The nine member dance unit Snow Man stands out as the dominant pop act in Japan at the moment. Their recent album, “i DO ME”, achieved a staggering feat, selling over a million CD copies in its first week; all the more remarkable given that their music is not available on any streaming platform.
On April 23, friend of Nante Japan Kenyth Mogan had the chance to see a showing of “GALA”, the self-produced stage play by three of Snow Man’s members: Hikaru Iwamoto, Tatsuya Fukazawa, and Ryota Miyadate. The following is his review of the show!
Inspired by the traditional Japanese stage culture of kabuki, with a deliciously over the top Las Vegas flair, the show was an upbeat extravaganza of sight and sound reminiscent of an outdoor festival, filled with incredible music, outrageous dance moves, and some of the most intricate costumes I have ever seen. Seeing “GALA” was like nothing I have experienced before.
Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a unique and rich form of Japanese theatre that originated hundreds of years ago as a captivating blend of drama, music, and dance distinct from Western musical pieces. While “GALA” can hardly be called a textbook example of such, even understood as an adapted update for modern tastes, there was a definite Japanese cultural through line expressed through the lens of Snow Man’s top of the chart appeal. One of the other things that impressed me about the sequence was the fact that – even as a foreigner – I understood what was happening; I may not have understood all of the words, but the emotion behind them was crystal clear.
Key personal highlights from the show included the opening, which featured the demon-masked trio welcoming the theatergoers through massive on stage torii gates into the realm of music and magic, quick changed (like only STARTO acts can do) into a far more modern jazzy upbeat second number. At one point toward the show’s midpoint, the trio also performed a comical Halloween-esqe adaptation of their “i DO ME” unit song, “Vroom Vroom Vroom.“
Each of the Snow Man members also brought their unique flair to the stage through individual first half solo performances. Miyadate’s was suave and romantic (perfect for his role as the group’s resident royal host), while Fukazawa rounded them out with a heart wrenching ballad accompanied by stunning set holograms. Iwamoto’s was a sultry King of Siam number complete with a gymnast’s high bar upon which he was not afraid to show off his toned biceps. In another section, showing off the show’s expert fusion of the old and new, Iwamoto showcased his dance skills in a number where he seemed to control a laser light like a martial arts staff, adding a touch of modern technology to the otherwise traditional mask magic performance.
While Snow Man was the main attraction, “GALA” also brought out the incredible talent of the two participating Junior units: SpeciaL and Go!Go!kids. Their energy and precision as supporting cast members added depth and richness to the performance, making it a truly collaborative effort in the same way that Snow Man as Juniors were for the long-running “Takizawa Kabuki” series so many years ago.
This was not just another performance. It was profound and moving; a testament to the depth and versatility of Snow Man’s talent. It’s an experience that will stay with me forever.
View this post on Instagram
