The stage production of "BANANA FISH", "BANANA FISH: The Stage Part 1", has opened at Tennozu Gingakko Theatre on June 10, 2021. We have just received the stage photos from the open production held prior to the first day of the performance, as well as comments from the cast and staff including Mizue Kenta and Okamiya Kurumu. “BANANA FISH" is a comic by Yoshida Akio that has been loved all over the world for more than 35 years since its serialization, and it has been adapted into a TV anime in 2018. In the stage production, "BANANA FISH" is stylishly expressed on a scale that exceeds the limits of the stage space. The way of life of each character is portrayed in a powerful and vivid way. "BANANA FISH: The Stage Part 1" is currently being performed at Tennozu Ginga Gekijo from June 10, 2021. Mizue Kenta as Ash Lynx We've been practicing until today so that we can confidently say that we want people to keep their eyes on us the whole time. I think every scene and every line is a highlight, and I myself am strongly attracted to Ash. I'd like to bite down on the happiness of having encountered this work and play the role even harder, so I'd be happy if you fall in love with "BANANA FISH" even more after watching the play! Okamiya Kurumu as Okamura Eiji The curtain is finally about to open! For about a month, we've spent really intense days, working together to create the world of "BANANA FISH". I would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far. We are proud to present it to you with confidence! We hope you will be able to see it in theaters or via live streaming. Director: Matsuzaki Fumiya The perfect cast and staff. We had a great response from the moment we decided on the members of the company. Without these people, we would not be able to achieve the quality that "BANANA FISH" demands in a stage production. The two actors at the center of the company, Mizue Kenta and Okamiya Kurumu, are full of talent and a great future. I think it's a miracle that the two most suitable people to play the roles of Ash and Eiji are now working in the production. The rehearsal period was full of excitement for all of us. I am proud to say that this is a play that makes you feel like you can't even blink. I hope you will see it in on stage or on the live streaming. (C) Yoshida Akio, Shogakukan/"BANANA FISH" Stage Production Committee