KERA CROSS Episode 7 'Sharp-san Flat-san' Opens in Tokyo!

KERA CROSS is a series of consecutive performances that brings together carefully selected plays by Keralino Sandorovich (hereafter 'KERA') and reimagines them as new theatrical experiences through talented directors with unique interpretations. The seventh installment features 'Sharp-san Flat-san,' a 'semi-autobiographical play' by KERA originally staged in 2008 by Nylon 100℃. Director Maggie, who previously performed in the original production, brings profound insight and emotional investment to this revival—especially given that the protagonist, Kemuri, is a playwright and director who dedicates his life to creating 'laughter.' This fresh take on 'Sharp-san Flat-san' has drawn significant attention.

The premiere opened on Friday, June 19.

Set in the early 1990s, as Japan's bubble economy begins to collapse, the story unfolds in a sanatorium located about three hours by car from Tokyo. The facility features a lounge and recreation room equipped with sofas, tables, a public phone, and a free drink corner—designed for residents to relax. From this central space, a staircase leads up to a small glass-enclosed sunroom, while an open atrium corridor connects to the entrance and individual rooms. The stage design, evoking an intricately designed building, makes full use of vertical space. Actors enter one by one in small groups, relaying the script’s stage directions line by line like a verbal relay. As the narrative introduces the sanatorium and its residents, the cloths covering sofas and furniture are gradually removed, revealing the full set and transitioning into the main prologue.

In a corner of the lounge, a young man lies slumped over a desk. This is Tsuji Kemuri (pen name), portrayed by Tokiya Emoto, whose real name is Tanaka Masaki. He recounts his backstory: his childhood fascination with Buster Keaton’s physical comedy, his strained relationships with his parents and lover, and how he abandoned his theater troupe and fled all responsibilities to check into this sanatorium.

Though called a sanatorium, the residents here are not seriously ill—most receive only basic counseling and dietary therapy. Their daily lives resemble a luxurious stay at a resort hotel. Yet each resident carries complex family issues, and their true motives and relationships gradually unfold as the story progresses.

Kemuri is visited by his father (portrayed by Shunsuke Tanaka), who may be a figment of his imagination. Former entertainer Kenken (Makita Sports) lives here with his wife Haruna (Yuki Adachi), who suffers from mental illness. On the surface, Otoha (Keiryu Horibe) appears cheerful and lively, but struggles with his daughter Kobone’s (Haruko Ono) rebellious behavior—though he beams with joy simply because she visited. Staff members at the facility, led by Minami (Reina Triendl), include Satokawa (Yua Shiraishi) and Kumabayashi (Sho Tsuchiya), all with distinct, vivid personalities. A mysterious middle-aged woman, Akasaka (Reiko Matsunaga), arrives with her assistant Fujiyama (Umi Iwao) for a facility tour. She turns out to be Konkon, Kenken’s former comedy partner. Meanwhile, Mika (Rin Takagi), Kemuri’s lover and a troupe member who came to visit him after a conflict with the theater group, suddenly takes an unexpected action—disrupting the delicate balance of relationships among the residents.

Kemuri’s imagined inner worlds appear frequently, tinged with a slightly surreal and subtly unsettling vibe—simultaneously dark yet poppy and cute, evoking both laughter and melancholy. The residents’ differing attitudes, understandings, and depths of feeling toward 'laughter' are subtly portrayed, revealing the author’s meticulous attention to detail.

Particularly impressive is the cast’s exceptional skill.

Tokiya Emoto’s portrayal of Kemuri captures a sense of danger bordering on madness, delivered with intense realism. Rin Takagi, as Mika, skillfully conveys the conflict between her pride as a leading actress in the troupe and her emotional turmoil over Kemuri’s unfair treatment of her.

Yuki Adachi delivers a brilliant dual performance: as Haruna, whose complicated feelings stem from both pure love and obsessive fandom toward Kenken; and as Kemuri’s mother, a toxic parent figure shaped by Kemuri’s trauma—both roles executed with adorable yet unsettling flair. This production feels especially profound, largely due to the palpable passion and dedication to the theme of 'laughter' conveyed through the performances of Reiko Matsunaga, Makita Sports, and Keiryu Horibe.

Reina Triendl’s portrayal of Minami strikes a perfect balance between earnestness and subtle awkwardness. Shunsuke Tanaka impresses with his nuanced differentiation between Kemuri’s gentle father and the troupe’s new, carefree director, Toshima. Additionally, the younger cast members—Mori, Iwao, Shiraishi, Tsuchiya, and Ono—bring vibrant energy to their eccentric characters. Watching them grow through performances and seeing how veteran actors respond will be fascinating.

Maggie’s direction masterfully hits the comedic sweet spots, clearly reflecting a deep personal connection to KERA’s works and especially to 'Sharp-san Flat-san.' While the plot, when summarized, may seem overwhelmingly serious, humor is cleverly woven throughout. Even when the audience hesitates—'Can I laugh at this?'—KERA and Maggie provide a clear answer through the characters’ dialogue.

Kemuri’s obsessive pursuit of 'laughter' reveals a universal truth: dedication to any craft inevitably brings pain and suffering. For those drawn to comedy, the story’s progression will stir deep emotions and provoke multifaceted reflections.

What does it mean to be so consumed by one’s 'calling' that you’re willing to sacrifice yourself—and possibly your loved ones? This stage production, where KERA’s and Maggie’s passions for comedy merge and evolve with the talents of the skilled cast, becomes a powerful ensemble drama of people living outside societal norms. It’s a story that confronts the difficulty and dignity of creation, ultimately radiating hope.

Performances continue in Tokyo at Kinokuniya Southern Theatre TAKASHIMAYA until July 5, followed by Nagoya (July 11–12) and Osaka (July 18–19) runs.

Reporting and text: Satoko Tanaka

<Performance Details>

KERA CROSS Episode 7 'Sharp-san Flat-san'

Playwright: Keralino Sandorovich

Director: Maggie

Cast: Tokiya Emoto, Rin Takagi, Yuki Adachi, Shunsuke Tanaka, Reina Triendl, Junto Mori, Umi Iwao, Yua Shiraishi, Sho Tsuchiya, Haruko Ono, Reiko Matsunaga, Makita Sports, Keiryu Horibe

• Tokyo Run

June 19 (Fri) – July 5 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Kinokuniya Southern Theatre TAKASHIMAYA

• Nagoya Run

July 11 (Sat) – 12 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Nagoya City Public Hall, Main Hall

• Osaka Run

July 18 (Sat) – 19 (Sun), 2026

Venue: ORIX Theater