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Yomiuri Shimbun
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
GeGeGe no Kitaro The Stage 2025' Actor Yoshihiko Aramaki Speaks About His Role in New Stage Adaptation
Actor Yoshihiko Aramaki stars in 'GeGeGe no Kitaro The Stage 2025,' currently running at the Meijiza theater in Tokyo. 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' is a masterpiece manga series by the late Shigeru Mizuki. Since the manga first ran in 1965, it has been adapted into various anime, movies and TV series. '[The original manga] is satirical because it depicts values that change with the times and the foolishness and cunning of people,' Aramaki said about the appeal of the original manga series in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun. 'It uses yokai [Japanese monsters] in order to portray the darkness of human beings rather than good and evil. I guess that is the reason why the manga series has been loved for so many years.'The stage play depicts a battle between Japanese yokai and Western yokai that want to conquer the world. Social media and an influencer appear in the play as well, to reflecting today's world. One day, protagonist Gegege no Kitaro, played by Aramaki, rescues a human woman who is being attacked and learns that the incident was caused by a Western yokai, a vampire played by Keisuke Ueda. A female vampire who possesses powerful magical powers, played by Yuko Asano, has also come over from the West. Meanwhile, Nezumiotoko (Mouse man), played by Akio Otsuka, has joined the Western yokai, aiming to make a fortune. This is the second time Aramaki has played Kitaro, after playing him in 2022. He grew up watching the anime adaptation of Kitaro. 'Kitaro is a survivor of a ghost tribe, as well as a friend of both the yokai and humans. He takes no one's side and makes impartial judgments, serving as a bridge between yokai and humans,' Aramaki explained. 'Kitaro could have stayed with yokai all his life, but in order to return the favor to Mizuki (a human character not to be confused with the author), who raised him, he created the yokai post, which accepts yokai-related problems, and sides with humans. I like him for his loyal attitude.'Aramaki has appeared in many 2.5-dimensional stage productions that adapt the world of a manga, anime or game, such as ones based on the game 'Ensemble Stars!' and the manga 'Bakuman.' How does he get into each character? The secret, Aramaki says, is to pay attention to the habits of the characters in the anime and other works. 'When I was a kid, I used to play with toy figures of characters and pretend to be them in my imaginary world,' he said. 'Having done that in the past helps me a lot and lets me recognize the characters' little habits when I watch anime. For example, I notice if a character tends to glance upwards, so I can quickly become the character. Preparing for a role is a process of going deeper into the character and their habits.' In his latest role, Aramaki is careful about the movements of his eyes. 'Kitaro is calm and composed and has staring eyes. In the anime adaptation, Kitaro also has distinctive eye movements and looks at people carefully. He never does things like simply glance at people,' he said before the theater production opened. As for Kitaro's inner world, he said, 'As a member of a ghost tribe, he is still a child, but Kitaro in the stage play is a little older than in the original manga series. He has gone through various experiences and is slightly more mature than in the original.' Parents opposed pursuing acting Aramaki, a Tokyo native, was born on Feb. 5, 1990. He dreamed of being an actor. His parents, however, strongly opposed the idea when he was a university student, so he decided to work toward his dream after graduating from university. Because of his late start, he developed a strategy to fulfill his dream in the shortest possible time. First, he set his sights on the musical 'Tennis no Ojisama' ('The Prince of Tennis'), which is seen as a gateway to success for young actors. He avoided big agencies because he did not want to get buried in the crowd. One week after an interview at an agency he applied to, there was an audition for the musical, and he got the role of Yujiro then, Aramaki has appeared in various popular plays. The work that marked a turning point for him was the stage adaptation of the online game 'Touken Ranbu,' in which he played the role of Yamanbagiri Kunihiro for about 100 performances in the 'Tenden' series. The stage production meant a lot to him, and he felt a strong emotional attachment to it, as he felt he had grown as an actor through the series. However, he said: 'I used a lot of physical strength for three months, and it was also tough mentally. After it was over, I felt like I was burnt out, or that I had had enough.' Aramaki was stagnant for a while. However, when he took on the challenge of producing, his love for stage plays was revived. He headed a stage production of his favorite epic saga 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' at the Meijiza theater. 'I came to understand the feelings of both actors and producers. Like Kitaro, who bridges the gap between humans and yokai, I think I can act as a bridge,' he said. Currently, not only does he appear on TV variety shows, but he is also a board member of the Japan 2.5-Dimensional Musical Association. Aramaki is also the president of his own agency and is involved in the training of young actors.'I want to express the universality and worldview that the author Mizuki likely wanted to portray in his 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' series and make the stage play something that inspires people's minds,' Aramaki said. 'The experience of seeing a stage play allows people to absorb feelings and various other things that they never knew existed, which then will be incorporated into their lives. I want to become a 'chameleon' actor so that people will say, 'I had no idea that Aramaki was playing the role.'' * * * * The stage play will run through Aug. 16 at the Meijiza theater in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Tickets can be purchased through the theater's online ticket shop and various ticket agencies. It will be performed at the Shinkabukiza theater in Tennoji Ward, Osaka, Aug. 21-25. More information is at
NDTV
12-06-2025
- NDTV
7 Must-Visit Hidden Gems In Japan You've (Probably) Never Heard Of
Explore Japan beyond the usual hotspots with these seven offbeat destinations: Naoshima's art, Kinosaki Onsen's hot springs, Tottori's sand dunes, Nagasaki's cultural blend, Aomori's apples, and more. Did our AI summary help? Let us know. When most people think of Japan, the big three always come up: Tokyo for its electric buzz, Kyoto for temples and teahouses, and Osaka for street food and neon nights. But Japan's real magic often lies in the spots that don't make it onto every itinerary. Away from the well-worn tourist trail, you'll find offbeat towns, islands, and villages that offer a more laid-back, intimate take on Japanese culture — with fewer crowds and way more charm. Here's a round-up of under-the-radar places in Japan that are worth putting on your wishlist. They're all accessible and ideal for a side trip or even a full escape from the mainstream. 1. Naoshima Tucked away in the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima is a tiny island with massive creative energy. It's basically an outdoor museum with a beachy vibe. Picture Yayoi Kusama's polka-dotted pumpkins sitting by the water, sleek museums designed by Tadao Ando, and quirky art installations hidden around the island. The Benesse House doubles as both a museum and a hotel, so yes, you can literally sleep inside an art gallery. It's quiet, scenic, and totally unlike anywhere else in Japan. Getting there: Take a ferry from Uno Port (Okayama Prefecture). The nearest shinkansen stop is Okayama Station. 2. Kinosaki Onsen If you're up for a soak — and let's face it, Japan is the place for hot springs — Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture is your dream stop. This charming town has been welcoming bathers for over 1,300 years. Seven public bathhouses are scattered throughout the town, and visitors walk around in yukata robes from bath to bath. It's super photogenic with its willow-lined canals and low-key vibe. Bonus: The seafood here is stellar, especially the snow crab in winter. Getting there: About 2.5 hours by train from Kyoto or Osaka via the JR Limited Express Kinosaki. 3. Tottori Yes, Japan has actual sand dunes. Tottori, a sleepy prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast, is famous for its otherworldly landscape of rolling sand hills. You can ride camels, try sandboarding, or wander through the Sand Museum which features intricate sculptures carved entirely from — you guessed it — sand. Tottori is also the hometown of GeGeGe no Kitaro creator, Shigeru Mizuki, and the city of Sakaiminato has an entire street dedicated to his spooky manga characters. Getting there: Tottori City is reachable via limited express trains from Osaka (about 2.5 to 3 hours). 4. Shirakawa-go Nestled in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go looks straight out of a storybook. The village is known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses — traditional wooden homes with steep thatched roofs built to withstand heavy snow. Many of these buildings are centuries old, and some now serve as guesthouses where you can spend the night. Visit in winter when the whole place turns into a snowy dreamscape, lit up during special illumination events. Getting there: Best accessed by bus from Takayama or Kanazawa. 5. Nagasaki Photo: Unsplash Unlike much of Japan, Nagasaki has a unique mix of European and Asian influences. Its tragic past as the site of the second atomic bombing in 1945 is deeply honoured at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, but the city also tells stories of resilience and cultural fusion. The Dutch-built Dejima island, Portuguese-influenced churches, and Chinatown all highlight its history as Japan's most international port. Getting there: Around 2 hours by train from Fukuoka's Hakata Station. 6. Aomori Photo: Pixabay Up in Japan's northernmost main island, Aomori is famous for its apples (some of the juiciest you'll ever eat), striking natural scenery, and one of the country's most visually insane festivals: Nebuta Matsuri. Held every August, it features massive illuminated floats, taiko drums, dancers, and fire. Outside of festival season, the nearby Hakkoda Mountains and Oirase Gorge offer lush hiking routes, especially stunning during autumn. Getting there: Take the shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station from Tokyo (about 3 hours). 7. Yakushima This UNESCO World Heritage island in Kagoshima Prefecture is a haven for hikers and nature-lovers. It's covered in ancient cedar forests, some of which are over 7,000 years old. The most famous tree, Jomon Sugi, requires a full-day trek to reach, but the misty trails and mossy paths along the way make it totally worth it. Yakushima also inspired the forest scenes in Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke, which checks out once you're deep in the woods. Getting there: Fly or take a ferry from Kagoshima City.
Yomiuri Shimbun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
2025 Expo Osaka : Prefectures around Kansai Hope to Lure Tourists with Local Charms; Kansai Pavilion Provides Chance to Promote Regional Areas
The Yomiuri Shimbun Visitors look at images of vibrant flowers blooming on sand dunes recreated in the Kansai Pavilion's Tottori Prefecture zone, mimicking the patterns of the Tottori Sand Dunes, in Osaka on May 6. OSAKA — Local governments are taking advantage of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo's popularity by proactively promoting attractions and specialties in their localities to boost tourism to regional areas. The Expo, which is expected to attract 28.2 million visitors, showcases the distinctive allure of the Kansai region, but concerns persist about how far beyond Osaka the event's economic advantages will extend and whether there will be a widespread positive impact. The Kansai Pavilion has participants from several prefectures, including all seven prefectures in the Union of Kansai Governments, as well as Fukui and Mie prefectures. The Tottori Prefecture zone in the Kansai Pavilion welcomes visitors with three statues of popular manga characters linked to the region: Kitaro, the titular character from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' by author Shigeru Mizuki; Conan from 'Detective Conan' by Gosho Aoyama; and Hiroshi Nakahara, the protagonist of 'A Distant Neighborhood' by Jiro Taniguchi. The highlight of the zone is a mirrored room that recreates the Tottori Sand Dunes. Inside, vibrant lines and specks of light dance across the sand-covered floor to create mesmerizing scenes of a sunset and starry skies, drawing gasps of admiration. 'This makes me want to see the real Tottori Sand Dunes,' said a 51-year-old yoga instructor from Kyoto. That comment encapsulates the prefecture's goal. By making the zone the 'main venue' with the whole of Tottori Prefecture as a 'satellite venue,' the organizers' plan is for the virtual Expo experience to lead to physical visits to the prefecture. The aim of the approach is to bring an additional 1 million visitors to Tottori Prefecture from April to October, specifically by encouraging international tourists to visit the prefecture during their stay in Japan and by establishing the prefecture as a destination for domestic travelers planning their next vacations. The prefecture has also been proactive in generating buzz. It approached the Jordan Pavilion with a proposal to use the shared element of sand in a collaborative promotion dubbed the Sand Alliance, following that pavilion's desert recreation display in the opening days of the event. The Fukui Prefecture zone, also in the Kansai Pavilion, is focusing on dinosaurs, capitalizing on its reputation as one of Japan's leading sites for fossil. The Yomiuri Shimbun 'Rather than competing with other prefectures in the same fields, we decided to focus on using dinosaurs to generate interest in Fukui,' said Nobuhiro Kasashima, head of the prefectural brand business division. Fukui Prefecture is collaborating with a major travel agency to offer package deals combining accommodations in the prefecture with railway tickets available at visitor centers for international tourists in JR Osaka and Kyoto stations. Kasashima noted that local governments in the Chugoku, Shikoku and Hokuriku regions are actively participating in the Expo, citing the venue's tens of thousands of daily visitors to demonstrate that it is 'efficient and effective for promoting their local areas.' According to Prof. Akira Shimoyama at Osaka University of Economics, the 1970 Osaka Expo attracted 64.21 million visitors from Japan and abroad. However, the railway and road networks were less developed at that time, so the idea of leveraging the Expo for regional tourism was barely considered. The Asia Pacific Institute of Research estimates that the Osaka-Kansai Expo will generate an economic ripple effect worth about ¥2.74 trillion. Related events outside the Yumeshima venue could potentially add another ¥620 billion by enticing visitors to increase the lengths of their stays and through other means, the institute said. The Kansai Pavilion is also holding a 'stamp rally' to actively encourage visits to the wider areas. This popular activity, which gets visitors to collect unique stamps from various stations set up on the Expo grounds, includes a stop at a station for the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, with the plan of having attendees travel to other prefectures. Tottori Prefecture is collaborating with Detective Conan to create a 'mystery tour' that will take participants around the prefecture to solve clues. The project is being planned with West Japan Railway Co. (JR West) and other entities. Kagawa Prefecture, which does not have a booth in the Kansai Pavilion, participated in events held at the Expo venue during the Golden Week holidays to promote the Setouchi Triennale, which is a contemporary art festival taking place on islands in the Seto Inland Sea. 'This is not just about increasing the number of tourists in the short term; it's about enhancing the long-term appeal of these regions,' said Shimoyama, commenting on the various initiatives centered around the expo. 'If the flow of people picks up and leads to the establishment of shops and factories, that will be the legacy of the Expo.'
