Musical "The Final Problem" - A shocking and lingering story of a perfect detective and an imperfect writer

The musical "The Final Case" will be performed at the Hakuhinkan Theater in Tokyo from Saturday, February 7th to Sunday, March 8th, 2026, and at Sankei Hall Breeze in Osaka from Friday, March 13th to Monday, March 16th.
The musical "The Final Problem" is a two-person play based on Arthur Conan Doyle's 1893 novel "The Final Problem." This newly created musical explores the unknown inner thoughts and struggles of the author who created one of the world's most famous detectives, Sherlock Holmes, as well as hidden true stories surrounding him. Why did the man who created the world's greatest detective come into conflict with his own character? The story of the dreams and struggles behind his success will be revealed on stage.
The roles of Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes will be played by three actors each. Arthur Conan Doyle will be played by Kazuki Kato, Hiroshi Yazaki, and Hayato Takahashi, and Sherlock Holmes will be played by Daisuke Watanabe, Motohiro Ota, and Yoshiro Itokawa, bringing together a cast of unique actors to make this a dream collaboration.
One of the charms of this work is the chemical reactions that arise from the nine different combinations. The story is vividly portrayed through the actors' sophisticated acting in a two-person play.
Six talented actors bring a variety of expressions to the story, breathing life into it and creating deep emotions and a sense of realism. Song Jae-jung, who is in charge of the script, lyrics, and direction, brings out the individuality and strengths of each cast member to the fullest, creating a unique tension and intense atmosphere.
This time, we covered the public dress rehearsals that took place on February 6th and 10th, 2026.

■Opening comments

・Song Jae-jung (script, lyrics, direction)
<Original Korean text>
2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 It's a good idea. It's a good idea.
I want to know what I'm talking about It's important to know.
Sorry, I'm not sure, I'm not sure It's a good idea.

<Japanese translation>
After first being shown through the "K-Musical Roadshow in Tokyo" in 2023, the show will finally open in Tokyo on February 7th. As a writer and director, the process of collaborating with the wonderful Japanese actors and staff has been incredibly fun and interesting.
As Holmes says in the play, I hope that the case will be so interesting that the audience will forget for a moment what they should do next.

Arthur Conan Doyle
・Kazuyuki Kato
The two-person musical "The Final Problem" will be performed for the first time in Japan. This work, filled with director Son Jae-jun's thoughts and attention to detail, has been refined through repeated discussions by the entire company. We have been practicing with various combinations, and have been able to feel the differences and fun of each pair. Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes... please come to the theater to experience the intense time woven by these two.

・Hiroshi Yazaki
The opening day has finally arrived. Arthur Conan Doyle x Sherlock Holmes. I've been excited about the author and the characters' settings, and it feels like we've come this far in the blink of an eye, starting with singing rehearsals. Based on Son Jae-jung's wonderful script and direction, the synergy created by the power of the six cast members and the various combinations has made the production's colors more captivating. From here on, I hope that everyone who comes to see the show can help make "The Final Problem" a success. I look forward to seeing you all there.

・Sato Takahashi
The opening day is coming up soon. We hope that the time, worries, and discoveries that have been accumulated up to this point will be brought to life on stage, gently touching the hearts of all who watch this production and giving them a slightly different attitude towards tomorrow. Please join us in savoring this moment, born in the special space of the theater. We look forward to seeing you there.

▼ Role of Sherlock Holmes
・Daisuke Watanabe
I can't hide my joy and excitement that the curtain is finally rising on Son Jaejoong's original musical from Korea.
In this work, various dramas unfold as two people who would never meet come face to face.
Even if you are familiar with Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes, you will likely find yourself feeling something you have never experienced before.
The emotions, friendship, and decisions of the two intertwine.
Please enjoy the roles that the six actors have created with their souls, based on their own experiences.

・Motohiro Ota
We had to work on another production at the same time, which caused some inconvenience during the rehearsal period, but thanks to the understanding of the cast and staff, who we can rely on, we were able to practice with peace of mind. We are truly grateful.
There were only two people on stage.
We want to support each other until the end and take things seriously while having fun.
This creates 9 possible pairs of 3x3.
What kind of tension and space will unfold?
I hope that the audience will enjoy the thrilling live performance. We look forward to seeing you at the theater!

・Yoshiro Itokawa
The musical "The Final Problem" is about to begin.
Sherlock Holmes is Doyle's most perfect creation, so I have focused on making the character as convincing as possible. To do so, I thought I would have to significantly improve my singing skills, but I think I was able to tackle the challenge head-on and with all my might. I'm sure that if people watch this production, they'll come back to see their followers, who for some reason disappeared during rehearsals. I'll do my best!!

The story of Doyle and Holmes that stays in your mind even after the show ends ~Student report~

When I first saw the show's time, I headed to the theater expecting to see how Sherlock Holmes, the world's most famous detective, created by author Arthur Conan Doyle, would fit in with the story, but I was pleasantly surprised by the dense production.
While Doyle struggles with the gap between his dreams and the world around him, Holmes, who is perfect yet somehow endearing, looks on. The striking evidence of the two people who seem to be in touch but are not, was beautiful and heartbreaking.
In particular, you won't be able to take your eyes off Holmes, who, due to his perfection, makes warm yet painful decisions in response to the human weaknesses of his creator, Doyle.
The final performance was shocking, and the feeling that lingers even after the performance ended was something I wanted as many people as possible to experience in the theater.
Musashino University, 3rd year student, Akina Yoshimatsu

Stories based on the Sherlock Holmes series have been adapted for the stage many times before, but this was the first time I had seen this story, which intertwines reality and the world of fiction, and I was very surprised.
I was captivated by the scene in which Arthur Conan Doyle creates the genius detective Sherlock Holmes, as it felt as if Sherlock Holmes had really stepped out of the world of the novel.
Although it is a fantasy, the actors' performances were so convincing and wonderful that I found myself thinking, "Could something like this really have happened?"
I was also very impressed by the way the novel depicts a playful side to Sherlock Holmes, who gives off a cool and intelligent impression when you read the novel, and the delicate portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle's struggles as a genius.
I have seen many plays based on the Sherlock Holmes series, but this one was particularly memorable, and it really made me realize just how interesting Sherlock Holmes is! I would definitely recommend this to anyone with even the slightest interest in mysteries!
Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University

■ Performance overview

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on February 6th and 10th, 2026, by Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University and Akira Yoshimatsu, third-year student at Musashino University