Talent Akari Nibu, who graduated from the idol group "Hinatazaka46" in December of last year, attended a press conference for her lead role in the stage play "Hula Girl -dance for smile-" held in Tokyo on May 8th.
This will be Nibu's first solo lead role on stage, as Tanigawa Kimiko, the leader of the Hula Girls. She said enthusiastically, "Personally, I was very nervous as this was my first stage performance in six years, but the play 'Hula Girls' is very energizing, so I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to play Kimiko. I will do my best to play Kimiko to the best of my ability and give everyone energy!"
This is a stage adaptation of the film "Hula Girls" (2006), which won the Best Picture Award at the 30th Japan Academy Prize. Set in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture in 1965, the play depicts women aspiring to become hula girls in a mining town. It will be performed at the New National Theatre, Middle Theatre (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo) from May 22nd to June 2nd.
Erina will play Hirayama Madoka, the mentor to the hula girls, Nakamura Riho will play Kimiko's best friend Kimura Sanae, Kizaki Yuria will play Hatsuko, a single mother who aspires to become a hula girl, and Sugawara Riko will play Kazumi, an original character for the stage version.
