, he also appears regularly on "NONSTOP!" (Fuji TV) and fashion events such as "KANSAI COLLECTION."

Here, we bring you the group interview conducted after the dress rehearsal in Osaka.

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The Osaka performances start tomorrow. Do you remember how long it has been since the last “SHOCK” in Osaka? 

(Koichi) Performing at Umeda Arts Theater itself is since the pandemic, so before that... four years?

It's been five years.

(Koichi) Oh, really?

Yuma played the rival role five years ago.

(Koichi) I don't remember that at all.  

(Yuma) What do you mean you don't remember (lol)? It was summer here five years ago.

(Koichi) That shows how much time has passed. I remember performing with Yuma at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo.

(Yuma) That was a year ago. 

I think the people in Osaka have been really looking forward to it, especially with you two, the Kansai duo.

(Koichi) I'm almost a fake Kansai person (lol). But we're doing ten shows in one week. It's thanks to the many people who want to see it, and I'm grateful for that.

Do you have any particular things you look forward to in Osaka?

(Koichi) Like in Hakata, deciding where to eat each day is one of the joys that starts my day. 

Performing in Tokyo, I go home each day, which completely resets me, but in Osaka, I enjoy staying in the company of the stage atmosphere without a complete reset.

Doesn't that make it harder to rest?

(Koichi) I like that feeling.

(Yuma) I can reset myself.

(Koichi) But you don’t get to go home do you?

(Yuma) I love hotel living.

(Koichi) What's so good about it (lol)?

(Yuma) Staying in hotels excites me! I think many people feel the same way (lol).

(Koichi) I get that. Every time I go back to my room, the sheets are perfectly made.

How has Yuma has grown?

(Koichi) I was surprised. When we performed together previously, I was mindful of our age difference and how to bridge that gap. But this time, I didn't have to think about it at all. He's truly a rival now. Each of his lines carries great conviction, and his singing stability is excellent. 

I'm always saying, "Oh, this is tough..." (lol), but Yuma is always like, "Alright, let's do it!" He's very reliable.

(Yuma) That makes me happy. Early in rehearsals, Koichi said, "I don't feel the age difference anymore." That made me very happy. It felt like being acknowledged as a partner on stage.

Yuma, you've changed a lot since the last time.

(Koichi) He's different, right? It's very refreshing. It feels like working with a new rival.

There were unique elements in your performance.

(Koichi) Yes. His body has gotten bigger.

(Yuma) It's for SHOCK. I've been building my body to defeat KOICHI for three months.

(Koichi) His arms are impressive.

(Yuma) But Koichi is impressive too. I'm determined to beat him in tomorrow's Japanesque scene (lol).

You really looked like you had murderous intent during the Japanesque scene.

I heard Koichi recently had "COVID"...

(Koichi) Yes, I had "that." We were talking about the pandemic, and it was my first time experiencing it.

How is your health?

(Koichi) I'm perfectly fine now, with no lingering effects. Some ensemble members also had it, so it felt like we all followed a trend (lol). 

Rehearsals were briefly halted, and I didn't get to do a full run-through as a performer in Tokyo. When I came back, I was advised not to exert myself too much during rehearsals. So, everyone imagined me being there while doing the run-throughs. It was a great run-through, giving me the confidence to head to Osaka.

Is there anything you want to do in Osaka?

(Yuma) The other day, Koichi was busy late, so I brought him Takoyaki. I wanted to share my favorite Takoyaki with him, which I wanted to do.

(Koichi) He brought it to my room.

Have your bonds deepened?

(Yuma) It's as hot as that Takoyaki was, right (lo)?

(Koichi) Indeed. It was too hot to eat (lol).

Any new episodes from rehearsals?

(Koichi) It was funny during the Imperial Theatre run. Shori (Sato) (timelesz) was supposed to rehearse, but he couldn't due to his schedule, so Yuma filled in for him. I kept calling Yuma "SHORI" during rehearsals. It was so confusing.

(Yuma) You called me "SHORI" once yesterday (lol).

(Koichi) That's fine because it was yesterday(lol).

(Yuma) Yes, it is (lol).

For the seasoned fans, could you highlight some key points of this performance?

(Yuma) Of course, Koichi Domoto's trademark, the flying. It won't work exactly the same as the Imperial Theatre.

(Koichi) That's right. The ceiling at Umeda Arts Theater is higher than at the Imperial Theatre, so the rotations are larger.

(Yuma) The catching is also different. Previously, we had the iron-clad (Yusuke) Matsuzaki (4U), but now it's Sho Takada.

(Koichi) During the first rehearsals here, it didn't go well initially. He was a bit pale (lol). But now, I have no worries. Today, I was able to land with confidence once again. With changes in casting, the background stories also shift, so I hope the audience can feel that.

As the leader of the company, what do you focus on or advise others?

(Koichi) There's nothing much to say in an authoritative manner. When doing SHOCK, I work with staff and actors who understand SHOCK well, trusting and believing in them, which allows me to perform with confidence. It's about trusting people. That's what gives me energy. Expressing gratitude to everyone and trusting them. I might not be answering the question, but trust is everything.

A message for the fans, please.

(Koichi) This 2024 SHOCK will be the last performance at Osaka's Umeda Arts Theater. With Yuma as my rival, having completed the dress rehearsal, I felt confident that we are in a good state to present it to the audience. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's opening night and hope the audience enjoys and remembers it.

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Photo Credit : [Ayaka Ozaki]

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