#Japan #Tokyo #Tom Project #Chalk Factory #TRASHMASTERS

Experience 'Dreams Illustrated with Chalk'

The Tom Project's 'Dreams Illustrated with Chalk' is set to light up the stage from May 20 to May 26, 2026, at Ryogoku Theater X in Tokyo. This poignant theatrical piece is inspired by the groundbreaking efforts of Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., a pioneer in providing employment opportunities for people with severe intellectual disabilities.

The play highlights the importance of 'equality,' 'diversity,' and 'coexistence,' encouraging audiences to reflect on the complexities surrounding happiness and societal inclusion in today's world. The artistic vision remains intact, developed by Akihito Nakatsuru of TRASHMASTERS, who previously directed a successful rendition of this impactful story in 2023.

This version of the play integrates creative elements unique to the Tom Project while retaining the heart of the narrative. At the center of the story is a chalk factory that has employed individuals with intellectual disabilities for over 50 years. The setting is described evocatively, depicting access paths led by graffiti-tagged small trucks and a sales pavilion nestled within a vast, calming blue sky, symbolizing the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for its employees.

The 2026 performance promises to be not just an artistic journey but also an important dialogue starter regarding the lives of those with disabilities. On May 24, a special talk session will feature Takahisa Ohyama, President of Nippon Rikagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., engaging in a discussion with director Nakatsuru. This offers a unique platform to challenge perceptions and foster understanding about living and thriving with disabilities.

Show Details

• - Performance Dates: May 20 (Wed) - May 26 (Tue), 2026
• - Venue: Ryogoku Theater X, Tokyo (2-10-14 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku)

Cast

Featuring:

• - Sho Miyahara
• - Taku Sei
• - Ben Nakajima
• - Taketsugu Ogino
• - Kanako Takizawa
• - Mari Taniguchi

Production Team

• - Writer and Director: Akihito Nakatsuru (TRASHMASTERS)
• - Set Design: Megumi Satomori
• - Lighting: Takayoshi Masuda
• - Sound: Koji Sato
• - Costume: Ai Higuchi
• - Stage Management: Hitoshi Matsumoto
• - Illustration: Graffiti Artist Hidetoshi Kusumi

Performance Schedule

• - May 20 (Wed) 19:00
• - May 21 (Thu) 14:00
• - May 22 (Fri) 14:00 ☆
• - May 23 (Sat) 14:00
• - May 24 (Sun) 14:00 ☆
• - May 25 (Mon) 19:00
• - May 26 (Tue) 14:00

*Doors open 45 minutes before the show. ☆ = Post-show talk session.
Special guests include all cast members on the 22nd and Takahisa Ohyama with Nakatsuru on the 24th.

Ticket Information

• - General Admission: 6,500 JPY (All seats reserved, including tax)
• - Ticket Purchase: Available through Confetti (managed by Long Run Planning Inc.). More information, including insights into purchasing, can be found on the official site: Tom Project Official Page.