Tatsuya Ueda and Travis Japan’s Noel Kawashima to Star in “Knockin’ on Locked Door” Stage Adaptation

A two-shot promotional visual, the full cast lineup, and the performance schedule have been unveiled for the stage production “Knockin’ on Locked Door THE STAGE,” which features Tatsuya Ueda and Travis Japan member Noel Kawashima as double leads.

“Knockin’ on Locked Door” is a popular mystery novel by Yugo Aosaki, whose works have won numerous literary awards. It was nominated for the 171st Naoki Prize and received a drama adaptation in 2023 starring SixTONES‘ Hokuto Matsumura and Naniwa Danshi‘s Daigo Nishihata.

Overview

The story centers on the detective agency “Knockin’ on Locked Door,” which, fittingly, has no intercom, doorbell, or knocker. Working there are two investigators who are both partners and rivals: Tori Gotenba, an expert at solving the “How” of mysteries, and Hisame Katanashi, who specializes in uncovering the “Why” of mysteries. Though they frequently clash, the two deeply respect one another. Together, they tackle one seemingly impossible case after another in this exhilarating series, now being adapted to the stage for the first time.

Tatsuya plays the eccentric Tori, whose brilliance at unraveling impossible crimes is matched by his total disregard for other people’s feelings. He always wears a black turtleneck regardless of season, and tends to make outrageous and tactless remarks. Meanwhile, Noel plays Hisame, a sharp analyst who is guided by common sense and always wears a suit with glasses, making him the sensible counterpart to Tori. Because of his appearance, he is often mistaken for the detective’s assistant.

The newly released visual features the two leads enveloped in an enigmatic atmosphere. Sitting side by side, the contrasting duo—colleagues yet also each other’s rivals—hint at a fresh beginning for the stage adaptation. The original story created specifically for the play promises an all-new mystery case, raising anticipation among fans.

Supporting Cast

A talented ensemble has been gathered to portray the colorful characters surrounding Tatsuya‘s Tori and Noel‘s Hisame.

Umika Kawashima plays Kimari Ugachi, a detective in the First Investigation Division of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Since debuting as a child actress in 2006, she has built a broad career thanks to her dependable performances and approachable personality, including serving as the main host of information programs and starring in dramas such as “Instant Loop” (2024) and “We Are Too Clumsy About Love” (2020).
Jingi Irie portrays the mysterious criminal consultant Mikage Itogiri. Known for seamlessly handling both dramatic and comedic roles, he has maintained a strong stage and screen presence since making his stage debut in 2010.
Kanro Morita plays detective Seitaro Kozubo, Kimari‘s partner and supervisor. Kanro has been featured in numerous works since 2012, and currently appears in NHK’s morning drama “Scent of the Wind.”
Toru Tanaka plays railway enthusiast Noboru Negishi. Active in both theater and television, he has gained attention for his performances in dramas like “Sensei wo Kesu Houteishiki” (2020) and “Minshuku no Kakushi Aji” (2023)
Yuto Fuchino plays fellow railway enthusiast Yuto Kishibe. Having appeared in numerous television and stage productions, including “Hakozume: Tatakau! Koban Joshi” (2021), he is known for his natural and realistic performances.
Akane Sakanoue plays onboard train sales attendant Risa Maki. She made her acting debut as the heroine of “Ultraman X” and has since appeared in notable productions such as “Asagao: Forensic Doctor 2025 New Year Special.”
Yua Shiraishi plays Kusuriko Yakushiji, a high school student who works part-time at the detective agency. She has earned praise for her delicate performances and transparent screen presence, currently appearing in KERACROSS’s seventh production, “Sharp-san Flat-san.”

Additional cast members include:

Sho Watanabe as train driver Shugo Koto
Shogo Yoshizawa as Hayato Arima, secretary to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
Masayuki Kizu as construction company employee Yoichi Kamoshida
Kenji Matsuda as university professor Koshiro Amakawa, the mentor of Tori and Hisame
Hiroki Okada as Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kimihiko Takamori

Together, the cast brings together an impressive lineup worthy of launching this new version of “Knockin’ on Locked Door.”

Performance Details

Title: EX THEATER ARIAKE OPENING LINEUP『ノッキンオン・ロックドドア THE STAGE』
Original Work: Yugo Aosaki
Script: Hideya Hamada
Director: Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Cast: Tatsuya Ueda, Noel Kawashima, Umika Kawashima, Jingi Irie, Kanro Morita, Tooru Tanaka, Yuto Fuchino, Akane Sakanoue, Yua Shiraishi, Sho Watanabe, Shogo Yoshizawa, Masayuki Kizu, Kenji Matsuda, Hiroki Okada, Kotoha Umehara, Kanon Onodera, Miyuki Sano, Yuta Shimada, Katsuta Tomomatsu, Yuko Nakano, Ikumi Nishio, Hikari Hatanaka, Sei Hayami, Ayaka Hikima, Toshizumi Matsunami, Yuko Matsumoto, Miffy, Daiki Morikawa, Aoi Yonamine, and Bunka Ri.
Tokyo Performances
- Dates: October 6–25
- Venue: EX Theater Ariake (inside Tokyo Dream Park)
Osaka Performances
- Dates: November 7–10
- Venue: Orix Theater