In an exciting announcement for fans of Japanese theater and the popular boy band SixTONES, Tanaka Juri will make his solo stage debut in the upcoming play, "Our Seven-Day War 2025." This production is set to commence in August 2025, with performances scheduled across five major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Aichi, and Kumamoto.
The stage adaptation is based on the beloved novel "Our Seven-Day War," written by Osamu Soda in 1985. This book has captured the imaginations of young readers for decades, becoming a bestseller and spawning adaptations into both a live-action film in 1988 and an animated version in 2019. With 2025 marking the 40th anniversary of its publication, the story continues to resonate with new generations, having sold over 20 million copies since its release.
Tanaka, a member of SixTONES, expressed his enthusiasm about taking on this significant role. He stated, "I am very happy to be taking on my first solo starring role in a stage play. I am also nervous, as it has been a while since I last worked on stage, and I am honored to be part of this historically rich and wonderful work. I will do my best to ensure that everyone who comes to see it enjoys themselves, and I hope to have fun myself while performing. I would love for you all to feel the live atmosphere in the theater!"
The play tells the story of a group of first-year junior high school students who rebel against the unreasonable control and impositions of adults. On the first day of summer vacation, they mysteriously disappear and take refuge in an abandoned factory. There, they declare a rebellion against adults and embark on a week-long adventure of freedom. As the situation escalates, schools and parents become involved, leading to a media frenzy and police involvement. Through their experiences, the children form bonds, confront their beliefs, and grow in the face of adversity, delivering a poignant message about the struggles against adult society.
Naohiro Ise, known for his work on various adaptations of manga and anime, including the "Blue Lock" series and "Tokyo Revengers," will handle both the script and direction of the play. His experience in transforming popular stories into engaging stage productions is expected to bring a fresh perspective to this classic tale.
The schedule for "Our Seven-Day War 2025" is as follows: the Tokyo performances will take place at the Tokyo Kenchiku Brillia HALL from August 24 to September 2, 2025. Following that, the Osaka performances will run from September 10 to 18, 2025, at the Tokyo Kenchiku Brillia HALL in Kasukabe. The Kyoto performances will be held from September 24 to 28, 2025, at the Kyoto Theater. Aichi's performances are scheduled for October 2 and 3, 2025, at the Tokai City Arts Theater, and the Kumamoto performances will occur from October 24 to 28, 2025, at the Kumamoto-jo Hall. The production will conclude its run with encore performances in Tokyo from November 7 to 9, 2025.
This adaptation of "Our Seven-Day War" promises to be a thrilling and nostalgic experience for audiences, blending themes of rebellion, friendship, and the quest for identity in a society that often overlooks the voices of youth. As Tanaka Juri steps into this iconic role, many are eager to see how he will bring the character to life on stage, and how the production will resonate with both long-time fans of the story and newcomers alike.
As the anticipation builds for the premiere, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for what is sure to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. With its rich history and enduring relevance, "Our Seven-Day War 2025" is set to capture the hearts of audiences across Japan.
