Kinokuniya Bookstore 100th Anniversary Performance 'My Book, Measuring Pages' to be Staged

Michinari Ozawa, a rising playwright and director who won three awards at the 31st Yomiuri Theater Awards and is creating a stir in the theater world with his unstoppable momentum, presents his latest work, welcoming a talented and popular cast!

A librarian who carries trauma and has lived a solitary life.

Encounters with unique patrons gradually change her boring daily routine.

A human entertainment of laughter, tears, and music.

───── In a quiet library, my delusions begin to stir

It has been decided that Kinokuniya Bookstore's 100th Anniversary Performance, 'My Book, Measuring Pages,' starring Tae Kimura for the first time and directed by Michinari Ozawa, will be staged. Comments expressing enthusiasm have also arrived from playwright, director, and art director Michinari Ozawa, and lead actress Tae Kimura!!

Playwright, Director, Art: Michinari Ozawa

Cast: Tae Kimura / Ryosuke Mikata, Nazuna Mitsushima, Tomohiko Nakai / Ryotaro Sakaguchi, Tsubaki Nekoze

July 2026, Kinokuniya Hall, Tokyo

Michinari Ozawa is a rising playwright and director who achieved the remarkable feat of winning three awards at the 31st Yomiuri Theater Awards for EPOCH MAN's 'Our Cosmic Dust' (2023), a theater project where he handles writing, directing, and art. He is now receiving a flood of offers both domestically and internationally, attracting significant attention as he relentlessly pursues new endeavors.

Ozawa's latest work, 'My Book, Measuring Pages,' was born from a long-held concept: "I want to see a 'glamorous' story set in a quiet library."

Machiko Yanagisawa, a librarian, spends her days in a mundane and boring routine, imagining the personalities and daily lives of the regular patrons she often sees, only to be pulled back into her original tedious existence. However, her heart is greatly stirred by the sudden appearance of a younger man, and as she learns the true nature and feelings of the library's regular patrons, she struggles and changes...

Ozawa, known for his intricate scripts that delve into the depths of human emotions, embracing joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, combines innovative and delicate direction that fuses digital and analog. In this work, the story is colored by the expressive performances, songs, and music of the talented cast.

Furthermore, the vibrant original music created by Orenographiti, who has been involved in many of Ozawa's works and knows their essence inside out, will set in motion the lives of the unique patrons who gather at the library.

Tae Kimura's first leading stage role is a story written specifically for her.

Talented cast members including Ryosuke Mikata, Ryotaro Sakaguchi, and Tsubaki Nekoze gather to create a unique theatrical work.

The protagonist of this work, Machiko Yanagisawa, a librarian, is played by Tae Kimura, who is active in various fields such as film and drama, building on her acting skills honed on stage. Through a character written specifically for her, she will discover a new side of herself, refresh her previous image, and unleash the "rock spirit" that she inherently possesses.

Co-starring is Ryosuke Mikata, who plays Keita Kishiguchi, a young man who approaches Machiko as an independent filmmaker and significantly changes her destiny. Mikata has received high acclaim in stage and musicals and has recently been making his presence felt in film and television. Also featured are Nazuna Mitsushima, a young actress whose expressive power and delicate emotional portrayal, honed on stage, are rapidly gaining attention and who is expected to be the next big breakout star; Tomohiko Nakai, who is active mainly in musicals with his excellent singing and diverse expressions; Ryotaro Sakaguchi, a talented performer who leaves a strong impression with his supple physicality and unique character; and Tsubaki Nekoze, who brings depth and realism to the work with her unparalleled rich sensibility, captivating audiences, playing the eccentric regular patrons of the library.

Through her interactions with the people she meets in the library, her only sanctuary, how will Machiko confront her past and present self, and what choices will she make...?

Please look forward to the fate of Machiko and Keita, and the unique patrons who gather in this library.

【Story】

Machiko Yanagisawa (Tae Kimura), a librarian in a certain town.

She spends her days imagining the personalities, occupations, and daily lives of the regular customers who visit the library, based on their appearance and the books they choose—a boring, ordinary, yet quite delusional daily routine.

In Machiko's eyes, the regular patrons of the library also seemed like people who couldn't fit into society and carried some kind of burden. A truant junior high school student (Nazuna Mitsushima). An unemployed man (Tomohiko Nakai). A struggling stage actor (Ryotaro Sakaguchi). A housewife who comes to escape reality (Tsubaki Nekoze). Watching them quietly open books in the library, Machiko always imagines such stories. They, too, like her, are probably only fulfilled when they open a book and touch a story. Perhaps that is the only place where they belong...

One day, Keita Kishiguchi (Ryosuke Mikata), a young man who has recently been frequenting the library, speaks to Machiko. He, an independent filmmaker, asks to "film" Machiko as she usually is.

"Why me?"

Machiko is so bewildered by this event, which should be impossible in her life, that her world is shaken.

Eventually, Keita's filming involves the regular patrons of the library. As the camera is pointed at them, their true selves and feelings are revealed one after another. The quiet daily life of the library gradually begins to waver, and Machiko's heart, covered in a hard shell, is greatly stirred. And Keita himself, who is pointing the camera, also lives with a certain conflict.

As she unexpectedly becomes involved with them, Machiko takes a bold step she had never imagined before—.

【Playwright, Director, Artist Profile and Comment】

◆Michinari Ozawa

Director, playwright, actor. As the founder of "EPOCH MAN," he is involved in acting, writing, directing, art, planning, and production. His 2021 play 'Aurelian's Siblings' was selected as a finalist for the 66th Kishida Kunio Drama Award. His 2023 play 'Our Cosmic Dust' won the "Outstanding Work Award" and "Outstanding Director Award" at the 31st Yomiuri Theater Awards. Recent works include Jin Hitori Shibai 'Slip Skid' (script/direction) and Oriental Fantasy World 'blue egoist' (script). In February-March 2025, he will make his debut at the New National Theatre, The Pit, as director and art director for 'Shibashi Totekoso.' In April-May, 'Bug Parade' (script/direction/art) will be staged at Tokyo Globe Theatre, and in June-July, 'Our Cosmic Dust' (script/direction/art) will be performed at Park Theatre in London, UK. Furthermore, in October-November, a four-city domestic tour of 'Our Cosmic Dust' will be held, and in April-May of this year, EPOCH MAN's new work 'The Closet Revue' will be staged at The Suzunari, expanding his activities vigorously.

【Comment】

I wanted to see a "glamorous" story set in a library.

While writing the concept, Tae Kimura's image kept appearing in my mind.

In a quiet daily life, being swallowed by the voices of unforgettable memories and unattainable delusions—that's the image.

Around me, the raw sounds of instruments resonate, and the people in front of me engage in noisy songs and conversations. Even though it's a place where one should be quiet.

A diverse group of actors has gathered, capable not only of acting but also of singing and playing instruments.

I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of play will emerge from the overlapping of their rich individualities.

A lively and glamorous library story, presented at Kinokuniya Hall, a theater surrounded by books.

I look forward to seeing you at the theater.

【Cast Profiles and Comments】

◆Tae Kimura

Born March 16, 1971, in Tokyo. After working on stage, she debuted in drama in 1996. Since then, she has appeared in numerous dramas and films. She won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actress for her first starring film, 'Gururi no Koto.' Her major works include "Black Revenge" (NTV), "Toto Neechan" (NHK morning drama), "Shiroi Kyotou" (CX), "Anata no Ban desu" (NTV), "Yangotonaki Ichizoku" (CX), "Madoka 26-sai, Kenshui Yattemasu!" (TBS), "My Home Hero" (TBS), films "Zero no Shoten" (Shochiku), "Tokyo-jima" (Gaga), "Last Man -FIRST LOVE-" (Shochiku), 'House of Ninjas' (24/Netflix). Recent works include the films "Never After Dark" (released June 5) and "Osomatsu-san Jinrui Kuzu-ka Keikaku!!!!!?" (released June 12). 'This is I' (26/Netflix). Other stage works include "Brackenmoor ~Ghost of the Wilderness~" (19), "Typhoon No. 23" (24), and she is a regular MC on "Kimura Tae no Imasara desu ga..." (NHK E-tele) and the voice of heaven narration on "Bi no Tsubo" (NHK BSP4K). She has appeared in countless works.

She is a unique actress who can widely portray various roles from serious to comedy, and her presence is indispensable in any work.

【Comment】

Kinokuniya Hall is a place where I have watched plays countless times, a place that created pages in my life.

And Mr. Ozawa wrote a story, as if it were for me, about someone who is not yet me.

How will that story, guided by the talented Michinari Ozawa, be born within me and reach everyone?

Now I'm scared and my feet feel like they're freezing, but I'm sure, no, it will definitely become my story, everyone's story. With that premonition, I will stand in this place with director Michinari Ozawa, the wonderful staff, and my co-stars, and live within this story.

It's a difficult road, but I've already started running.

Witness that moment in July.

【Cast Profile】

◆Ryosuke Mikata

Born October 25, 1992, in Tokyo. Debuted in 2011 in the musical concert "Koi Suru Broadway." In 2017, he played the protagonist Denbei Kimura in "Atami Satsujin Jiken," a role previously played by Duofu Kazama, Kazukiyo Nishikiori, and Hiroshi Abe, becoming the youngest ever to do so, and has starred in it five times by 2022. In 2020, he ventured into video works, making his drama debut in "Kyojo" (Fuji TV). His overwhelming acting skills became a hot topic. Since then, he has been widely active in dramas, stage plays, and films. He is highly regarded for his ability to embody roles, effortlessly transitioning from lighthearted to profound characters, and donning completely different atmospheres for each role. Recent major appearances include the dramas "50-punkan no Koibito" (ABC), "Tokyo P.D. Keishicho Koho 2-ka" and "Ai no, Gakko." (CX), stage plays "Gin-chan ga Iku" (as Ginshiro Kuraoka), "Ogai no Kaidan" (as Kafu Nagai), musicals "Romeo & Juliet" (as Benvolio) and "Black Jack" (as Doctor Kiriko). He is currently appearing in the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!"

◆Nazuna Mitsushima

Born July 10, 2002, in Osaka. Graduated from Nihon University College of Art, Department of Theater. She won the heroine role from 600 applicants in the stage audition for the Numazu City 100th Anniversary Project. Her captivating acting, utilizing her transparent presence, and her bold and wide-ranging acting, deeply rooted in theater, are her charms. Major appearances include Akari Yokoyama in the highly acclaimed NHK night drama "Hirayasu-mi," as well as "Otona ni Naritaku Naremasu Yo ni," which won an award at the 19th Tanabe-Benkei Film Festival, "Moshimo Sekai ni 'Ren'ai' ga Nakattara" (CBC), and "Ai no, Gakko." (CX). The tenki.jp brand movie "Sora wo Miageru Kimi ga Suki" and TV Asahi Gaiden distribution service "Daily logirl" are currently available, and her starring short film "Futari no Awai" is awaiting release.

◆Tomohiko Nakai

Born September 2, 1983, in Kanagawa Prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts. Debuted on stage in 2007 in "Les Misérables." From 2010, he belonged to the Shiki Theatre Company for five years. He performed 500 stages each as the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast" and Raoul in "The Phantom of the Opera." With his rich baritone voice, he is active in musicals and as a singer, and in recent years has expanded his activities to include radio personality and appearances on Fuji TV's popular program "All-Star Chorus Battle." While a member of the Shiki Theatre Company, he was deeply impressed by "The Complete Works of Chūya Nakahara," which he happened to pick up in a library, and began creating stage works to give form to the art Chūya felt. In 2016, he presented his solo stage "The World of Poet Chūya Nakahara," which he planned, composed, and directed himself, and in 2022, he presented "Watashi no Koto." In 2025, he will present the musical play "Ikiru to Iu Koto ~The Sincerity Shown by Dr. Tetsu Nakamura~." His major musical appearances to date include "Billy Elliot the Musical" (as Tony), "Knights' Tale" (as Palamon/singing instructor), "Jane Eyre" (as St. John/singing instructor), "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" (as Santiago), and "Misaeng" (as Park Jong-sik).

◆Ryotaro Sakaguchi

Born August 15, 1990, in Hyogo Prefecture. His special skills include dance, piano accompaniment, English, and tanka poetry. He has appeared in NHK morning dramas "Ochoyan" and "Ranman," the film series "Chihayafuru," the film "Under Ninja," dramas "Wana no Senso" and "Billion x School," "Ai no, Gakko" (CX), and his role as Tomisaburo Nakayama in the NHK Taiga drama "Berabou ~Tsutaju Eiga no Yume Hanashi~" also attracted attention. Recent major stage appearances include "Modern Boys," "Kinoshita Kabuki San-nin Kichisa Kuruwa no Hatsugai," and the musical play "Ai to Seigi." He also works as a singer-songwriter and as the lead actor and choreographer in "Sonorio no Ongakutai" (NHK E-tele). In January 2026, he will embark on a North American tour starting in New York for Kinoshita Kabuki "Kanjincho." His versatile activities and fashion are also attracting attention. His first essay collection, "Kyo mo, Chabudai no Ue de Odoru" (Kodansha), is currently a best-seller with multiple reprints. He is also scheduled to appear in the NHK morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru," which starts this spring.

◆Tsubaki Nekoze

Born October 17, 1972, in Tokyo. Joined Otona Keikaku in 1992. She is widely active not only on stage but also in films, dramas, and voice acting. Recent major appearances include the stage plays "Wife is miracle ~Sekai de Ichiban Atsui Yome~," "Shoshitsu," "Fukusuke 2024 - Kabukicho Mokushiroku -," "OUT OF ORDER," dramas "Oretachi Bad Barbers" (TX), "ESCAPE Sore wa Yuukai no Hazudatta" (NTV), "Shukatsu Share House" (NHK), "Koi wa Yami" (NTV), "Snowdrop no Hatsukoi" (KTV), "Kanzo wo Ubawareta Tsuma" (NTV), "Kono Subarashiki Sekai" (CX), "Hoshi Furu Yoru ni" (EX), films "Zootopia 2" (voice acting), "Mumei no Jinsei" (voice acting). She is also scheduled to appear in the NHK morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru," which starts this spring, and the drama "Toki Sude ni Osushi!?" (TBS).

【Performance Outline】

Performance Name: Kinokuniya Bookstore 100th Anniversary Performance

'My Book, Measuring Pages'

<Playwright, Director, Art> Michinari Ozawa

<Cast> Tae Kimura / Ryosuke Mikata, Nazuna Mitsushima, Tomohiko Nakai / Ryotaro Sakaguchi, Tsubaki Nekoze

<Performance Dates> July 2026

<Venue> Kinokuniya Hall (Shinjuku East Exit, Kinokuniya Bookstore Shinjuku Main Store 4F)

<General Ticket Release> Scheduled for May 2026

*Performance details will be announced on the official website as soon as they are decided.

Official HP: https://www.watashinosho.jp

【Inquiries regarding tickets】

Sunrise Promotion: 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00)

【Inquiries regarding the performance】

Media Mix Japan https://www.mmj-pro.co.jp/contact/stage/

Partnership: Kinokuniya Bookstore

Planning and Production: Media Mix Japan (MMJ)