The musical "The Intouchables" is a "superb" musical where laughter and emotion intertwine, presented by Jiei Kawahira, Kenji Urai, and others!

The musical "The Intouchables" opened on May 1, 2026, at Hulic Hall Tokyo in Tokyo.
The French film "The Intouchables," beloved worldwide and a huge hit in Japan, is based on a true story and boasts record-breaking box office numbers globally. This masterpiece will be produced in Japan as an original musical, marking its world premiere. The story of "The Intouchables" follows two men with completely opposite backgrounds and values ​​who meet, clash, and eventually forge an irreplaceable friendship. The musical "The Intouchables" will be performed from May 1st (Fri) to May 10th (Sun) at Hulic Hall Tokyo, from May 14th (Thu) to 17th (Sun) at COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall, and on May 21st (Thu) at Misono-za in Nagoya. The two lead roles will be played by Jiei Kawahira as Doris, a free-spirited character who always brings smiles to those around him, and Kenji Urai as Philippe, a wealthy man paralyzed from the neck down due to an accident. Attention is focused on the two actors, who will be co-starring for the first time in about six years. In addition, a diverse and talented cast including Yuzuru Kurenai, Hironobu Miyahara, and Hayato Onozuka will come together to take on the challenge of a premiere musical. With Kyoichi Itagaki handling the script, lyrics, and direction, and Ai Kuwahara composing the music, this will be the launch of an original musical originating from Japan.
Prior to the opening day, I had the opportunity to cover the pre-opening interview and open dress rehearsal held on April 30th.

Watch "The Intouchables" and you too can become the strongest! ~Pre-opening interview~

Hayato Onozuka: This is the first musical adaptation of the famous movie "The Intouchables," and I hope that everyone who comes to see it will thoroughly enjoy the songs, the acting, and the world that this cast brings to life. Thank you.

Miyahara Hironobu: We had about a month of rehearsals, and thanks to the energy of (Kawahira) Jiei, who has a sunny disposition, we were able to create a great piece that is funny, makes you smile, and even brings tears to your eyes. I am truly happy to have been a part of this company. I really want everyone to see it as soon as possible! That's how I feel. Thank you very much. We hope you will come and see it!

Beni Yuzuru: Before rehearsals began, I thought we had a lot of time to rehearse, but now it's suddenly tomorrow's opening night, and I'm a little surprised (laughs). I'm confident that this production will leave something warm in the hearts of everyone who sees it. I really hope you'll all come and see it. Thank you.

Kenji Urai: There are only 10 cast members in this production, but there are more than twice that many roles, and everyone is playing multiple roles, creating a lively and chaotic atmosphere. Director Kyoichi Itagaki has taken the original film and adapted it into a play with great respect, and each role is connected to the richness of humanity, and it is filled with many messages that Itagaki wants to convey.
"This is what we want to convey to audiences in Japan today," and "You can always start over." We've been working together to express these feelings. We've had many full rehearsals! We just want to let loose and be proud of what we've created together, and with Jiei Kawahira at the center, we hope to deliver this place to everyone as a hot spot. Thank you for your support.

Jiei Kawahira: The strongest work, the strongest script, the strongest music, the strongest set, lighting, staff, producer, and the strongest cast! If you see this "The Intouchables" stage, you too will become the strongest! And it's okay to become that way! As Ken-chan (Urai-san) said, it's both a hot spot and a healing spot, so please come see the musical "The Intouchables," be healed, and be energized. I want you to feel once again in this era that "being alive and having bonds are wonderful." We will send you power from this stage, so please come to this theater as many people as possible.

Q. What are the highlights of this film?

Onozuka: The only thing to look forward to is really "everything," because all 10 cast members bring out their diverse personalities to the fullest.

Kawahira: He can change his appearance in seven different ways! It's amazing!
Onozuka: I've had the opportunity to play a variety of roles, and I'm enjoying playing these different characters myself, while also trying to entertain the audience. I hope you'll take a look at that aspect as well. The story is designed to keep you entertained from start to finish!

Miyahara: Although it's a musical, there are scenes that will give you the feeling of watching a live performance! I hope that the audience will wave their hands, clap along, and sing along to get excited with us.

Kurenai: In terms of the play's content, the initial distance between people changes for each character towards the end of the story, so I think one of its charms is how and where that changes occur, and I think that's a very heartwarming point, so I hope you'll pay attention to that.

Urai: I think one of the charms of this musical is how Jiei Kawahira and Itagaki create a play that is deep, full of love for everyone, and embodies the character of Doris. As for my character, Philip, I think he's a character who lives supported by many people, but he's sitting in a wheelchair the whole time and there are no scenes where he's standing like this (laughs). I don't think there are many roles like that. However, I'm sitting in a wonderful wheelchair (laughs). I've been kindly lent two of them! (laughs) It adds up to quite a sum (laughs). I'm very grateful (laughs). I think that's also something that's quite rare in musicals, so I hope you'll pay attention to it!

Kawahira: What I personally think is amazing is, without a doubt, Nobu-chan (Miyahara-san)!! Her dancing!

Miyahara: Stop it! (laughs) Seriously, stop it!! (laughs)

Kawahira: I hope you'll pay attention to him. He's a musical dancer, after all! This is definitely something to see (laughs).
As the amazing directors Itagaki and Urai also mentioned, it's all about the emotional ups and downs. From fun scenes that make you wonder, "Is it really okay to be this silly?" to sad scenes filled with negative energy, every kind of emotion is scattered throughout. You'll find yourself laughing hysterically, having your heart seized, and feeling like you're on a rollercoaster with its ups and downs, but please, just stay seated! If you continue to enjoy it as you are, we'll invite you into the world of the musical "The Intouchables."

Q. Please give us a final message.

Urai: Every time we rehearse, I feel the incredible work of the staff, and it's through supporting each other and having the audience come that the show will finally be complete. Director Itagaki always takes an "offensive" approach, not in the sense of being aggressive, but in the sense of pushing forward, which I think is a perfect fit for this hopeful work with the theme of "restart." Earlier in the dressing room, Hayato (Onozuka) and Nobu-nii (Miyahara) and I were seriously wondering, "What should we do about that scene?" I think that seriously worrying is proof that everyone is genuinely enjoying themselves, so I hope we can deliver that happy aura to everyone. Thank you very much.

Kawahira: I've been saying this with Itagaki-san and Urai-san, but another key word for this play is "second chance." There will definitely be a chance to start over. This message is powerfully conveyed that everyone, regardless of age, gender, occupation, or background, will definitely get a second chance, a chance to get back on their feet. If you've been putting yourself down, or if you and your loved ones want to feel better, the tickets aren't cheap, but please come and get some happy power and positive energy. We'll be waiting for you at the theater. Thank you.

©Eri Iwata/Musical "The Strongest Duo" Production Committee

Become the strongest! A powerful and energetic production ~A student's theater review~

Kawahira-san's portrayal of Doris, with her boundless cheerfulness, was particularly memorable in this musical!
On the other hand, Urai's portrayal of Philip, a man with a disability, conveys the deep regrets for the past, anxieties about the future, and fear of revealing his true self—feelings that only someone who has acquired a disability later in life can experience. His performance was heartbreaking to watch. Regardless of Philip's circumstances, I think these are emotions that everyone has felt at some point and can relate to.
And personally, I've loved Beni Yuzuru ever since I saw her in a musical 13 years ago, and I really enjoyed watching her in this production as her charm was evident throughout!
The cast members give their all to entertain the audience, and that energy is palpable, making it a truly uplifting production. As Mr. Kawahira said, it's a musical that gives you the energy to become invincible—truly the best musical ever!! (Yurie Watanabe, 3rd year student, Josai International University)

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Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on June 30, 2026 by Yurie Watanabe, second-year student at Josai International University