I watched D-Stage 20th: Jyuudou Shounen (Judo Boys) Monday night and it was a LOT of fun with so many things going wrong throughout which added to the hilarity.
Official Website here
Official Twitter here
Press 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
CAST
Miyazaki Shuuto
Miyazaki’s Parents (played by Mitsuya - mother and Ikeoka - father)
Mitsuya Mitchell Ryo
Ikeoka Ryousuke
Arai Atsushi
Shison Jun (played by Mitsuya Ryo)
Negishi Takuya (played by Arai Atsushi)
Nishi Yukito (played by Ikeoka)
Voices of Shiramata Atsushi and Maeyama Takahisa
Sakurai Minami
Kobayashi Masahiro
NON-SPOILER
This was so funny! I didn’t stop laughing! Some parts were obviously planned and were supposed to be funny but quite a few things went wrong when I went and even the actors couldn’t not laugh which added to the hilarity. It’s a simple story and the comedy is definitely the selling point here. Seeing their close interactions is great too!
Rating: 9/10 << might be in the race to be my favourite D-Stage! But I’ll have to rewatch it to decide that finally.
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First I will talk about the story:
Basically Miyazaki Shuuto* has always been told to aim for the Olympics but he doesn’t see the point; he’s on a losing streak, he doesn’t want to go to the Olympics, he doesn’t even think he likes it anymore. Then thanks to a trip to Tokyo with his Judo buddies, he has his first love, finds a rival and discovers what he really wanted to do and what Judo means to him.
*They’re using their own names for the characters.
Simple enough story right? Which is great because it left a LOT of room for the BIG theme of the play: the comedy. This was absolutely hilarious! A lot of it was planned comedy but unfortunately the day I went, a LOT of things went wrong or happened without the other actors knowing it was going to happen so not only were the audience laughing hard but also the actors were laughing insanely hard too that they had to stop the play a little so both actor and audience could calm down xD Which means it as a lot of great fun!
To be honest, when I first got my ticket and it was Row Z and the site said row Z is actually row 3 and a bench seat I kind of panicked because I imagined the type of benches we have to sit on in primary school in England and they are not comfortable! SO I was super worried I’d have to put up with one of those types of benches for a 2 hour plus show BUT when I got there they weren’t really benches; just normal chairs without the back and with a cushion! And my bad didn’t hurt at all! I was comfortable the entire time! Also I was super lucky that the person in front and the person next to me didn’t show up SO I was technically on my own and second row! Which made it SUPER easy for the actors to spot us; seriously the first row could TOUCH the stage without even stretching their arm out! And Mitsuya definitely spotted me and I think Ikeoka looked over a few times -- but being me I kept looking away from IkeP if he so much as seemed to see me, cos I’m a shy girl with my bias’ xD
SPOILERS
Anyway! Now to the parts of the play I wanna focus and talk about! First let’s talk about the PLANNED comedy okay?
First Mitsuya pretending to be a returnee from America and speaking half English and half Japanese, at a fast speed, was both hilarious and impressive. For the most part his English was pretty accurate but there was one that cracked me up hard and that was "it’s privacy” (instead of saying “it’s private”) which we understand in English but isn’t right xD
Then next was Mitsuya playing Shuuto’s mother and his ‘chest’ was huge! xD also after she catches her husband look at her sons dirty magazines and pins him against the wall was hilarious.
Shuuto’s a master at showing comedy through his face! When he goes to see the girl he likes’ match every time the shuttlecock (she plays baminton) went to the rival player his face would be like -____- or angry and when it went back to her, he’d be like ^_^ or =D. It occurred about 5 or 6 times and it just got funnier as he continued.
Towards the end when Shuuto realises he does want to do Judo, IkeP and Mitsuya come running in and are like ‘hey you’re next guy is called Kaji Masaki and he’s a big guy so be careful’ which is hilarious that they mentioned Kaji’s name. We cracked out every time they used a D-Boys members’ name as the rival xD there were three times:
First was Shishon Jun played by Mitsuya and Mitsuya was doing the whole pouting his lips and playing with his blonde (wig) hair.
The second one was Nishii Yukito, played by IkeP, and he was like ‘YEAH!’ in a high pitched voice and kept flicking his hair back. But this scene soon changed into an unplanned accident scene when Shuuto did the final topple, IkeP’s wig came off and IkeP was facing the audience straight on and he just looked in shock as he realised the wig had come off and then cracked a smile that he couldn’t contain. He grabbed the wig and cradled it as he walked off xD after IkeP had walked off Shuuto was left on stage by himself and he just goes 'tondemonai koto na/unbelievable stuff is happening today' and then we went back to some planned comedy where he takes his time to re-adjust his uniform and checked the ties were the right and equal length and looks so proud of himself when he’s finished xD
Another funny moment is went Mitsuya and IkeP come on stage as the Kindai Kids (play on Kinki Kids) and do a song together and their outfits are ridiculously flashy and bright, and IkeP trying to sing high notes was funny too.
Some I’m not sure if they were planned or improvised/accident comedic scenes:
When Kobayashi gets angry at Shuuto and grabs him and he pushes Shuuto back but Ikeoka is behind him and Ikeoka is stuck between the wooden pole, Shuuto and then Kobayashi still pushing on Shuuto xD
There’s a part where Ikeoka (as Shuuto’s dad) is trying to talk to his son seriously but looks down and realises his fly is open and proceeds to try and close it for the remainder of the scene (it’s got a few more minutes left) and the audience were laughing too much to pay attention to what he was saying.
And now for the, even the actors couldn’t keep it together and laughed hard scenes:
Towards the beginning of the show, the boys were running around their coach Kobayashi, and without expecting it, he grabbed IkeP and toppled him over, and IkeP got back up and just looked at him in shocked and Mitsuya and Shuuto had sopped what they were doing and just stood there wetting themselves laughing as IkeP also cracked up and joined in, as well as the audience.
Another was a karaoke scene with Shuuto and Minami. Shuuto was trying to sing badly, but it ended in his voice cracking, and he couldn't stop laughing as he continued to sing the rest of the song.
About halfway through Mitsuya and IkeP suddenly stop the play for a few minutes and get everyone to do Mitsuya’s Exercises! So we all had to stand up and we did an arm stretch, a neck stretch and a hip roll stretch. The Mitsuya was like ‘Mtsuya Solo!’ and danced around the stage widely and IkeP just stood to the side, lent against the wall, just looking at him speechless and in amazement at the silly things he was doing. When Mitsuya finished IkeP couldn’t speak at all xD
Towards the end, to help Shuuto win the girl and tournament, Arai comes to where the tournament in and before he can start a fight, IkeP, Mitsuya and Shuuto knock Araki out, but then Kobayashi comes in but they don't have enough time to 'hide the body' so they cover him up with their bodies, BUT Arai's face went right into Mitsuya's crotch and he’s not allowed to move because he’s supposed to be unconcious, so we slowly see his face going red and his chest laughing, as Mitsuya is facing us with his head in his hands dying of embarrassment and laughing.
One final one was when Shuuto lost his balance at the left side of the stage and IkeP luckily saw it pretty soon and smoothly grabbed his arm and re-balanced him xD
Side note; can we give a special mention to IkeP and Mitsuya’s eye contact! Talk about giving each other the sex eyes all the time! xD
During the AfterTalk
Naturally it was centered around valentine’s day and when we came in, all our leaflets had a pink heart stickie note on and they explained that it’s our chocolate and as we leave, we can put the hearts in the box of the actor we like. Then suddenly IkeP was like ‘So we’re a host club now? and then it slowly got to them calling the play ‘Boku no Jyuudou chan’ xD
They spoke about the most chocos they got as kids and Arai and Shuuto were adament they weren’t popular but none of them believed Shuuto xD IkeP spoke about getting TomoChoco and was like ‘whao! this is so nostalgic!’ and Mitsuya was like ‘that’s not my generation’ xD and they were like ‘but you’re only 19 right?’ and he’s like ‘yeah I was born in Showa but I’m a Seihei’ and he realised he’d fucked up Heisei and just died and they all got on his case about it, ‘when was Seihei?! Never herd of it! Must be an old, old era’ xD he gave up trying to correct his mistake.
Arai also mentioned how he was the one who wrote the letters/characters on the boards that are in the background.
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Final note:
This stage was a godsend in terms of reconfirming and reaffirming my love for IkeP. He did amazing in Yuhiden and Litche Hikari Club at the end of 2015 and that’s where I fell for him so I went into 2016 super hopeful for him but he only ended up doing like ONE play and ONE dorama and that was April and September, so I was super worried for his career and worried I wouldn’t be able to see more of him BUT we’re only in February and already he’s got a dorama airing, he’s doing a stage now and he’s definitely got Dansui stage in May! So he’s already doing more this year which makes me a super happy bunny and seeing him (finally!, again!) in this on Monday really helped me remember ‘ah yes I love this idiot’ xD he really is hilarious and cute!!
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That’s all I got to say really. I am very much looking forward to the DVD! It’s a thoroughly enjoyable play! Seriously, a lot of fun and I didn’t stop laughing for over 2 hours!
👊🔥💪KEEP IT UP CHAMP from @eastybeasty90 - It’s nothing but love and respect for the bra bra to get here and stay a lil you really gotta put that work in sure this was all a dream to you to its dope to see fokes that come from a similar place reach similar goals all respect bra bra keep doing ya thang brody @brittangolden #WT #RamsVsCards #D2Boys #LondonGames #GIFTOFHORIZON #GIFTOFABETTERVIEW
I will be taking orders for As You Like It. All payments will be accepted through PAYPAL only and in Japanese yen(!).Shipping will be coming from Japan via AIRMAIL (you can request EMS if you so wish but it IS more expensive).
There will be TWO payment installments: first, cost of the items, then second is the cost of shipping (plus randoms*****).
Acting Troupe D-BOYS' Direct Hit on Dramatic Dream Life
Dramas, Movies, Theater and the like, they're working on multi-platforms. Watanabe Entertaint's Acting Troupe D-BOYS.
This is the guys' direct hit projects and dramatic dream lives serialisation!
This time; Opening from October 14th is D-Stage's 19th 'As You Like It' which these three will appear in ♪
✰ Tomo-san (Yanagishita) is an ill-tempered, hot/cold guy usually but that's just a spur of his love *laugh*
--D-Stage 19th 'As You Like It' has a long rehearsal period but, at this current stage what's the reaction been like?
Makita Tetsuya: Maechan (Maeyama) who is performing as Rosalind has a lot of lines and is someone who drives the story forward. However, it's a female role and half way through she dresses as a man which is a complicated role to attempt/challenge, but he was able to unlayer the character, right?
Maeyama Takahisa: You're right. I feel I got it right.
Yanagishita Tomo: *imitating Maeyama's tiny voice* Thanks to who?!
Maeyama: It's all thanks to Tomo-san *laughs*
Yanagishita: What? Me? I didn't really do anything though!?
Makita: You guys are annoying! *laughs*
--You're (Maeyama who plays as Rosalind and Yanagishita who plays Orlando, who play lovers) in perfect sync, aren't you! *laughs*
Maeyama: Even in rehearsals we're like this *laughs*. Surprisingly I was able to remember my own lines quickly but, there are times during rehearsals when I can't remember them. When that happens, Tomo-san says "It's better to not (relay on and) read the script". "Don't get too caught up on the lines, be more focused on what you're partner is doing" he said. I tried this out when I was having trouble, during the run-throughs "Oh! This is what you mean!", and my lines came out naturally. "It's better to think about why your lines aren't coming out when you're having trouble," is what I learnt. Tomo-san is really great.
Yanagishita: Stop it *laughs* Actually, it's because I've experienced it myself. During 'Orphans' I had a lot of lines, it was hard to let go on the script, so I completely understand how Mae-chan feels. Being a pivotal character, worries like 'What'll I do if I forget my line and stop the show!?' occur right? At the time of Orphans, Director Miyata Keiko-san told me 'Don't read the script!'. I just wanted to tell Mae-chan the same thing I was told. At first I too was scared but, you'll find things you didn't notice before if you hadn't. Everyone knows you know the script and your lines, so don't worry.
Maeyama: Instead of relying on the script and thinking about it, I was able to naturally feel the actual conversations in the scenes.
--Was D-Stage a good place for senpais and kohais to consult and give advice?
Makita: Before it felt like everyone in D-Boys was together; during the rehearsals we would have this 'everyone's the same' feeling around us and that everyone's doing their best. But I think that changed. We definitely have a senpai/kohai thing going on.
Yanagishita: On the other hand, you never say anything to me because we we started (at D-Boys) at the same time. It feels like we're on the same page. We don't even give each other advice when don’t ask for it.
Makita: That's true. Mae-chan do you have something similar?
Maeyama: You're right. You two entered at the same time so I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing (that you don’t give advice to each other). Even though you're partner is having trouble, they're probably figuring it out and trying their best. I quite admire it. And when you hit a wall, if you ask someone then they're going to answer you. This time around D-Stage has a lot of senpais so I got a lot of help from everyone.
--Even though there's a lot of 'DEVIEW' readers who's never been to see a play, and reader's who've never seen a Shakespeare play, yet they have an interest in 'As You Like It'.
Yanagishita: Director Aoki Gou-san's work is easy for even first timer's to understand. On top of that, the actors in it are excited to do it. There's often no difficult words in Shakespeare plays*, and because of this, I definitely want people to look forward to this production. There's four couples in this so just like Endo-san said once before 'It has a very GetsuKu** Romantic Drama feel to it'. It captures a romantic comedy perfectly and you can feel the affinity in the emotions. Especially if you focus on the different roles. It's definitely best to (come) watch this!
Maeyama: There's a lot of lines in this production and there's a lot of roundaboutness. There's also times where you'll think half way through that you have no idea what people are saying. But, as far as the conversations and the discussions are concerned, it's very easy to understand and watch. I think you'll get to the end and you'll think 'Loving someone is nice'. I too won't forget Orlando's (played by Yanagishita) declaration of love. Tomo-san is... you know...
Yanagishita: *In a small voice and whispering to Maeyama* So cool!
Maeyama: You really are cool
Yanagishita: Really!? It's not something I'm aware of...
Makita: Seriously, you two are a pain!! *laughs*
Maeyama: Sometimes I noticed you scribbled 'I hate this part of Takahisa's (character)' on the script. There's unkind parts too (from Rosalind) as well as the hot and cold personality. That kind of back and forth breaks down the barrier and spurs on the romance *laughs*
Makita: I don't wanna be in that world...
--Just like the play, you're being loveydovey (with each other) *laughs* Makita-kun, you were in the first Shakespeare D-Stage 'Merchant of Venice', you're playing the clown just like last time.
Makita: This time I'm playing Touchstone who is either an interesting person or, the way he thinks and expresses it is interesting. It's questionable what type of character he is...
Yanagishita: The beginning has a lots of antics and there's a lot of strong, individual characters so you have to have a lot of energy. I haven't really done comedy so sometimes I’d say 'I want to refine this a little more' *laughs* When you take out the limitation (of comedy), then you have a good balanced product, and the childish sides of the three main men increases, and more than that, I thought it'd be nice if Orlando could be charming.
Makita: In the beginning it really looked like Orlando was perfect, but when I saw Tomo do the role, I realised he was a man who's overflowing with flaws. Rosalind also (Maeyama's character) is very laughable; she likes Orlando and has these overflowing emotions.
--Do you think the romantic couple's situations has aspects that still occur today?
Maeyama: Moments like when I meet Orlando who I love and my heart races. Not just in a female/male relationship, but a mutual feelings. I play Rosalind but at first she's only thinking about about her family, it's only after meeting Orlando that she begins to be engrossed in her feelings rather than thinking about her family. Puberty is that kind of thing right. I can relate.
Yanagishita: If you think of it realistically, you wouldn't realise if the girl you liked was dressed up as a man. Even if it was for a dramatic setting, and even if it was a type of captivation, in the beginning I thought Orlando had realised. But if the girl you like tries to hide herself in a forest, and on top of that, as a man, I wondered if he was just pretending not to notice when he met her due to her having a reason behind it all. But, a Shakespeare production is always fun so that's when I realised he really didn't know (about Rosalind cross dressing). In reality, if this happened, I'd be happy and enjoy just being with the girl I like, so I'd just carry on (pretending) even if I knew. The romance that goes on in this production is very pubescent. "My heart'll race if I go past him" type of style. It feels like this doesn't happen these days... *laughs* In the same way, I want people who had forgotten those feelings to remember them again.
Makita: Shakespeare is pretty much all about 'love at first sight'. 'Romeo and Juliet' is the same. However, my character, Touchstone is the complete opposite. 'Thanks for noticing me but it’s what's inside that counts more' kind of feeling. There are hypocritical people, but there's lots of different forms of love here. I want you all to enjoy those parts too.
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NOTES:
*Japanese versions of Shakespeare are often translated into MODERN Japanese and therefore very easy for Japanese audiences to understand --- they clearly have no idea how much a of mine field it can be for English speakers and those who read Shakespeare in English xD this part made me giggle!
**GetsuKu refers to: Getsuyoubi Kuji which means the TV time slot of 'Monday's at 9pm'
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Enjoy! Sorry if some of it is dodgy! I’m still rusty as I slowly get back into translating again.
So I was just about to make this a regular thing when the announced they’re scrapping the bromides system for D-Boys -__- (see here) but I’ll do it anyway. As it’s (possibly) the last time, there’s some possible extras and stuff too so please read this entire post carefully before you order.
THE GOODS!
1. D-Boys Bromides = 160 ~ 980 yen
There are three options you can do here;
- Individual photos = 160yen each (The top 3 in the full sets shown on 7net here are the A-B-Cs also sold at WE shop. The 4th is always a WE shop exclusive which they never give previews of!)
- Full WE Shop Member Set 640yen (4 bromides)
- D-Boys Exclusive 7-Net Full Set 980 yen (I have D-Boys but not POT membership (sorry!) ordered through 7net here - 6 photos)
e.g.
Full Seto Koji Member Set
Full Usui D-Boys Exlcusive Set
Suzuki Hiroki Photo A
2. D-Boys Thanks Bromide Set = 800 yen
This is 4 photos (that the members themselves chose) plus a special card. See the bromide and card here.
3. Birthday Bromides = 350yen
The birthday boys are: Ikeoka, Yamada Yuki, Shuuto
It is 2L Size so twice the size of a normal bromide.
4. Future Series Higashi Keisuke Bromides = 160 yen each.
A - B - C bromides available - just like the individual D-Boys ones, I don't think previews will be shown unless a fan uploads their's on twitter or instagram.
5. Higashi Keisuke Special Bromide Set 2016 = 980 yen
It's a 3 bromide set - I'm assuming it's different to his September ones. Only available through 7net and it might only be for WE premium members so I'd wait until I can confirm to order this one.
6. Seto Koji Solo Event Goods - so as predicted they are selling the goods from his event. Full list and pictures here.
- Bromides = 700 yen.
4 photo set.
- T Shirt [White / Black] = 3000yen.
One Size. I'm like a UK 6 - 8 (US 4 - 6) and it's a bit big on me.
- Lunch Bag = 1000yen.
- Key Cap = 1000yen.
- Mug [White / Black] = 1500yen.
- Stickers = 200yen.
- All Star Character Stickers = 500 yen.
WE Shop Exclusive!
7. Nakagawa Shouko Bromides September = 160 yen each.
2 bromides total available.
8. Other = If you see any other WE goods available that you really want, let me know!
I think that’s finally everything! xD
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ORDER FORM
Name:
Country:
Email [preferably your paypal one]:
Order:
e.g.
One Seto Koji D-Boys Exclusive Set x1
Usui Bromide A x1
Tomo Thanks Bromide x2
Preferred Member**:
Message Request? [See 'WE SHOP MESSAGES’ below]:
Preferred Payment: Paypal [International Buyers] // In Person / Bank Transaction [Japan Residents Only]
Packaging Request?: (If you have any specific requests for packaging, you will be charged for it)
Other:
Current Total*:
**Important!** If I spend over 2000 yen (which I always do just for myself anyway) I can pick any member's bromide (for free) as a present (so long as it isn’t sold out). So if I DO go over, which member bromide would you prefer?
*Totals will be messaged to you, which includes paypal fee and shipping fee, for confirmation before the paypal bill is sent to you!
**Please message me your orders! You can message me either on here or through my LJ [mystical_powers] or my Twitter [@sambart93].
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Order Deadline: Friday 9th OR 16th September at Midnight (JPN)
Payment Deadline: Sunday 11th OR 18th September at Midnight (JPN)
Goods Buying Days: Tuesday and Wednesday September 13th and 14th (or Monday the 12th) OR 20th and 21st
*Depending on how fast orders come in and stuff will depend on which day I’ll do but I would personally prefer to go the 12th/13th.
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WE SHOP MESSAGES!: Messages are always posted on the door at the store, if you wanna see a specific members message (and I can probably translate it to for you) then let me know and I’ll take pics! (Message Schedule and Members is here):
September 1 - 25th: Araki Message, Usui Message.
September 1 - 28th: Horii Message.
September 1 - 11th and 23 - October 10th: Jinnai Message,
September 1 - October 3rd: Arai Message,
September 21 - October 2nd: Shion Message,
September 1 - 16th: Shuuto Message,
September 23 - October 2: Shuuto/Tonchan Message,
September 1 - 15th: Tomo/Endo/Okubo Message,
September 16 - 30th: Mikata, Kaji, Yamada Message.
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Shipping Fees
These are a guideline and are subject to change if necessary!
1. In Japan:
Flat Items / Small Small = 300 Yen
e.g. Small bromide sets only.
Big Orders / Big Items = 600 Yen
e.g. 4 Bromides sets, plus large birthday sets, plus t shirt etc.
2. International:
Small Letter Size = 400 Yen
Light but Not Small = 800 Yen
Big / Heavy Package = 1200 Yen
*PLUS PayPal Fee
*Packaging: Already stated above but I will state again; If you are particular about your packaging then let me know in the comments section but it will be added onto your bill.
I will add these charges on and explain them before sending you the paypal bill!
Also if I do overcharge, I am most likely going to want to refund you! It’s only fair right?
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Final Comment: If there ARE too many orders, I will (at will) stop taking orders if I see fit.
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If you have any questions let me know!
That’s me out! Jesus this took a long time to do xD
This was a ride of adlibs and craziness seriously... I watched most (or all) of the anime before watching this - and I think I decided to watch this play because of.... Shouta? So I went in NOT knowing just how well known Tomoru is and I clearly went into it not knowing a thing about MakiChan…
