Rei Yabana, a member of the rising Junior group B&ZAI, has been cast as the lead in “JUMP ~Yoru ga o chite kuru sono mae ni” (JUMP ～ヨルがオちてくるそのマエに～), which will be staged at THEATER MILANO-Za in Tokyo beginning in January 2027.
This original musical was conceived to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Kiyoshiro Imawano‘s debut, a figure who left an indelible mark on Japan’s rock scene, and will feature dozens of his songs throughout the production.
Rather than being an autobiographical story about Kiyoshiro‘s life, this production is an entirely new tale woven from the timeless melodies and lyrics he left behind. The songs flow alongside the characters’ struggles, hopes, and moments of love, stirring the hearts of those who watch.
The script and direction are handled by Taizo Shiota, head of the theater company Otona no Mugicha. Drawing as well on his experience directing productions for world expositions and theme parks, he will combine a meticulously crafted ensemble drama with bold entertainment. Choreography will be handled by Tomoyuki Yara, an artist who has worked not only on his own performances but also on direction, choreography, and live production. The musical director will be Atsushi Abe, who has composed and directed stage music for works such as “Tinker Bell in the Land of Shoji” and the Hyogo Performing Arts Center production “The World of Raymond Carver.”
Rei Yabana will portray Kiyoharu Yamada, the protagonist and the starting point of “JUMP,” which connects reality with the otherworldly realm known as the “Land of Junk.” Having studied songwriting and composition at a music university, Rei has demonstrated a remarkable talent for playing a wide range of instruments, including bass, guitar, drums, piano, and shamisen.
The producer of the play described Rei as “someone who fears singing as something ‘dangerous,’ while at the same time being able to embody it with his entire being as ‘hope itself.'” He was chosen for the role because, even before becoming an idol, he had first devoted himself to confronting music itself. With the conviction that Rei was the only person who could bring to life a role that requires both the quiet gaze of an observer and the intensity to raise his voice before night falls, he will make his long-awaited solo musical leading-role debut. In the musical, he will personally play and sing Kiyoshiro Imawano’ hit songs.
The heroine, Hinata Imai, will be played by Mao Ioki, a member of Nogizaka46. During high school, Hinata is somewhat of an outsider, living a school life filled with resignation, until an unexpected turn of events transports her to the otherworldly “Land of Junk.” Mao will also perform on acoustic guitar.
The cast surrounding Kiyoharu and Hinata in both the real world and the “Land of Junk” includes an ensemble of distinctive and accomplished performers, including Shinji Takeda, Momo (Charan-Po-Rantan), Yoichi Nukumizu, Toru Yamamoto, Yuka Akino, Taichi Shimamura, Sara Kitamura, Kana Nishizawa, Takuya Onode, and Norikazu Zenbara.
Synopsis
Kiyoharu Yamada, a first-year high school student, is a quiet boy who wears glasses. A member of the broadcasting club, he lives an inconspicuous everyday life while secretly harboring feelings for Hinata Imai, a second-year student.
One day, the moment he and Hinata strum a colorful guitar together, they are transported to another world. It is a world where no one knows how to sing.
In the “Land of Junk,” Hinata encounters “Adamai,” a flashy, red-haired, carefree troublemaker who looks remarkably like Kiyoharu. In the very center of a world where music has been banned by the authorities, Adamai raises his guitar high and shouts with a huge grin: “Come on, let’s sing the Boss’s songs!”
Together with “Pukuichi,” a rowdy delinquent dressed in the style of a hijikata (traditional Japanese warrior) the mysterious beauty “Ice,” whose long ice-blue hair trails behind her, and Hinata, Adamai sets out to organize a massive live concert in the “Land of Junk” to bring the Boss’s songs to everyone.
What is the connection between Kiyoharu and Adamai? Who—or what—are Pukuichi and Ice really? As the story unfolds amid a series of mysteries, Kiyoharu travels back and forth between the real world and the otherworldly realm, confronting the “resignation” and “inconspicuousness” within himself.
Set to the music of the “Boss”—Kiyoshiro Imawano—this exhilarating musical uses love and rock to make the world “JUMP.”
Comment by Rei Yabana
“When I was first approached about this project, I was extremely surprised. Although I had previously had experience starring in stage productions, this will actually be my first time starring in a musical, so I never imagined that I would be given the opportunity to serve as the lead. It felt like I had been completely caught off guard.
I’m sure I’ll be relying heavily on the cast members and staff around me, but together with everyone, I’ll give it everything I’ve got so that we can bring this wonderful story and Kiyoshiro’s music to as many people as possible.”