B&ZAI’s Michiharu Inaba and Taiki Konno to Co-Star in “Boku no Dragon ga Gohan o Tabenai!!”

B&ZAI members Michiharu Inaba and Taiki Konno have been cast as co-leads in “Boku no Dragon ga Gohan o Tabenai!!” / ぼくのドラゴンがごはんを食べない!! (“My Dragon Won’t Eat!!”), a new stage production set to run at the Tokyo Globe Theatre and the Sankei Hall Breeze towards the end of the year.

Written and directed by Uda Iwasaki, leader of the theater troupe Kamomental, this original work is a fantasy comedy set in a world where dragons exist, exploring themes of life, mortality, and friendship.

The inspiration for the play came from Uda‘s own experience caring for one of his pet reptiles when it suddenly stopped eating. His efforts to keep it alive led him to create this story. Combining his signature blend of humor and unsettling atmosphere, the play centers on the friendship between two boys and the cycle of life.

The story follows two boys with opposing perspectives on life in a fantasy setting inhabited by dragons. As they search for what it means to live true to themselves—a question everyone eventually faces—they gradually form a deep friendship.

The Lead Roles

Michiharu Inaba, the youngest B&ZAI member, will play Tsuunyo, the kind-hearted son of a dragon farming family. This marks Michiharu‘s first leading role in a stage production, which comes after the announcement of his feature film debut in “17-sai no Proof.” Known for his musical talent and physical abilities, excitement is growing for his nuanced portrayal of Tsuunyo‘s emotional growth as he struggles to find his place in the world.

On the other hand, B&ZAI‘s leader Taiki Konno will portray Artoi, a cool and mysterious young dragon coordinator who visits the dragon farm. Taiki has recently expanded his acting career through appearances in both drama and film—including landing the lead role in “Sono Tensai-sama wa Gisou ni Kanojo ni Shuuchaku Suru”—, and his natural acting style and strong screen presence are expected to shine on stage as well.

The newly released promotional visual evokes the magical atmosphere of the fantasy setting and hints at the exciting story that awaits the two protagonists.

Comments from the cast & staff

Michiharu Inaba
“I am B&ZAI’s Michiharu Inaba, and I will be playing Tsuunyo in ‘Boku no Dragon ga Gohan o Tabenai!!’
When I first read the script, I felt that Tsuunyo is a boy who loves nature and animals, and who has an incredibly pure and gentle heart.
I also love nature and animals myself, so I felt that I share some similarities with him. I hope to treasure those qualities while bringing Tsuunyo to life for everyone.
This story has such a unique, mysterious, and enjoyable world, and I’m really looking forward to bringing it to audiences through the words woven by Uda Iwasaki and the rhythm we’ll develop together during rehearsals.
This is also my first time co-starring as a lead in a stage production, so I intend to approach it with determination.
We’ll do our very best to deliver a wonderful production for everyone.”

Taiki Konno
“I’m B&ZAI’s Taiki Konno, and I’m excited to be appearing in ‘Boku no Dragon ga Gohan o Tabenai!!’
When I first heard the title, I immediately wondered, ‘What kind of story could this be?’ and felt incredibly excited. After reading the script, I found it to be a truly captivating work that carefully portrays the feelings of every character.
Although it’s set in a fantasy world, I believe it contains themes that everyone will find relatable.
It’s been a while since I’ve appeared on stage, but I’ll devote myself wholeheartedly to my role and work together with the rest of the cast to bring this world to life.
I hope audiences will experience the unique atmosphere and emotion that only live theater can offer.”

Uda Iwasaki
“This work explores how people can shine in the place they’ve been given, find happiness, contribute to others, and ultimately discover the path that allows them to live their lives to the fullest.
Comedy contains tragedy, and tragedy contains comedy. I hope to express this truth about life through a fantasy world.
I’ve always loved reptiles and keep them myself. Watching reptile breeders share their experiences on social media made me realize how many dramatic stories exist within reptile care.
When I was asked to create a fantasy story, I suddenly thought, ‘dragons are reptiles too, aren’t they? They fit perfectly into fantasy! Dragons are the answer!’ That’s how the idea came about.
I feel that the two lead actors each have their own unique kind of brilliance, and that naturally overlaps with the relationship between the two characters they’ll portray.
I believe they’re perfect for these roles. I also got the impression that both of them are true professionals, so I’m looking forward to a wonderful creative process together.
I think this will be a very funny comedy. I hope audiences laugh and enjoy themselves while gradually becoming immersed in the world of the story, and that from the middle onward they’ll find themselves emotionally invested in the struggles the characters face.
Even after leaving the theater, I hope people will think, ‘That was a wonderful play,’ and feel inspired to return again.
I believe many audience members will find moments that resonate with their own lives, so I hope everyone looks forward to it.”

Synopsis

Dragons are an essential part of fairy tales and fantasy stories. Sometimes they become the hero’s loyal companion, sometimes a terrifying enemy, and sometimes an all-powerful being that rules over the world.
But in this world, dragons are not mythical creatures—they are real, and they are the largest species of reptile.

Although they cannot breathe fire or fly, dragons are even larger than elephants. They are prized as status-symbol pets among royalty and the wealthy, leading to dragon breeding farms being established across the land.

Tsuunyo, the eldest son of the long-established Radon family, spends his peaceful days raising sheep—the dragons’ primary source of food—on the family dragon farm.

Long ago, the “dragons always sell” boom came to an end. The dragon industry has since entered an era of fierce competition in which breeders strive to produce ever rarer designer dragons with unique colors.
The Radon family, having fallen behind the trend for years, finally succeeds in hatching an extraordinarily rare dragon named Draco.
The family is overjoyed.

But then disaster strikes.

Draco suddenly refuses to eat.

Meanwhile, a noblewoman named Mufia, accompanied by her son Artoi, is traveling in search of a certain dragon and is on her way to visit the Radon family.
Tsuunyo’s peaceful life is turned upside down.

As he experiences hardship and growth, encounters and farewells, the mysterious mother and son’s true purpose is finally revealed—and Tsuunyo is forced to make a life-changing decision.

Performance Details

Original Title: ぼくのドラゴンがごはんを食べない!!
Script & Direction: Uda Iwasaki
Cast: Michiharu Inaba, Taiki Konno
Schedule:
- November 5 (Thu) to November 23 (Mon) | Tokyo Globe Theatre – Tokyo
- November 27 (Fri) to December 6 (Sun) | Sankei Hall Breeze – Osaka
Tickets: TBA
Official Website: https://www.bokudora.com/
Official X: https://x.com/bokudora_butai