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Takanawa Chikutei Play: 'Kimi to Umi ga Utau Hi'

The Minato area of Tokyo is set to host an original theatrical performance titled 'Kimi to Umi ga Utau Hi' inspired by the historical Takanawa Chikutei. This event marks an important collaboration between Saga Prefecture and Minato City, following the discovery of the Takanawa Chikutei ruins during construction at Shinagawa Station.

In March of last year, in response to this find, both regions declared their partnership to promote and deepen their cultural ties. The goal is to highlight the historical significance and cultural value surrounding Takanawa Chikutei, as well as to invigorate both communities by sharing their rich heritage.

This initiative saw its first showcase last year, featuring a historical drama performed by the Saga Higashi High School Drama Club, which captivated audiences with the tale of the inspirational figure, Okuma Shigenobu, a notable person from Saga. This year, the students are back with a new original script, expanding their collaboration with the Tokai University-affiliated Takanawadai High School Drama Club.

Performance Details

• - Title: Kimi to Umi ga Utau Hi
• - Date: August 3, 2024

- Part 1: 13:00 - 14:30
- Part 2: 16:00 - 17:30

• - Venue: Minato Ward Akasaka Community Center, 3rd Floor, Community Hall

(Address: 4-18-13 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo)

• - Admission Fee: Free
• - Capacity: 400 participants per session (Registration required, first-come-first-served)

You can secure your place via the registration form provided in advance of the show.

Synopsis

The story unfolds in Saga Minami High School, which faces closure in two years. The male members of the drama club, now lost in the world of online gaming, receive a message from a girl in Minato: “Shall we chase our dreams together?” This unexpected connection drives them to travel to Tokyo for the first time, a journey filled with excitement and the potential for romance. Among them is Nobu, who harbors deeper feelings, struggling to navigate the complexities of youth and aspiration.

A Glimpse into History

Meanwhile, flashbacks to 1869 introduce us to Okuma Shigenobu, who succeeded in negotiating with British Minister Harry Parks. In this era, he meets Ayako Saegusa, a daughter of a samurai family in Edo, and they marry. Ayako supports her husband's dreams, balancing tenderness with a strict determination to help him succeed, embodying the essence of partnership during tumultuous times.

The play intertwines the fates of these characters through the vision of a steam locomotive riding the waves of the sea, raising the question: Where will their dreams take them?

About the Saga Higashi High School Drama Club

The Saga Higashi High School drama club showcases an extensive array of performances, covering genres related to local history and peace education, with approximately 15 productions each year. They have earned numerous accolades, including 14 prestigious awards at the Saga Prefectural Championship, and have repeatedly competed at the national level. In collaboration with the Saga Prefecture, they have created and performed dramas about influential historical figures, such as the founder of the Japanese Red Cross, Sano Tsunemichi, and the first Minister of Justice, Eto Shinpei.

The Collaboration Project between Saga and Minato City

In April 2019, the discovery of a section of Takanawa Chikutei during renovation works at Shinagawa Station ignited a partnership declaration between Saga Prefecture and Minato City, aiming to promote the historical and cultural assets connecting them. For the upcoming outreach project in 2024, a series of activities are planned, including performances focused on Takanawa Chikutei and PR booths for the SAGA 2024 National Sports and National Disabled Sports festival.

Conclusion

The upcoming play promises to be both a heartfelt exploration of youth and an appreciation for the historical connections binding Saga and Minato. We invite everyone to attend this remarkable event and experience the passion and talent cultivated by the young performers.