The cherished musical “DREAM BOYS”, which has been carefully passed down since its debut in 2004, once again captivated audiences with its story of irreplaceable friendship and dreams.
For years, the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo has hosted the iconic and legendary musical “DREAM BOYS,” a unique production that combines elements of traditional musical theater with Japanese idol culture, creating a distinctive theatrical experience that has captivated audiences over time.
This year—being the last before the theater closes for renovations— has once again been led by Shota Watanabe from Snow Man and Shintaro Morimoto from SixTONES, supported by the Junior group Shonen Ninja and veteran actresses Jun Shibuki and Ran Otori.
In a commemorative press conference on opening night, Watanabe reflected on his approach to the role this year. While last year he focused heavily on embodying the direction of Koichi Domoto, who has been directing the play since 2019, this year he sought to bring more of his individuality to the role. He stated, “I wanted to add my own essence while staying true to Koichi-kun’s vision. I think I’ve been able to achieve that this year.”
Morimoto echoed similar sentiments, sharing how Koichi’s detailed direction on vocal intonation, emotional delivery, and foundational stage techniques helped him grow. “Koichi-kun’s words gave me a new perspective on my role. His passion as a director pushed me to give my best,” he said proudly.
Both actors’ growth was evident not only in their acting but also in their singing, physicality, and commanding stage presence. The boxing scenes—a highlight of the production—were executed with increased precision and realism. Watanabe and Morimoto‘s performance of flying stunts and choreographed fight sequences held a convincing and emotional gravity, showcasing their physical dedication and deep understanding of their roles.
The closing performance on October 29th was especially emotional. After the final scenes concluded, Watanabe and Morimoto stood together during the curtain call, where a surprise awaited the cast and audience alike. Kazuya Kamenashi (KAT–TUN), who led “DREAM BOYS” as its star from 2004 to 2012 across 388 performances, appeared on stage. For many, their first encounter with STARTO stage plays and musicals might have been “DREAM BOYS,” making this appearance an emotional connection.
Singing one of the show’s iconic songs, Kame brought a wave of nostalgia and awe. Watanabe and Morimoto, unaware of his appearance, expressed their shock and joy, with Shota exclaiming, “We really didn’t know! This is amazing!”
Kame praised the two leads and reflected on the legacy of “DREAM BOYS”: “Seeing my juniors carry the baton forward and bring this show to life is truly heartwarming. I hope this production will continue to bloom in new ways for years to come. Thank you for 20 years of DREAM BOYS.” The heartfelt moment brought the audience to thunderous applause, highlighting the bond between generations of performers who have shared this stage.
As the Imperial Theatre prepares for renovations, the significance of this final production is not lost on its cast and audience. Watanabe reflected on the emotional weight of standing in a role once filled by his seniors: “During our junior days, Shintaro and I watched Kamenashi-kun’s ‘DREAM BOYS’ and admired his performance. To now stand here and be seen by others feels deeply moving.”
Dumpling Box had the honor of seeing the legendary musical in person through a passionate and dedicated fan! Judi kindly shared her thoughts and impressions of the show.
Since its first performance, the production has been entrusted to talented young performers in their 20s, highlighting their energy, growth, and emotional expression.
Although the musical’s plot has not changed significantly over the more than 20 years it has been in production, it adapts and is reinterpreted with each new cast, allowing the central theme—the friendship between the two protagonists—to gain more defined and personal nuances.
The musical’s plot follows two groups of young boxers, led respectively by Watanabe and Morimoto. The protagonists, who used to be close friends, drift apart after facing each other in a boxing competition, leading to a rivalry between the gyms they manage. Their strong personalities, combined with a sense of brotherhood towards their protégés and an intense competitive spirit, create an enmity that ultimately destroys their friendship.
This musical not only portrays competition and rivalry but also explores themes such as loyalty, friendship, and the personal struggles of both protagonists. The musical explores the adversities and battles each must face, both inside and outside the ring.
The production captures our attention from the very beginning, presenting the protagonists in the middle of a boxing ring, fighting in slow motion—a scene that sets the intense tone of the entire musical. It transitions to a stage filled with performers in the most STARTO style.
The exuberance and magic that idols have conveyed for so many years are evident through their characteristic costumes as they perform the emotional musical piece that will accompany us throughout the play, “Next Dream.” From the sparkling costumes, the protagonists flying through the air, and the sheer number of actors on stage, we realize we are in for a true spectacle.
The plot thickens as it is revealed that KING Gym, led by Watanabe, is involved in fixed fights and illegal activities. Champ (played by Morimoto) uncovers this corruption and faces the dilemma of exposing the truth, which could affect his former friendship with Shota.
The situation becomes even more complicated when some members of WILD Gym are tempted to join KING. The protagonists discover that there are people trying to manipulate the outcomes of the matches. Together, they must choose between their friendship and their sporting ambitions as they fight corruption in the world of boxing.
Throughout the story, both protagonists learn valuable lessons about loyalty, perseverance, and the true meaning of friendship, culminating in a decisive showdown between the two gyms. In this emotional climax, not only is athletic prestige at stake, but also moral values and personal integrity, testing both their physical skills and the deep bonds that once united them.
The play masterfully explores the cost of success and the true value of friendship, leading to a resolution that challenges the protagonists to reconcile their differences and rediscover the meaning of genuine loyalty.
The powerful storyline was elevated this year by the refined performances of Watanabe and Morimoto. Their emotional depth and maturity, honed through their recent experiences in drama and stage roles, brought a new dimension to their characters. As Watanabe‘s character, Shota, utters the line “Winning or losing doesn’t matter. If we can fight again and mend our broken bond…” his voice carries both strength and tenderness, resonating deeply with the audience.
Morimoto‘s portrayal of Shota’s rival, Shintaro, was equally compelling. His line, “Aren’t you embarrassed doing something like this?” was delivered with restrained intensity, making the outburst that followed (“Will you do anything for money!?”) all the more impactful. The interplay of tension, anger, and underlying care between the two leads added layers of realism and emotional weight to the story.
“DREAM BOYS” strikes a perfect balance between its two leads, giving each the opportunity to shine individually. Watanabe dazzles with physically and vocally demanding numbers, while Morimoto captivates with his heartfelt performance and magnetic charisma. When they share the stage, their chemistry transcends the production and gets us hooked on their friendship.
As the story’s tension builds, Watanabe’s brilliance truly stands out. His character goes through a transformation process, embarking on a journey of self-reflection and growth while fleeing from his own mistakes. It’s in these moments, Watanabe’s physical skills take center stage—scaling a rope with his bare hands or running along walls in midair. These awe-inspiring displays transition into vocal performances that are executed with remarkable ease.
In contrast, Morimoto’s portrayal of Champ adds a deeper layer to the story. Having joined the cast at just ten years old, his connection to the role feels deeply personal.
Morimoto excels in portraying the duality of his character—a confident, reckless young man juxtaposed with his tender and loyal heart. His ability to convey complex emotions enhances the audience’s understanding of the protagonists’ friendship. Champ’s pivotal decisions and sacrifices help with the depth of his character and the bond he shares with Shota.
The emotional crescendo comes as the two protagonists reconcile, prioritizing their friendship and brotherhood love over past grievances. In this act of forgiveness, they not only mend their relationship but also rediscover themselves. Shota’s tearful breakdown and Shintaro’s comforting and radiant smile from a deeply moving moment, reminding the audience of how attached they’ve become to these characters.
The ending brings the story full circle with a reprise of the opening number. The cast appear in radiant white costumes, filling the stage with energy and harmony as they sing “Next Dream” one last time. The sight of young talents chasing their dreams, their passion shining through every movement, is a breathtaking ode to their dedication and perseverance.
Beyond its captivating story of friendship, “DREAM BOYS” highlights the unwavering dedication and passion of its cast.
Their collective effort brings to life a performance that deeply connects with the audience, leaving a lasting impression of hope, perseverance, and the power of dreams.
The play’s enduring message was delivered poignantly near its conclusion, when Watanabe says, “Everyone lives for someone else. That’s how bonds are created.” This sentiment was not only a theme in the story but also a reflection of the real-life bonds forged between Watanabe, Morimoto, and their castmates—Ran Otori, Jun Shibuki, and members of Shonen Ninja.
As the final curtain fell, the cast celebrated not just the end of a production but also the unity and growth that defined their journey. With renewed emotional depth, thrilling performances, and a strong legacy to carry forward, this year’s “DREAM BOYS” brought its message of dreams and friendship to life one last time at the historic Imperial Theatre.