The stage play Blue Lock EPISODE Nagi opened on the 20th at Tokyo Dome City Theater G Rosso. Prior to opening night, a public generalprobe and press conference were held, with Takamichi Sato, who plays Seishiro Nagi, and Shuji Kikuchi, who plays Reo Mikage, in attendance.

The production is a stage adaptation of Blue Lock EPISODE Nagi, originally serialized in Bessatsu Shonen Magazine (Kodansha). As the official spin off of the egoist striker development soccer manga Blue Lock, the series depicts another version of the Blue Lock program created directly by the original author Muneyuki Kaneshiro.

Focusing on the genius Seishiro Nagi, this new story told from his perspective is the latest entry in the stage play Blue Lock series, which began in May 2023. In the Blue Lock program, three hundred forwards selected from across Japan face intense trials to develop the ultimate striker who will lead Japan to a World Cup victory. Within this setting, Nagi’s overwhelming talent and rapid growth become the core of the narrative.

Upon entering the theater, audiences are greeted by a three tier stage structure featuring two raised levels connected by overhead walkways, fully utilizing the height and space of Theater G Rosso. The absence of green turf visually signals a return from the Fourth Stage timeline to the interior of Blue Lock. A steeply angled slope, reminiscent of a slide that surpasses the incline of a traditional raked stage, has been installed, along with parkour inspired set pieces on the second tier. As in previous productions, these raked and sloped elements contribute to the dynamic and high impact match scenes.

The story portrays the meeting between Nagi and Reo with meticulous care. It follows how Nagi, who previously lived his life indifferent and unmotivated, begins soccer after being discovered by Reo and quickly grows into a formidable player. While incorporating memorable scenes and lines from both the original Blue Lock manga and the Blue Lock stage series, the narrative moves forward with excellent pacing, capturing all essential moments without feeling compressed despite condensing the material of eight volumes. The script and direction are handled by Naohiro Ise, who has also overseen the scripts and direction for all previous Blue Lock stage productions. The play conveys the development, conflict, divergence and evolution of Nagi and Reo’s relationship.

Equally captivating are the contrasting dynamics between Nagi and Reo and the other duos that appear throughout the story: Yoichi Isagi and Meguru Bachira, and Tabito Karasu and Eita Otoya. As Nagi encounters these pairs, he reflects on the nature and meaning of his partnership with Reo.

The match sequences make full use of the steep slope and parkour equipment, including bars and elevated platforms. These elements enable movement and a sense of speed impossible through human action alone, creating dynamic visuals that feel straight out of manga or anime. Enhanced by evolving video projections, special effects and sound design developed throughout the series, the performance achieves a uniquely two dimensional expression. The steep seating layout of Theater G Rosso allows clear visibility of projected scores, monologues and visual cues on the floor, slope and the uppermost tier.

Returning to their roles from the previous stage plays, Takamichi Sato and Shuji Kikuchi deliver powerful performances as Nagi and Reo. Sato captures Nagi’s transformation from a boy who gives off an aura of pure indifference to someone whose emotions shift rapidly through new encounters and experiences. His natural affinity for two dimensional expression combined with physical action brings the genius Seishiro Nagi to life with remarkable authenticity. Kikuchi portrays Reo’s inner world with emotional depth, shifting from the sparkling confidence and hopefulness he felt when first discovering Nagi to the intense hardship and turmoil that follows. His portrayal elicits a strong sense of empathy and makes viewers want to reach out to him.

Alongside returning characters, new cast members also appear. Their involvement expands the portrayal of how various players influence Nagi and Reo and how their relationships affect the story. As a spin off told from a different viewpoint than the main series, the production blends scenes previously unshown in the Blue Lock stage plays with familiar moments. After watching, audiences may find themselves wanting to revisit both the original manga and past stage recordings.

Press Conference after the Generalprobe

Q: Opening night is finally here. How are you feeling?

Sato
When I first encountered the original Blue Lock and EPISODE Nagi, their intensity gave me chills. And because I like standing out, I thought, I want to be part of this world and be at the center of the story. Now that the series has been adapted for the stage and we are finally opening, I feel incredibly excited. Throughout rehearsals, I experienced Nagi’s transformation as he encounters many egoists. With opening day ahead, I feel new scenery waiting for us. I am looking forward to diving into the world of EPISODE Nagi together with Shuji and the rest of the company, meeting new egoists just like Nagi does and discovering new emotions of my own.

Kikuchi
Our rehearsal period was incredibly dense. I scarcely had time to step into the wings because my scenes are constant. Because of this, I feel excited that we can finally present this production. I believe that the story contains everything that fans want to see. I cannot wait to show it to everyone and hear their reactions. It is a project that means a great deal to me and the entire company is working hard to deliver it.

Q: As Nagi and Reo are the protagonists of this spin off, did playing the roles again lead to any new discoveries?

Kikuchi
I realized how deeply connected the two truly are. Performing their mutual feelings brought me joy. In previous productions, I played Reo based on my own interpretation, but through EPISODE Nagi I discovered there was far more depth. I hope that I was able to express that more fully this time.

Sato
I discovered many new aspects of Nagi and Reo’s feelings as well as new sides of Nagi himself. I found myself thinking things like, so he felt this way here, or he made this expression at that moment. There were emotional and expressive beats I had never considered before. I realized that Nagi has far more depth of emotion than his first impression suggests, especially when he speaks with Reo.

Q: Nagi is often called a genius. Were there any moments in rehearsal when you felt that you or your partner were geniuses?

Kikuchi
Like true egoists, let’s avoid playing it safe and talk about our own genius moments rather than the other person’s. I am a genius at being loved by the company. Everyone loves me. Because this is a returning cast, the company has become very close and I feel like the shining central star among them. So yes, I believe I am a genius at being loved.

Sato
Mine is similar. While I was getting changed earlier, Ryo Saeki, who plays Hyoma Chigiri, told me, You motivate everyone just by being here. Hearing that made me feel like genius is something you are called by others, and maybe I am getting closer to that. Embarrassing.

Q: How do you view each other as actors?

Sato
He is a passionate man. Even when he is not in a scene, he watches others intently. Once, he called me late at night saying he had something he noticed in rehearsal and we talked a lot. That conversation was very important to me and I felt like I leveled up the next day. Rehearsals are full of hidden treasures and Shuji is someone who can find them. He is like a treasure hunter.

Kikuchi
That is a great line. Takamichi puts more heart into this production than anyone. He is the first to arrive at rehearsal and the last to leave. He works harder than anyone and climbs step by step with absolute dedication. Watching him up close convinced me that this would be a wonderful production.

Q: What should audiences look forward to?

Kikuchi
The strong bond and connection between Nagi and Reo. While the story is told from a different perspective than the main series, it also introduces elements that make you want to revisit the original. We have devoted special care to portraying their relationship. Also, Nagi’s growth. His development from beginning to end is immense. Reo’s path contains many painful and lonely moments, but I hope viewers will enjoy Nagi’s evolution.

Sato
As you can see, the set has undergone major changes. We perform intensely across this field, running, sweating and fighting. I hope the audience can feel that heat. Although EPISODE Nagi focuses heavily on Nagi and Reo, there are scenes that glimpse the pasts of other characters as well. Each of them has their own backstory, so please look out for those moments too.

This time, Masahide Funaki created incredibly stylish staging. Immediately after the Fourth Stage ended, I contacted him and asked for help transforming my body to improve my action quality. I felt that to express Nagi’s abilities as a genius, I needed to change myself fundamentally. I effectively became his trainee. Please pay attention to the action scenes crafted with that renewed physicality.

Q: Finally, please share your message to the audience.

Kikuchi
Ever since Blue Lock was first adapted for the stage, I have dreamed of seeing EPISODE Nagi become a stage play. That dream is finally coming true. I am grateful to the fans, staff members and everyone who supported us. I will perform Reo Mikage and Nagi’s partner with all my soul. We hope to deliver a unique and unforgettable connection that will stay with our audience until the final performance. Please come to the theater with excitement in your heart and witness Nagi’s incredible growth.

Sato
We can finally begin telling Nagi’s story through EPISODE Nagi on stage. Without the support and enthusiasm of so many people, we would not have come this far. I want to turn that support into strength, confront the egoists every day, grow alongside Reo as his partner and help create the best production possible. Please continue to cheer for us with your warm and passionate egoist spirit until the very end.

Source : ORICON NEWS