Korlin SOUL: Oath of the Six Coins opens in Tokyo, launching the new Sanada chapter with Saori Otaki and Sakiho Motonishi as double leads

Girls Live Action Korlin SOUL: Oath of the Six Coins opened on May 13 at Rikkokai Hall in Tokyo. The latest entry and fourth installment in the Korlin SOUL series stars Saori Otaki and Sakiho Motonishi in double lead roles, marking the beginning of the new Sanada chapter. The series traces its roots to Sengoku Korlin GIRL, a girls’ action stage play created by Ikudai Matsuda in 2012. Korlin SOUL began in 2023 as a reboot of Sengoku Korlin Girls, which was staged in 2013. The story follows Korlin Masters, girls who share DNA with Sengoku warlords and can summon them into reality, as they fight alongside the summoned warriors against a demonic force threatening the world. This new chapter centers on Sachi Sunada and Sanada Yukimura, depicting Sanada’s sense of righteousness and new truths surrounding the Korlin Masters and the Sengoku warlords. The stage opens with a striking red set and lighting, symbolizing Sanada and signaling the shift from the previous Sixth Demon King chapter to the Sanada chapter. The story begins as Sachi Sunada trains her juniors Sawa Asuka and Tosa Kakei, only for an Oni warrior to appear. Sachi summons Sanada Yukimura, Sawa summons Sarutobi Sasuke, and Tosa summons Kakei Juzo, but the Oni warrior behaves strangely and drives them into a corner. Appearing to save them are Shuki Amou and Toyotomi Hideyori, whom she summons. The Sanada chapter highlights the relationships among Sanada, the Sanada Ten Braves, and Toyotomi Hideyori. Akari Nakamura brings pop brightness to Sawa, while Yukari Sasaki contrasts her with Tosa, a seemingly downbeat character with an unexpected side. On the warrior side, Marina Kumamoto plays a composed and handsome Sarutobi Sasuke, while Chikana Ando portrays a cool, glasses-wearing Kakei Juzo. Their projectile weapons and bayonet action add fresh appeal for action fans. Masako Mutsu and Date Masamune, who share an inseparable connection with Sanada, join the cast and give the Sanada camp a new atmosphere mixing toughness and warmth. Otaki’s light but grounded performance and Motonishi’s intensity in bringing out Sanada’s loyal dignity form a strong foundation for the new chapter. The newly introduced Toyotomi Hideyori also lends a mystical afterglow alongside Shuki. Motonishi’s spear work and Ayano Hamaura’s bow handling are among the production’s visual highlights. As Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hideyori’s father, and his Master Emi Hashiba also appear, the story asks what Sanada, the warrior of righteousness, will choose to uphold. In actual history, the Western Army led by the Toyotomi clan was defeated by Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Eastern Army at the Siege of Osaka, leading to the clan’s downfall. The collapse of Toyotomi power after Sekigahara casts a heavy shadow over the narrative. The Eastern Army is led by Aoi Tokusora and her summoned warrior Tokugawa Ieyasu, joined by a colorful lineup including Nao Iida and Ii Naomasa, as well as Honda Michelle and Honda Tadakatsu. The Chiyoda headquarters members provide comedy through host-like warlord behavior and otherworldly Masters. Because the story tightens in the second half, these lighter scenes in the first half serve as valuable breathing space and represent one of the series’ signature tonal shifts. On the action side, Aoi stands out as the only Master who fights herself. Sana Hoshimori, who has admired combat since her student days and trained in swordsmanship, once again delivers sharp stage combat that contrasts with her soft aura and leaves a strong impression, especially toward the finale. Support characters such as the newly appointed commander Yoko Nagisa, the striking new operator Masaki Izumi, and Toka Hasaka, who serves Shuki, also play active roles and embody the appeal of the Korlin system. With new warlords come new weapon types, further evolving the action. LED panels, introduced for the first time in the series, make the summoning scenes more vivid and deepen the immersive fusion of video and theater that Matsuda excels at. The pride and loyalty of Sengoku warlords, the resolve of the Masters, and the darkness behind the Korlin system surge together in this production. As the opening of the Sanada chapter, it carries more than enough heat and leaves strong anticipation for where the story will go next. At the press interview before opening night, Saori Otaki, Sakiho Motonishi, Chiho Takai, Sana Hoshimori, Haruna Ishii, and Ayano Hamaura discussed their feelings and the highlights of the show. Otaki said she was nervous but happy to finally present what the cast had rehearsed in completed form, adding that she wanted to keep running through to the final performance. Motonishi said the team had carried forward what the previous works had built and continued connecting it throughout rehearsals. She emphasized that every character has convictions, making it easy for audiences to emotionally connect with someone. She also noted the evolved staging, including LED panels, and said the work can be enjoyed by fans of the Sengoku period as well. Hoshimori described the show as layering the bonds between Master and warrior pairs, team connections, and the unity of the entire company, with surprising developments in many directions. Hamaura, joining the series for the first time, encouraged audiences to look forward to how her new character becomes involved. Ishii, who appeared in the predecessor production Sengoku Korlin Girl: ReBirth in 2014, expressed joy at returning after 12 years, reminding viewers of the series’ long history. The cast also spoke warmly about the rehearsal room atmosphere with its large 27-member company, sharing stories of exchanging snacks and cast members imagining walks while looking out the window. Motonishi closed by noting that the opening and final performances will be streamed, inviting fans to enjoy the work both in the theater and online, and promising that the full cast and staff would run through to the end. Story: In the protected land of Nagano, Sachi Sunada, a girl who summons Sanada Yukimura, continues to fight with her companions while holding righteousness in her heart. Then appears Shuki Amou, a noble Master who summons Toyotomi Hideyori. Yet she is being pursued by order of the Heavenly Emperor. A sealed past, hidden truths, light and darkness, loyalty and betrayal: a battle by those who transcend righteousness shakes history. Carving their oath into the six coins, the girls rise, and a chronicle of souls begins. Performance details: Girls Live Action Korlin SOUL: Oath of the Six Coins is written, directed, and based on an original work by Ikudai Matsuda. It runs from May 13 to May 17, 2026, at Rikkokai Hall in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The cast includes Saori Otaki, Sakiho Motonishi, Chiho Takai, Yuki Yamazaki, Asuka Nagatsuki, Sakiko Takami, Akari Nakamura, Marina Kumamoto, Yukari Sasaki, Chikana Ando, Sana Hoshimori, Haruna Ishii, Ayano Hamaura, and others. Daily guests playing the Heavenly Emperor include Aika Kobayashi, Kanako Takatsuki, and Yuki Takahata. Tickets range from 8,900 yen to 13,000 yen depending on seat class and bonus items. Official website: https://calling-soul.com/ . Official X: https://x.com/calling__soul .