[Opening September 2026] Starring Masachika Ichimura × Written and Directed by Eri Watanabe New Original Musical 'Secret Stage' Ticket Information Released! [Fastest Advance Lottery Starts May 2nd (Sat)]

Starring Masachika Ichimura and written/directed by Eri Watanabe, the completely new original musical 'Secret Stage,' fulfilling a 50-year promise, is set to be performed in September 2026. Ticket sales information for Tokyo has now been released. The fastest advance lottery for Tokyo performance tickets will begin on Horipro Stage from 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 2nd. (From top left) Masachika Ichimura, Akinori Nakagawa, Eri Watanabe / (From bottom left) Yuka Kageyama, Kyo Higashijima A completely new work overflowing with Eri Watanabe's love for theater, set to be performed in September 2026! Five main cast members challenge over 50 roles! The paths of two individuals, who met as seniors and juniors at the Theater Arts Academy and recognized each other's talents but never collaborated, finally cross. Masachika Ichimura, a treasure of the Japanese theater world who has shaped eras with his presence, and Eri Watanabe, who creates a unique world as a playwright, director, and actor. For half a century, they wished to "someday co-star." That passionate desire, almost an obsession, is finally realized as a completely new original musical. The stage is a theater on the eve of its opening night. A missing lead actor, a chain of troubles, a desperate predicament —. In an extreme situation where the curtain cannot rise unless the remaining four actors play 20 roles, a profound 19th-century British play-within-a-play and the struggles of contemporary actors intertwine in a spiral. The co-stars include Akinori Nakagawa, who stands at the pinnacle of the musical world with his overwhelming singing ability and expressive power; Yuka Kageyama, who is highly sought after in various genres such as variety shows, dramas, and stage performances after graduating from Hinatazaka46; and Kyo Higashijima, a young actor attracting attention as a future leader of the theater world. The strongest lineup suitable for the dawn of a new theater gathers. Don't miss the birth of a celebratory play filled with love for theater, where Watanabe's unique humor, sharp social warnings, emotionally rich music, and full-power acting, combined with the passion of theater professionals, blend together. The Tokyo performances will be held from Wednesday, September 9th to Thursday, September 24th, 2026, at Tokyo Tatemono Pia Theatre, followed by performances in Osaka, Kagawa, Shizuoka, Miyagi, and Niigata. Tokyo performance tickets will be available for the fastest advance lottery on Horipro Stage from 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 2nd. Click here for Horipro Stage member information >> https://horipro-stage.jp/member/ Period: September 9th (Wed) - 24th (Thu) Venue: Tokyo Tatemono Pia Theatre Organizers: Horipro / Pia Planning and Production: Horipro Star ratings and cast schedule >> Masachika Ichimura Akinori Nakagawa, Yuka Kageyama, Kyo Higashijima Ryuki Nishimoto, Keisuke Uchikawa Eri Watanabe Comments (reposted) ■ Masachika Ichimura (as Masao Yamada) I am deeply honored to participate in the opening series of works at Tokyo Tatemono Pia Theatre. I am also extremely delighted to finally team up with Eri Watanabe, my junior from the Theater Arts Academy, which has been a long-cherished dream. This will be my first co-starring with Akky (Akinori Nakagawa) since 'Mozart!'. Back then, he was truly a rookie, but now I believe he has become a formidable force in the musical world through hard work, so I look forward to working hard together. At this age, I've asked for a busy stage where I can give my all, almost never leaving the stage once I'm on it. Eri-san, while worrying about my body, said, "I'll make you move! Are you ready?" and I am fully prepared. If I'm to perish on this stage, that would be my greatest wish. I approach this with such determination. ■ Akinori Nakagawa (as Eiichiro Moriyama) Eri Watanabe's much-talked-about new work, written for Masachika Ichimura. While reading the synopsis, I suddenly recalled Peter Sellers' "Chance," and it seems certain that the characters are in quite a predicament. (Please, theater gods, let this only be on stage!) I first saw Ichimura-san up close (front row at the Imperial Theatre) in the 1992 premiere of 'Miss Saigon'. Ten years later, in 2002, we played father and son in 'Mozart!'. Is this an American Dream, or rather, a Musical Dream?! Now, 24 years later, in 2026, we finally reunite. It's moving. Back then, when I played Mozart and knew neither left nor right, Ichimura-san taught me many points, saying, "Nakagawa, your acting is too close." I believe I am who I am today because I met someone like Ichimura-san. This time, I'm relieved because my character seems to value his debt of gratitude to the person Ichimura-san plays. It overlaps with my own feelings. However, I have no idea what will happen, yet I somehow do. Since we played father and son, I'm prepared to be pushed off a cliff like a lion cub, with respect in my heart, and serve with all my might?!