On a frigid winter day in Tokyo, my heart was warmed by the stage play 『どうせ、恋してしまうんだ』 (English title: You’re Going to Fall in Love Anyways). This slice-of-life adaptation of the popular manga follows five childhood friends in their second year of high school. With lively cast interactions and even moments of audience participation, this play offered a unique and refreshing experience compared to other productions I’ve attended.
The Cast and Performances
The play featured four members of AmBitious, a junior group from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s Kansai division, alongside actress Igarashi Minami, who portrayed the female lead.
While I wasn’t particularly familiar with each AmBitious member before the show, I was thoroughly impressed by their acting, expressiveness, and natural chemistry with the rest of the talented cast.
On the AmBitious side:
Nagaoka Leo played Hazawa Kizuki, the youngest of the group and a popular member of the school’s swimming club.
Ura Rikuto took on the role of Kashiwagi Shin, the stoic and serious class president.
Ouchi Rion embodied Izumi Airu, the bright and carefree teen model.
Yoshikawa Taro portrayed Hoshikawa Shugo, the studious yet silly member of the group.
Igarashi Minami played Nishino Mizuho, an aspiring manga artist struggling with various setbacks after turning 17—her editor criticizes her work as “too flat,” she has to retake an exam, and her crush rejects her confession. Yet, amid these struggles, Mizuho and her childhood friends embark on a heartwarming journey of friendship and love, all while navigating the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Story Highlights
The play opens with Kizuki and Mizuho asleep on the floor of Mizuho’s bedroom, having dozed off while working on her manga. When Mizuho’s dad finds them, he’s startled, though it’s quickly established that this is a regular occurrence between the two close childhood friends. In a moment that surely delighted the audience, Kizuki hastily buttons his shirt after it’s revealed to be slightly undone. Meanwhile, Mizuho insists that she sees him as a younger brother—something that clearly frustrates Kizuki, who harbors deeper feelings for her.
To make matters worse, Mizuho is convinced everyone has forgotten her 17th birthday. However, as the story progresses, her childhood friends—each with their own quirks and charms—prove their unwavering support. The natural camaraderie between them made their interactions feel genuine, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia for my own high school days.
One particularly touching moment occurs after Mizuho’s heartbreaking rejection from her beloved senpai, Saito. Feeling down after a rough day, she returns home only to find her friends waiting to surprise her with a birthday celebration. Just as she’s about to blow out the candle, Kizuki beats her to it—making a wish of his own: for Mizuho to see him as more than just a friend. This marks the beginning of a shift in their relationships, as the other boys also begin to express their romantic feelings for her.
Rikuto’s portrayal of the cool yet emotionally charged Shin was striking. His transformation into the blond-haired, serious class president was so different from his usual dark-haired self that I almost didn’t recognize him at first! Similarly, Taro’s Shugo, with his thick black glasses and sweater vest, played a charming contrast between his studious image and his unexpectedly goofy personality. Meanwhile, Rion’s Airu radiated energy in his pink cardigan and flashy accessories, capturing both his playful side and his hidden emotional depth.
Audience Interaction & Stage Direction
A delightful touch was the audience interaction, which added an extra layer of fun. A standout moment took place when the characters visited an aquarium—beforehand, audience members were given handheld sea life fans (uchiwa), and when the cast “walked through the aquarium,” they pointed out different sea creatures held by fans in the crowd. This small but clever detail created an immersive experience, earning delighted squeals from the audience.
Beyond lighthearted moments, the play also tackled the real-world impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on high school students. Mizuho and her classmates face the cancellation of major school events, from club activities to the much-anticipated school festival. Determined to salvage what she can, Mizuho petitions for the festival to continue. Though her homeroom teacher initially dismisses her efforts as futile, her friends rally behind her, gathering signatures and presenting a solid plan for health precautions. Their determination moves the principal, and the festival is ultimately reinstated, leading to a joyous celebration.
The Climax & Final Performance
As the play reaches its climax, Mizuho slowly realizes that her heart might not belong to senpai after all—but rather, to Kizuki. Though she doesn’t confess outright, their tender moments together give Kizuki the courage to finally express his feelings after the festival’s main event: the class dance performance.
This dance scene was an unexpected but thrilling highlight. The AmBitious members took center stage in sparkly, 90s-inspired denim outfits, delivering an energetic performance that showcased their impressive singing and dancing skills. I hadn’t expected a full idol-style performance within the play, but it was a wonderful surprise that left a lasting impression.
The show concludes with Kizuki’s heartfelt confession—not directed at Mizuho onstage, but spoken directly to the audience. This deliberate choice made it feel as though he was confessing to each and every fan in the theater, a clever and undoubtedly swoon-worthy moment for many.
Final Thoughts
Overall, 『どうせ、恋してしまうんだ』 was an absolute joy to watch. The cast’s natural chemistry and heartfelt performances brought the characters to life, making for an emotionally engaging and immersive experience. Leo, Rikuto, Rion, and Taro exceeded expectations, demonstrating not only their acting abilities but also their stage presence as rising stars. It was a pleasure to see the boys’ solo work, especially since I was already familiar with some of them from their interactions with their senpais—like Taro and Leo with Ae! group—and their appearances on Junior Channel on YouTube. I’ll definitely be following their future activities closely from now on as my interest is definitely piqued!
For those interested, the play runs in:
📍 Tokyo: February 6 – February 16 (16 shows at THEATER MILANO-za)
📍 Osaka: February 19 – February 25 (11 shows at COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall)
If you have the chance to see it, I highly recommend it!
Photo assets © STARTO ENTERTAINMENT.
Written exclusively by Amy for Dumpling Box!