Sawai Rioka, who played the childhood of the heroine Fukurai Suzuko ( Shuri ) in the Asadora drama "Boogie Woogie" in the second half of 2023, will appear as the main character Chie in the stage play "Jarinko Chie" which will be performed at the Osaka Shochikuza Theater (Chuo Ward, Osaka City) from November 15th. The costume visual was released on June 26th.
The play is based on Haruki Etsumi's manga, which began serialization in 1978. This is the first time in a long time that the play has been adapted for the stage, and it brings together a diverse cast of characters with ties to the Kansai region, including Sawai as Chie, Namioka Kazuki as her father Tetsu, and Mikami Mana as her mother Yoshie. The story begins with an episode from the early days of the original, when Yoshie leaves home and Chie and Tetsu live together. Chie, along with nosy adults such as Grandma and Hanai Kenkotsu, rush to get the three of them to live together again.
The visuals released are a three-shot of Sawai, Namioka, and Mikura, as well as solo shots. The three met for the first time on the day of the shoot, but Sawai was full of energy and showed off charming expressions one after another in front of the camera, just like her image in the original work, making the shoot a huge success. The shoot proceeded in a harmonious atmosphere, resulting in a rare shot of the three parents and children getting along well.
Sawai, who is from Osaka, commented, "When I heard I would be able to perform at the Osaka Shochikuza, which I have always admired, I was overcome with so much joy and nervousness that I felt like I was jumping for joy at the same time. When I met Namioka-san, I was very nervous because of his dignified presence and aura, but when I talked to him, I found him to be a very cheerful and friendly person, like a very reliable, cheerful older brother. Mimura-san is beautiful and kind, with a wonderful smile and a very generous heart. With the help of the two of them and my co-stars, I will do my best to live up to the Shochikuza's 130th anniversary performance!"
