IMY Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Matsuya Onoue, Yu Shirota Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true

Ikusaburo Yamazaki
Born January 18, 1986 in Tokyo. Since being selected to play the role of Marius in the musical "Les Miserables" in 2007, he has captivated audiences with his sweet and elegant singing voice and solid acting skills. His major appearances include "Elisabeth," "Miss Saigon," and "Priscilla."

Matsuya Onoe
Born January 30, 1985 in Tokyo. His father is Onoe Matsusuke VI. His stage name is Otowaya. In May 1990, he made his stage debut as the second Onoe Matsuya, playing Tsuruchiyo in "Meiboku Sendaihagi." Since 2009, he has been the leader of the independent kabuki production "Chomu."

Yu Shirota
Born December 26, 1985 in Tokyo. Since making his acting debut in 2003, he has been active in a wide range of genres, including dramas, movies, stage plays, and music. His notable works include the TV series "ROOKIES" (2008), the historical drama "Tenchijin" (2009), and the movie "Ajin" (2017).

IMY (★Ai Mai★) was formed by Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Onoe Matsuya, and Shirota Yu, with the desire to create works that reflect their own sensibilities. Their first stage production, "Akuto," will be performed in November. We are looking forward to seeing the performance of the three, who are usually good friends. We asked them about the highlights of this production and their renewed feelings about theater amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

■ The appeal and particularities of "Akuto"

Yamazaki: "Akuto" was created with the concept of being a production that can be enjoyed even by people who don't normally see musicals or plays. It is a new style of performance that is aimed particularly at students, with tickets half price for those under 25 and 1,500 yen for those under 18 in IMY seats. "Akuto" is a four-part series, and each story is thrilling and enjoyable for everyone! Even if you have never seen a play before, I think it will be a great opportunity to experience actors performing live on stage. It is a production that I would like many students to see.

Matsuya: One of the major themes for IMY is to do new things that are not bound by preconceived notions, and to do things that only we can do. In "Akuto," some people will be performing on stage for the first time, and some will be directing for the first time. We hope that these new encounters and discoveries will broaden the possibilities of theater as a whole. And in this production, we have incorporated elements that have not been seen in previous productions, in order to increase the audience's interest in theater. In an age where you can enjoy entertainment without coming to the theater, we want people to experience the benefits of seeing a live performance, and we want to convey our message to them.

Shirota: It's been nearly five years since the three of us started IMY, wanting to create an original work. The three of us are very close and always joking around, but "Akuto" is the result of cherishing the ideas that were born from this relaxed atmosphere, pursuing them to the fullest, and giving them form. We hope to deliver to everyone the fun entertainment that we can create because we trust each other so much. With songs, acting, and comedy sketches, it's a production that can be enjoyed by anyone who has never experienced theater before; it's like a toy box of entertainment.

■ Thoughts about work during the COVID-19 pandemic

Yamazaki: Last year, we experienced the sudden cancellation of performances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, when I perform a stage play or musical, I approach it with the understanding that that day may be my last. I cherish the present moment more than I think about the future. I try to concentrate and put as much of my heart into each performance as possible, so that I won't have any regrets even if today turns out to be my last.

Matsuya: After the first state of emergency was declared, all stage performances were canceled and I was feeling depressed, but it was the power of entertainment that helped me get through it. During the self-isolation period, I watched a lot of movies and dramas, which cheered me up and made me realize how wonderful entertainment is. When I returned to work after the self-isolation period, I was so happy I cried. I realized once again that I love acting, and my motivation increased even more. I felt strongly that culture, entertainment, and the arts must not be lost in the future, and I was able to feel the value of acting myself. I would like to keep this feeling and pass it on to the next generation.

Shirota: Due to the effects of COVID-19, tours and performances were canceled, and it was difficult to maintain motivation in a situation where we didn't know when we would be able to do so again. After much deliberation, I finally came to the conclusion that I believed in the power of entertainment. Because the power of entertainment has saved me since I was little, I now feel that I have a mission to share that power with as many people as possible. My current motivation is to deliver energy and courage to the audience who come to see my shows, even in these circumstances, through my songs and acting. I believe that the power of entertainment can save hearts and lives, and I want to continue to stand on stage and sing.

■Message to students

Yamazaki: I hope you will take on many challenges while you are a student. When I was a music college student, I got together with my friends, pooled our money, made costumes and props from scratch, and performed "Les Miserables." I think there are many things you can do now, in your youth. Try many different things! Also, when you enter society, you will need to think, speak up, and act for yourself. I believe that thinking, acting, and accomplishing something with your own strength while you are a university student will be an advantage in the future. Have the courage to take a step forward, and put all your effort into the things you can only do now!

Matsuya: Live your life in a way that will leave you with no regrets when you look back on it. As the saying goes, "When you think of something, act immediately," it's important to try anything with all your might without being bogged down in anxiety or worries about the future. I think you can try anything, especially while you're a university student and don't have any responsibilities yet. If you haven't decided what you want to do in the future, just try anything and experience it. You may gain something from the experience. And for those who have dreams or things they want to do now, I think it's important to believe in yourself and keep working towards them. I believe that "there is no dream that cannot come true." First of all, believe in yourself. This is the most important thing. No matter what others say, have the determination to never give up and believe that you can do it. Believing in yourself is the first step towards your dreams. Do your best.

Shirota: I think student years are a bonus stage in life and a crossroads for the future. I want you to use it as a time to find out what you like, what you aim to achieve, and what dreams you want to pursue. As you become an adult, responsibilities and pressures weigh on you, and you have less time than you do now. Now is the time and space in your mind to absorb as much as you can through a variety of experiences. If you currently have dreams or goals, think about how you should move towards them and act. If you haven't found them yet, there's no need to rush. Enjoy the present, take an interest in many things, try new things, fail, and grow. Then, from the mountain of options available, find your dreams and what you like and use them to your future.

Student newspaper October 2021 issue Suzuyoshi Sakamoto, 10rd year Bunkyo University

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<English article>

IMY, Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Matsuya Onoe, Yu Shirota 

Believe in yourself and your dreams will come true 

■Profile:

Ikusaburo Yamazaki 

Born on 18 January 1986 in Tokyo. Since being cast as Marius in the musical Les Misérables in 2007, Yamazaki has attracted a large audience with his sweet, graceful voice and steady acting ability. Major performances include Elisabeth, Miss Saigon, and Priscilla. 

Matsuya Onoe 

Born 30 January 1985 in Tokyo. Father is a sixth-generation Onoe Matsusuke. He made his stage debut in May 1990 as Tsuruchiyo in Meiboku Sendai Hagi under the name Onoe Matsuya II and has been organizing the independent Kabuki performance series 'Challenge' since 2009. 

Yu Shirota 

Born 26 December 1985 in Tokyo. Since debuting as an actor in 2003, he has been active in various genres, including drama, film, theatre, and music. His best-known works include the drama 'ROOKIES' (2008), the Taiga drama Heart of Samurai(天地人)' (2009), and the film' Ajin' (2017). 

IMY (★Aimai★) was formed by Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Matsuya Onoe, and Yu Shirota, who wanted to create productions with their sensibilities. The first of their stage performances, 'Akuto,' will be staged in November. The performance by the three, who are usually good friends, is exciting. We interviewed them about the highlights of this production and their thoughts on the stage, which they felt again under the COVID-19 pandemic. 

■The appeal and commitment of 'Akuto' 

Yamazaki: The concept of “Akuto” ​​was created with the idea that even people who have generally not seen musicals or stage performances could enjoy the production. It is a new performance style, with especially students in mind, with half the ticket price for those aged 25 and under, and for those aged 18 and under, the ticket price is just 1,500 yen for an IMY seat. Akuto is a four-part play, with each story thrilling and entertaining for everyone! Even if you have never seen a stage, this is an excellent opportunity to experience the actors performing on a live stage. I hope many students will see this production. 

Matsuya: IMY's main theme is to do new things not limited by existing concepts and things only we can do. In Akuto, some performers are performing on stage for the first time, and some are directing for the first time. With these new encounters and discoveries, we hope to expand the possibilities of theater overall. We have also added elements to this production that have never been seen on the stage to increase the audience's interest in the theatre. In an era when you don't need to come to the theater to enjoy entertainment, we want people to feel the benefits of seeing a live performance and sharing our thoughts with them. 

Shirota: It has been nearly five years since the three of us started IMY together with the desire to create original works. The three of us are very close friends, and we always have a joke, but we care about the ideas that come out of this relaxed state of mind, and we have pursued them and given them shape in Akuto. We hope to bring you the fun entertainment that we can create because we are so open with each other. It's like a toy box of entertainment, with songs, plays, and comedy, so anyone has never been on stage can enjoy it. 

■Thoughts on the job as felt in the COVID-19 pandemic 

Yamazaki: Last year, we experienced a sudden loss of performance because of COVID-19. For this reason, we are prepared for the possibility that it might be the last day of a performance on the stage or in a musical. I cherish the present moment more than the future. Even if today is my last day, I try to concentrate on each performance as much as possible so that I can put my feelings into it and not have any regrets. 

Matsuya: After the first lockdown, I lost all my stage performances and was depressed, but I was able to overcome this because of the power of entertainment. During my self-restraint, I watched many films and dramas, which cheered me up and made me realize how excellent entertainment is. When I returned to the acting scene after the self-restraint, I was so happy that I cried. I realized again that I love acting, which motivated me even more. Culture, entertainment, and the arts must not be lost in the future, and I could see the value of my acting. I want to keep this feeling alive and pass it on to the next generation. 

Shirota: It wasn't easy to keep motivated in a situation where I didn't know when I wouldn't be able to tour or perform anymore because of COVID-19. After struggling a lot, I concluded that I had to believe in the power of entertainment. The power of entertainment has saved me since I was a child, and now I feel I have a duty to bring that power to as many people as possible. Even in this situation, my motivation now is to bring energy and courage to the audience who come to the stage through my songs and plays. I believe that there are hearts and souls that can be saved through the power of entertainment, and I want to continue to stand on stage and sing in the future. 

■Message to students 

Yamazaki: I want students to challenge themselves in many things while they are still students. When I was a music College student, I once performed Les Misérables by gathering my friends, putting money together, and making costumes and props by ourselves. I think there are many things you can do now that you are in your youth. You should challenge yourself in many different ways! Also, when you enter society, you will need to think, communicate, and behave independently. I believe that thinking, taking action, and still accomplishing something while a university student will be an advantage in your future life. Please have the courage to take the first step and give your all to what you can only do now! 

Matsuya: Live your life without regrets when you look back on it. As the “When you have an idea, take immediate action,” says, it is essential to challenge everything with all your energy without getting caught up in worries and anxieties. You can take on any challenge, especially as a university student, when you don't have any responsibilities yet. If you don't know what you want to do in the future, just experience everything. You may get something from the experience. Also, believing in yourself and working towards it is essential if you have a dream or something you want to do now. I think that no dream can't come true. First of all, you have to believe in yourself. It is the most important thing. No matter what people around you say, you must have a heart that will never give up and believe that you can do it. Believing in yourself is the first step towards your dream. Do your best. 

Shirota: I think the student era is a bonus stage in your life and a turning point in the future. I want you to use this time to find out what you like, what you aim for, and what you will pursue as your dream. When you become an adult, you will face more responsibility and pressure, and you will have less time than you do now. Now is the time to absorb as much as possible through various experiences because you have more time and space in your mind. If you have a dream or goal now, think about what you should do to achieve it and take action. If you have yet to find them, please don't be in a hurry. Enjoy the moment, take an interest in various things, try them out, fail, and grow. Then, find your dreams and what you like to do from the mountain of options available and connect them to your future.

In charge of translation：INTERNATIONAL CHISTIAN UNAIVERSITY Mai Wako

Translated by Mai Wakao, a first-year student at International Christian University

<Chinese article>

IMY Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Matsuya Onoue, and Yu Shirota

mutual trust, your dreams come true

■ Introduction

Ikusaburo Yamazaki
Born: January 18, 1986. Born in Tokyo. Since his 2007 performance in the musical ``Les Misérables,'' he has performed in other musicals with beautiful, elegant singing and harmonious acting. Comprehensive list of major starring works: ``Elisabeth'', ``Miss Saigon'', Japanese ``Priscilla''

Matsuya Onoe
Born: January 30, 1985. Born in Tokyo. His father was the 6th Sho Onoe Shoyu. The store name is Otowaya. In May 1990, Matsuya Onoe, the second generation, appeared on the platform for ``Ruby: Meiboku Sendai Hagi''. Since 2009, he has been performing in an independent Kabuki performance called ``Challenge''.

Yuu Shirota
Born on December 26, 1985. Born in Tokyo. Since his debut in 2003, he has been active in a wide variety of fields, including theater, television, television, and music. Representative works: ``ROOKIES'' (2008), ``Tenchijin'' (2009), ``Ajin'' (2017)

IMY A self-emotional work that includes Ikusaburo Yuyamazaki, Matsuya Onoe, Yu Shirota, and others. The first stage performance ``Akuto'' will be performed in November. Ever since I had high expectations, the city has been a trio of friends. I have reviewed other parts of this work, and since then, I have received a lot of impressions from the stage during the current coronavirus situation.

■The charm and understanding of "Akuto"

Yamazaki: ``Akuto'''s creative philosophy is to create works that have not yet been seen by people or performers in music or stage plays. A variety of new performance formats for special students, half a ticket for less than 25 yen, and 1,500 yen for an IMY seat less than 18 yen. "Akuto" is a four-volume series, each story is full of excitement, and anyone can enjoy it! I understand that this is the first opportunity I have ever seen for a performance on stage with an audience of performers. This is a work that I hope many students will enjoy.

Onoe: IMY's main problem is that it is a new thing that I have thought of, and that I am capable of. While in ``Akuto'', he was the first person to appear on stage and was the first homeroom teacher. As we go along, we encounter new ways of encountering Japanese characters, and we develop our hopes and possibilities. In addition, since the addition of this work, there are elements that have never been seen on stage, and the entertainment and entertainment of the play has been expanded. At a time when people are not required to leave the theater and enjoy their abilities, we hope that people will be able to experience their abilities.

Shirota: It has been five years since the three of us came together to create the original work that we wanted. The three of us are very friendly friends, but we are open-minded, but we are still thinking differently in different situations, and our final reality is ``Akuto''. I hope that each person has this creative talent and taste. There are songs, there are plays, there are small items, there are statues in the toy box, and there are many things that can be done on stage.

■ Impressions of operations during the new crown pneumonia epidemic

Yamazaki: Last year, there was a sudden cancellation of the Corona Virus pandemic. In this case, when I am on stage and performing during a musical performance, it is possible that I will be able to perform on the same stage as before. Hiki Mirai, I am under heavy supervision. Immediately, the present day is my final performance, I will also try my best to direct every scene, I will put my feelings into every possible place, and I will not be able to serve as a subordinate for a long time.

Onoe: After the declaration of the first emergency situation, the ownership of the stage performance was canceled, but I am unable to overcome the difficulties, which is due to my own ability. During the separation period, I watched a lot of videos, watched a lot of videos, and learned what I was capable of. When I returned to work after completing my promise, I was overwhelmed with joy and cried tears of joy. I have realized my passion for self-love again, and I have added more motivation. I have a strong feeling that the culture has arrived, and I will never be able to see it again in the future. If you have any thoughts about this, please let me know what you think.

Shirota: Yuyu's new crown has a toxic effect, the Japanese production tour has been canceled, and there are still talent on the way, and under the circumstances of re-direction, there is a great deal of retention. I've been thinking deeply, I've come up with a conclusion, and I'm confident in my abilities. Because I save myself from my own abilities, I see now that I have one mission, and I am a person who can grasp and enjoy more and more abilities. My current energy is that I have the ability to listen to my songs and perform them under various circumstances. My idea is to sing on stage at the station, and if you have the ability to share your thoughts, you can save the life of a person.

■As a sending student...

Yamazaki: I had a lot of circumstances when I was studying when I was a student. When I was a student at a music school, I gathered together a group of friends, a group of friends, and a group of friends, and I started producing costumes and Japanese tools, and completed the performance of ``Les Misérables.'' I understand that there are many circumstances in which I am allowed to be, because I am currently in my youth. Check out all the details! Besides, after entering society, you need self-thinking, communication, and behavior. I believe that during my university years I was able to think independently, act independently, work independently, and achieve success in my future life. Inspire your courage, move forward, do your best, and you will be able to do what you are doing now!

Onoue: This is how you go about your life, how you go about your life, and how much you regret after not meeting. The popular proverb is ``Have a good idea, take immediate action'', what circumstances you should be willing to take charge of, and what you don't want to do when you're in the future meeting.This one point is very important. In particular, I am aware that I will not be able to accept any responsibility for university students. If you are not sure about your future thoughts, please try again. You can join us next time you have a place in the store. However you have a dream or a situation that you currently imagine, I believe that mutual effort is very important. I believe that the dream is impossible to realize. Head first, mutual trust. This is the most important thing.无论远围的人怎么说、你都具一颗旗旗传弃的心。 Mutual trust and self-enhancement. Mutual belief is the first step in realizing a dream. I congratulate you on all the success.

Shirota: I believe that my time as a student was the single greatest point in my life, but it was also the turning point in my future. I want you to have time to celebrate, but your goal is to pursue your dreams. You are very long, you have more responsibility for the meeting, and you have less room for the meeting. Currently, you have more time, more time, more space, and more space, and all kinds of things are exhausting. How do you currently have a dream and how do you think about it? As a result, you will be disappointed, and you will not be panicked. During the period of enjoyment, the enjoyment of various things, the acceptance of challenges, and the growth of failure. If you choose a dream, you will be happy with the things you dreamed of, and the future of your future will arise.

Translated by: Mio Nakayama