The world of “Joker Game,” the spy anime series by Production I.G, is set to captivate audiences once again with a brand-new stage play adaptation. Announced recently by Marvelous, this production marks the third installment in the franchise’s stage adaptations, reigniting the thrilling narrative for fans after a seven-year hiatus. Scheduled to run from November 21-30 in Tokyo, the play promises to bring the intricate world of espionage and deception back to life.
A Nostalgic Return
The upcoming stage play is a welcome revival for fans of the “Joker Game” series. The first stage play adaptation premiered in May 2017, followed by a second in June 2018. Since then, enthusiasts have eagerly awaited a return to the stage, making this new production a highly anticipated event.
The Creative Team
Daisuke Nishida, who directed and wrote the previous two stage plays, is returning to helm this new adaptation. Known for his work on stage play adaptations of popular franchises like “Sengoku Basara,” Nishida’s expertise is expected to bring a fresh yet faithful interpretation of “Joker Game.”
The Cast
While specific roles have yet to be announced, the cast includes a mix of new and familiar faces:
- Reo Honda
- Shinichi Hashimoto
- Hiroki Kajita
- Naotake Tsuchiya
- Kouhei Shiota
- Jun Noguchi
- Daiya Hayakawa
- Jin Aoki
- Yūsuke Yata
- Masashi Taniguchi
Notably, Masashi Taniguchi is the only returning cast member from the previous plays, where he portrayed Lieutenant Colonel Yūki.
The World of Joker Game
“Joker Game” is originally a novel series written by Kōji Yanagi. The story is set in 1937, just before the onset of World War II. Lieutenant Colonel Yūki of the Imperial Japanese Army establishes the “D Agency,” a specialized intelligence organization. Tasked with observing the unit’s performance, General Staff assigns Lieutenant Sakuma to oversee their operations.
The D Agency
The D Agency stands out for its unique approach to recruitment, seeking talent beyond the traditional military ranks. Yūki instills unconventional tenets that defy Imperial Japanese Army doctrine: “Don’t kill, don’t get killed, don’t get captured.” This ethos shapes the training and missions of the operatives, who engage in covert operations against both domestic and foreign adversaries.
Anime Adaptation
Production I.G adapted the novel into a television anime series, which premiered in April 2016. The anime was streamed by Crunchyroll and Funimation, gaining international popularity.
Previous Stage Adaptations
The previous stage plays were well-received, lauded for their faithful adaptation of the source material and engaging performances.
First Stage Play (2017)
The inaugural stage play ran in May 2017 and featured a talented cast, including:
- Ikkei Yamamoto as Amari
- Chihiro Okutani as Tazaki
- Gaku Matsumoto as Hatano
- Kaisei Abe as Odagiri
- Takeshi Maeda as Fukumoto
- Masashi Taniguchi as Lieutenant Colonel Yuuki
- Kousen as Colonel Muto
- Masashi Yamazaki as Colonel Hermann Wolf/Gordon
- Shogo Suzuki as Miyoshi
- Yuuya Kido as Jitsui
- Koji Saikawa as Kaminaga
- Shoichiro Oomi as Lieutenant Sakuma
Second Stage Play (2018)
The second stage play premiered in June 2018, continuing the narrative with returning cast members and new additions:
- Yūya Kido as Jitsui
- Ikkei Yamamoto as Amari
- Chihiro Okutani as Tazaki
- Gaku Matsumoto as Hatano
- Kōji Saikawa as Kaminaga
- Takeshi Maeda as Fukumoto
- Masashi Gōda as Akimasa Kazato
- Yūki Kimisawa as Jirō Kamō
- Yuya Miyashita as Gorō Itsumi
- Shogo Suzuki as Miyoshi
- Masashi Taniguchi as Lieutenant Colonel Yūki
- Yōjirō Murata as Joseph Goebbels
- Akinori Iwasawa as Hermann Göring
- Seshiru Daigo as Leni Riefenstahl
- Kazuoki as Ernest Graham
- Kazuya Suma as Kiichirō Shirahata
What to Expect
The new stage play is expected to deliver the same level of intrigue, suspense, and historical detail that made the anime and previous stage adaptations successful. With Daisuke Nishida at the helm and a talented cast, the production promises to be a must-see for fans of the series.
Themes and Narrative
The “Joker Game” series explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the moral complexities of espionage. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Japan, the narrative delves into the clandestine world of intelligence gathering and the sacrifices made by those who operate in the shadows.
Visual and Production Elements
Previous stage plays have been praised for their attention to detail in costume design, set pieces, and overall production quality. The new adaptation is expected to uphold this standard, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience.
Where and When
The “Joker Game” stage play will run from November 21-30 in Tokyo. Further details regarding the venue and ticket sales will be announced soon.
