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"The fact that a real 'Yagami Light' may actually exist brings a chilling tone to the work" (Urai)

-- The world of [Death note the concert] is further delved into through the songs sung. When you experience these songs again, do the memories and feelings (of the previous run) return?

Urai kenji : At the scene in which Light confronts L, I felt a surge of recollection like "Ah, thats right, this is how Teppei's L is like". To be able to finaly be in a room together with the other actor playing light (Hayato Kakizawa) is a pleasure I wasn't able to experience during the concert itself.

Hayato Kakizawa : Even though we were only given two days or so to praftice together, we familiarised ourself and got the hang of it almost immediately. During the very first performance, I practiced and practiced. Despite the fact that two years have passed, I could still enter the role.

-- During the first performance, it was a shock to see Koike Teppei as L singing Mr. Frank Wildhorn's song whole heartedly with an arched back.

Koike Teppei : Even now I still have the habit of hunching slightly when I sing, but there are also parts that I cant quite follow, so theres always this element of unease and wondering if I’m doing the best I can...isn’t that right? (laughs)

But it’s not just singing we have to do- we have to recite the lines as well. As such, I find that in the end it’s the best to walk in an L-esque manner rather than just normally while singing. The dimly lit setting also makes the production really cool.

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-- Well, we've decided to play [ Death Note The Musical] again (round of applause) As seen in the title, this work covers on an extreme choice of "death" can be thrust upon (someone) so it was a suprise to see various dramas bring it to life. How do you feel about the theme of death in this work? 

Urai Kenji : Death is inevitable, no matter who you are. With the addition of a slightly fantasy-based item such as the death note falling into the hands of a regular high school student, I think it’s very manga-esque. But at the same time, in the rehearsal studio, Kuriyama-san (the director) constantly talks about "the discord between the youths of today" Because of the fact that the scenes are taking place at shinjuku station and the things shown are for the most part seen in normal daily life, it really evokes a feeling like "ah, maybe Light is really there". The feeling of nearing death, the subject itself scares me.

-- Indeed, the less realistic and more shock-factor based horror like "sweeney todd" and such are not as scary as those that are based from real things in life.

Teppei Koike : A notebook that can so easily snatch away a human's life- it’s a terrifying thing to portray! For light to think that he is justice, from L's point of view, I think he really has strayed from his path,

Urai Kenji : Yes, its rather arrogant.

Teppei Koike : It may be justice to him, but from L's point of view, he’s nothing but a criminal. I think that the reality of this should have been felt by the audience as well.

-- In terms of "the youths of today" that Kuriyama always mentions, I think Kakizawa is the closest to the generation of this musical's heroes. What are your views on this work?

Hayato Kakizawa : Young people are very bored even in this world filled with so many things. I remember that during the time of the premier, murders commited by young kids were growing more common and attracting attention around the world. The first chapter (of the manga) titled "boredom". The shinigami Ryuk was bored and light too, despite being in a world with so much to see, was bored out of his mind... Of course, the actual crimes committed and this work is not one and the same. However, Kuriyama says that the underlying meaning is not completely different. Through this stage play, perhaps a parallel will be drawn between the theme of "death" and "youth" in this present era The youth crossing during the shibuya scramble in the musical were all glued to the screen of their smartphones endlessly. The atmosphere and realism of it all brings out the realistic aspect. While the manga is the original, the play has a wonderful sense of realism now thanks to the magic of Kuriyama. To me, that is both facinating and terrifying.

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-- Do you relate to the role of Light?

Hayato Kakizawa : Well, it’s definitely useful for the stage to think about killing L when he appears.

Kenji Urai : Well, the part that I live in japan is relatable...If it were anywhere else itd have a feeling of "who?" "where?" but since it takes place in japan, that part makes it easier for me to create a role.

PART 1 OF 3 - END.

Links to part 2 and 3 will be linked below once they have been completed.