WEST. recently released their 10th anniversary Osaka Shochikuza performance on STARTO ENTERTAINMENT’s streaming platform, FAMILY CLUB online, to promote their upcoming film “Ura Shain – Spy Yarasete Morotemasu –”. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the Shochikuza performance actually serves as a prequel of sorts to the movie, which hits theatres in Japan today!
I was lucky enough to attend a live viewing of the December 25, 2024 performance, and when I heard it would be available for streaming (internationally too!), I was absolutely elated to relive such an entertaining and memorable show.
The performance opened with the boys standing atop a ledge in cream-colored jackets, each subtly incorporating their member colors among black straps and belts that added a striking visual accent. They kicked things off with “We can!!”, a song that perfectly matched the warm and intimate theatre setting.
As the song wrapped up, the members smoothly changed into new outfits and introduced their characters from the Ura Shain universe:
Agawa Construction
- Kiriyama Akito – Utage
- Kamiyama Tomohiro – Takarada
- Hamada Takahiro – Kuwashiki
Kawabata Construction
- Fujii Ryusei – Chara
- Nakama Junta – Jin
Takasugi Building
- Kotaki Nozomu – Makoto
- Shigeoka Daiki – Yoichiro (Security Officer)
The Ura Shain storyline revolves around two rival corporate spy groups from Agawa Construction and Kawabata Construction who are both attempting to infiltrate Takasugi Building and obtain a classified document. Chaos ensues as the employees of Takasugi Building get caught up in the mission, leading to a wild and hilarious series of events. The story is packed with everything you’d expect from a spy comedy: disguises, action, intrigue, quirky gadgets, and — most of all — friendship.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to highlight how well WEST. shines as a group in this production. Their chemistry on stage is unbeatable, and the ad-libs and improvisation added an extra comedic layer that had me genuinely laughing out loud. Their teamwork, built from over a decade of performing together, feels effortless — and most importantly, it all looks like so much fun.
A few standout character notes:
- Shige’s Yoichiro is bubbly and kind-hearted — maybe not the sharpest, but incredibly lovable. Shige’s comedic timing was on full display.
- Akito’s Utage is the dependable straight man holding his team together with calm leadership. He looked especially cool with his ash blond hair and gold chain!
- Kamichan (Kamiyama) as Takarada was delightfully clumsy and airheaded but still managed to come through when needed.
- Hamachan (Hamada) played Kuwashiki, who looks like the most capable member but is actually just as scatterbrained, making him and Kamichan a hilarious boke duo.
- Ryusei’s Chara is a master of disguise — in theory. His antics (often in disguise fail mode) and his interactions with Junta’s Jin made for a perfect comedic combo.
- Junta’s Jin is the sarcastic, diligent partner who often gets tripped up by his own instincts. His sharp tsukkomi moments were peak Junta.
- Nonchan’s (Kotaki) Makoto is tech-savvy and energetic, with a youthful charm that really popped on stage.
Each member brought their character to life so well that it made me even more excited to see the Ura Shain story continue in the upcoming film!
After the play, the boys returned for the musical segment of the show, performing six songs in total.
They started with “Automatic”, a mature and sensual number, enhanced by their sleek, glittery black suits — a stark yet captivating contrast to the comedy-heavy play.
Next came a jazzy dance break followed by “Kakushin Ronri”, a fast-paced jazz-inspired track that brought the energy up once again.
One of the reasons why I love WEST. so much is that they’re not just comedic talents — they’re also incredibly gifted musicians. Their vocals have improved tremendously since debut, and it really shows throughout their many performances over the years. They also often play instruments live, and I was thrilled to see an acoustic version of “ten” performed. This special 10th-anniversary song was written by Shige and Kamichan. Shige played the blues harp while Kamichan and Hamachan accompanied him on guitar. The stripped-down version was beautiful and heartfelt.
Then came “Shiawase no Hana”, during which the audience at Shochikuza Theatre was invited to sing along. It’s such a feel-good song that always brings a smile to my face.
The final number before the encore was “Colorful Magic”, which perfectly captured the Christmas spirit. They thanked the audience for both attending in person and watching the stream before making their exit.
But of course, it wasn’t really over.
The boys came back for an encore and announced that all seven members would star in an upcoming film. At the time, they didn’t reveal it would continue the Ura Shain storyline — which makes rewatching the stream now feel like such a full-circle moment. They closed the show with their debut song “Eejanaika”, bringing the entire performance to a nostalgic and energetic finish. It was such a distinctly WEST. way to wrap up the night.
Be sure to catch the stream on FAMILY CLUB online before it ends on May 11, 2025, and if you’re in Japan, don’t miss the feature-length “Ura Shain – Spy Yarasete Morotemasu –” in theatres with WEST.’s newest single track “WEST SIDE SOUL!“ as its theme song!