#Japan #Tokyo #That Sky #Kanpei Group #Masayoshi Miyata

A Heartfelt Tribute to High School Baseball Players

The reading drama 'That Sky', organized, planned, and produced by Kanpei Group, is set to return after a successful previous run. The performance will take place from March 18 to March 22, 2026, at the Theater Alpha in Tokyo's Shibuya district. This unique production is dedicated to high school baseball players who had their 2020 summer season abruptly halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a poignant reminder of what was lost, the drama aims to provide comfort and hope to those who still cherish the dream of playing at Koshien.

Ticket Sales and Schedule

Currently, tickets are available through the Kanpetti website, managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd. This organization, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is spearheaded by President Daisuke Kurematsu.

The official website includes more details on ticket purchasing and exclusive member benefits.

Special Features of 'That Sky'

Written and directed by Masayoshi Komada, known for his work on EXILE's song 'Michi', the story is inspired by the heartfelt song 'I Will Never Forget That Sky', released in 2020 by composer Masayoshi Miyata during the pandemic. The drama not only highlights the challenges faced by student-athletes but also underscores the emotional struggles of youth during this tumultuous time.

The cast will feature a diverse lineup including talented stage and screen actors, popular voice actors, and artists from groups like THE RAMPAGE and FANTASTICS, offering a mix of genres and styles that promise to engage audiences throughout the production.

Synopsis

In 2020, as baseball players aimed for the prestigious Koshien tournament, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of sports competitions nationwide. This led to the creation of a song that encapsulated the dreams and frustrations of those young athletes, which serves as the foundation for the play. The narrative follows the ambitions of young men whose dreams were shattered on that fateful day when they could no longer strive towards their goals.

It’s a tale of lost opportunities and cherished memories, capturing the essence of their youth and determination. With the performance scheduled during the Spring Senbatsu tournament, it aims to resonate deeply with both performers and spectators, invoking a shared sense of loss and nostalgia.

Director's Message

Director Masayoshi Komada shares, “Everyone has unforgettable moments in their lives and experiences that fill them with regret. We strive to overcome these trials as we move forward. The news of the Koshien tournament's cancellation in 2020 filled me with a profound sadness and anger. I longed to reach out to these young athletes and convey my feelings through a song, leading me to write lyrics that became a CD. This desire grew stronger, and while preparing for the play in January 2021, the pandemic once again interrupted our plans, leading to several delays.

When we finally opened, I felt a sense of laughter and shared tears with the audience that night. It’s truly fulfilling to once again share this story during a time that coincides with the new Koshien tournament, allowing us all to remember those who were impacted back in 2020.”

Performance Details

Kanpei Group's Reading Drama 'That Sky'

• - Performance Dates: March 18–22, 2026
• - Venue: Theater Alpha Tokyo (Address: 3-24-7 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo)
• - Playwright/Director: Masayoshi Komada
• - Music: Masayoshi Miyata (featuring 'I Will Never Forget That Sky')

Cast Members Include:

• - Masanori Ishii, Naosumi Takahashi, Hiroaki Hirata, Yuho Murata, Moro Shioka, and many more, ensuring a dynamic performance each show with varying participants.

Performance Schedule:

• - March 18: 14:00 / 18:00
• - March 19: 14:00 / 18:00
• - March 20: 14:00 / 18:00
• - March 21: 13:00 / 18:00
• - March 22: 13:00 / 18:00

Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.

Ticket Pricing:

• - All seats reserved: 7,000 yen (tax included)

For more details, visit the Kanpetti website for ticket purchasing. This emotional and impactful performance is a perfect opportunity for anyone looking to reconnect with the dreams and challenges that define youth, particularly in the context of sports and camaraderie.