CLAMP’s popular work “xxxHOLiC” get a stage adaptation! The cast members are Ota Motohiro and Sakamoto Shougo

The stage adaptation of “xxxHOLiC” opened on September 17 at Tennozu Galaxy Theater in Tokyo. Right before the opening day, photos from the dress rehearsal were released along commentaries from the casts Ota Motohiro and Sakamoto Shogo, and the director Matsuzaki Fumiya. Holding a record of 13 million of copies sold, “xxxHOLiC” is a dark fantasy series by the group of manga creators, CLAMP. The high school student Watanuki Kimihiro is hunted by his ability to see and attract supernatural beings, the “Ayakashi”. The story begins when he stumbles into the so-called “shop” owned by Ichihara Yuko, who has the can grant the wishes the shop’s visitors. The series started serializing in 2003 at “Young Magazine” and soon was adapted into several medias including an anime movie, a TV anime series, and a live-action drama. The “xxxHOLiC” stage play is performed by an all-male cast. In a brief interview before the opening, Ota Tomohiro (starring as Ichihara Yuko) mentioned that “I hope I am able to deliver a beautiful experience through the world of ‘xxxHOLiC’ to all the fans coming to the theater.”, while Sakamoto Shogo (starring as Watanuki Kimihiro) remarked “I plan to stay totally immersed and live out the character of Watanuki Kimihiro in this profoundly mysterious and mystical world of ‘xxxHOLiC’ until the very end.” The director Matsuzaki Fumiya commented that “Hopefully the not only words uttered by Yuko, but also the other things not made into words by her, will reach the audience through the presence of Watanuki. I’ll pray that everyone’s encounter with Watanuki will be and unforgettable one.” “xxxHOLiC” stage play will run until September 26 at Tennozu Galaxy Theater in Tokyo, and from October 1 to 3 at Kyoto Theater in Kyoto. Without going all the way to the theater venues, fans can still enjoy the performance through a livestream by “Theather Complex” and live broadcast by “BS Sky Perfect TV” and “CS Nippon TV Plus”. <Full Commentaries Below> [Ota Motohiro as Ichihara Yuko] “I felt in my bones very intensely the extreme difficult, in many senses, of bringing the world of ‘xxxHOLiC’ to life during the days of rehearsal. In spite of that I am grateful for this opportunity, for this chance, because I learned so much and was able to experience such a depth and gentleness through this character Ichihara Yuko. I hope I am able to deliver a beautiful experience through the world of ‘xxxHOLiC’ to all the fans coming to the theater.” [Sakamoto Shogo as Watanuki Kimihiro] “Now that the curtains are finally lifted I am a bit nervous, but more than that I am also looking forward to performing. I plan to stay totally immersed and live out the character of Watanuki Kimihiro in this profoundly mysterious and mystical world of ‘xxxHOLiC’ until the very end. Alongside the audience, I want to be pulled into this world and fully experience it with all five senses. Best regards.” [Director Matsuzaki Fumiya] “I just kept being astonished by the beauty of the performers, who lived up to ‘xxxHOLiC’. During preparation so many times I caught myself entering this supernatural world, and thinking to myself ‘Yuko is really there’ along with Watanuki. Without giving away too much or too little, she provides us a clear of picture of the cruel world the characters belong to, one full of unreasonableness and indifference. She might seem cold at first glance, but I think that’s probably because it’s the only means through which she can “stand correctly” with her own feet. Hopefully the not only words uttered by Yuko, but also the other things not made into words by her, will reach the audience through the presence of Watanuki. I’ll pray that everyone’s encounter with Watanuki will be and unforgettable one. ”xxxHOLiC” Stage Play <Dates - Venues> [Tokyo Performance] September 17, 2021 (Fri) ~ September 26 (Sun) Tennozu Galaxy Theater [Kyoto Performance] October 1 (Fri) ~ October 3 (Sun) Kyoto Theater <Project> Okawa Nanase Matsuda Makoto <Original Work> CLAMP ”xxxHOLiC”(Kodansha) <Production> Matsuzaki Fumiya <Script> Hata Masafumi <Cast> Ichihara Yuko: Ota Motohiro Watanuki Kimihiko: Sakamoto Shogo Tomeki Shizuka: Matsushima Yunosuke Kunogi Himawari: Akazawa Ryotaro Marudashi: Sueshigu Juki Maeda Musashi (Double Cast) Morodashi: Nishiyama Rento Masutani Ten (Double Cast) Zashikiwarashi: Sakurai Keito Karasu Tengu: Umezawa Yusuke (Umebou) Endo Makoto (Umebou) Igarashi Yuya Amewarashi: Ohira Shunya Jorougumo: Mikami Shun Kuwai Daiki Hashimoto Yuichiro Sato Kendo Nishihara Kenta Kawashima Tatsuki <Cooperation> Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association <Assistance> Lawson Ticket <Sponsor> Nelke Planning <Ticket Price> 10,500 JPY (all seats are reserved/tax included） Side Seat: 10,500 JPY (all seats are reserved/tax included） (C) CLAMP - ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD. / Kodansha

The MODEROID line is back with another plastic model assembly kit; this time featuring the three Rune Gods from the “Magic Knight Rayearth” series, “Rayearth, the Spirit of Fire”, “Ceres, the Spirit of Water”, and “Windom, the Spirit of Air”. Available for pre-order at Good Smile Online Shop. The product is the first plastic model kit to feature the three Rune Gods (Mashin) Rayearth, Ceres, and Windom, deities that fight alongside the protagonists from the TV Anime “Magic Knight Rayearth”, broadcast in the 90s. The models are capable of a wide range of movements, making it possible to enact the dynamic action scenes from the anime. Each part is painted separately, and some decorations are made from translucent parts. Simply by assembling the kits, the figures will look the same as in the series. “MODEROID Rayearth, the Spirit of Fire” is the legendary Rune God of “fire”, “passion”, and “the future”. Its design is based on the motif of a “Lion”. The fiery effects from the back are made from translucent parts which are dettachable. It comes with replaceable wrists, a sword and shield. “MODEROID Ceres, the Spirit of Water” is the legendary Rune God of “water”, “kindness”, and “the present”. It is designed after a dragon motif, and comes with replaceable wrists, and a sword. “MODEROID Windom, the Spirit of Air” is the legendary Rune God of “wind”, “wisdom”, and “the past”. It is designed after a phoenix motif, and comes with replaceable wrists, and a sword. To add an extra layer of delight, sold apart, the “MODEROID Effect”, contains special effects parts to further enhance the models for display. “Rayearth, the Spirit of Fire”, “Ceres, the Spirit of Water”, and “Windom, the Spirit of Air”, are priced 4,800JPY (tax included) each. Pre-orders are available at the Good Smile Online Shop until September 22, 2021, with shipment scheduled for somewhere in March, 2022. (C) CLAMP - ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD. / Kodansha - TMS (R) KODANSHA (C) GOOD SMILE COMPANY

From the world of “Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card”, a new charm collection gets released. It features the series' magical items such as the “Sealing Wand” using magic circles as motif. The collection is available on the “Anaguma-store” online shop and “Anahita Stones” stores throughout Japan. “‘Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card’ Motif Charm Collection” lineup includes 6 items, “Sealing Wand”, “Star Wand”, “Dream Staff”, “Kero & Suppie & Momo”, “Syaoran”, and “Tomoyo”. Each individual charm is randomly drawn upon purchase of the product. The items come with a natural stone based on its character, are wrapped to an organdy cloth ribbon, and attached to a ball chain making it easy to attach anywhere. A complete box containing all 6 items is also available. The “Sealing Wand”, appearing on the Clow Cards Arch, uses the series' magical circles as motif. The “Star Wand”, appearing on the Sakura Cards Arch, also uses magical circles as motif. The “Dream Staff”, appearing on the Clear Cards Arch, lifts up in the air with The Fly. “Kero & Suppie & Momo” has a cute design. “Syaoran”, uses Syaoran’s sword and compass as motif. “Tomoyo”, is designed with Tomoyo’s favorite camera, staff notation symbols and magnolia flowers. “‘Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card’ Motif Charm Collection” is priced at 1,980 JPY (tax included) for individual charms, and 11,880 JPY (tax included) for the complete box. The products are available on the “Anaguma-store” online shop and “Anahita Stones” stores throughout Japan. (C) CLAMP - ST / Kodansha - NEP - NHK

From the latest figure line-up from Amiami, the newly taken photos of Ichihara Yuuko from "xxxHolic", Makinami Mari Illustrious from "Rebuild of Evangelion", and Assassin / Okita Soji from "Fate/Grand Order", have been revealed. 'xxxHOLiC Ichihara Yuuko 1/7 Scale Finished Figure' is a 1/7 scale figure with about 16 cm in height. It recreates her alluring and mysterious aura. Pre-orders for the limited edition, which comes with a mouse pad, are also available on 'Amiami'. 'Rebuild of Evangelion Makinami Mari Illustrious [Summer Queens] 1/8 Scale Finished Figure' features Mari wearing an original swimsuit, designed by Ousaka Miki, a prototype maker who is known for molding the characters of Evangelion. The pareo is detachable. The neck part is made with a ball joint, which enables you to create various expressions. 'Fate/Grand Order Assassin / Okita Soji [Summer Queens] 1/8 Scale Finished Figure' features Assassin / Okita Soji in a swimsuit which she was wearing upon the third Ascension at 'the Seven Swimsuit Blademasters', an event which was held for a limited period. 'xxxHOLiC Ichihara Yuuko 1/7 Scale Finished Figure' is priced at 20,460 JPY (incl. tax). 'Rebuild of Evangelion Makinami Mari Illustrious [Summer Queens] 1/8 Scale Finished Figure' is priced at 10,780 JPY (incl. tax). 'Fate/Grand Order Assassin / Okita Soji [Summer Queens] 1/8 Scale Finished Figure' is priced at 12,100 JPY (incl. tax). These products are available for pre-orders on 'Amiami Online Shop'. （C）CLAMP, ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.，LTD. / Kodansha (C) Khara (C)TYPE-MOON / FGO PROJECT

From the original content of the stage "My Hero Academia 'The Ultra" Stage'", "My Hero Academia 'The Ultra SMASH!!'", an exclusive interview with the main cast has arrived, including Tamura Shin as Midoriya Izuku, Kobayashi Ryota as Bakugo Katsumi, and Iwanaga Hiroaki as All Might.

The recital program "World Cultural Heritage Shimogamo Shrine Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'" was held on October 16, 2021, at Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto. It featured a funny and sad story with unpredictable development of the 4 siblings voiced by Kishio Daisuke, Shimono Hiro, Maeno Tomoaki, and Shimazaki Nobunaga, and the gesture of the audience sniffing or rubbing their eye can be seen. "Kamo no Ne" is a recital that is being held at the world cultural heritage, Shimogamo Shrine, and it will be held for the 2nd time. The recital featured content that can only be experienced with the original story that fully makes use of the location, which is Shimogamo Shrine. The recital started with the narration of the folklore of Shimogamo Shrine "Ninuri-ya Densetsu" by Nozawa, followed by the appearance of Kishio Daisuke, Shimono Hiro, Maeno Tomoaki, and Shimazaki Nobunaga in the traditional Japanese clothing. The role compositions of the story were Kishio with 4 roles as "Takumi (Eldest Son), Umemoto, Sage, Young Child (1)", Shimono with 3 roles as "Kousuke (2nd Son), Hero, Young Child (2)", Maeno with 4 roles as "Yuji (3rd Son, Rurikawa, Warrior, Young Child (3)", and Shimazaki as "Shintarou (4th Son)". The scripts that were written by the 4th son Shintarou voiced by Shimazaki revolved around Kishio as the eldest son Takumi, Shimono as the 2nd son Kousuke, and Maeno as the 3rd son Shintarou. Then, there was a situation of the radio program that invited laughter due to the odd pairing of the radio personality Rurikawa, and the traffic conveying information center Umemoto. After that, there was an adventure fantasy story about the 3-man party (Sage, Hero, and Warrior) trying to escape from the enemy barrier, but due to their detailed personality, it invited disaster instead, and the story about the young children talking about their dreams that were out of the expectation of the adults. All of these variety contents were voiced by the three people. At a glance, the scripts by the 4th son don't seem to have any connections, but when it was revealed that that the script is filled with the scattered childhood memories of the siblings, the atmosphere of the stories immediately changed. Why did the 4th son write these scripts, why are the childhood memories of the siblings being scattered, why doesn't the scripts featured the 4th son, why were the 3 siblings being featured in the script of the 4th son...? During the second half of the program, the turbulent development of revealing the foreshadow of the story that solves those questions had taken the audience's breath away. Then, as soon as the recital has ended with laughter and tears, it started to rain as if it was waiting for the end. The curtain of this recital, which was enhanced by the stage at Shimogamo Shrine, the lineup of cast members, ending song, as well as the sky pattern, descended with the applause of the audience.

The paid streaming of the recital "World Cultural Heritage Shimogamo Shrine Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'" (To be held on October 16 and 17 in Kyoto) featuring the voice actors Kishio Daisuke, Shimono Hiro, Maeno Tomoaki, and Shimazaki Nobunaga, has been announced. Also, the time limited free streaming of "Kamo no Ne 1st Night 'Tadasu no Kaze'" that was held in 2020 has been announced as well. The comments from the cast members have been released. "Kamo no Ne" is a recital that is being held at the world cultural heritage, Shimogamo Shrine, and it will be held for the 2nd time. The recital will feature a content that can only be experienced with the original story that fully makes use of the location, which is Shimogamo Shrine. The performers are Nozawa Masako and Kishio Daisuke, who will continue their appearance from the 1st Night, along with Shimono Hiro, Maeno Tomoaki, and Shimazaki Nobunaga. (※ Nozawa Masako will appear in sound only) Also, the ending song is "Little sky" by Fujii Fumiya. It was announced that the paid streaming will be available for "Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'". The streaming ticket is currently on sale since October 9, and it is priced at 4,000 JPY for each day. Also, the time limited free streaming for "Kamo no Ne 1st Night 'Tadasu no Kaze'" is available on YouTube since October 8. "Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'" will be held at Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto, from October 16 to October 17. ＜Below are the full comments＞ Kishio Daisuke Comments At the sacred region, which is Shimogamo Shrine. The work and performance by Yamashita Heisuke-san. Together with my big senior, Nozawa Masako-san and my reliable juniors. I appreciate that I am able to engage in this recital that is blessed with a good venue, work, and performers. I will do my best as acting is the only thing that I can do in this current difficult situation! In respect of that, I hope everyone can enjoy it in a relaxed manner. Shimono Hiro Comments I'm actually quite grateful that... I am able to participate in the "Recital Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'"! That's because this recital featured a lineup of interesting performers, such as Nozawa Masako, and it is taking place at the world cultural heritage, "Shimogamo Shrine". I'm quite excited to see how it will turn out!! I'm also looking forward to the unexpected results during the actual performance!! Maeno Tomoaki Comments As the event takes place at the world cultural heritage, Shimogamo Shrine, I was quite nervous, but I had already felt the response during the rehearsal stage. As the recital has a profound story, and it will be voiced by the amazing performers, so I hope that everyone can enjoy it. I will do my best so that I am able to create a new memory with everyone at Shimogamo Shrine! Shimazaki Nobunaga Comments I can't believe I will be doing a recital at the world cultural heritage, the Shimogamo Shrine at Kyoto. It's amazing that a voice actor can be involved in such an event. I will do my best to express it via my voice along with the other fantastic performers. I believe this will be a recital where the beginning has a pop feeling that you can enter easily but it will become more profound as you continue to listen to it. Please look forward to it. ■ Event Detail Performance Title: World Cultural Heritage Shimogamo Shrine Kamo no Ne 2nd Night "Yomigaeri" Performers: Nozawa Masako, Kishio Daisuke, Shimono Hiro, Maeno Tomoaki, Shimazaki Nobunaga Date and Time: Saturday, October 16, 2021, Starts at 7:00 PM; Sunday, October 17, 2021, Starts at 6:00 PM Venue: Shimogamo Shrine Streaming Ticket: Noon September 18 (Saturday) ~ Start of the Lottery. ■ "Kamo no Ne 2nd Night 'Yomigaeri'" Paid Streaming World Cultural Heritage Shimogamo Shrine Kamo no Ne 2nd Night "Yomigaeri" 【Streaming+ (Streaming)】 ＜Saturday, October 16, 2021, Starts at 7:00 PM＞ Sales Period: Saturday, October 9 - Tuesday, October 19. Streaming Period: Saturday, October 16 - Tuesday, October 19 ＜Sunday, October 17, 2021, Starts at 6:00 PM＞ Sales Period: Saturday, October 9 - Wednesday, October 20. Streaming Period: Saturday, October 17 - Wednesday, October 20 Streaming Ticket Price: 4,000 JPY (for each day) ■　"Kamo no Ne 1st Night 'Tadasu no Kaze'"　Free Streaming Period：8:00 PM, October 8, 2021 (Friday) to 11:59 PM, October 15, 2021 (Friday)

The stage play "'Bakuman' The Stage" has opened its curtain on October 8, 2021 at "The Galaxy Theatre". At the same time, the situation of the dressing rehearsal was revealed prior to the first day performance, and the comments from Worry Kinoshita (Performance, Script Writer), Suzuki Hiroki (as Mashiro Moritaka), and Aramaki Yoshihiko (as Takagi Akito) have been revealed. "'Bakuman' The Stage" is based on the manga by the pair, Ohba Tsugumi and Obata Takeshi that was serialized on "Weekly Shounen Jump" from 2008 to 2012. It depicts the struggle of the high school student manga artist pair, "Saikou" (Mashiro Moritaka) and "Shuujin" (Takagi Akito) as they aim toward the top of "Weekly Shounen Jump". It has gotten a total of 3 TV anime adaptations with a live-action movie. For this stage play, the performance and script are handled by Worry Kinoshita (known for the performance of the hyper projection theatre "Haikyuu!!" series), and the double main performers are handled by Suzuki Hiroki and Aramaki Yoshihiko. It will also feature various popular cast members, including Hasegawa Tomoharu and Katagiri Jun, who will be challenging the 2.5 stage play for the first time. On the performance side, a water basin stage was set-up together with the projection mapping for the new challenge, where the important "water" element is used to express the emotion of the characters. Before the start of the performance, the performance and script writer Worry Kinoshita commented "This is a rare stage play that I wanted to show everyone immediately." For Suzuki Hiroki as Mashiro Moritaka, he commented "This is a work that fully makes use of the stage play. Instead of our respiration, we are also using various mechanisms to express the change in the role and story." while Aramaki Yoshihiko as Takagi Akito mentioned "Please do look forward to this story that focuses on the characters chasing their dream in a straightforward, passionate, and pure manner that is created by this amazing lineup of performers." The Tokyo performance of "'Bakuman' The Stage" is currently being held at "The Galaxy Theatre" until October 17, and at "Tokyo Dome City Hall" from October 21 to October 24. For the Osaka performance, it will be held from October 28 to October 31, at MielParkque Osaka. ＜Below are the full comments＞ 【Performance, Script Writer: Worry Kinoshita 】 This is a rare stage play that I wanted to show everyone immediately. I think the proof is that we, the creators, are quite excited toward it. Well, we have faced a lot of difficulties and trouble during the process, but they were surpassed by the rehearsal that is filled with excitement. That is because there were various first trials in this stage play and I also would like to thank the staff and cast members who challenged it. I believe that youth has no age limit and this stage play will be a real "Bakuman", so please experience it. 【Mashiro Moritaka: Suzuki Hiroki】 This is a work that fully makes use of the stage play. Instead of our respiration, we are also using various mechanisms to express the change in the role and story. I believe this will be an unforgettable work, so please look forward to it. 【Takagi Akito: Aramaki Yoshihiko】 I had experienced the potentiality of a "play". For this stage play, "water" was used plentifully to express the ink of a manga and the emotion, and I believe that this "water" is the best method to express "those who are living in the current". Please do look forward to this story that focuses on the characters chasing their dream in a straight forward, passionate, and pure manner that is created by this amazing lineup of performers. （C）Ohba Tsugumi, Obata Takeshi/ Shueisha, "Bakuman" The Stage Production Committee （C）Ohba Tsugumi, Obata Takeshi/ Shueisha