On February 28, 2025, the final curtain fell at the historic Imperial Theatre (Teikoku Gekijo) during the live broadcast of "Goodbye Imperial Theatre: The Last Day of the Musical Day" on Nippon Television. This bittersweet occasion saw actress Mao Daichi, aged 69, emotional as she remembered her late protg, Sayaka Kanda, who passed away suddenly at the age of 35 just over three years ago.
With sadness and nostalgia, the program featured highlights from Kanda’s performances, particularly her leading role as Eliza Doolittle in the musical "My Fair Lady," which first premiered at the theatre where Kanda had starred since 2018. The vast audience, comprising family, friends, and fans, echoed with tears as they recalled her childhood dream realized on stage.
The show aired several memorable clips of Kanda singing, including her performance of "Dancing The Night Away." Her last scripted musical appearance, recorded at the Imperial Theatre, evoked strong reactions online. Fans took to platform X (formerly Twitter) with posts like "Tears poured out" and "Thank you for the video of Sayaka!" demonstrating her lasting impact.
Daichi, who was affectionately called "Mama" by Kanda, was visibly moved as she recounted fond memories during the broadcast. With tears welling up, she shared, "Sayaka would come to see my performances, dragging her suitcase all the way to regional shows. It was really touching." This encapsulated the deep bond they shared, one based on admiration and love.
Further deepening the emotional texture of the broadcast, KinKi Kids’ Koichi Domoto invited Daichi to reflect on her feelings toward Kanda. After pausing to gather her emotions, Daichi reminisced about the moments they captured together at the theatre. "The last day she came to see me perform, we took pictures together, and she said, 'Mama, wait, I’ll come dressed up!' That’s how close we were," she recalled.
Kanda's life was intertwined with the theater from an early age, having grown up amid the dazzling lights and grandeur of the stage. Renowned for her roles across various productions like "Les Misrables" and "Endless SHOCK," she had become one of the bright stars of Japanese musical theatre.
Tragedy struck when Kanda passed away suddenly during performances of "My Fair Lady" in Hokkaido. Her death sent shockwaves throughout the theatre community, leaving behind countless fans devastated and mourning the loss of her radiant talent.
The evening culminated with the final performance of "The Best New History Coming," marking the end of the Imperial Theatre as it prepares for reconstruction. Standing ovations rang out as a tribute to Kanda and all the beautiful performances hosted there over its 114-year history. Cast members joined hands, singing "Do You Hear The People Sing?" from "Les Misrables," trailing emotions behind the curtain for what was the last time until the theatre reopens.
This transition marks the end of era for many, as the Imperial Theatre has been foundational to numerous artists’ careers, including the late Kanda, who has become synonymous with its legacy. According to Daichi, Kanda was more than just her protg, "She was like my own daughter, and our time together was precious beyond measure. I will carry her memory with me wherever I go. We had so many laughs and tears together on stage."
The show’s reflective tone captured the essence of the ceremony, solidifying Kanda's memory as not just part of the audience, but as someone incredibly influential within the theatre industry. Her legacy will undoubtedly echo through the grand halls of the Imperial Theatre even as it enters this new chapter of redevelopment.