Koki Kawasaki, a Junior (pre-debut) talent under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, will reprise the role of Machida-kun in a revival of the musical “Machida-kun no Sekai” (The World of Machida-kun) this July, nearly two years after its initial premiere. In the original run, audiences praised him as a perfect fit for the part, noting how naturally his own personality seemed to align with the character.
“Machida-kun no Sekai” is a popular manga by Yuki Ando that was serialized in Bessatsu Margaret (published by Shueisha) from 2015 to 2018, with cumulative sales exceeding 1.4 million copies. Contrary to his appearance, Machida-kun’s grades are below average. He’s an old-fashioned, analog-minded person and somewhat clumsy—and even his athletic ability is exactly what you’d expect from how he looks. This is a fresh and unique human drama in which Machida-kun changes the people around him and, in turn, becomes loved by everyone.
Throughout the years, Koki has performed in numerous concerts as a member of and leader of the group Shonen Ninja until its disbandment, and has built an extensive acting career across television and live theater. He has appeared in dramas such as “Koi no Yamai to Yarougumi Season 2” (2022) and “Umi no Hajimari” (2024), and has headlined stage productions such as “Summertime Machine Blues” (2025) and “2FATE: Futatsu no Kokoro to Hitotsu no Yume” (2026). He has also been cast in Koichi Domoto‘s “百鬼夜鏡” (Hyakki Yakyo), which opens this November as the second entry in EX Theater Ariake’s inaugural lineup following “AmberS -アンバース-“ (where Koki also participated in!).
Known for his professionalism and sincere approach to his work, Koki is respected not only by his fans but also by his fellow Juniors and colleagues. The musical in which he earned widespread praise for in 2024—and whose elegant yet delicate portrayal beautifully recreated the atmosphere of the source material—is returning this summer due to high demand.
Synopsis
High school student Ichi Machida (Koki Kawasaki) is quiet and wears glasses. Contrary to his appearance, however, his grades are mediocre, he prefers analog things, and he is somewhat clumsy.
Living with his four younger siblings and caring for his mother, who is expecting another child, Machida-kun is loved by his family and genuinely loves people. Before he realizes it, his warmth and kindness draw everyone around him in.
One day, after getting injured and going to the school infirmary, he encounters his classmate Nana Inohara (Itsuki Nagasawa), who is skipping class. After treating his injury, she abruptly tells him, “I hate people,” and leaves.
Not long afterward, Machida-kun happens to see Nana being harassed by men on the street. Without thinking, he intervenes, saying, “She’s someone important to me.”
What he actually means is simply, “She’s important to me. She’s my classmate.”
Although his words are misleading, Nana begins to take notice of the straightforward and sincere Machida-kun. As the two gradually grow closer, their relationship slowly deepens.
Comment from Koki Kawasaki
“Machida-kun is a character who treats everyone around him equally, connecting with people on a level even deeper than most—almost like family. Through that, he has a wonderful influence on those around him, while also receiving many things from them in return.
Over the two years since the premiere, I’ve had many different experiences myself. Compared with when I first read the script two years ago, the things I feel and the way I see the story have changed somewhat. As a result, I think my approach to playing Machida-kun has changed a little as well. At the same time, I’ve become aware of changes in myself. It’s the kind of work where the scenes you love or that resonate with you can change depending on when you watch it.
Compared to the first production, I feel as though I’ve actually grown a little further away from Machida-kun. But that’s exactly why I want to approach the role again from the perspective of who I am now.
We’re working hard to deliver a version of Machida-kun no Sekai that confidently surpasses the previous production. No matter who watches it, I believe there will be something they can relate to and enjoy. I hope you’ll bring someone close to you and enjoy the show all the way through.”
Performance details
- Official Title: 町田くんの世界
- Direction: Wally Kinoshita
- Script / Lyrics: ピンク地底人3号
- Music / Lyrics / Performance: Shunsuke Wada
- Cast: Koki Kawasaki, Nana Inohara, Yuki Kamisato, Karin Isobe, Sayu Otsuki, Kaho Hamasaki, Dai Iwahashi, Masaki Tsuruoka, Maya Harada, Wataru Kozuki, Keigo Yoshino.
- Dates: July 7 – July 30, 2026 (excluding July 10, 16, 22, and 28).
- Venue: Theater Crea in Tokyo
- Ticket Price: 12,800円 (tax included, all seats reserved)
- Official Website: https://www.tohostage.com/machidakun/
