The manga "Baki the Grappler" will be adapted into a stage play for the first time. Titled "Baki the Grappler Stage - Underground Arena Arc," it will be performed from December 4th to 8th at Tokyo's Shinjuku FACE. Alongside the announcement, the cast and visuals were revealed: Yuugo Sato, known for his role as Inosuke Hashibira in the stage play adaptation of "Demon Slayer," will play the protagonist Baki Hanma, while former sumo wrestler Ryogoku Hiroshi will portray Baki's father, Yujiro Hanma, known as "the strongest creature on Earth."

"Baki the Grappler," serialized in Weekly Shonen Champion from 1991 to 1999, is a martial arts manga about the young champion Baki Hanma who reigns in the underground arena and his battles with rivals vying for the title of the strongest on Earth. The series continues with sequels such as "Baki," "Hanma Baki," "Baki Dou," and "Baki Dou" and is currently serialized as "Baki Rahen," with the manga series exceeding 100 million copies in total circulation.

This stage adaptation will feature acrobatic and intense action performances to fully recreate the world of "Baki the Grappler." The cast includes former AKB48 member Momoka Onishi as Baki's girlfriend Kozue Matsumoto, Sho Higano as Katsumi Orochi, Haruto Sakuraba as Kaoru Hanayama, Riku Noma as Retsu Kaioh, Rita Aizawa as Kiyosumi Katou, Masashumi Yokoyama as Atsushi Suedou, and Zenichi Hashimoto as Strydum. Additionally, from the martial arts world, Takayuki Kohiruimaki will play Hideaki Kano, and K-1 fighter Kozo Takeda will play Doppo Orochi. The script and direction will be handled by Daisuke Tanaka, known for his work on the stage adaptation of "Sakigake!! Otokojuku."

Comments from the Cast:

Yuugo Sato as Baki Hanma:
"I'm Yuugo Sato, playing the role of Baki Hanma. When I was cast as Baki, the first thing I thought was, 'It's not a muscle suit!' The pressure of building my body is something everyone involved in this stage must be feeling. Until the day of the performance, how far we can push our bodies and minds is key to the quality of this production. I'm excited to express the world that Keisuke Itagaki created with our physical performances."

Momoka Onishi as Kozue Matsumoto:
"I'm Momoka Onishi, taking on the role of Kozue Matsumoto. 'Baki' has been a familiar work since I was young. I never imagined I would live in the world of 'Baki.' This is a beloved work by many people, regardless of age or gender. I aim to respect the original work, support Baki's growth as Kozue, and become stronger myself through this production."

Sho Higano as Katsumi Orochi:
"I am Sho Higano, playing Katsumi Orochi in 'Baki the Grappler Stage - Underground Arena Arc.' When I first received this offer, I was both thrilled and nervous about whether I was truly fit for the role. This production will showcase the intense passion and power of the characters, with actors fighting fiercely on stage. Please look forward to it!"

Taisho Sakuraba as Kaoru Hanayama:
"The 'Baki' series has significantly influenced my life, and I'm honored to play my favorite character, Kaoru Hanayama. I am excited to bring this series to life with such a wonderful cast. I'll work hard to bulk up even more for the performance, delivering a powerful Hanayama."

Hideaki Kano as Takayuki Kohiruimaki:
"I encountered 'Baki' during my high school years. 'Baki' was always my bible, pushing me to train in karate and strive to be strong. I'm thrilled to be part of the 'Baki' stage adaptation. I'll do my best to make my stage debut a success and deliver an impactful performance as Kano."

Kozo Takeda as Doppo Orochi:
"It's incredible that 'Baki,' a work depicting real martial arts, is being adapted into a stage play! I've started serious training since my retirement to become Doppo Orochi. I will give my all as if I'm returning to active competition. Come witness the real fight and fighting spirit in the theater. I'll take everyone down!"

Source : ORICON NEWS