This fall, Arashi member Matsumoto Jun (27) will star in a stage play for the first time in five years. His last lead role on the stage was in 2006 in Ninagawa Yukio’s “Byakuya no Valkyrie,” and he is again teaming up with Ninagawa for a play called “Aa, Kouya” (“Ah, Wilderness”).
“Aa, Kouya” was the first full-length novel by the late Terayama Shuji, originally published during the mid-1960s. This is the first time that the book has been adapted as a theatrical production.
Set in Shinjuku, the story revolves around two young men who stake their youths on boxing. Koide Keisuke (27) will play Matsumoto’s rival. Both of them are preparing their bodies in gyms ahead of rehearsals, which will begin in late September.
“Aa, Kouya” will be performed at the Saitama Arts Foundation from October 29 to November 6, and at the Aoyama Theatre in Tokyo from November 13 to December 2.
This is exciting, new and definitely challenging role for Jun-kun. I really hope this butai will be released on DVD and cannot wait to see the more muscular version of him.
I was just catching up on my gaming news and OMG, I came across this. Kyaa~~~and with Japanese voiceovers, my day simply cannot get any better.
I just needed to flair since this is one of my favorite games, simply love the Shinsengumi/Hijikata Toshizo and the Edo period. Never in a million years I would have thought a US publisher would release Hakuoki here, they certainly made an awesome choice. THANK YOU SOO MUCH, Aksys Game!
After constantly listening to this song while my brother played Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes on his Playstation 3, I came to realize its awesomeness. I’m not a huge fan of JRock, however, this one grabs your attention after the first taste. It’s powerful arrangement of heavy beats and guitar interludes makes you want to get up and move, giving you a burst of energy. There was never a dull moment with T.M. Revolution’s vocal presentation, which was unique and harmonized extremely well with the composition.
I also found the English version quite enjoyable, which was performed by the same artist. Though, his pronunciation was not perfect and one may need the lyrics at hand, it was still wonderful and grand as its Japanese counterpart.
Without much ado, here are both versions along with the Romaji and English lyrics:
okoshita yume wo tsuranukeru
kasunda sekai ni noboru taiyou
shakunetsu koko ni kiwamareri
hageshi ima made nagare wo kaete
hikari to kage no kizuna wo terasu
kienai tsuki ga shiroku yakete kizu no youna yoake
kurete yattemo kamawanu asu kyou mata kakaete
yurari yurameku mune no fuchi no kagerou wa
owari kaketemo onore wo kogasu kirameki
noru ka soru ka kono te no moto ni
okoshita yume wo tsuranukeru
kasunda sekai ni noboru taiyou
shakunetsu koko ni kiwamareri
hageshi ima made nagare wo kaete
hikari to kage no kizuna wo terasu
issun saki wa yami ga ii ne doko demo ikarete
korogari ochite miageru sora toosa ni mikareru
hara hara chirinu omoi utsusu mizukagami
deai wakarete kisou mono no yukusue wa
hana mo arashi ten no mizo shiru
mihatenu yume no sono saki he
inochi wa jidai ni sakasu hibana yo
unmei koko ni kiwamareri
jibun wo toosu kotae wo erabu
hikari to kage ga majiwari togeru
mihatenu yume no sono saki he
inochi wa jidai ni sakasu hibana yo
kagayaki koko ni kiwamareri
tsuki yuku toki no hazama de kizamu
nozomi wo kakete itadaki wo miru
All those dreams, all of my hope, all life come undone
In a world beaten and broken I can see a rising sun
Burning down, scorching the earth, nowhere left to hide
Try to stop all this destruction, find a way, turn the tide
Reveal the bond that’s made
Between the light and the shade
Shining white and hot is a moon so unforgiving
The break of day will leave a scar
Nothing we belleve can project us from tomorrow
Enjoy today from where we are
I will believe to the end
Even with my face pressed to the fire
I won’t be shaken or moved
By the heat getting closer and higher
Sink or swim
Lose or win
Hold on with my naked arms
All those dreams, all of my hope, all life come undone
In a world beaten and broken I can see a rising sun
Burning down, scorching the earth, nowhere left to hide
Try to stop all this destruction, find a way, turn the tide
Reveal the bond that’s made
Between the light and the shade
Everywhere I go there is dark and there is sorrow
It’s always just a step away
Always so amazing the evil sky above me
It always seems so far away
Look in the water and see
Mirrored memories scatter and sink inside
Friendship are broken and made
Now the curtain has fallen on those who tried
Flowers rise
Stormy skies
Feel heaven’s power on earth
I see my infinite dreams coming to an end
Sparks are flying, but my spirit will not break or even bend
Now I see my destiny only brings me pain
Now the sunshine and the shade are forced together again
I choose to follow the light
Flowing through me here tonight
I see my infinite dreams coming to an end
Sparks are flying, but my spirit will not break or even bend
Now I see all of my fire only brings me pain
From inside me or around me I will burn just the same
Moving up, I’ll never stop
Until I come out on top
After constantly listening to this song while my brother played