Yuko Yuzuki's Earthquake Crime Suspense 'Fugitives Go North' (Shinchosha Publishing) to be Adapted for the Stage

### Introduction

Yuko Yuzuki, a popular author known for works like 'The Blood of the Lone Wolf' and 'Sunflower on the Board,' has written 'Fugitives Go North' (published by Shinchosha Publishing), an earthquake crime suspense set in her hometown of Tohoku.

This highly acclaimed work, which was also nominated for the 173rd Naoki Prize, depicts human sin and loss brought to light under the unprecedented circumstances of a disaster, and the will to continue living despite it all.

This highly anticipated work will finally be adapted for the stage in 2026, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake.

“Flight” and “Pursuit” intertwine in extreme circumstances—the tension and human drama will unfold in the intimate space of the theater.

The script and direction for this production will be handled by Takuya Yoshimura. Yoshimura, who has worked on numerous productions, takes on the weighty themes of this work. The music will be composed by TAKE of FLOW, quietly supporting the world of the story.

The story centers on Ryoya Mashiba, a young man who commits murder immediately after the earthquake, and, bracing himself for the death penalty, vanishes to search for a certain person.

Behind him is Kousuke Jinnai, a detective who, despite losing his daughter in the tsunami, clings to his duty and continues to pursue Mashiba.

The reasons for fleeing and the reasons for pursuing.

As their pasts and losses intertwine, their relationship transcends a mere chase, evolving into a profound inquiry into human nature.

Where will they ultimately arrive?—The conclusion will leave a powerful impression on all who witness it.

The cast features actors with proven acting skills and presence.

Ryoya Takahashi, making his starring debut in this production, plays the lead role of Ryoya Mashiba, while Kazuki Namioka plays the detective Kousuke Jinnai who pursues him.

Supporting roles include Yasuyuki Maekawa as Keisuke Muraki, Kensuke Takahashi as Fujishima, Daisuke Matsuda (Tokyo Dynamite) as Meguro, and Yuichi Yasoda as Go Tago, adding depth to the story with their seasoned performances.

Furthermore, Sho Yamamura and Kunpu Nakatani have been cast as a double cast for the role of Naoto Muraki.

All 12 performances will be held from Friday, June 12, to Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Theatre West.

“Sin” and “Choice” born amidst the reality of a disaster.

And the human spirit striving to move forward despite everything.

This work, which also garnered attention as a Naoki Prize nominee, will rise again through a new form of expression on stage.

Please look forward to its premiere.

****

### Comments

**Comment from Ryoya Takahashi, playing Ryoya Mashiba:**

I am Ryoya Takahashi, and I have been cast as Ryoya Mashiba in this production.

It is a great honor to be able to create this work with such wonderful people.

As it is my first leading role, I feel a lot of pressure, but I intend to sincerely engage with the work, cherishing each moment and delivering a heartfelt performance.

**Comment from Kazuki Namioka, playing Kousuke Jinnai:**

For me, a father of three children, this role will be a heavy and painful challenge.

I intend to build it up carefully and patiently with director Yoshimura.

**Comment from Yasuyuki Maekawa, playing Keisuke Muraki:**

Yuko Yuzuki's works, starting with 'The Blood of the Lone Wolf,' are all favorites of mine, both to read and to watch, so I am very excited to live within that world.

Furthermore, 15 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, I feel great significance in this work that once again questions the 'meaning of life,' and I will face it sincerely and perform with all my might.

**Comment from Kensuke Takahashi, playing Fujishima:**

This is certainly not a bright story, and I honestly hesitated about performing in it, thinking that some people might feel negative after watching it. However, after discussing with the creative team, I felt that there might be something I could convey to the audience, and that there was meaning in taking on this challenge as an actor now, which led to my decision. I will face this role with all my effort, so I ask for your support.

**Comment from Daisuke Matsuda (Tokyo Dynamite), playing Meguro:**

I have worked with producer Kumasaka and scriptwriter/director Yoshimura many times. I am confident that this team is foolproof. I am very much looking forward to it this time as well.

**Comment from Yuichi Yasoda, playing Go Tago:**

I co-starred with actor Takuya Yoshimura in a stage play led by Sanma Akashiya. We were comrades who worked hard not to be left behind by Sanma-san. This time, it's a speedy and thrilling stage play based on Yuko Yuzuki's work! I will make sure Director Takuya Yoshimura spurs me on so I don't get left behind by everyone!

**Comment from Takuya Yoshimura, Scriptwriter and Director:**

Shortly after the earthquake, when I participated in photo washing volunteer work.

The moment one of the photos was immersed in a bucket of water, it peeled off in my hand, becoming just a blank white backing.

I can never forget that sight.

It was a photo of a family gathering. There was cake, so surely they were celebrating someone's birthday. Was it the grandfather in the middle, or the little boy on his lap?

In any case, it was undoubtedly a snapshot of a happy time.

I irresponsibly went outside and cried.

Looking back now, those were tears of helplessness.

Fate sometimes mercilessly takes everything away.

That's why we must not let it fade away. And we must continue to live.

The city official, a victim of the earthquake themselves, came to offer me water as I cried.

I want to depict that kindness, that strength.

We await you at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre for the stage play 'Fugitives Go North'.

****

### Story

Ryoya Mashiba, a young man who commits murder immediately after the earthquake, and, bracing himself for the death penalty, vanishes to search for a certain person.

Detective Kousuke Jinnai pursues the suspect, despite losing his daughter in the tsunami.

Where will the two of them arrive—.

### Venue

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Theatre West

1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021

https://www.geigeki.jp/

### Original Work

Yuko Yuzuki 'Fugitives Go North' (published by Shinchosha Publishing)

### Script and Direction

Takuya Yoshimura

### Music

TAKE(FLOW)

### Cast

Ryoya Takahashi

Kazuki Namioka

Kensuke Takahashi

Daisuke Matsuda (Tokyo Dynamite)

Yuichi Yasoda

Sho Yamamura / Kunpu Nakatani

Yasuyuki Maekawa

### Performance Schedule

June

12 (Fri) 18:30 ★

13 (Sat) Day off

14 (Sun) 13:00 / 18:00

15 (Mon) 18:30 ★

16 (Tue) Day off

17 (Wed) 18:30 ★

18 (Thu) 18:30

19 (Fri) 13:00 ★ / 18:30

20 (Sat) 13:00 / 18:00 ★

21 (Sun) 11:30 / 15:30

Total of 12 performances

Performances with post-show talks = ★

Regarding opening times:

The lobby opens 45 minutes before the performance, and the auditorium opens 30 minutes before.

Regarding merchandise sales:

Sales will begin 45 minutes before each performance's opening time in the theater lobby.

Regarding post-show talks:

Scheduled for approximately 10-15 minutes after the end of the performance.

### Post-show Talk Schedule

June 12 (Fri) 18:30 performance

Ryoya Takahashi

Kazuki Namioka

Kensuke Takahashi

June 15 (Mon) 18:30 performance

Yasuyuki Maekawa

Kensuke Takahashi

Daisuke Matsuda (Tokyo Dynamite)

June 17 (Tue) 18:30 performance

Ryoya Takahashi

Kazuki Namioka

Takuya Yoshimura

June 19 (Mon) 13:00 performance

Ryoya Takahashi

Kensuke Takahashi

Yasuyuki Maekawa

June 20 (Sat) 18:00 performance

Kazuki Namioka

Yasuyuki Maekawa

Yuichi Yasoda

### Tickets

Reserved Seating: ¥11,000

U-22 Ticket: ¥6,600

*Same-day tickets: +¥500 per type

Official Primary Pre-sale (Lottery):

Application Period: April 6 (Mon) 19:00 - April 12 (Sun) 23:59

Results Announcement: April 16 (Thu)

*Limit: Up to 4 tickets per application

*One application per performance is allowed. (No limit on the number of performances.)

Official Secondary Pre-sale (Lottery):

Application Period: April 20 (Mon) 19:00 - April 26 (Sun) 23:59

Results Announcement: April 30 (Thu)

*Limit: Up to 4 tickets per application

*One application per performance is allowed. (No limit on the number of performances.)

Cast FC Pre-sale (Lottery):

Target: Fan club members of each cast member

*Please check each cast member's fan club for application details.

General Sale (First-come, first-served):

Sales Period: May 15 (Fri) 19:00 - June 8 (Mon) 22:59

Payment Deadline: June 8 (Mon) 22:59

Same-day Exchange Tickets:

Sales Period: June 8 (Mon) 23:00 - 23:00 the day before each performance

Payment Deadline: 23:59 the day before each performance

### Sales URL

Confetti

https://www.confetti-web.com/@/toubousha

### Official HP

https://toubousha-stage.com

### Official X

@tie_works_

Hashtag #舞台逃亡者

### Staff

Original Work: Yuko Yuzuki 'Fugitives Go North' (published by Shinchosha Publishing)

Script & Direction: Takuya Yoshimura

Music: TAKE (FLOW)

Producer: Ryota Kumasaka

Planning Cooperation: Shinchosha Publishing

Organizer: Tie Works

### Inquiries regarding tickets

Sunrise Promotion

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

### Inquiries regarding the performance

Tie Works

MAIL: info@tieworks.jp

©2025 Yuko Yuzuki / Shinchosha Publishing

©Stage 'Fugitives Go North'