CGBK Shibugeki!! Crocopp Solo Live "Tail Junk" (Front Row A-Column Side Block)

Comedian Crocopp

Crocopp, the popular comedian known for the "Hoilist" sketch from King of Conte.

Starting from the impactful debut in King of Conte, I've been watching the skits that are uploaded on YouTube. Together with my husband, who used to be a duelist, we got hooked and started attending live shows.

This time, I attended their solo live in Shibuya.

Even though I could catch up on the King of Conte broadcast later, watching Crocopp's skits live before leaving for my studies abroad was a must for me. It was perfectly timed!

Crocopp Solo Live "Tail Junk"
Date: August 6, 2023 (Sunday), Doors open at 5:30 PM, Show starts at 6:00 PM
Venue: Tokyo, CBGK Shibugeki!!
Price: Advance tickets 2800 yen, On the day 3000 yen
Tickets: On sale on LivePocket from July 1st (Saturday) at 10:00 AM.

<Performers>
Crocopp
Guest: Junk

Crocopp's live show took place at CGBK Shibugeki!

The venue was the theater called CGBK Shibugeki!!, a short walk from Shibuya 109 towards the Dogenzaka area.

You can directly access the building from the underground passage of Tokyo Metro and Tokyu Line's Shibuya Station, and there's a Uniqlo store in the building beneath where the theater is located.

Back when I was at home, Shibuya was the go-to place for hanging out, and since I had been to Uniqlo for shopping, I knew the location.

However, judging from my husband's expression, for those who haven't visited Shibuya that much, it might be easy to get lost as it's an area with many mixed-use buildings.

Also, CBGK Shibugeki!! is on the 6th floor of the building and can only be accessed by an elevator or stairs. It was fine to use the stairs on the way back, but the elevator was much more comfortable on the way there.

If you have the time, I recommend arriving a bit early and taking the elevator during the less crowded times.

"Alakaku" 

The live show featured various skits, including one reminiscent of a certain hero-themed game, a mysterious showdown, and skits that were linked to those already uploaded on YouTube. The live show lasted for about 2 hours, and time flew by.

In this show, Crocopp and Araki's fictional martial art "Alakaku" was prominently featured. The title "Tail Junk" is also derived from Alakaku, of course.

I had seen videos about Alakaku on YouTube before, but without commentary and excitement, I couldn't fully understand it. This time, with the fan representative's explanation, I could enjoy it.

Even if I couldn't see Crocopp live during my studies abroad, I have no regrets! He made me laugh so much, and I feel like I got a boost of energy.

Regarding My Seating (Front Row, Side Block)

By the way, this time I was lucky enough to get front-row seats. I think it was on a day when I happened to be at home due to some mystery illness, so I could easily get the tickets. The seats were on the side rather than directly in front.

In comparison to other stages, side block seats can sometimes have disadvantages like not being able to see developments near the side of the stage where you're sitting or having difficulty seeing the actors' faces. However, at this theater, the side block seats were perfectly fine, even in the front.

The front row didn't have seat numbers starting from A1; they started from 3. So even if you were at the edge, you weren't pushed to a corner. It seemed that you could still see quite well from there.

It depends on the production, but since the stage and the audience are close in proximity to each other, there's no obstruction. Additionally, unless it's right at the edge of your side, you can see the entire performance.

I personally don't mind where I sit when I go to watch a stage; whether it's in the front or the back, each has its charm. But in the front seats of this theater, even on the side, I felt that you could really sense the performers' raw energy and the essence of being in the "front rows."

High Cost of Purchasing in Shibuya!

On this day, I had a dual purpose of looking for souvenirs for my upcoming trip to Malaysia and buying stationery for myself.

However, unfortunately, I felt that the prices for souvenirs in Shibuya were a bit high. "Limited edition packaging or not, over 1000 yen for a Kit Kat!?" It was that kind of feeling.

In the end, I bought pouches and plastic items from the reassuring Daiso and came back.

As I mentioned earlier, I used to come here more often from my hometown, but I realized that it has become even more of a tourist destination than before.

Recommended Reading!!

Why I Registered with Wise (TransferWise) - Preparing for Study Abroad Three Reasons Why I Decided to Study Abroad at the Language School Highly educated girl with a master's degree, pushed to study abroad by a Kabukicho host

How to Research Musical and Stage Information in Malaysia and Singapore

I Love Musicals and I'm Going Abroad to Study

As I've mentioned in my previous blog posts, I am a huge fan of musicals and stage performances. Going abroad for my studies is something I'm really looking forward to, but I can't help feeling sad about missing out on the musicals in the latter half of this year. Especially since my all-time favorite "Wicked" by the Gekidan shiki is coming back after about ten years, and I won't be able to watch it.

However, I've decided to turn this into an opportunity to watch English-language musicals while I'm abroad. I find my motivation for language learning comes from wanting to communicate with friends and also from my desire to enjoy musicals and Disney productions in English, as well as stay updated with the latest news using my English skills.

Researching Musical Information in Malaysia

So, what kind of musicals can I expect to find in Malaysia, my study destination? The simplest way to start my search is through Google. I stumbled upon a website called "Broadway World," which seems to be a news aggregator for musicals from around the world.

Upon checking the site, it became apparent that while Asian countries like Japan and Korea may have musicals being performed regularly, the situation is slightly different in Malaysia. It seems that international musical tours come to Malaysia's national theater, "The Istana Budaya" (which translates to "The Palace of Culture"), providing opportunities to watch some well-known productions. I found news and blog posts from a few years back about the staging of "The Sound of Music" in Malaysia.

Though there might be a limitation on the availability of musicals, it's a relief to know that I can watch reasonably well-known productions while gradually improving my understanding of English through these performances.

It's worth mentioning that the broader term "stage entertainment" rather than "musicals" may yield more search results for ongoing performances throughout Malaysia. Unfortunately, this aspect might not be well-known to many, including myself.

Additionally, I came across examples of dance schools attempting to stage musical performances, indicating that the stage scene is somewhat active and open to different forms of entertainment.

Exploring Musical Information in Singapore

On a personal note, I've always felt that Singapore is one of the Asian tour stops for major musical productions, akin to the Shibuya Theatre Orb in Japan. I decided to research musical information in Singapore as well.

It turns out that the Marina Bay Sands theater, a well-known venue featured in TV shows and travel magazines, hosts musical performances. Earlier this year, they staged "Frozen," and during my stay, productions like "& Juliet" and "Mamma Mia!" are scheduled.

Although my study destination will be Kuala Lumpur, which seems a bit distant from Singapore, I stumbled upon a blog post by someone who used to live in Malaysia, sharing their experience of traveling to Singapore for a haircut at a Japanese hair salon. This gives me hope that if our schedules align, I might explore watching musicals in Singapore as well.

Difference in Information Availability Compared to Japan

In Japan, information about upcoming stage performances is often available well in advance. For example, as early as summer, you can already secure the earliest pre-sale tickets for a musical scheduled for the following January. I'd also have information about musicals planned for around the same time next year.

However, during my recent research, I discovered that in Singapore and Malaysia, musical information might become available closer to the performance dates. This means I may need to stay updated more frequently and regularly to ensure I don't miss out on any exciting musicals.

Since it's unlikely that I'll go an entire year without experiencing any stage performances, I'm looking forward to sharing my theater experiences once I'm settled abroad.

Recommended Reading!!

Three Reasons Why I Decided to Study Abroad at the Language SchoolWho is My 'Immediate Supervisor'? A Solution When Unsure About Announcing Marriage at Work! Consideration for Others is Important Too!Japanese Woman's Studying Abroad in Malaysia

Can't See Anything from Block H at Ariake Arena? A Review of Watching Disney on Ice Tokyo from Trial Seats

Experiencing Disney on Ice!

Every year, Disney characters bring the coolness of summer with a large-scale event held nationwide called "Disney on Ice."

Disney on Ice is a skating show featuring Disney characters and is a popular event among a wide range of age groups, from children to adults. Children can enjoy the show while dressed in Disney character costumes, and it's not just a passive experience; it's a participatory event where the audience claps and stomps their feet with the MC and characters, creating an exciting atmosphere.

I had always wanted to go, and coincidentally, I received a notification through a newsletter I had registered for related to stage events. Going to a performance one year after studying abroad would be challenging, but since I had the opportunity, I checked it out and was able to get tickets. Finally, my dream came true.

The venue was "Ariake Arena," with the nearest stations being Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome line or Ariake Tennis no Mori station. On my way back, I walked to Toyosu station and also stopped by Lalaport Toyosu. Ariake Arena is also known as an Olympic venue. It has been used for volleyball and wheelchair basketball matches, featuring spacious areas.

Now that the Olympics have ended, it is also used for live concerts by famous artists like Perfume and Billie Eilish.

I had heard about Disney on Ice being held at Saitama Super Arena from someone I knew who went there, but I didn't know it was also held at Ariake Arena. Being in Tokyo, I was grateful for the relatively easy access.

100 Years of Wonder

This year's Disney on Ice is a story that traces 100 years of Disney history. Mickey Mouse and his friends hop on a magical car and embark on a journey to various Disney worlds. I entered the venue with high expectations after previewing the show on YouTube and blogs.

The show started with the "Mary Poppins Returns" segment. I'm familiar with Mary Poppins herself from both the movie and the musical stage, but I only saw "Returns" in bits and pieces on TV. Nonetheless, I was overwhelmed by the group dance performance of Mary Poppins, Bert, and the chimney sweeps, and I thoroughly enjoyed it even without a clear memory of the story.

Even if a family is not familiar with Disney and only the children are fans, Disney on Ice is still enjoyable.

The show also featured popular characters from "Moana," "Frozen," "Toy Story," and more.

I'm not very knowledgeable about figure skating, but the show presented numerous acrobatic performances on the ice, leaving me breathless with awe.

Especially the scenes where the skaters flew through the air in sync with the visuals projected on the large screens were breathtaking and enchanting.

Among them, the scene that captivated me the most was the one featuring the live-action version of "Aladdin."

It featured the live-action Aladdin, and the collaboration between Will Smith's Genie and the skaters was beautifully executed, making me feel like I had wandered into a magical world. Jasmine singing "Speechless" was also a unique selection from the live-action version.

Furthermore, what caught my interest was the display of photos during the show.

The large screen at the skating rink displayed photos posted on social media or taken by the MC during the show in real-time, creating a sense of unity throughout the venue. While witnessing that, I felt excited as if I had become a part of Mickey and his friends' journey memories.

Block H seats at Ariake Arena

Now, let me share my impressions from Block H seats at Ariake Arena.

The ticket I purchased was for trial seats, located in Block H on the 4th floor of Ariake Arena.

The ticket price was 2,500 yen, roughly equivalent to the cost of a casual lunch course, making it an affordable option for experiencing the show for the first time.

Advantages of Block H seats:

First of all, they offer a close enough view to feel Disney on Ice up close and personal, and I'd like to showcase that with a photo.

While it can't be said that the seats in Block H provide an unobstructed view of the stage, you still feel relatively close to it compared to what you might see in photos, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of the show.

Additionally, depending on the show's production, Ariake Arena features large screens and skating areas, allowing even those in distant seats to witness powerful performances.

The lighting effects and large group dance scenes were particularly stunning from afar. In that sense, sitting slightly further away might actually be better.

Disadvantages of Block H seats:

However, there are some downsides to Block H seats.

Since the venue is spacious, the sound tends to echo, making it challenging to hear Mickey, Minnie, and the MC's lines during certain scenes.

However, despite some difficulty in hearing the dialogue, it didn't have a significant impact on the overall enjoyment of the show, as the visual performances were captivating.

Additionally, during intermissions or breaks, there were sales of glowing toys, stuffed animals, shaved ice, and other food items. However, for trial seats located higher up, there was a bit of distance to the concession stands, making it challenging to return during the break. If you plan on going, I recommend arriving early.

Next year's event is already scheduled!

I initially thought Disney on Ice was more geared towards children and attended the event with a "I'm just visiting" attitude. However, upon experiencing it, I realized that it is a wonderful show that can be enjoyed by adults as well. I saw groups of adults and individuals, not just families, enjoying the show just like me.

Furthermore, I was able to watch the show from trial seats at a great price and felt truly happy.

Since the announcement for next year's event has already been made, I hope that if you have the opportunity, you'll also experience the magic of Disney on Ice. I won't be able to attend next year due to my study abroad plans, but it seems that companies featuring "Encanto" will be touring!

Whether you opt for seats close to the skating rink or Block H seats at Ariake Arena, you are bound to have a memorable and fantastic experience.

Recommended Reading!!

Japanese Comedian Crocop's "Backstage Best Jokes Live" @ Shinjuku BreakerAn Emotional Reunion!? Rediscovering the Emotion of a 20s Woman with Exciting Merchandise! A Possible Origin of English Learning.When Will It Arrive? Longing for the New Android Device "OPPO Reno9A" Days

Review of 'Finding Neverland' in Japan - New National Theatre

Japanese version of 'Finding Neverland'"

Last year, two major musical-related news caught my attention: the revival of the musical "Wicked" by the 劇団四季（The Shiki Theatre Company） and the Japanese version of "Finding Neverland."

As a side note, I had eagerly anticipated the revival of "Wicked" in Japan since I first expressed my desire to watch it when I was in 6th grade of the elementary school, but unfortunately, it coincided with my study abroad program in Malaysia.

"Finding Neverland" became one of my favorite productions when the international touring company of the Broadway musical performed at Shibuya Theatre Orb in September 2017. I fell in love with its imaginative world featuring Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, the reality of Kensington, and the inner world of J.M. Barrie, accompanied by captivating direction, music, and a heartwarming story.

One of the overseas stars whom I wrote a fan letter to and received a reply from was Christine Dwyer, who played the role of Sylvia in this production. Even now, whenever I have an important event or work, I bring the "Finding Neverland" clear file that I bought at Theatre Orb.

However, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to watch a performance with a Japanese cast. Originally, there were plans to stage a Japanese version featuring 石丸幹二（Kanji Ishimaru） and 笹本玲奈（Rena Sasamoto） in 2019, but due to rights issues, it was canceled. Moreover, there were scandals involving Johnny Depp, who played the lead role in the film version. So, I thought, "I'll have to go abroad someday to see it."

That's why this production of "Finding Neverland" holds special significance. Instead of directly bringing the original overseas musical to Japan, they obtained the license and had 小山ゆうな（Yuna Koyama） direct the Japanese version, making it a reality.

Beloved Songs and a Captivating World Right Before My Eyes

The story of "Finding Neverland" revolves around the J.M. Barrie, who meets a widow named Sylvia and her children while visiting a park. Through their interactions, Barrie finds inspiration for the famous "Peter Pan" story. 

The musical features joyful songs that make you want to clap along, the courage to overcome life's challenges, and tender yet passionate love scenes. The night sky and the cityscape in the background are stunning. Despite sitting towards the back seat, I had a clear view of the entire stage, and the lighting effects added to the experience. It felt like there were elements unique to the Japanese production that I don't recall from the international tour. The audience became one, creating an imaginative world together—a truly remarkable production.

I was initially concerned that the Japanese production would compromise the number of children and the appearance of the dog Porthos. There are scenes in the rehearsal footage of the international version where humans portray these characters. However, my worries were unfounded.

By the way, the cutie dog stars was also featured in the program booklet. So adorable!

After-Talk Show

I attended the performance on May 27th, which was a private show for Horipro Stage members. Following the performance, there was an after-talk show with 濱田めぐみ（Megumi Hamada） and 武田真治（Shinji Takeda）.

I had previously written about Shinji Takeda in another blog post. I vividly remember doing squats together during the after-talk show of "Scrooge," which I watched around Christmas time.

He also played Captain Hook in the musical "Peter Pan."

During their conversation, they shared stories about behind-the-scenes moments and their impressions of co-star 山崎育三郎（Ikusaburo Yamazaki）, who they were collaborating with for the first time. It was remarkable to hear how the cast and staff worked together to create the production, much like a theater company, rather than having a foreign director come in and guide them. Perhaps this innovative approach will be adopted in future productions worldwide.

Nationwide Tour Ahead

The cast members will now bring the world of "Finding Neverland" to various cities across Japan, including Kurume and Toyama.

The performance duration is quite long, nearly three hours, including an intermission. However, I'm confident that the captivating production will keep the audience engaged throughout.

To be honest, this marks the end of my "musical enjoyment" in Japan before studying abroad. Now, I need to start researching upcoming theater productions in Malaysia and Singapore.

The Dawn of History! The Musical "Pacific Overture" is a Harmonious Blend of Music, Cast, and Story♪

The Musical "Pacific Overture"

I went to see the musical "Pacific Overture" at the Nissay Theatre. The double-cast roles were performed by the following combinations:

Narrator: Yamamoto Koji

Koyama: Hirose Yusuke

Manjiro: Wentsu Eiji

I had the opportunity to see Wentsu Eiji's stage performance in "A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder" before he went abroad to study. I wanted to see his musical performance after his study abroad, and since there was no scheduled performance during that period, I decided to make plans to see it.

I belong to the generation that watched "Tensai TV-kun." 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, "Miwaku(Fascinating) no Kachiroko" or Kachi Hiroko, who is also active on YouTube, is also appearing in the show. I had seen her on stage before, but the balance between singing, laughter, and talk in her YouTube videos is so exquisite that I have unintentionally become a fan of her recent appearances.

About the Background and Setting of "Pacific Overture"

"Pacific Overture" is set in Japan shortly before the footsteps of civilization and modernization were heard, around the time of Perry's arrival in 1853. It features characters such as the shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate and John Manjiro.

Originally, it was a production that won the Tony Award in 1976. I had seen it before in an introductory stage art class at university, and I approached it thinking it would be like an operetta influenced by Japonism, such as "The Mikado."

There seems to be a version directed by Japanese directors as well, but it is fundamentally a Japanese work created overseas, so it is not recommended for those seeking a traditional Japanese-style theater. It is more of a "Japanese-style" production.

It was good that not only the main characters but also the surrounding people contributed to the story through their songs and lines, creating depth.

In particular, I liked the song "Someone in a Tree," which was bright, cheerful, and had beautiful harmonies.

Witnessing the Dawn of History!

The performance time was a non-stop musical lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes (excluding curtain calls), truly a dress rehearsal.

After the Nissay Theatre's performances, there will also be performances at the Osaka Umeda Arts Theater.

For this stage production, there were also ticket sets available with meals or coffee, making it a recommended show for spring outings, not just for theater enthusiasts.

Recommended Reading

Searching for a Language School in Malaysia, English and Chinese

The Pros and Cons of Getting Married Before Studying Abroad for Women in their Late 20s: What About Using Both Old and New Surnames in the Passport?

Japanese Comedian Crocop's "Backstage Best Jokes Live" @ Shinjuku Breaker

Meeting the Phantom of Nissay Theatre! Japanese Famous Actor Masachika Ichimura's Solo Play 市村座（Ichimura-za）

My Love for Musicals

For me, going to see stage performances, especially musicals, is an absolute delight. Apart from the theatrical production "Theater of the Heart" by the Shiki Theatre Company, my first-ever musical experience was watching "Wicked" by the Shiki Theatre Company during my elementary school days (Elphaba played by Megumi Hamada and Glinda by Miyuki Numao).

I have a fondness for stories where the protagonist faces challenging situations that can be mentally exhausting, yet they confront them with determination. Productions like "Rebecca," which I saw at Theatre Creation, resonated deeply with me.

However, in recent years, I have been following the performances of Masachika Ichimura-san. His portrayal of the Phantom of the Opera in the revival of "Love Never Dies" was absolutely outstanding.

During "Love Never Dies," I couldn't help but wonder why his gaze towards Christine was so heartrending, and it made me feel uncertain about my own fluttering emotions. 

Perhaps it's because I strongly associate him with his comedic roles in TV shows like "Omoshiro Ojisan" (Funny Uncle) that seeing him in such serious roles like the Phantom was a striking contrast. I also saw him in "Scrooge" (A Christmas Carol) during my previous musical theater visit to Nissay Theatre.

Coincidentally, that day happened to be the birthday of the beloved muscle-bound entertainer, Shinji Takeda. During the after-talk show, we all ended up doing squats together, creating one of the most bewilderingly fun experiences I've had in recent years.

Masachika Ichimura's Solo Play "Ichimura-za"

This edition of Ichimura-za marks a significant milestone in Masachika Ichimura-san's 50-year acting career. Although Ichimura-za is a one-man show, his two sons also make appearances as members of the company.

I vividly remember his eldest son, Yuta, from his performance in "Oliver!"—the first musical I saw after the COVID-19 pandemic. Yuta played a member of a group of boys who make a living through pickpocketing. He had grown into a tall and slender handsome young man. I truly hope to continue supporting his future endeavors.

As for his second son (since he is not engaged in show business and his name is not mentioned in various media, I suppose it's better not to disclose his name), he is currently in the fifth grade of elementary school. He excelled in both recitations and singing on stage, displaying a remarkable level of maturity. It's irresistible to see glimpses of his fifth-grade charm mixed in with his solid performance.

I hope to see them both perform together on the musical stage in the future. Although they are currently focused on their studies, I sincerely hope they continue pursuing acting.

Highlights of "Ichimura-za"

The standout highlight of this edition of Ichimura-za is the second act, where Masachika Ichimura revisits all the productions he has been a part of through music and songs without any breaks. He delivers a non-stop performance that carries on until the very end.

From the past recordings of productions like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Awakening from a Dream," which I had only heard on audio, to early works that I had no knowledge of, he truly covers them all.

There are scenes featuring the father and sons performing together, as well as dance sequences, making the performance rich and captivating. The show flies by in no time.

Since it has just premiered and there are still nationwide performances ahead, I highly recommend this production to anyone who is interested in "witnessing the legend of the musical world."

Lost on the Way to "Malaysia"?

By the way, I often visit the theater district in Hibiya or Theater Orb in Shibuya at least once a month. However, I recently realized something. I don't remember the route from Yurakucho Station to the theaters.

If I'm heading to Nissay Theatre from Hibiya Station, it's fine, but when it comes to Yurakucho Station, whether it's the Imperial Theatre or Tokyo International Forum, I have to consult a map to figure out the direction.

Today, I needed to pick up tickets along the way, so I walked towards Hibiya and stopped by a Seven-Eleven convenience store.

There aren't many options for convenience stores in that area, but I stumbled upon one near Seven-Eleven, right above the Kagoshima Antenna Shop. It turned out to be the Tokyo office of the "Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board."

Who would have thought it would be here?

I had always assumed that the Japanese page was managed by staff who can speak Japanese and are located in Malaysia, so I was a little surprised to learn about the existence of a Japanese office (apparently, there are offices in Osaka and Tokyo).

I found their blog intriguing, so I'm planning to give it a read.