Stage Play "Keigo Higashino Theater Vol.2: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store" Yuki Hayama & Shinba Tsuchiya & SANTA Special Interview Arrives!!

The second installment of "Keigo Higashino Theater," the stage play "Keigo Higashino Theater Vol.2: The Miracles of the Namiya General Store," will be performed from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Sunshine Theater, and on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026, at COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall.

"Keigo Higashino Theater" is a project performance series that sequentially stages Keigo Higashino's novels. The first installment, "When the Prayers End," was staged and well-received. This second installment will feature the best-selling novel "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store," with over 13 million copies sold worldwide. This heartwarming time-travel fantasy, where past and present intersect through letters, has previously been adapted into a stage play, a musical, and a film in 2017, touching many people. The script and direction are by Yutaka Narui, who also served as scriptwriter and director for the productions in 2013, 2016, and 2022, and is known for his delicate portrayal of human dramas.

We have now received interviews with Yuki Hayama as Atsuya, Shinba Tsuchiya as Shota, and SANTA as Kohei, who share their enthusiasm for this production!!

-- Please tell us your feelings when you were decided to appear in this work.

Hayama: As my stage debut as a lead, I am very happy to be able to appear in such a famous work and to co-star with wonderful cast members. Frankly, it's been five years since I last performed on stage. So, honestly, at first, I felt a lot of pressure, thinking, "What can I do in this production?" but now I'm filled with excitement.

Tsuchiya: This is my third time working on a Narui production, so first and foremost, I felt joy at being able to work with you all again. The original work is a masterpiece that it's no exaggeration to say everyone knows, so I was also surprised to be able to step into this work as an actor, and I felt a very strange mixture of joy and surprise. (At the time of the interview) rehearsals haven't started yet, so I don't know what I can do as an actor, but I want to create a work that doesn't bore the audience and properly weaves Keigo Higashino's story through the lively exchanges of these three characters.

SANTA: This is my first time performing in a Japanese stage play with such a large volume of lines, so I am very nervous. I'm still nervous now (laughs). However, I am honored to be able to participate in such a wonderful and widely known work for my Japanese debut. I will put my all into it and do my best.

-- What are your impressions of the original work, script, and previous performances?

Tsuchiya: I watched the video of the 2016 stage performance, and I felt that the speedy development with rapidly changing scenes was something that only Narui-san could create. Narui-san has established a formula through creating various works, and I believe this is a strength of Yutaka Narui's productions, setting them apart from other theatrical works. For us to become a part of such a Narui production, we need the stamina as actors, such as maintaining concentration and vocal techniques to keep our voices strong. Since we are boarding Narui-san's ship, I feel now that we must fulfill our roles as crew members.

SANTA: I also read the novel, watched the stage performance videos, and the movie. I felt it's a work overflowing with charm that makes you want to watch it again and again. Because it depicts human connections, as you encounter this work repeatedly, you'll want to delve deeper into each character. I think this is the wonderful aspect of this work, that you can savor it multiple times. Therefore, in this stage play, by carefully developing each character and presenting them with their own unique flavor, I believe it will surely be enjoyed freshly once again.

-- Tsuchiya-san, this is your third time with Narui-san's works. How do you feel about Narui-san's direction?

-- Hayama-san and SANTA-san are participating in a Narui production for the first time. What are your hopes and expectations for the upcoming rehearsals?

Hayama: I also saw the video of the 2016 performance and felt that the dialogue was incredibly fast-paced. That's why the story unfolds so quickly. I've done a lot of screen acting before, so one of my enjoyments is seeing how my acting will change under Narui-san's direction this time. It's very reassuring that Naoto Tada-san, who has played Atsuya twice before, will be appearing (as Hayate Takayuki). I feel nervous about playing Atsuya in front of Tada-san, but if I don't understand something, I plan to ask for his help.

SANTA: I also thought that because the development is fast, I need to deliver my lines clearly. I believe the audience will view this story from the same perspective as us three. Therefore, I want to carefully craft the relationships between us three, our individual personalities, and our pasts that led us here. At the same time, I think I also have a role in explaining the story, so I want to deliver the narrative effectively to the audience. I expect this to be a very educational rehearsal for me, and I look forward to it.

-- Please tell us your impressions of the characters you will be playing.

Hayama: Atsuya, whom I play, is the type to speak his mind immediately, so he might make a bad first impression. However, I believe he has past experiences that have traumatized him, making it difficult for him to trust people easily. The reason these three are together isn't necessarily because they grew up in the same facility or are good friends, but perhaps closer to dependency. He feels comfortable, can say anything, and even when they fight, they affirm him, which is why he's with them. The charm of this role is how these three, in their relationship, encounter a strange experience, leading them to think, struggle, and grow.

Tsuchiya: Shota shows the most caution when he receives letters, but his willingness to take a step forward amidst that is impressive. I think he has the courage to jump into new or unknown things. I believe the characters of the three will vary quite a bit depending on the actor playing Shota. However, this isn't about changing the fundamental portrayal, but rather the actor's own inherent qualities will make Shota shine and become unique. Therefore, I intend to face the role seriously and act while feeling the dynamics within the group of three.

SANTA: Kohei is natural, a bit spacey, and endearing. However, he entered the orphanage at age five, so he has the longest history there. I think he's kind because he's seen other children come in after experiencing abuse. I hope to play Kohei in a way that he is loved by many.

-- Scenes with the three of you will likely reflect your relationship. This is your first time co-starring. What are your impressions of each other? And how do you plan to deepen your bond?

Hayama: Actually, we met for the first time today (the day of the interview), and I felt that both of them have a very gentle atmosphere. I'm not very good at initiating conversations myself, but I feel I can be on an equal footing with them. During breaks, we got excited talking about going to good restaurants and hobbies, so once rehearsals begin, I want to have many discussions about our roles.

Tsuchiya: Certainly, I believe this relationship among the three will naturally emerge, and that might be somewhat daunting. However, at the same time, I think it's also an opportunity, so I hope we can create a stage play that makes people feel glad it was these three.

SANTA: Kohei is the youngest character among the three, the type who follows the other two. So, I hope they will take me around a lot. Earlier, they told me about a delicious ramen shop, so I definitely want them to take me there (laughs).

-- Hayama-san, this is your first starring role after 5 years on stage. Please tell us again about your feelings about standing on stage as the lead.

Hayama: I don't think too much about being the lead, as it might cause anxiety or unnecessary tension. My role is to convey Atsuya's struggles through my acting. I want to be the face of the work as Atsuya, not necessarily leading the cast. I will cherish living as the character on stage and approach the work with dedication.

-- Next, a question for Tsuchiya-san. The original novel is very popular, and it was also made into a movie. What do you find significant and charming about staging this as a play?

Tsuchiya: A stage play is a live performance, with its own preciousness and terror. Emotions born only on stage cannot be replicated and are known only to the audience present at that time. I believe this is the romance of the theater. This work depicts connections where people's fates change across time and space, which is similar to the bond that develops between the performers and the audience on stage. Therefore, staging this work as a play feels very natural. I hope the three of us can build emotions to deliver a "Namiya General Store" that can only be seen at that specific moment.

-- SANTA-san, you debuted in China, but Japanese stage plays must be different. Please tell us again about your feelings and expectations for performing in Japan.

-- Finally, please share your enthusiasm for the performance and a message to your readers.

Hayama: When I read this original work, I felt a sense of "having had a very good time." This time, we are staging it as a play, so I hope to convey emotion and human warmth through our acting. I would be happy if attendees could come with a neutral mindset and enjoy themselves.

Tsuchiya: (This work) is a story about people whose lives change due to fate. While it's a special moment for them, it's also something that happens in everyday life. I believe this work will make people re-examine these aspects. The perspectives of the three young men we play will change through this story, and I think the audience's view will also shift slightly after watching. I want the audience to experience the atmosphere and emotional depth created by us in the theater.

SANTA: "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store" is a masterpiece by Keigo Higashino, but perhaps some people are seeing it for the first time. I believe we will bring our unique flavor, and I hope we can deliver the work in our own way so that it can be enjoyed repeatedly.

[Breaking News!!]

Post-performance talk events have been decided! Furthermore, free invitations for children aged elementary school to 18 years old have been decided! An official X (Twitter) account has also been opened to deliver great information and behind-the-scenes looks at the production?!

■ Post-Performance Talk Events Decided!

■ Children Aged Elementary School to 18 Years Old Invited Free! Agency for Cultural Affairs Children's Stage Art Viewing Experience Support Project

■ Official X Opened!

General ticket sales start April 8 (Wed) 10:00! Don't miss out!!

<Synopsis>

Atsuya, Shota, and Kohei are friends who grew up in the same orphanage.

One night, while burgling a house, they flee and hide in a dilapidated general store. Suddenly, they hear a faint noise from the front. Someone slips an envelope through the shutter's mail slot. The letter inside contains a consultation about a problem. When the store owner was alive, they used to answer the concerns of nearby residents. For fun, the three write a reply and put it in the milk box. Then, another envelope comes through the mail slot. It contains further questions about their reply. Moreover, the sender appears to be from decades ago...

<Performance Overview>

Title: Keigo Higashino Theater Vol.2 The Miracles of the Namiya General Store

Original Work: Keigo Higashino's "The Miracles of the Namiya General Store" (Published by KADOKAWA)

Script/Direction: Yutaka Narui

Cast: Yuki Hayama　Shinba Tsuchiya　SANTA／Hiyori Hamagishi　Shota Sekine　Tsuyoshi Miura　Anri Watanabe　Takako Hayashi　Miki Sawada

　　　Yune Sakurai　Naosumi Tsujiai　Naoto Tada／Satoru Jinbo

Dates & Theaters:

【Tokyo Performances】Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 24, 2026　Sunshine Theater

【Osaka Performances】Saturday, June 6 - Sunday, June 7, 2026　COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall

※Doors open 45 minutes before curtain.

※No admission for pre-school children.

Tickets: All reserved seats, tax included

Tokyo & Osaka Performances　¥9,500

General Release: April 8 (Wed) 10:00~

Official Website: https://napposunited.com/namiya2026

Planning Cooperation: KADOKAWA Corporation

Organizer/Production: TBS／Nappos United

Promotion: Kyodo Medias