#4gamers interview

Original 4Gamers Column

The new Akustage, “Butlers’ Opera “Devil Butlers with Black Cat” ~When the Angels come, the Ancient Tower Chapter~ will be starting on June 6, 2026, at the Tokyo’s Tennozu Galaxy Theatre.

This is a continuation from the stage play in June 2024. The September of last year had a dinner menu course where the butlers welcomed the Arujisamas with live piano and singing, which was known as the “Devil’s Harvest Dinner Show”.

This time at 4Gamers, we are able to interview the cast of Akustage: Mr. Fujita Ray, who played as Berrien Cliane, Mr. Imai Shunto who played as Bastien Kelly and Mr. Ando Yuuto who played as Lono Fontaine.

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4Gamers: Please tell me about your thoughts after the new stage play was decided!

Ando Yuuto (Lono): I had a feeling like, “Finally…!” I performed at the “Devil’s Harvest Secret Dinner Show” (in Sep 2025), I didn’t think a lot of time had passed, but I’m really happy to be able to perform with everyone again. It’s such an amazing cast and I’m really looking forward to jump into it again.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): I love “Akustage”, so I was like “It finally came…!!”, “I’m so happy.” Type of big feelings. Just like what Andy (Ando Yuuto) said, I’m really excited to see what the new stage play will be with the recurring cast and new characters.

Fujita Ray (Berrien): During the previous stage play, I was talking about how, “I wish there was a continuation.” The wonderful cast members will come back to Akustage again after 2 years. My honest thoughts are that I wish to hurry and show you the butlers who have received a power-up.

4Gamers: I heard that this time there will be a focus on Bastien, who is played by Mr. Imai.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): That’s true. I felt that “I have to work even harder.” There’s going to be more sword fights, I’ll prioritize to train my body more.

4Gamers: For the new stage play, what are you excited for or looking forward to the most?

Ando Yuuto (Lono): First of all, there is the new cast for the new characters. I think everyone is looking forward to their appearances in the show, so there’s a feeling of excitement and anxiousness. I hope we can take the lead and guide the story forward.

As well, we’re also excited for the two new cast members for Muu, we look forward to see the both of them working hard together.

Fujita Ray (Berrien): As well, there’s the “Meditation Time” to welcome the Arujisamas in the beginning section, I felt very very nervous about it….!

Imai Shunto (Bastien): I used to think I definitely couldn’t do “Meditation time”…

Ando Yuuto (Lono): So I’m looking forward to see what kind of Muu-chans the two of them will be playing as. I think maybe they’ll be performing as slightly different Muus from each other. How about the two of you, what are you looking forward to?

Imai Shunto (Bastien): I’m also looking forward to meeting Muu-chan too. I was really healed by him even in the practice room.

Ando Yuuto (Lono): During the practice for the “Tonkatsu” song (Not a PIG!), the other cast members all stood up and got excited!

Fujita Ray (Berrien): There are a lot of wonderful songs in “Akustage”, that’s why I’m really looking forward to the songs for this new stage. I wonder what kind of songs will be in the playlist and I want everyone to pay attention to them.

4Gamers: Please tell me about the behind-the-scenes stories in the previous performances and rehearsals!

Ando Yuuto (Lono): Mr. Ray really likes Toriku bento box. At the end of the performance, he would rush to get the bento box when it came out and he’ll be like “Purple (bento box) get~!!”

Fujita Ray (Berrien): I especially love the purple package bento, so I’ll have to hurry and get it. But, Kawakami Shota (Miyaji) would always get it first (LOL).

Everyone: (LOL)

Fujita Ray (Berrien): In the dressing room, I, Kawakami Shota (Miyaji) and Teruma (Lucas) were at the same table, but both Teruma and I are quite the foodies. I remember seeing Teruma saying, “Are you serious? (LOL)” because Kawakami Shota had grabbed it before us. The Bento was delicious, wasn’t it?

Ando Yuuto (Lono): It was delicious. I was happy I could see a cheerful innocent Mr. Ray during that time.

Fujita Ray (Berrien): Maybe it’s because I’m playing as Berrien. For me, he’s quite a rare type of role to play as.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): For me, I remember tasting the food from the “Secret Dinner Show”’s dinner course menu. It was so delicious…!!

Fujita Ray (Berrien): It was ridiculously delicious.

4Gamers: Everyone was also served the course menu as well, right?

Fujita Ray (Berrien): That’s right, they also prepared for the cast members as well.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): After eating, I could form the images in my head so easily and it was easier to sing.

Ando Yuuto (Lono): Yeah, yeah! I feel like I was able to explain more eloquently after eating.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): Personally I had a challenge for myself to do a magic trick. I remember coming up with it together with everyone, including Mr. Ray.

Fujita Ray (Berrien): The Dinner Show Venue “COTTON CLUB” was really fitting for the World Setting for Akuneko, it’s a really nice space. Since the distance between us and Arujisama was closer, I would be especially careful about every gesture and movements.

Ando Yuuto (Lono): So true. After the Dinner Show experience, I felt like I had a deeper understanding of my role as Lono.

4Gamers: What do you think is the charisma for Akuneko and Akustage?

Fujita Ray (Berrien): Whether it’s the songs or the worldbuilding, or the adorable outfits, every aspects feels “out of the ordinary”, doesn’t it? I feel like Akustage gathered a group of people who are experts in their respective fields, so that the cast members could really feel the passion and hard work that goes into crafting the songs and the staging. On top of that, I think the way it can closely connect with the Arujisamas is another wonderful aspect about this content.

Ando Yuuto (Lono): Exactly like what you said! For me, it was a series that “you could really decide on who to be a fan of!” It’s a wonderful thing to do so. In Akuneko, the butlers are filled with different types, personalities, and roles, you could really understand their values. I personally think that the charm of the butlers are what makes Akuneko and Akustage great.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): For me, it’s a winning landslide towards Muu-chan’s adorableness. (LOL) he can heal everyone in the world.

Fujita Ray (Berrien): You’re already a “parent” (LOL)

Imai Shunto (Bastien): The butlers have different tastes, so it’s fun to watch them.

4Gamers: Lastly, please give a message to the Arujisama who would be reading this column!

Ando Yuuto (Lono): It has been 2 years since the last work, please look forward to our power-up performances! I hope you also get healed from watching the Akustage too. I think there are some heart-wrenching scenes in the work, but after everyone is healed from the stage play, then open the game app, you can be healed again…to which I meant that you can fill the entire day with Akuneko.

Imai Shunto (Bastien): As a butler, I hope to make a work that Arujisama could enjoy while being close to you. I will act to convey such a feeling to reach everyone, please look forward to it!

Fujita Ray (Berrien): it has been 2 years since the previous work, but we are aware of the weight of the responsibility entrusted upon us to create Akuneko contents that could resonate with your daily lives. We are committed to deliver an excellent day worthy of its name with exceptional hospitality, so please come and be healed by us.