#arakawa shift

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First Generation Leaders

Hinamori Kasumi CV: Namikawa Daisuke

He is the Editor-in-chief of the theatre magazine, “Spotlight”, and he is raising his triplet daughters all on his own. It appears Kasumi is childhood friends with Kashima Yuzo from the OG Spring troupe, as they attended the same elementary school, junior high, and high school together.

Age: 45 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 176cm Birthday: May 23 Blood type: A Occupation: Editor-in-chief of a theatre magazine Motif flower: Baby’s breath Hobby: Serial dramas, writing fan letters to actors Favourite food: Candied sweet potatoes Least favourite food: Century eggs Family structure: Triplet daughters Special skill: Patchwork, remembering the names of actors

Hyuga Hiro CV: Ono Daisuke

Hiro is a veteran actor who is active mainly in movies and dramas. He loves Tokusatsu* and set his sights on becoming an actor because he looked up to heroes. Starting back in those days, he’s had a cat-and-dog relationship with the first generation Autumn troupe’s leader, and it appears they fought a lot.

Age:  46 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 180cm Birthday: August 15 Blood type: O Occupation: Actor Motif flower: Scarlet sage Hobby: Tokusatsu, sports in general Favourite food: Fried chicken Least favourite food: Salted salmon roe Family structure: Wife, son Special skill: Crane games

Kuryu Zen CV: Yasumoto Hiroki

Having a Japanese father and Russian mother, Zen trained in both ballet and martial arts since he was very young, as per his mother’s upbringing. He is currently the owner of a show restaurant named “Gentiana”.

Age:  50 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 187cm Birthday: September 23 Blood type: A Occupation: Owner of a show restaurant Motif flower: Gentian Hobby: TV shopping channels Favourite food: Any cheese Least favourite food: None Family structure: Mother Special skill: Cooking, sword fights, dance

Otomiya Syu CV: Takahiro Sakurai

Born to a family involved in Taishu Engeki**, he was trained in acting since he was very young. Contrary to his beautiful appearance, Syu has a bit of a crude personality. Due to their parents’ interactions, it appears he is old acquaintances with Reni of GODza.

Age:  48 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 178cm Birthday: December 25 Blood type: B Occupation: Taishu Engeki actor Motif flower: Holly olive Hobby: Urban legends Favourite food: Gyoza Least favourite food: Raisins Family structure: Father, mother, younger brother Special skill: Hyakunin Isshu***, tea-tasting (Japanese tea only)

GODza

Kamikizaka Reni CV: Okiayu Ryotaro

Both GODza’s chairman and theatre director. He has his own personal aesthetic, and he is in charge of all aspects of the production. Reni considers MANKAI Company his rival.

Occupation: Chairman of GODza Special skill: Beautiful movements

Asuka Haruto CV: Ichiki Mitsuhiro

GODza’s number two actor. He is openly competitive, but also has a bit of an underdog side to him. Haruto is admired by the actors and backstage crew of the Theatre.

Age: 25 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 172cm Birthday: September 2 Blood type: B Occupation: Actor (belonging to GODza)

Arakawa Shift CV: Kageyama Tatsuya

Shift is Azami’s childhood friend. He has an honest and self-assured personality. He is a rookie who was noticed by Reni soon after joining the troupe, and was selected to be the top actor.

Age: 15 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 185cm Birthday: September 28 Blood type: A Occupation: 1st year Fuko High School student Favourite food: Croquette udon Least favourite food: Food that is too high-class Family structure: Mother, younger brother Special skill: Baseball

Ikaruga Madoka CV: Hirose Yuya

Madoka is Misumi’s younger brother. He has excellent grades and is well-behaved. The truth is, he is writing GODza’s scripts as his father’s ghost writer.

Age: 19 (※ as of the first half of Act 3) Height: 167cm Birthday: March 6 Blood type: A Occupation: 2nd year Fuyou University student Favourite food: Donuts Least favourite food: Tomatoes Family structure: Father, older brother Special skill: Reversi

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Reni: Thank you for taking the trouble to come. Board member A: Good work. It was the sprouting of a new GOD Troupe. Board member B: Both Asuka-kun and Takato-kun did great as well. They grew into fine actors. Board member A: Speaking of, Takato-kun no longer belongs to the GOD Troupe? Reni: That is correct. Currently, he's active as a member of the reborn MANKAI Company. Reni: If you would like, I want to introduce you to MANKAI Company's general director, who is in the back right now--. Board member A: I'm sorry, but we actually have a meeting. We will have to leave right away. Reni: Is that so?.... I will send you an invitation to MANKAI Company's next play, then. Board member A: Thank you. Board member B: It would have been nice if Amadate-san had been able to come as well, right? Being a theatre junkie too, he loves collaboration plays like this. Board member A: It appears he's in the middle of a business trip in the countryside, so there was no way around it. Reni: I see.... Board member A: We will be taking our leave, then. Reni: Take care on your way. Reni: (That leaves Syu--) Reni: (He left? I keep telling him to let me say hello, at least. Good grief.)

Izumi: That's a very lavish closing party. Azami: Are the ones here all staff members of the GOD Troupe? Tasuku: Yeah. The closing parties are always like this. Tsuzuru: What an incredible difference to ours. Haruto: Normally, we don't do such flashy things, but it's GOD Troupe's style to go all out when it's to reward the staff and actors. Azami: I want that yakuza to hear this, too. Tasuku: Feels like he'd only consider it after we earn as much as the GOD Troupe does. Azami: Urg. You're right, he totally would. Shift: Azami, the food is really awesome, so you'd better eat a lot. I always take some home in Tupperware. Haruto: You're the top actor; don't do something so miserly! Tsuzuru: Speaking of, there is so much food, I don't even know what to choose from... Izumi: Why don't we try a bit of each for now? Madoka: Hello, Minagi-san. Tsuzuru: Oh, Madoka, hey. Madoka: I wanted to say once more how nice it was to have been able to work alongside you. Thank you. Tsuzuru: The pleasure was mine. I learned a lot, and it was very stimulating. Tsuzuru: Thanks to working with you, I wondered if that was what it is like to have a conversation through a brush. Tsuzuru: For the first time, I experienced the feeling of exchanging ideas and feelings beyond speaking in words. Izumi: (Seems like this was even greater of an experience for Tsuzuru-kun than expected.) Tsuzuru: ....That reminds me. Director, there is something I would like to talk to you about. Tsuzuru: About the play that Hakkaku-san was envisioning - how do you feel about having his grandson help with the script? Tsuzuru: While working on the script with him this time, there were of course his skills, but it was also really easy do to. Tsuzuru: On top of the written interaction between Hakkaku-san and Madoka that would be born, I think it'd make Hakkaku-san happy that Madoka is writing for it. Izumi: Indeed, that might be a pretty good idea. Tsuzuru: Well, it all depends on Madoka, though. Madoka: --Of course, please let me do it. Madoka: If I could experience the ideas of the grandfather that I respected and work on writing a script for my brother, it would make me very happy, too. Tsuzuru: Great. Izumi: (Looks like Tsuzuru-kun was able to become friends with someone great to consult with. He did say that he didn't yet have the confidence to put what Hakkaku-san entrusted us with into shape.) Izumi: (But I'm sure it will work out with such a reassuring colleague like Madoka by his side.)

Host: The next number is--number 25! If you have a bingo, please come up! Shift: So, Haruto-san? Got one? Haruto: Not at all. Shift: Oh, you're one number away! If a 23 or 67 is called-- Haruto: I've never managed to get a win before, so it'll be a bust anyway. Shift: Eh, as I thought, you usually don't win at this stuff, hm? Tasuku: I've received stuff like a TV and a microwave. Shift: Seriously!? Haruto: You-...you usually play dirty. Also, stop showing off yer muscles by only wearin' short sleeves in the practice room! Izumi: Showing off muscles.... Tasuku: Haruto really is a pain when he's drunk... Izumi: And he's the type whose dialect slips out when he gets drunk, isn't he? Tasuku: He also gave me his real name, Yamada Genta, himself while he was intoxicated. Host: The next number is--23! Shift: Oh, Haruto-san, Bingo! Haruto: Huh? Shift: You've got a Bingo! Go up front! Haruto: Really...? Reni: Congratulations. Here is your prize. Haruto: Thank you. Reni: Ah, right. After the Bingo game, wait at the entrance for me. Haruto: --I will! Shift: Haruto-san, lead actor power! Azami: Congrats. Madoka: How great. Shift: What was your prize? Haruto: Erm...an eletronic kettle... Haruto: Sigh...you take it. Shift: Eh!? You sure!? Haruto: I've already got one. I can't possibly replace that, right? Shift: I can use it for cup udon! Haruto: Listen when other people talk!

Host: That concludes the Bingo tournament! Haruto: --

Haruto: ..... Reni: Sorry for calling you out here. Haruto: D-, don't be! Reni: I wanted to continue our conversation from the other day. About my coaching methods having changed... Reni: The main cause was that I realised my real feelings that were dormant within me. Reni: For a long time, I was obsessed, and I didn't have the room to properly consider anything but the members of my own theatre company. I failed as a chairman. Haruto: That's--you are my life, Reni-san! Haruto. --I, I'm sorry. I will mind my words. Reni: That's also a facade you put up, right? From now on, you don't have to hide it needlessly unless you’re on stage. Reni: ....You know that Tachibana, the father of MANKAI Company's general director, and I are old friends, right? Haruto: Yes. Reni: Even after I set up the GOD Troupe, I kept being influenced by Tachibana without realising it. Reni: Because of that, my field of vision became narrower, and my attention shifted to the individuality and variety each actor possessed　and I dared to avoid making use of that. Reni: Rather than the talent that Tachibana was blessed with, he emphasised making use of what each actor was born with and making them bloom "like" on a stage. Reni: I was against Tachibana's way of doing things and quit MANKAI Company. And therefore, I persisted with denying Tachibana's methods. Reni: If the GOD Troupe would succeed that way, I figured I'd be able to rank above Tachibana. Reni: ...But I was wrong. You guys made me realise that with your play. Reni: Tachibana's way was right. That's why I was enchanted by the man of the theatre named Tachibana Yukio. Reni: I had just intended to pursue my own ideals, but in the end, I am a merciless man who depends on one person. Reni: ...Are you disenchanted? Haruto: Na--no! Even then, I like the ideals you pursue. Haruto: As for my life as an actor, it will never change the fact that you are my greatest benefactor. Reni: Right...If I recall correctly, you broke away from your hometown in order to become an actor, right? Reni: Actors express something for the entire audience-- There is truth to it, but it's also part masquerade. Reni: Among the audience, there might also be one person whom you really want to reach. Who is that to you? Why do you continue acting? Haruto: At first, that was definitely my mother. Haruto: (She was very opposed to my moving to the capital, but even then, I'm sure she must have had great expectations for my future...) Haruto: (She must have also wanted to get back at all of those back in our hometown who knew that I wanted to become an actor and made fun of it.) Haruto: (After I'd entered the theatre company, I also discovered a rival that I absolutely did not want to lose against. But...) Reni: And now? Haruto: It's Reni-san. Haruto: Ever since Tasuku was in the GOD Troupe... Haruto: I was always wavering between a feeling of definitely surpassing him one day, and a feeling of possibly being no match for his talent. Haruto: This time, I lost sight of the meaning behind me continuing as an actor when I experienced my own powerlessness while once again being jealous of Tasuku's skills. Haruto: But, even if I can't win against the "real deal", I want to repay you and the GOD Troupe for the rest of my life. Haruto: That I'm going to continue with acting is for the sake of expressing my gratitude for being able to meet you and the GOD Troupe. Haruto: I want to make the superior ensemble that is the GOD Troupe eternal. Haruto: Being far from the world I dreamed of, I came to Tokyo with longing and met the GOD Troupe, which felt like my only destiny among many theatre companies. Haruto: The vague longing to go to a beautiful dream world has turned into a firm vow to carry on in/with the GOD Troupe. Haruto: So no matter what happens, I will never leave the GOD Troupe, I will never leave under Reni-san. Reni: --. Reni: ...During this time's rehearsals, I felt a little envious of Tachibana. Reni: While working on the conception with Tachibana's daughter, I felt a sensitivity within her that was close to Tachibana's. Reni: I'm sure that she must have inherited something akin to the theatre spirit that Tachibana believed in. Reni: I wished I had someone that could take over after me like that.  Haruto: You have me. Reni: ...Yes, indeed. I was reminded of that just now. There is no one but you who could inherit the ideals of the GOD Troupe. Reni: Haruto, carry a strong spirit as an actor. Haruto: I will. Reni: A spirit that I.... The kind of spirit of being an actor that I have acknowledged as the chairman of the first generation of the GOD Troupe. Haruto: --I will engrave that in my memory!

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*Please read disclaimer on blog

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Tsuzuru: Alright, once again, good work for the collab performance.

Thanks for everything.

Madoka: Same here, I really appreciate it. Thanks for your work.

Tsuzuru: I wanted to chat more during our closing party, but I couldn’t talk calmly since the atmosphere there made me nervous. But today, we’re just two playwrights meeting to celebrate the completion of our collaborative performance.

Madoka: Yes. I’m happy since I wanted to chat with you too, Minagi-san. I said this during the party, too, but… I learned a lot being able to collaborate on the script for “Twin Kingdoms”. And I also had lots of fun.

Tsuzuru: It was a really fun and great experience for me as well. I was surprised and excited when I saw Madoka’s lines and ideas, like, “I see, so there’s those kinds of proposals too”. And I was struck with ideas and lines that came to me in response to those.

Madoka: I was also really impressed by your lines and ideas. I aim to be able to write a work like that.

Tsuzuru: Thanks. Haha, I feel kind of bashful. I’d like for us to keep providing inspiration to each other as fellow scriptwriters from now on.

Madoka: Yes…! Um, I’m still just a beginner, so I’d like to learn various things from you, Minagi-san. Is it alright if I ask you a question?

Tsuzuru: I mean, I’m still learning too… But if it’s anything I can answer, then sure.

Madoka: Thank you very much. Then… as a Theatre’s playwright, what do you usually think about when you write your scripts?

Tsuzuru: Hmmm, let’s see… If I had to say, then I guess I try to get to know each and every actor in their daily lives.

Madoka: Each and every actor?

Tsuzuru: Yeah. The more I learn about what kind of person each actor is, the more ideas I get for roles and stories I’d like to try out.

Madoka: I see…

-pause-

Reni: Alright, we will start our rehearsal.

Troupe members: We’ll do our best today!

Madoka: (Minagi-san said your ideas grow when you get to know each actor, huh?) (I'd also like to get to know all our troupe members better while observing their rehearsals.) (But it's tough looking at them all at once… So let's observe one person at a time.) (Who should I choose today…) (Oh, I know, let's focus on watching Shift who’s the top at GODza.)

Haruto: Good grief, you’re stiff!

Shift: Hmm, this scene is hard, man.

Haruto: Like I said, be more expressive in acting out those lines. You can come up with some gestures too, got it?

Shift: I see—that’s Haruto-san for ya! With gestures like this… Alright, let’s try it one more time from that part just now!

-pause-

Reni: You can step out sooner in this scene, Shift. And then for the next exchange between you two…

Shift: Sure, you got it!

Madoka: (Shift has only been acting for a short time, so he doesn't have much to draw from in terms of acting.) (But he has a straightforwardness that absorbs any and all advice he gets from others…) (And he always carries through with Kamikizaka-san’s guidance, 120 percent, and with his whole body and soul.) (With this kind of attitude, it seems all the troupe members of GODza, including Haruto-san, totally acknowledge Shift as the top.)

-pause-

Troupe members: Good work today!

Shift: Madoka!

Madoka: Good job with rehearsal, Shift.

Shift: Good work! You were staring at me a whole lot today, huh?

Madoka: ! That’s… the truth is, I was talking with MANKAI Company’s Minagi-san a few days ago… And he taught me that in order to write a good script as a Theatre’s playwright, it's also important to observe and understand the actors. So that’s why I wanted to observe and get to know all the troupe members better.

Shift: I see, so it was my turn today, huh? Wait, I got it! If that’s the case…! Hey, practise wrapped up early today, so do you have some time after this?

Madoka: Yeah, I don’t have any particular plans.

Shift: Nice! Let's go then!

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