(image source: Twitter.com)
Rock Musical Bleach poster.
The Bleach manga(comics) has ended this week and so the death gods got more plenty of time to do a musical! Just kidding! Cheer up! Here's something to ease your post manga depression syndrome.
Theatrical play has a long way down history in diverse forms and styles depending on its culture and country of origin. In Japan, among the traditional theater plays were Kabuki, Bunraku and Noh. But as we all know, nothing is constant except change. Japanese theater plays, through the years, had evolved into several bizarre yet insanely amazing kinds and one these is what they called the "2.5-Dimensional Musical" or more known as the "2.5-D Musical". And this is the genre of one of my most loved musical plays I will be talking about today, Rock Musical Bleach. But before we dive in completely to the topic, let me share to you a short background about the 2.5-D Musical.
2.5-D Musical are plays adapted from manga, anime and video games. This genre aims to bring fictional stories and two-dimensional characters to life. Originally, there is no exact name for this genre until fans started calling it 2.5-D Musical for the reason of being based on two-dimensional characters and turning them to three-dimensional characters(people acting the characters on stage). Thus, making this type of play perfectly sit in between the two and three dimensional world and so the term 2.5-D Musical was born.
According to an interview to Makoto Matsuda, Chairman of Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association, it was the theatrical play "Versailles no Bara"(The Rose of Versailles) during 1974 which unchained the gates to the world of 2.5-D Musical. And in 2003, one of his works "The Prince of Tennis Musical"("Tenimyu" in short) became a big hit that it became a series going on for several years which had also produced some well-known stage actors of today. Throughout the years, the 2.5-D Musical had earned recognition and is being loved more and more by people. And surprisingly, this genre is also well-received abroad. (Read the whole interview here!)
(image source: Google.com)
The AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.
If you plan to watch your favorite 2.5-D Musical in Japan then you should at least consider to check them at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Well, it's just the only theater in Japan that specializes and plays 2.5-D Musical all throughout the year!(Bye! I'm moving to Shibuya! Lol!) The theater has 824 seats and is very friendly for the international audiences who cannot understand the Japanese language as this theater is equipped with what they call "subtitle glasses" where you can see texts of your chosen language(commonly English or Chinese) on the lenses of the glasses. Amazing! Indeed, welcome to the new era of Japanese musical plays!
Now we're all set! Now that you've known of this genre, it's time I introduce to you a musical play that was loved for years and is now making its come back—the Rock Musical Bleach!
RAISE YOUR SWORDS DEATH GODS! ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH IS BACK!
After a four-year break, the "Shinigami"(Death Gods or Soul Reapers) from Soul Society are again back to rock our world! Rock Musical Bleach or "Burimyu" for short, first began on August 2005 and ran until 2012. On their return this year, the musical goes by the title "Rock Musical Bleach ~もうひとつの地上~"(read as "Rock Musical Bleach ~Mou Hitotsu no Chijou~" or in English, "Rock Musical Bleach ~Reach the Another World~") where I believe the musical's story focuses on the Soul Society arc where Kurosaki Ichigo goes to Soul Society to save Kuchiki Rukia.
(video source: Youtube.com)
A sneak peak of how the new Rock Musical Bleach.
Rock Musical Bleach is an adaptation of the manga Bleach by Noriaki Kubo(also known as Tite Kubo) and Shueisha. Bleach is a story about a high school student named Kurosaki Ichigo who became a death god through the help of Kuchiki Rukia, a death god, in order to save his family who is being attacked by a "hollow"(a monster spirit). From then on, he gladly fulfilled his duty as a "shinigami daiko"(substitute shinigami) protecting the human world and the death gods' world Soul Society which is also protected by thirteen divisions or what they call the "Gotei 13". The last chapter of the story came out this week(one of the reasons I'm making this blog post) after a run of fifteen successful years.
(image source: Twitter.com)
The cast of Rock Musical Bleach.
Rock Musical Bleach 2016 debuted its comeback last July 28, 2016 at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo which ran until August 7. For those who missed their Tokyo performances, you can still catch them this coming August 24 to 28 at the Kyoto Theater in Kyoto, Japan. You can purchase tickets at the musical's official website. For non-Japanese fans, there's also an English website where you can purchase your ticket. Just pray that tickets aren't still sold out! You can also check the time table for their Kyoto performances on Nelke's website. For an updated news about Burimyu, you can check their official Twitter.
Despite the good popularity of the manga, one crucial factor to be considered for a successful musical show is the ability of the cast to portray their roles well. Can they bring out the character's personality and emotions? Can they sing and dance well? Do they resemble the appearance of the characters they'll be portraying? And so many other questions. So let's go and get to know the cast of this very awesome musical!
THE CAST OF ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH ~MOU HITOTSU NO CHIJOU~
▪ 高野洸 Takano Akira as Kurosaki Ichigo
(image source: Twitter.com)
Takano Akira as the substitute shinigami, Kurosaki Ichigo.
Birthdate: July 22, 1997
Instagram: @dream5_akira
Website: avex.jp/dream5
Takano Akira from Fukuoka Prefecture is the only male member of the sing and dance group Dream5. His role as Kurosaki Ichigo is his first 2.5-D musical role and also his first time to sing while playing a character. He feels nervous and pressured because of the previous Rock Musical Bleach shows which were really successful but he promised to do his best to fit the role. Takano Akira also mentioned in an interview that he watches the Bleach anime(animation) way back elementary and even tried to act like the characters with his friends at school. So when he knew that he would be doing Ichigo's role, he began rereading the manga to prepare for his role. He also mentioned that Ichigo's "zanpakutou"(sword) was a bit heavy. (I think the first actor of Ichigo also mentioned something about the weight of the sword. Haha! I believe Takano Akira can pull off the role because he wouldn't be chosen if he isn't good. I just wish he has a thicker voice. Lol)
▪ 甲斐千尋 Kai Chihiro as Kuchiki Rukia
(image source: Twitter.com)
Kai Chihiro as Kuchiki Rukia.
Birthdate: January 23, 1990
Twitter: @kai_chihiro
Blog: ameblo.jp/chihiro-kai
Kai Chihiro was born in Saitama Prefecture and a talented actress for being in several roles. Recently, she played the role of Shinoa Hiragi in "Owari no Seraph Musical" or The End of Seraph Musical. And right now, a bigger and challenging role was given to her as she plays the lead female character Kuchiki Rukia.
Well, she does have big similarities with the previous actress of Rukia, Sato Miki. I even mistook her as Miki's sister because they look very alike when they are in their costume. I also noticed that the Rukia actresses were always older than the Ichigo actors. I wonder why or was it just a coincidence?
▪ 崎山つばさ Sakiyama Tsubasa as Abarai Renji
(image source: Twitter.com)
Sakiyama Tsubasa as Abarai Renji.
Birthdate: November 03, 1989
Blog: ameblo.jp/sakiyama-tsubasa
Sakiyama Tsubasa from Chiba Prefecture is considered a versatile actor and has a massive of following. Before Rock Musical Bleach, he was also part of the very popular musical in Japan called Touken Ranbu Musical as Ishikirimaru. He also played as Urie Sogami in Dance with Devils Musical and many other popular musicals. This man is no doubt talented and I think he deserves to have the role as Abarai Renji in Rock Musical Bleach. I just can't wait to see more videos of him as Renji!
▪ 馬場良馬 Baba Ryoma as Aizen Sousuke
(image source: Twitter.com)
Baba Ryoma as Aizen Sousuke.
Birthdate: December 15, 1984
Blog: ameblo.jp/babaryouma
Baba Ryoma, also from Chiba Prefecture, made his major debut on the drama series Tokyo Ghost Trip last 2008. He had also been a part of the popular The Prince of Tennis Musical with the role Tezuka Kunimitsu and several other television shows, films and theatrical plays.
What can I say? He looks perfect as Aizen Sousuke! I think he even looks better than the previous Aizen Sousuke actor. Haha! I just need to hear him sing because there's no doubt he can play the character well. Baba Ryoma's Aizen photo was the second most popular cast photo on the Rock Musical Bleach's Twitter. Guess who the first is? Then please continue reading!
Other Male Cast:
(image source: Twitter.com; collage by Katsanslimites)
Characters from top left to bottom right: Kaname Tousen, Madarame Ikkaku, Ichimaru Gin, Kuchiki Byakuya, Zaraki Kenpachi, Yamada Hanataro, Hisagi Shuhei, Hitsugaya Toshiro and Kira Izuru.
▪ 本田昂也 Honda Takaya as Kaname Tousen
Birthdate: April 12, 1987
Twitter: @ty_0412
Blog: http://ameblo.jp/aaacbty
Honda Takaya from Tokyo seems like to play characters with sunglasses. Recently, he played as Aburame Shino in the Live Spectacle Naruto in China. He will again play a character wearing sunglasses in Rock Musical Bleach as the captain of the ninth division of Gotei 13, Kaname Tousen. I can't wait to see Kaname Tousen sing and dance to the song Catharsis of Eternity together with the two captains, Ichimaru Gin and Aizen Sousuke.
▪ 塩田康平 Shiota Kouhei as Madarame Ikkaku
Birthdate: March 31, 1990
Twitter: @0331Kouhei
Instagram: @kouhei0331
Blog: ameblo.jp/kouhei-peace39
Shiota Kouhei from Kagawa Prefecture is also a product of The Prince of Tennis Musical though in the second season. Aside from Tenimyu, he is also a cast in Haikyuu!! Stage Play as the loud Tanaka Ryuunosuke. No wonder he was given the role of Madarame Ikkaku in Rock Musical Bleach! I'm giving a thumbs up for Shiota Kouhei as Ikkaku because it suits him well. I hope Ikkaku's lucky dance will be a part of the musical because it's very entertaining! (Let's see how many of the cast was touched by The Prince of Tennis Musical and Haikyuu!! Stage Play. Haha!)
▪ 遊馬晃祐 Asuma Kousuke as Ichimaru Gin
Birthdate: October 20, 1995
Twitter: @ko_suke_asuma
Blog: ameblo.jp/kousuke-asuma
Asuma Kousuke from Gifu Prefecture and also plays for the Haikyuu!! Stage Play as Toru Oikawa, one of the biggest rivals of the protagonists in the story. From a volleyball player of Haikyuu!!, he will now portray the ever mysterious character Ichimaru Gin in Rock Musical Bleach. I can sense that he'll be as good as the previous Ichimaru Gin actor. I'm not sure if he has done any other plays besides Haikyuu!! and Burimyu but he already has got tons of fans around the world. Gaining the most favorite among the cast photos of Rock Musical Bleach Twitter is a proof. And that's not a surprise because he really looks like the characters he portrays. Awesome!
▪ 猪野広樹 Ino Hiroki as Kuchiki Byakuya
Birthdate: September 11, 1992
Instagram: @hiroki_ino
Blog: ameblo.jp/hiroki-ino
Ino Hiroki from Kanagawa Prefecture started his television and stage career in 2009. He is best known for his role as Sugawara Koshi in Haikyuu!! Stage Play. From a kind Sugawara, he will now play as the captain of the sixth division of Gotei 13, Kuchiki Byakuya. Based on the videos I've seen, I think I like the former Byakuya actor more but Ino Hiroki is also good.
▪ 川上 将大 Kawakami Shota as Zaraki Kenpachi
Birthdate: April 08, 1993
Twitter: @rjpmission
Kawakami Shota starred as a punk tennis player, Jin Akatsu, in the third season of The Prince of Tennis Musical.(The only information I have gathered so far. Lol) Anyway, he will be playing as Zaraki Kenpachi, the mighty, strong, fierce and fearless captain of the eleventh division of Gotei 13 in Rock Musical Bleach.
▪ 橋本真一 Hashimoto Shinichi as Yamada Hanataro
Birthdate: October 09, 1989
Twitter: @shinichi1109
Blog: ameblo.jp/shinichi-h-official
Hashimoto Shinichi from Osaka Prefecture, like many other cast, was also a part of The Prince of Tennis Musical and portrayed the character of Itsuki Marehiko. Although I believe he can do justice to the character Yamada Hanataro in Rock Musical Bleach, I wish they just brought back the first Hanataro actor because he still looks young as him.(Anyway, it's just my opinion. Hehe!)
▪ 橋本全一 Hashimoto Zenitsu as Hisagi Shuhei
Birthdate: December 17, 1987
Twitter: @zenitsu_
Hashimoto Zenitsu is a finalist on Mr.World Japan and will soon play the role of Kamasaki Yasushi in the Haikyuu!! Stage Play. He is also a part of the One Piece Live Attraction and some other stage plays. I wonder if he is related to the actor of Yamada Hanataro, Hashimoto Shinichi. Are they brothers? Cousins?Although I'm sure that he'll make it as a good Hisagi Shuhei in this musical.
▪ 永田祟人 Nagata Takato as Hitsugaya Toshiro
Birthdate: August 27, 1993
Twitter: @27Takato
Instagram: @takato0827
Website: cubeinc.co.jp/members/prf/068.html
Nagata Takato from Fukuoka Prefecture is just one of the lucky and blessed actors of today. He stars as one of the three actors of Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece Live Attraction and will appear in (surprise!) Haikyuu!! Stage Play as Kenma this November. And of course, he will be giving life to the midget character Hitsugaya Toshiro of Bleach. I hope he sings as good as the first Hitsugaya Toshiro actor too!
▪ 健人 Kento as Kira Izuru
Birthdate: November 06
Blog: ameblo.jp/kento-offcialblog
Kento was also a cast of The Prince of Tennis Musical third season where he played the role of Shinji Ibu. He also played in the stage play Cardfight!! Vanguard Virtual Stage and more. I'm not sure if this is a movie or a stage play but he is also involved in a "Romio to Jurietto no Hamuretto"(Romeo and Juliet's Hamlet) project. Honestly, I like the first Kira Izuru actor more but I don't think Kento as Kira isn't bad too.
Other Female Cast:
(image source: Twitter.com; collage by Katsanslimites)
Characters from top left to bottom right: Matsumoto Rangiku, Shihouin Yoruichi, Retsu Unohana, Sui-feng and Momo Hinamori.
▪ 高橋ユウ Takahashi Yu as Matsumoto Rangiku
Birthdate: January 19, 1991
Twitter: @takahashiyudesu
Instagram: @takahashiyu.official
Blog: ameblo.jp/takahashiyudesu
Takahashi Yu from Otsu, Shiga Prefecture is a model and actress who is most known for her role as Yuri in Kamen Rider Kiva and Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon musicals "Sailor Moon: La Reconquista" and "Sailor Moon: Petite Etrangere". She's half Japanese half Filipino by the way.
▪ 松林篤美 Matsubayashi Atsumi as Shihouin Yoruichi
Birthdate: January 14, 1987
Twitter: @achi114
Blog: ameblo.jp/70a80
Matsubayashi Atsumi from Tokyo will play the role of the amazing Shihouin Yoruichi in Rock Musical Bleach. I am so excited to see her do some acrobatic stunts knowing that she is also a part of the acrobat and dance company G-Rockets where the first Yoruichi actor is also a part of. For sure, she is going to be an incredible Yoruichi although I like the look of the first Yoruichi actor better.
▪ 平田裕香 Hirata Yuka as Retsu Unohana
Birthdate: September 15, 1983
Twitter: @Hirata_Yukaco
Hirata Yuka from Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture is an actress, idol and a voice actor. She appeared in some movies like the live-action film Wonderful World, television dramas and had done some radio dramas too. One of her voice acting role is in the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V as Melissa Claire. I'm not certain if this is her first 2.5-D role but her character as Retsu Unohana in Rock Musical Bleach really suits her, isn't it?
▪ 倉知あゆか Kurachi Ayuka as Sui-feng
Birthdate: August 24
Twitter: @AK0824
Blog: ameblo.jp/kayk19890824
Kurachi Ayuka, also from the acrobat and dance group G-Rockets, will be a part of the Musical Kuroshithuji ~Noah's Ark Circus~ as Peter which will begin this November. Right now, she will play the role of Sui-feng or Soifon, the captain of the second division of Gotei 13 in Rock Musical Bleach. She looks a lot like her character Sui-feng and I'm very happy for that. I can't wait to see her do some acrobatic stunts together with her master Yoruichi.
▪ 美山加恋 Miyama Karen as Momo Hinamori
Birthdate: December 12, 1996
Twitter: @karen_miyama
Blog: ameblo.jp/karen-mi
Website: horipro.co.jp/miyamakaren/
Miyama Karen from Tokyo is an actress and voice actress. She had voiced characters from animated shows like Endride, Momo e no Tegami(A letter to Momo) and in the first Naruto movie as Kazehana Koyuki. I'm not sure if Rock Musical Bleach is her first musical role but I'm sure playing as Momo Hinamori will be a big challenge because the former actor of Hinamori sings really great. But I think she can handle the role given because she's also a voice actress.
The Taiin:
The Taiin is a group of eight people that backup dances and acts as some random death god or shinigami in the musical. According to google translate, "隊員"(Taiin) means "team member". So here are the Taiin for Rock Musical Bleach 2016: Yasuhiro Miyagawa, Danki Sakae, Yuki Hisada, Kotaro Kaji, Kento Tokimatsu, Yu Hasegawa, Daiju Tsuji and AKI.
ROCK MUSICAL BLEACH ROCKS!
(video source: Youtube.com)
Some of the notable scenes in the Rock Musical Bleach.
Sorry for sounding redundant but I can't help saying that this musical rocks! Most of the songs in this musical are excellent and I love to listen to them when I feel like missing the show. Will you believe if I say I can sing the over nine-minute song Mou Hitotsu no Chijou without reading the lyrics?(Haha! Should I feel happy?)
I've heard a lot of people saying that they'd rather see the original cast of the musical because they fit better in the roles than the new cast. That's what I feel too and it makes me very sad that the much-loved cast were now replaced. But honestly, most of the old cast are now in their late 30's so it would be somehow inappropriate for them to take the roles so it is the best choice to give the roles to the younger ones. The new cast isn't really bad like how other people are describing them. I feel like I can get used to them in the future. For me, the Rock Musical Bleach team really did a great job choosing these people for the musical.
(image source: Rmbleach.com)
Can you name them without looking on their faces?
Anyway, I don't care much about the comparison of the old and new cast. What's important is that Rock Musical Bleach is back! I only found out about this musical last 2014 and I was mad for not knowing it sooner but right now, I could feel I can get a chance to watch them live! That's if they the musical continues until the next coming years because I will try my best to see them live. I wish I won't miss it this time!
This is a dream come true for every Bleach fan and I'm sure everyone had waited for their return. It was a long four years of break but now they're here ready to rock our souls again! If you think they look a bit plain just because they wear a not so colorful white haori and black kimono and hakama, then think again! I'm sure you'll be singing or humming one of their songs after watching them!
Even though the manga has ended this week, there is still more to look out for in Bleach. Rock Musical Bleach and a live-action movie on 2018.
Thanks for reading!
✧ Katsanslimites
