The Day Before the Premiere of "The Geisha". Why I Keep Performing in Blue Island Opera

We entered the theater yesterday for a joint technical rehearsal with both casts.
Today is the dress rehearsal, and the performances of "The Geisha in Hawaii" finally begin tomorrow.

I want to record in my own words why I am performing in this production and why I continue to stand on stage.

If you search for "the geisha," many videos of overseas stage productions and concerts will appear.
There was a digest video, so please take a look if you'd like.

For me, Blue Island Opera is a "place of rebirth as a singer."

The Encounter

I first learned of the existence of Blue Island Opera when I was still a student.

It started when I went to support a senior from my university department who had graduated and was performing on stage.

At the time, even though I watched from the audience, I never imagined I would be performing there myself.

The Shock of a "Chorus That Isn't a Chorus"

When people think of opera choruses, they imagine many singers coming out to sing.

However, the stage I saw back then was different.

"Isn't this not a chorus?"

That is what I thought.

The chorus, which would normally stand on stage as a "crowd," consisted of one, or at most two, soloists per part.

Each individual voice could be heard clearly.

Along with that beauty, I also felt a sense of fear.

Passing Up an Opportunity

After that, I received an offer to perform in the chorus through the Tokyo Chamber Opera Theatre office.

I really wanted to accept, but at the time, I was in my final year of graduate school and the opera training institute.
External performances were difficult, so I had to decline with tears in my eyes.

If there was a next time, I definitely wanted to take it.
I thought that, but that "next time" did not come easily.

The Opportunity to Perform

The turning point was the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a time when activities became difficult, I began taking Mr. Aoshima's solfège course at the Tokyo Chamber Opera Theatre, and from there, opportunities to be involved in the stage were born.

2024's "The Marquis de Sade"
"Hansel and Gretel"

The 2025 revival of "The Marquis de Sade."
The premiere of "Half-God"

This "The Geisha"
The revival of "Half-God"
And "The Black Lizard"

Before I knew it, I had become continuously involved in this production.

Why Do I Keep Performing?

It is said that there are no "small roles" or "bit parts" in Blue Island Opera.

Of course, not everyone has the same amount of stage time.

Even so, everyone has a highlight and a solo.
It is a stage with no "extras."

That is precisely why, in any role, you "stand on stage with your own responsibility."

That environment had great significance for me.

The Stage Changed My Life

It happened two and a half years ago when I performed in "Hansel and Gretel."

At the time, I had ruined my health, was struggling with weight fluctuations and knee pain,
and was in a state where even standing and sitting were painful.

Honestly, I hesitated to perform.

Even so, the feeling of "I want to perform at least once" won out, and I decided to participate.

As a result, this decision changed my life.

The movements and choreography in rehearsals ended up being a good full-body workout,
and after the performance, the anxiety in my lower back and knees was almost gone.

I think that standing on stage itself functioned like rehabilitation.

Another Change

In the following year's "Half-God," I was given a "diet order."

It was to match the character's setting, but
that became the trigger for me to review my lifestyle, and as a result of continuing it, I have lost 23kg as of 10 months later.

Furthermore, through the rehearsals for "The Geisha,"
I became able to sit in the seiza position naturally, which I hadn't been able to do since I gained weight.

A Place of Rebirth

If I hadn't decided to participate back then,

it might have become difficult for me to continue singing.

In this production, strangely enough,
"the challenges I need at that time" and the "role" overlap.

That is why, if there is an opportunity, I want to perform again.

What it means to keep standing on stage

You cannot continue performing on stage by your own power alone.

It is only because of my family, friends, colleagues, and those who support me that I am here today.

At the same time, I am always aware that I never know when I might no longer be able to do this.

That is precisely why I think:

That is what I say.

Because that might become an experience where you receive something unexpected, even more than just watching a performance.something unexpectedis what I mean.


This production of "The Geisha" is also a stage that can become such a "catalyst for change."
If you are even slightly interested, I would be delighted if you could experience it at the theater.

Related Links & Announcements

📚Click here for articles in the magazine

🗺Check all articles from the site map

🙌To those who read until the end
I hope this article provides hints for your own sharing and activities.
If you liked it, please support me with alike, comment, or follow✨