Reading Drama 'The Old-Age Nuisance' Starring Tomochika × Yudai Chiba: A Two-Person Stage Play by Tomochika and Yudai Chiba, 'The Old-Age Nuisance,' Opens!

The reading drama 'The Old-Age Nuisance,' based on Makiko Uchidate's acclaimed novel, opened on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Yurakucho Yomiuri Hall in Tokyo. Photography by Rinko Yamamoto Tomochika and Yudai Chiba, as a duo, masterfully portray multiple characters, unfolding a humorous and emotional tale of those labeled 'the old-age nuisance' fighting back. Koharu of Charan-Po-Rantan is in charge of the music, coloring the stage with live accordion performances alongside Showa-era popular songs. The curtain rises with a lighthearted exchange that feels like an extension of everyday life. The audience naturally breaks into laughter with the brisk dialogue and highly improvisational interplay, gradually getting drawn into the world of the story. In this production, Tomochika and Yudai Chiba skillfully switch between numerous roles, vividly bringing various characters to life. Tomochika, with her exceptional observational skills and expressive power, brilliantly delineates a wide range of roles, bringing out the nuances of human nature hidden beneath the humor. Yudai Chiba, meanwhile, effortlessly transitions between characters of different generations and personalities, including the 85-year-old Fukutaro. At times, his narrative style, reminiscent of Rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling), draws the audience in, bringing a unique rhythm and depth to the work. The rapid-fire exchanges between the two, as they instantly switch roles, are filled with dynamism, creating a 'live battle of words' unique to reading dramas, which captivates the audience. Furthermore, Koharu of Charan-Po-Rantan's live accordion performance adds rich emotion to the stage. The melancholic melody resonates as if reflecting the inner world of the characters called 'the old-age nuisance,' vividly highlighting their humanity. In the final act, Tomochika, playing Haruko, performs 'Tokyo Boogie-Woogie.' Involving the audience, she leads to a spectacular finale filled with a sense of unity. The 'old-age nuisances' appearing in this work are depicted as endearing and lovable figures. Their words and actions involve those around them, eventually transforming 'harm' into 'benefit.' You will surely laugh while thinking of someone's face and unknowingly feel a warmth in your heart. We hope you experience that warm afterglow at the theater. "It was just Chiba-san and me for two hours. I often do solo comedy, but reading a script is something I haven't done since elementary school. From the very first rehearsal, there were moments when I was moved to tears, and I really got deeply into the story. I want the audience to leave feeling, 'Ah, that was refreshing, it was fun!'" "I play 85-year-old 'Fukutaro' most often, and through rehearsals, this character has become more and more endearing and lovable to me. There are also some small tricks involved, and I want to cherish the atmosphere once the audience arrives. Of course, I want everyone to enjoy it, but I also want us to enjoy it." Photography by Rinko Yamamoto. Photography by Rinko Yamamoto. Photography by Rinko Yamamoto. Photography by Rinko Yamamoto. Performance Outline Performance Name: Reading Drama 'The Old-Age Nuisance' Original Work: Makiko Uchidate 'The Old-Age Nuisance' (Kodansha Bunko) Cast: Tomochika, Yudai Chiba Music/Accordion Performance: Koharu (Charan-Po-Rantan) Script/Direction: Hiroshi Sasabe ■ Tokyo Performances Date/Venue: Yurakucho Yomiuri Hall Ticket Price: 8,800 yen (All reserved seats, tax included) Doors Open: 45 minutes before the performance starts Organizer: Sunrise Promotion Inquiries: Sunrise Promotion 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00) ■ Osaka Performances Date/Venue: Morinomiya Piloti Hall Ticket Price: 8,800 yen (All reserved seats, tax included) Doors Open: 45 minutes before the performance starts Inquiries: Sunrise Promotion 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00) ■ Aichi Performances Date/Venue: May 23 (Sat) 17:00 / May 24 (Sun) 13:00 Tokai City Arts Theater Main Hall Ticket Price: 8,800 yen (All reserved seats, tax included) Doors Open: 45 minutes before the performance starts Organizer: Me-Tele / Me-Tele Jigyō / Sunrise Promotion Inquiries: Sunrise Promotion 0570-00-3337 (Weekdays 12:00-15:00) ■ Akita Performances Date/Venue: May 31 (Sun) 14:00 / 18:00 Akita Arts Theater Millhasu Small Hall Ticket Price: 8,800 yen (All reserved seats, tax included) Doors Open: 30 minutes before the performance starts Organizer: AKT Akita TV Inquiries: Akita TV Business Division 018-866-8030 (Weekdays 10:00-16:00) Ticket Release Date: January 31 (Sat) 10:00 *Akita Performance February 13 (Fri) 10:00 Children under elementary school age not admitted. Official Website: https://ml-geki.com/rougainohito/ Official X: @rougainohito