#Japan #Tokyo #Hiroshima #Atomic Bomb #9PROJECT

Groundbreaking Stage Adaptation of 'The Day the Atomic Bomb Was Dropped on Hiroshima'

9PROJECT has announced an ambitious adaptation of Tsuka Kohei's striking play, 'The Day the Atomic Bomb Was Dropped on Hiroshima', set to perform at Ryogoku Theater Kaï, Tokyo, from November 21 to November 24, 2025. Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 AM on October 11, 2025, through Confetti, a platform managed by Long Run Planning Co., Ltd.

About the Performance

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of post-war Japan, a significant milestone that inspired 9PROJECT to tackle one of Tsuka Kohei's most explosive pieces. Originally unveiled in 1979 at Seibu Theater (now PARCO Theater) as a special featuring actor Kazama Toshiro, the production captivated audiences with its controversial narrative about a Japanese officer, who faced an agonizing choice to push the button that would deploy an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, directed towards a woman he loved.

Despite its initial success, the original version failed to leave behind a definitive script after Tsuka's own guidance ceased, leaving it shrouded in mystery. Now, 9PROJECT aims to revive the play by adapting the narrative based on a novel version released in 1984, transforming it into a stage presentation.

Under the direction of Watanabe Kazunori, who has had extensive experience adapting Tsuka’s works, including 'Kakeochi', 'Second Generation is Christian', and 'Tsuka's Version of Chushin Gura', this reimagining of the script will explore profound and haunting themes related to the bomb’s deployment and its catastrophic consequences.

A Historical Context

The violent memories from 80 years ago have begun to fade, yet global conflicts continue to mar humanity. This adaptation serves a dual purpose; not only does it preserve and commemorate the tragic event of the atomic bombing, but it also raises questions regarding the human decision-making process that leads to such devastation, making this narrative all the more relevant today.

Story Highlights

Set against the backdrop of events leading up to the Pacific War, the story introduces Ishikawa Kenichiro, a commander who positions himself between the cruel choices of war. His identity intertwines with Yuri, a stunning woman from a family of assassins, whom he meets years later under dire circumstances. As tensions rise, they’re forced to confront their emotional connection amidst the backdrop of impending doom. Kenichiro, believing that sacrifice is the only way to a future without nuclear tragedies, must grapple with the impact of his brutal decisions.

This layered storyline probes the ethics surrounding the use of nuclear weapons, depicted through Kenichiro’s harrowing dialogue reflecting his deep-seated love and the dark implications of his actions.

The Cast and Crew

With a talented ensemble cast including Takano Ai, Fujiwara Yoshiki, Nakajima Sarutobi, among others, the performance promises to be a thought-provoking experience. Watanabe Kazunori leads the creative team, supported by stage manager Kubota Tomoya, lighting designer Misawa Hiroshi, and sound engineer Naito Katsuhiko.

Performance Details

• - Show Dates: November 21 (19:00 - Discount Show), November 22 (13:00 & 18:00 - Discount Show), November 23 (13:00), and November 24 (13:00)
• - Location: Ryogoku Theater Kaï, Tokyo
• - Ticket Prices: General admission is 4,300 yen (4,000 yen for discount shows). Special discounts are available for Confetti members.
• - Duration: Approximately two hours.

As the performance approaches, anticipation builds around how 9PROJECT will skillfully navigate the complexities of Tsuka's original vision while contemporary reflections on war and peace resonate through the narrative.