Stage play "Hikui Tori - Ushu Boro Tobi Gumi" - Experience the life-risking world of firefighters

The play "Hikui Tori - Ushu Boro Tobi Gumi" opened at the Hakuhinkan Theater in Tokyo on January 23, 2026.
This work is one of Shogo Imamura's signature series, known for the drama "Ikusagami," which is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. Set in the town of Edo, it is a heartwarming historical drama that depicts the pride and bonds of men who live as firemen, and their life-risking battles. The manga series will begin serialization in Weekly Shonen Champion in the spring of 2025. Furthermore, a TV anime adaptation will begin airing in January 2026, making it a highly anticipated work.
The lead role is played by Shohei Hashimoto, and the cast includes a diverse cast from across genres, including Kokai Yamane, who attracted attention on the audition program "timelesz project."
This time, we were able to cover the dress rehearsal that took place on January 23rd, prior to the opening.

Don't take your eyes off the cast members who dance passionately like fire-eating birds! ~Opening cast comments~

■Shohei Hashimoto
Fire is an essential element in our daily lives. While it provides warmth and light, it also poses a dangerous threat, threatening to take everything away from us if it bares its fangs.
In an era when fires were so frequent that it was said that "fires and fights are the flowers of Edo," and without the facilities we have today, firemen resisted fear and risked their lives to protect people's lives. This production cherishes the determination and pride of these firemen, as well as the strength of the people who lived alongside fire, and has approached the piece sincerely throughout the rehearsal period with respect for their unwavering core.
I hope you will come to the theater to experience the passion and spirit that emerges on stage.
The stage play "Hikui Tori - Ushu Boro Tobi Gumi" is now opening.

■Yamane Voyage
This will be my first time performing on stage, but even at the script reading stage, I felt that this production would definitely be powerful. As it was my first time acting, I sometimes struggled, but with the support of the wonderful cast and staff, I was able to enjoy practicing every day! I will give it my all so that the play will reach the hearts of as many people as possible, and that they will be glad they came to see it!
I look forward to seeing you at the theater.

■Ryo Furuhata (WATWING)
I am truly honored to be involved in the huge project "Hikui Tori - Ushu Boro Tobi Gumi -." The original story written by Imamura Shogo was turned into a manga, and then it was adapted into an anime and a stage play at almost the same time. I am sharing in the moment when the scale of the work has grown, and I am savoring the joy of playing Hikoya. During rehearsals, I have been reborn many times like a "phoenix" with the wonderful company led by Hashimoto Shohei. I am confident that I can deliver something passionate! Let's do it!

■Yamamoto Nozomi
It's the first day of the show, so I'm feeling both nervous and excited. I'm very excited to finally be able to deliver to the audience what we've been working on in rehearsals. Personally, I have almost no experience in stage acting, so I started rehearsals not knowing what to do, but the warmth of the cast and staff helped me out, and I feel like every day of rehearsals was a learning experience. I'll do my best until the final performance so that the audience can enjoy the show.

■Taro Nakamura
This is Nakamura Taro, who plays Kaji Seijuro.
The entire company has come together to create this work, in order to embody the role of a firefighter, something that is unfamiliar to us living in the modern world. Just as firefighters have their own roles, we hope to do our part wholeheartedly.
Thank you for your continued support.

~The dual nature of fire reflects the way people live their lives~ A student's theater report~

The strength shown by the firemen, who sacrifice their lives for love, without any calculation or logic, fighting with their bare bodies simply for what they want to protect, was a heart-stopping film, showcasing a pure and almost cruel determination. It is precisely because they have no reason that they live their lives that they are beautiful and fleeting. It seems to represent the dual nature of fire itself, and it warms the hearts of those who watch.
The comeback of those who once suffered setbacks and emotional scars. This is exposed through the firefighting scene, and the way they overcome it together with their colleagues overlaps with the conflicts and hopes that everyone faces in life, and the film is so powerful that it makes you want to project yourself onto them.
The worldview created by the intersection of video and realistic stage performances engulfs the theater itself and draws you into the story. I was particularly captivated by the breathtakingly fast action, and the determination and way of life of the firemen struck me so deeply that I couldn't let go.
Musashino University, 3rd year student, Akina Yoshimatsu

Outline of the performance

Official website:https://hikuidori-stage.com
Official X: @tie_works_
Same-day exchange tickets:https://www.confetti-web.com/events/13197
Hashtag: #Stage Hikui Bird
Inquiries: Tie Works (info@tieworks.jp)
©Shogo Imamura, Shodensha / Stage play "Hikui Tori - Ushu Boroki Team"

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on July 23, 2026 by Musashino University third-year student Akira Yoshimatsu