Stage Play 'The Fugitive Heads North' Opens: Script and Direction by Takuya Yoshimura, Starring Ryo Tachibana, Kazuki Namioka, Kensuke Takahashi, Daisuke Matsuda, Yuuichi Yashiro, and Taishi Maekawa

The stage play 'The Fugitive Heads North' opened today, June 12, 2026, and will run until June 21 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's Theatre West.

Photo: Hiroki Miyasaka ©2025 Yuzuko Yuzuki / Shinchosha ©Stage 'The Fugitive Heads North'

Based on the novel 'The Fugitive Heads North' by Yuzuko Yuzuki, author of 'Lone Wolf's Blood', published by Shinchosha. This Naoki Prize nominee explores themes of 'sin and forgiveness', 'loss and rebirth', and the meaning of human existence through the journey of a man who becomes a fugitive and heads north in the chaotic aftermath of a disaster.

In 2026, this powerful work is being adapted for the stage. Against the backdrop of a real disaster, it presents an intense human drama depicting the struggles and hopes of people pushed to their limits. Why did the fugitive head north? Witness in the theatre a profound story of human sin, forgiveness, and rebirth emerging from the chaos of disaster.

Due to popular demand and a sold-out final performance on Sunday, June 21 at 15:30, the show will be live-streamed via Kanfeti Streaming Theatre.

Comments from the cast have been released ahead of opening night. For details on same-day tickets, please visit the official website.

■Cast Comments

Ryo Masaki (played by Ryo Tachibana):

'The stage play 'The Fugitive Heads North' is finally opening.

This is my first time leading a stage production, and I honestly feel a lot of pressure and nervousness.

However, during rehearsals, I was supported by everyone in the company,

and together we carefully crafted this production.

Though it's a major challenge, I sincerely intend to deliver this story,

and my character Ryo Masaki, with all my heart.

I look forward to seeing you at the theatre.'

Kosuke Jinbo (played by Kazuki Namioka):

'I've played many detectives before, but this is my first time portraying one carrying the weight of a disaster.

I'm truly grateful to still be receiving new challenges and inspiration at this stage of my life.

Through honest and intense rehearsals between veterans and younger actors, we've created a work we can proudly present.

I would be delighted if you could experience it live in the theatre.'

■Introduction

The disaster crime suspense novel 'The Fugitive Heads North' by popular author Yuzuko Yuzuki, known for 'Lone Wolf's Blood' and 'Sunflower on the Chessboard' (published by Shinchosha), is finally being adapted for the stage in 2026.

Set in the Tohoku region, this acclaimed work, shortlisted for the 173rd Naoki Prize, reveals human sin, loss, and the will to survive amid the unprecedented chaos of a disaster.

At the heart of the story is Ryo Masaki, a young man who commits murder shortly after the disaster and disappears while searching for someone, prepared to face execution.

And Detective Kosuke Jinbo, who lost his daughter to the tsunami but continues his pursuit of the suspect.

As their reasons for fleeing and chasing intersect with personal loss and past trauma, their relationship transcends a simple chase, evolving into an intense drama that questions the essence of humanity.

Script and direction by Takuya Yoshimura, music by TAKE of FLOW. Additionally, Kōichi Yamadera joins as the voice actor for Masayuki Hinuma, adding unique depth to the world of the play.

Ryo Tachibana makes his stage leading debut as Ryo Masaki, with Kazuki Namioka as Detective Kosuke Jinbo. Veteran actors Taishi Maekawa, Kensuke Takahashi, Daisuke Matsuda, and Yuuichi Yashiro join the cast. The role of Naoto Muraki will be double-cast with Shō Yamamura and Kaofu Nakatani, enriching the human drama.

Twelve performances will be held from June 12 (Fri) to June 21 (Sun), 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre's Theatre West.

Both the opening and final performances have sold out due to high demand, and the final performance will be live-streamed via Kanfeti Streaming Theatre.

The 'sin' and 'choices' born from the reality of disaster.

And the human will to move forward despite everything.

What conclusion awaits beyond the intersecting paths of 'fugitive' and 'pursuit' in this extreme situation?

We invite you to witness the journey of this story, both in the theatre and through live streaming.

■Story

A young man, Ryo Masaki, commits murder shortly after a disaster and vanishes northward, searching for someone while prepared to face execution.

Detective Kosuke Jinbo, having lost his daughter to the tsunami, continues to pursue the suspect.

Where will these two men ultimately arrive?

■Performance Overview

Stage Play: 'The Fugitive Heads North'

Performance Dates: June 12 (Fri) – June 21 (Sun), 2026

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Theatre West

Original Work: Yuzuko Yuzuki's 'The Fugitive Heads North' (Shinchosha)

Script and Direction: Takuya Yoshimura

Music: TAKE (FLOW)

Cast:
Ryo Masaki: Ryo Tachibana
Kosuke Jinbo: Kazuki Namioka
Fujishima: Kensuke Takahashi
Meguro: Daisuke Matsuda
Goda: Yuuichi Yashiro
Naoto Muraki: Shō Yamamura / Kaofu Nakatani
Keisuke Muraki: Taishi Maekawa
Masayuki Hinuma: Kōichi Yamadera [Voice]
Ensemble: Hiroki Nakajima, Arigatē Tarumi, Ryunosuke Moriyama, Mai Iiyama, Takuya Suda, Gayako, Yuumama Jinshi, Etsuko Tsurumekko, Kuruki Nossaku / Kotaru Kakita

■Staff

Original Work: Yuzuko Yuzuki's 'The Fugitive Heads North' (Shinchosha)

Script and Direction: Takuya Yoshimura

Music: TAKE (FLOW)

Producer: Ryota Kumazaka

Planning Cooperation: Shinchosha

Organizer: Tie Works

＜Performance Schedule＞

■Website & SNS

Official Website: https://toubousha-stage.com

Official X: @tie_works_

■Inquiries

Tie Works Email: info@tieworks.jp

Photo: Hiroki Miyasaka ©2025 Yuzuko Yuzuki / Shinchosha ©Stage 'The Fugitive Heads North'