HYPER-PROJECTION ENGEKI: HAIKYU!! China Tour Begins! Reports and Comments from the Dress Rehearsal Unveiled

Press Conference Comments

◆Director: Worry Kinoshita
Although this production is a work from ten years ago, the appeal of Haikyu!! as a manga has not faded at all. The fresh passion of the new cast has only powered it up further as we bring it to China. HYPER-PROJECTION ENGEKI: HAIKYU!! is truly an important work in my career as a director, and I am delighted that, with the gathered talents of a wonderful cast and staff, we can now bring it to a large theater audience in China. This play is packed with all kinds of excitement, so I hope people from all walks of life—from young people to adults—will come and discover something entertaining for themselves. Look forward to seeing how volleyball is expressed on stage. I would be happy if you can feel the energy and performance as if you are right there inside the court, as well as the passion of the actors.

◆Shoyo Hinata (portrayed by Raimu Ninomiya)
This is my first time performing and acting outside of Japan. I am really looking forward to seeing how our performance will be received, what parts the audience will focus on, and what aspects they will enjoy. As you all know, Haikyu!! is a manga that has transcended the seas and is loved all over the world. When I first read Volume 1 of Haikyu!!, I was deeply moved and even cried. Now, as Hinata, I want to express that same powerful impact, and to give everyone a sense of inspiration and courage. Our cast and staff led by Worry-san have all united with a common goal to create a production everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of Haikyu!! or of stage plays in general, I’m confident we’ve created something we can proudly present, so I hope you’ll be looking forward to it. Thank you.

◆Tobio Kageyama (portrayed by Shoa Hara)
On the eve of opening day, I feel extremely nervous. There’s anxiety and tension, but during these two months of rehearsals, the company members have supported me, and I think I’ve gained confidence. This is a play that wouldn’t have existed if any one member of the cast or company were missing. I’m excited for everyone to see the HYPER-PROJECTION ENGEKI: HAIKYU!! we have all created. I’ll give it my best.

◆Toru Oikawa (portrayed by Yasunari Fujibayashi)
It was challenging to build teamwork by synchronizing with everyone, but spending all this time together building from zero to this point has become a major appeal of this stage. I think that, even overseas, the projection mapping used in HYPER-PROJECTION ENGEKI: HAIKYU!! will be easily understood. As I took on my role in this production, I worked hard on how to convey the story even without relying on words. On stage, I hope our performances will communicate the greatness of Haikyu!! and of Japanese entertainment to everyone. I look forward to seeing everyone’s smiles.

◆Hajime Iwaizumi (portrayed by Ren Suzuki)
It was difficult to create performances and acting that bring out the appeal of a school or team, but now I believe we are able to clearly express the strengths of both Karasuno and Aoba Johsai, so I hope you look forward to seeing that. Through the theatrical Haikyu!!, I was introduced to the world of Haikyu!! and have been able to be a part of HYPER-PROJECTION ENGEKI: HAIKYU!!. It makes me truly happy to be involved in a production that fully brings out the appeal of Haikyu!! and theater. Having joined after my experience with the theater company Haikyu!!, I feel a responsibility to bring stage Haikyu!! to the world. This is a play where you can feel the brilliance of both Haikyu!! and theater itself, so please look forward to it.