#Japan #Tokyo #The Fate of Goldfish #TAAC #Hirata Office

The Opening of 'The Fate of Goldfish'

On November 7, 2023, the stage adaptation of 'The Fate of Goldfish,' produced by Hirata Office and TAAC, commenced at the Sunmori Studio in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This compelling play runs until November 16, 2023, diving deep into the emotional landscape of a mother’s struggle to reclaim her son from dubious societal support organizations.

This production marks the third collaboration between Hirata Office and Takai Akifumi, who both directed and wrote the play. With a fresh perspective on certain social issues, particularly focusing on ‘hikikomori’ (a Japanese term describing those who withdraw from social life), this narrative sheds light on the lesser-known phenomenon of ‘hikikomori dealers’.

The Narrative's Heart
At its core, 'The Fate of Goldfish' tells the story of a mother who, in her desperation to help her son reveal his potential, then finds herself confronted with the harsh realities of an unethical support group. Hoping to facilitate her son’s reintegration into society, she entrusts him to a so-called support organization, only to encounter situations rife with conflict and moral ambiguity. When a tragic incident occurs within this facility, the mother's concerns grow, leading her to believe that her son may be trapped by a 'hikikomori dealer.' Her journey to rescue him is the emotional crux of this rich human drama.

Insights from the Creator and Cast

Takai Akifumi - Creator and Director

“The days leading up to our premiere were a whirlwind. Creating a new script and exploring various interpretations during rehearsals made time fly. I wonder what views we will be able to share with our team and audience from here on in. I aspire to create a play that mirrors a sunny morning following a storm, where hope exists for everyone involved.”

Cast Reflections

• - Edomoto Moe: Portraying Asako Emori, the mother in the story, she shared her insights: “Each character faces unimaginable challenges, and this performance reflects the unique struggles of the Emori family. My experience in rehearsals was profound; I delved deeply into her thoughts and feelings, aiming to embody her hope for her child's happiness.”

• - Kimura Seiya: “Through the rehearsal process, we made many discoveries, leading us to a brilliant final piece. Despite the nerves, I’m excited to present our work live to everyone!”

• - Ito Haruhi: “The stage production 'The Fate of Goldfish' has come to life after a month of dedicated teamwork. I’m thrilled to see how this story will resonate with the audience.”

• - Itaba Mitsuki: “As we encapsulate complex human emotions such as family, empathy, and ego, it becomes evident how nuanced each character's journey is. I feel honored to have been part of this ensemble.”

• - Suzuki Kyoko: “Throughout the rehearsal, I explored my character’s relationships deeply. I faced challenges and emerged with a keen understanding that I’m eager to share with the audience.”

• - Hirokawa Mikan: “This performance embodies the struggles we all face. We have grafted real emotional weight into our work, and I firmly believe it will strike a chord with our viewers.”

Performance Details

• - Title: The Fate of Goldfish
• - Synopsis: The mother’s journey towards her son is dotted with moral quandaries as she battles against a support system fraught with peril.
• - Written and Directed By: Takai Akifumi
• - Cast: Edomoto Moe, Kimura Seiya, Ito Haruhi, Itaba Mitsuki, Suzuki Kyoko, Hirokawa Mikan
• - Schedule: November 7-16, 2023
• - Venue: Sunmori Studio, Shinjuku, Tokyo
• - Ticket Price: Starting at ¥5,500, with special support tickets for ¥9,900

This meticulously crafted production serves as not only a captivating theatrical experience but also as an important conversation starter about societal issues today. Tickets are available through Confetti, and it's highly recommended to witness this deeply moving narrative live.

For more information, visit the official website: TAAC - The Fate of Goldfish