Unpaid Time Creates Value: A Cafe that Transforms Backstage Moments into Experiences, Protecting the Future of Performers

We endorse April Dream, which aims to make April 1st a day to share dreams.

This press release is the dream of "〝IMMERSIVE CAFE〟ともだち'n-chi."

a.d-life Inc. participates in the April Dream project and introduces its initiative towards the dream of "creating a cycle where talented individuals shine authentically and contribute to someone else's happiness," through its operated store "〝IMMERSIVE CAFE〟ともだち'n-chi."

1. Actors' rehearsals are typically unpaid, a structural issue making continuation difficult

For many actors on stage, it is customary that while they receive performance fees, they are not paid for the rehearsal period leading up to it.

Furthermore, for some productions, rehearsal schedules are often finalized at the last minute, posing a challenge for actors to balance with other work.

As a result, many performers continue their activities burdened not only by financial strain but also by anxieties about the future and mental stress.

2. Transforming rehearsal time into "experience value," a system to hone expressive skills in daily life

"〝IMMERSIVE CAFE〟ともだち'n-chi" is designed to resemble the shared lounge of a share house, with actors appearing as residents living in the share house.

Guests visit the cafe as friends of the residents.

The residents spend their time in the shared lounge, where they gather with other residents and their friends, seeking inspiration to expand their repertoire of expression.

Within this setting, customers can experience something different each day: sometimes they perform improvisational theater called 'etude' to enhance their acting skills, sometimes they record radio shows to improve their MC abilities, and other times they engage in basic theatrical exercises called 'theater games' together with guests.

It is not about prescribed training, but rather about moments of expression arising from daily life that foster the growth of performers' abilities.

The relaxed demeanor of actors, like being in their dressing room, and the serious dedication they put into honing their craft – these are moments usually unseen. Touching upon such "sources of emerging stories" itself becomes an experiential value for visitors.

And as the time freely spent in that space is woven into a narrative as "the story of the day," visitors themselves become characters shaping that story.

Furthermore, by sharing the events that unfold during the time actors and guests spend together, a gentle sense of unity, like a classroom after school, is born, making it a comforting place to return to at any time.

3. Valuing backstage moments, creating an environment where performers can sustain their careers

We aim to find value not only in the time spent on stage but also in the backstage hours and processes, creating a foundation where performers can continue their activities sustainably.

This place aims to be a "spiritual refuge" for both actors and visitors, a place they can always return to.

We aspire to create a society where actors, comedians, and other creative performers are less likely to abandon their dreams due to economic reasons.

We will continue to work on creating an environment for sustainable activities, by expanding a system that creates value not only in the performance itself but also in the time and process leading up to it.

■ Store Overview

Name: 〝IMMERSIVE CAFE〟ともだち'n-chi (Immersive Cafe Tomodanchi)

Location: Miyahara Building 3F, 1-45-9 Higashi-Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Access: 2 minutes walk from Higashi-Nakano Station on the JR Sobu Line

Business Hours: Weekdays 19:00〜22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 17:00〜22:00

Operation: a.d-life Inc.

Official Website: https://tomodachi-n-chi.immersive-cafe.com/

Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/tomodachi.n_chi/

【Contact Information regarding this matter】

a.d-life Inc.

Contact Person: Public Relations

Mail: pr@a-d.life