The new EX Theater Ariake in Tokyo, which opened in April 2026 with “AmberS -アンバース-“, will present a new stage play, “Hyakki Yakyo” (百鬼夜鏡), this November. The production will be directed by veteran artist, actor, and creator Koichi Domoto and will star Juniors Koki Kawasaki, Sota Uchimura, Waku Motoki, Takumi Kitagawa, Hideki Ajima, and Tatsuru Matsuo—young performers expected to lead the next generation of entertainment—and others.
The theme of the play is “oni”—supernatural beings from Japanese folklore, religion, and legends that possess powers beyond human capability. The story follows modern high school students who are transported back to the Muromachi period and encounter these oni, leading to a mysterious tale incorporating music, dance, and action.
Domoto is renowned for his work on the musical “Endless SHOCK,” for which he served simultaneously as writer, composer, director, and lead actor, and for directing “DREAM BOYS,” a production that has been performed by numerous casts over more than two decades. This production marks a collaboration between Domoto‘s broad entertainment expertise and the highly flexible stage machinery of the new theater.
Meanwhile, the six Junior (pre-debut) artists from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, who have built extensive careers as stage actors, will take on imaginative dual roles: modern high school students stranded in the Muromachi era and oni who serve as mirror-like reflections of humanity’s darkness and light. Having also honed their skills through concerts, television dramas, and variety shows, they will bring Domoto‘s desire to create a work in which “young performers can shine” to life.
Joining them is Ryo Kato as an onmyoji (traditional Japanese yin-yang sorcerer) who confronts the oni. Known for his distinctive personality and wide-ranging work across entertainment genres, Kato is expected to make a strong impression. Hirari Nishida was cast as the female high school student.
Also in the cast:
- Yusuke Matsuzaki (4U.), a longtime performer in “Endless SHOCK” known for his dance skills and versatility, as Enki (Flame Demon).
- Shota Totsuka (A.B.C-Z) as Kamo Seigen, a former onmyoji burdened by a troubled past.
- Kota Yabu (Hey! Say! JUMP), who is acclaimed for his singing ability and musical theater work, as Yamiōki (Dark King Demon), the supreme ruler of the oni.
Comments from the creators and cast
Director Koichi Domoto
“By replacing the final character of Hyakki Yako (‘Night Parade of One Hundred Demons’) with the character for ‘mirror’ (鏡), the title reflects oni that mirror the darkness within people’s hearts. I hope the work will resonate with audiences of all generations today, though it’s also possible it may become something completely different once it’s actually brought to life (laughs).
This production gives me an opportunity to create a place where younger performers can shine. Since it’s a brand-new production, it will be challenging, but I hope the Junior members will throw themselves fully into rehearsals and help shape the work together. Matsuzaki, Totsuka, and Yabu are experienced stage actors and will be reliable pillars supporting the production.
Above all, I want to create a work in which the younger performers and all cast members can truly shine. Since this is part of EX Theater Ariake’s opening year, I hope both the production and the theater itself will thrive. I hope everyone looks forward to it.”
Scriptwriter Masafumi Nishida
“This story begins with an encounter between mysterious, frightening, yet somehow sorrowful oni and modern-day high school students. It is a world where humans and demons, light and darkness, virtue and ugliness intersect. I am excited to see how the words of the script will be transformed by Koichi Domoto into a beautiful and eerie theatrical world. I hope audiences will experience the world of Hyakki Yakyo in the theater.”
Koki Kawasaki (Kanata Katsuragi)
“I am very happy to appear in a new production directed by Koichi-kun, who has guided me many times in works such as DREAM BOYS. It is also a great honor to appear in a second opening-lineup production at EX Theater Ariake following AmberS. I will do my utmost to understand and portray Katsuragi.”
Sota Uchimura (Mukuro)
“I’m very excited to appear in a production directed by Koichi-kun. While he has directed me before, this is my first time receiving his full-scale direction as an actor. I’ll learn as much as I can from my experienced seniors and work hard to portray the intimidating presence expected of an oni.”
Waku Motoki (Hiromu Watarase)
“It is a tremendous honor to be part of Hyakki Yakyo. Alongside familiar castmates, I’ll be working with senior performers who have extensive experience in theater and musicals. I want to show what only Waku Motoki can bring to this production and contribute meaningfully to the work.”
Takumi Kitagawa (Byakuya)
“I’m honored to participate in a Koichi-kun-directed production. Since rehearsals haven’t begun yet, I’m full of anticipation about what kind of show this will become. I’ll work as hard as I can to deliver this production responsibly to audiences.”
Hideki Ajima (Hametsu)
“I’m excited to challenge myself with new forms of expression through singing and acting. This production demands something different from what I’ve done before, and I want to enjoy that challenge. I hope to learn a great deal from Yabu-kun, Totsuka-kun, and Matsuzaki-kun while growing under Koichi-kun’s direction.”
Tatsuru Matsuo (Hyoki)
“I’m thrilled to appear in a production directed by Koichi-kun. While there are anxieties that come with creating a new work, my excitement is even greater. I want to deliver the passion and emotions unique to this production directly to the audience.”
Ryo Kato (Ariyo Abe)
“When I was first offered Hyakki Yakyo, I thought, ‘Am I playing a yokai?’ Instead, I was cast as an onmyoji! (laughs) I’m excited to see what kind of world Koichi Domoto will create in the new EX Theater Ariake, and I’ll do everything I can to support that vision.”
Hirari Nishida (Koharu Torii)
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. It is both an honor and a responsibility to help create this production alongside such a wonderful cast under Koichi Domoto’s direction. I will do my utmost to carefully convey the world of the story.”
Yusuke Matsuzaki (Enki)
“I’m Yusuke Matsuzaki of 4U., known for ‘Tukusutuuuru~!!’ I’m excited to be performing under Koichi-kun’s direction again for the first time since SHOCK. Since I’m playing an oni, it’s like ‘giving a demon an iron club’—so I’ll start practicing my swings today and become a true demon! I look forward to seeing everyone at the theater!”
Shota Totsuka (Kamo Seigen)
“Why do oni eat people? Why are oni born from the human heart? Everyone may have their own interpretation, but through rehearsals I’d like to find my own answer. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the project at first—I simply wanted to join a team led by Koichi Domoto. I hope to contribute fully to both the story and the company.”
Kota Yabu (Yamiōki)
“I am genuinely delighted to share the stage with friends I’ve grown alongside since our Junior days and with younger performers. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to experience and learn from Koichi Domoto’s direction firsthand. The days ahead are sure to be inspiring, and I am already excited. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the theater.”
Synopsis of “Hyakki Yakyo”
One day, three modern high school students are suddenly transported to Kyoto during the Muromachi period, where oni roam the streets and prey upon humans.
Awaiting them is a terrifying group of oni led by the Dark King Demon, Yamiōki. As the students are attacked by the Flame and Ice oni, they are rescued by the onmyoji Ariyo Abe, who seeks to eradicate the demons, and by three young oni who claim to have been born from the students’ own hearts.
After narrowly escaping danger, the students learn from Ariyo about a mysterious incident involving the former onmyoji Kamo Seigen.
As the boundaries between humans and demons, justice and darkness begin to blur, the three students must confront a harsh destiny—not only to return to their own time, but also to face the “oni” that reside within themselves.
