Masami Nagasawa and Mikio Hayama are set to star in the new stage play titled Odoru Fuufu (Dancing Couple), produced by Bunkamura, which will premiere at Theatre Milano-Za in Tokyo from April 10 to May 4, 2025. Following its Tokyo run, the production will head to Osaka starting May 10, then to Niigata on May 24, and finally to Nagano on May 31.
Written and directed by the acclaimed Ryuuta Hourai, known for esteemed works such as Mahoroba and Kiete Iku Nara Asa, Odoru Fuufu explores the intricacies of marriage through the lens of real-life relationships rather than stereotypical marital narratives. Hourai aims to depict the evolution of the dynamic between couples over ten years, encapsulating their joys and challenges.
The title, Odoru Fuufu, reflects the couple's struggles as they 'dance' through life together, encompassing themes of control, submission, and the desire to align their paths—a nod to the modern challenges faced by couples today.
Starring alongside Nagasawa and Hayama are familiar faces including Sasaki Matsushima, Sarutoki Minagawa, Karin Ono, and Ran Ito, who play significant supporting roles. This collaboration marks the first time Nagasawa and Hayama will reunite on stage since their film Moteki nearly 14 years ago, creating anticipation for their chemistry and performances.
Kinuko, played by Nagasawa, is portrayed as the wife of Hirohiko (Hayama), whose character grapples with expressing her emotions, highlighting the underlying themes of miscommunication present within their marriage. The couple's relationship is characterized by their belief they understand one another's struggles, yet they find themselves disconnected as they navigate life.
While Hayama's character, Hirohiko, philosophizes about the meaning of life, his struggles to connect emotionally with Kinuko create dramatic tension, echoing the sentiment of many modern couples who may feel adrift.
For those interested, tickets for the Tokyo performances will go on sale starting March 9, 2025. Pricing ranges from 9,500 yen for A seats to 12,500 yen for premium seating, emphasizing the quality of the production and its talent.
The Osaka show will run from May 10 to 19 at the Mori no Miya Piloti Hall, with Niiigata following on May 24 and May 25 at the Ryutopia Niigata City Performing Arts Center, then culminating with performances at Santomyuze on May 31 and June 1.
According to Hourai, the experiences of the couple are meant to reflect the 'inevitable interventions' from the outside world and how such pressures can lead to fissures within even the most intimate relationships. 'We want the audience to see how our characters struggle to patch their emotional disconnects against the backdrop of societal expectations,' he remarked.
Nagasawa expressed her excitement to work again with Hayama, indicating, 'There’s something uniquely refreshing about collaborating after so many years. Our performance will uniquely speak to the evolution of relationship dynamics.'
Overall, Odoru Fuufu seeks to resonate with audiences, prompting reflection on their own dynamics of partnership and the multifaceted nature of love and trust. The production promises more than merely entertainment—it is positioned as part of the broader conversation about marriage and companionship.
With its inaugural performance scheduled for April 2025, excitement for Odoru Fuufu is building, with both seasoned theatre-goers and curious newcomers encouraged to witness the poignant narrative live.