[Report]WEST. Osaka Shochikuza performance for the first time in 10 years and 7 months Generic Pro & Box coverage report! “I realized once again that it was a good thing that there were seven people.”

■“As WEST., it’s been 10 years since Shochikuza opened for spectators, so I’m really excited to be back here.” (Junta Nakama)

“WEST.10th Anniversary Osaka Shochikuza Performance” opened on December 15th.

WEST. made their CD debut on April 23, 2014 with “Eejanaika” and will celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2024. Various events were held to enliven the anniversary, including the Tokyo Dome performance in August, but as a performance to mark the 10th anniversary, the audience performance “Naniwa Anyway, Honma Thank You!” ” (April 26, 2014 – May 6, 2014), WEST. returned to Osaka Shochikuza for the first time in 10 years and 7 months.

During the performance, they will show off a variety of faces, including a play filled with humorous elements that is typical of WEST., a dance number full of adult sex appeal, a SHOW TIME that brings out their charm to the maximum, and a talk.

Coupled with the fact that tickets for this performance sold out immediately and became platinum tickets, a live viewing was also held on December 24th and 25th of Sengoraku, connecting 233 movie theaters nationwide and Osaka Shochikuza.

At that time, it has been decided that a limited number of special postcards will be distributed as a gift to attendees. WEST. is likely to be a big hit in this year’s Christmas scene.

■Gene Pro & Enclosed Interview Report
He showed off his various faces through acting and singing. The play is set in Osaka, and follows the story of quirky employees from two rival construction companies who are entrusted with a special mission to discover the secrets of a construction company that has risen to the top of its industry.

However, as expected, things don’t go well, and the story goes in an unexpected direction…

Full of WEST.-ness. The situation comedy woven by seven people will have you laughing out loud and laughing right from the beginning. On the other hand, during the SHOW TIME part where the songs are performed, the theme is completely changed and the glamorous set is used as a backdrop to invite you into the enchanting world of the songs. The stage was decorated in various ways.

The stage is WEST, where you can expect live performances and improvisations, so you’ll be able to enjoy each performance in a different way.

■Box coverage
Junta Naka: “As WEST., it’s been 10 years since we had an audience at the Shochikuza, so I’m filled with the feeling of being back here.This was almost the first time I’ve performed since my debut, so I had a great time with the members. It was really reassuring to be able to perform. I hope to be able to give back to the fans on this stage.”

Ryusei Fujii: “We did two tours this year, and I’m happy to be able to perform at the Shochikuza Theater as the last of our 10th anniversary year.What’s more, it’s a play, so it’s very fulfilling.”

Takahiro Hamada: “Shochikuza is simply nostalgic. I wonder if the lanterns inside the venue and the seats on the third floor were that close? I feel so nostalgic. The first time I stood on stage at the age of 13 was at Shochikuza. Now. I’m 35 years old now, and I’ll be celebrating my birthday during the performance, so there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Nozomi Kotaki: “When were you 13 years old, Hama-chan? I was 12 years old! It was the first time I stood on stage! (lol) This is a special place because it’s my first stage in my life. I’m feeling emotional. This time, it’s a story that will be completed by just the seven of us. We hope you will enjoy the peaceful time that we bring you to your heart’s content.”

Tomohiro Kamiyama: “Shochikuza is the place where the seven of us spent our youth together.It’s very emotional that the seven of us made our debut and were able to return at the same time as the 10th anniversary.This time, we would like to hear from the staff of Shochikuza. I was happy to be told that I was welcome home, and to be able to return to the place where I was raised.”

Daiki Shigeoka: “I’m really happy that 10 years after our debut, we were able to perform at the Shochikuza Theater where we performed when we were juniors.I think it was really good for these seven people.This performance marks the 10th anniversary.” I think it will be something that concludes the story.”

Teruji Kiriyama: “Hamada and I also held public auditions at the Shochikuza. From there, we were nurtured by the Shochikuza, and this time we have returned to a stage with which we have fond memories as WEST. Last year, we performed on the stage of “Camelot.” So I stood at Shochikuza. But at that time, I was alone, so the staff at Shochikuza told me, “We’re waiting for you to perform with seven people.” Fans and people watching live at movie theaters across the country told me. I would like to complete this performance with you.”

Next, when asked about his memories of Shochikuza, Kiriyama said, “Is it the smell of smoke? It’s the smell of the beginning of something.” To which the members responded, “I know, I know. That’s right.”

In addition, Kotaki said, “I’m already feeling nostalgic, but I think I’ll feel even more ‘wow’ when I see the customers inside.” In front of customers for the first time in 10 years and 7 months, Kotaki said, There are also scenes that make you think about your first time on stage.

This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the members were asked what kind of year it was. Fujii, Kotaki, and Kamiyama

Fujii: “It was a year that made me realize once again that it was a good thing to have seven people.” Kotaki: “It was a year where I was able to spend time with our customers. I feel a sense of accomplishment.” Kamiyama: “This year marks our 10th anniversary, and we’re happy to have it.” We set a goal to make it our anniversary. It was a great anniversary.”

Nakama Kiriyama was asked if he could have imagined WEST.’s current situation 10 years ago.

“We were aiming for that. Me, Kiriyama, and Hamada continued to perform at Shochikuza for 10 years until our debut. It’s been another 10 years since then… It’s amazing that we’ve been there for 10 years. When does something stay the same? I continue to have the desire to show my best no matter where I am.”

Kiriyama said, “Consciously, when I was a junior, I didn’t have to work hard as an individual, so I kind of nervously tried to raise my spirits, but this time I have friends I trust, so even if I fail, they’ll help me.I feel at ease. When Kotaki showed his trust in the members by saying, “I feel like they’re standing up for me,” Kotaki replied, “Even if I slip up, they’ll still help me.”

This time, it has been decided that the four performances on December 24th and 25th will be streamed live at 233 theaters nationwide, and when asked about the highlights, Shigeoka replied, “No, I’m going to see it too!” , the members begin a manzai-style exchange, saying, “You’re coming!”

Hamada said, “If you watch it in a movie theater, please watch it from a different perspective than the Shochikuza audience, and let them see the detailed acting and detailed blurring!” He then requested a little more, avoiding spoilers. When asked, Kotaki said, “It’s going to be a spoiler…about the 25 minute mark?” (Kotaki: “That’s where Hamara-chan appears!”), making him laugh.

Lastly, Shigeoka spoke to the fans and said, “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we will be holding an anniversary performance at Shochikuza. Thank you for your continued support! WEST is the best! We look forward to your continued support.” sent a message.

For this stage performance, the members came up with ideas and created it through discussion. It was a side-by-side interview that conveyed the closeness of the seven members and their enthusiasm for the first performance.