‘Live Spectacle NARUTO’ cast set Merlions, local cuisines as goals for Singapore visit

When the cast of “Live Spectacle NARUTO – Song of the Akatsuki –” comes to Singapore next week, one of their goals will be to visit all the different Merlion statues on the island (and on Sentosa, of course).

In an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, some members of the cast revealed their plans for their time here, which also included things they may have missed out on previous trips.

In addition to visiting the Merlions, Ryuji Sato, who plays Sasuke Uchiha in the stage adaptation of the popular anime series, also aims to finally try one of Singapore’s most famous local cuisines – chilli crab.

“When I was in Singapore previously, I wanted to try chili crab but wasn’t able to do so,” the 22-year-old Sato said. “I really want to try it this time around.”

His Naruto rival, Koudai Matsuoka, who plays the titular character, also wants to have chilli crab, together with chicken rice and a visit to Orchard Road.

Matsuoka, 19, also revealed that he was not able to visit the Infinity Pool at the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel the last time he was in town for the first stage adaptation.

While the two main cast members will have some memories of the country, it’s a first visit to Singapore for Shinji Rachi, who plays Sasuke’s older brother Itachi.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Singapore, so I’m really happy and thankful for this opportunity,” the 34-year-old Rachi said. “Being able to perform in Singapore is an experience I will always treasure as an actor.”

They will be in Singapore with the rest of the cast for a two-night show on 10 and 11 June at the Marina Bay Sands’ MasterCard Theatres.

“Live Spectacle NARUTO – Song of the Akatsuki –” takes place two and a half years after Naruto Uzumaki has left the village of Konohagakure to further his training, following the events of the first stage play in 2015.

The budding ninja returns with a mission to find Orochimaru, so he can save Sasuke. His friend and sometimes rival has been training under Orochimaru to get revenge on his older brother, Itachi, who is responsible for the murder of the Uchiha clan.

It is based on the Naruto manga series written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto, which has also been made into an anime, movies and games.

Getting into costume

While Matsuoka, Sato and Rachi all have their stylish costumes, they agreed that the most difficult outfit in the show belongs to Kisame Hoshigaki, played by Takeshi Hayashino.

“The make-up is one thing, but his weapon is so big it’s practically a stage set instead of a prop. I’m guessing it’s really heavy too,” Rachi said.

Matsuoka and Sato were in agreement, adding that Hayashino needed to have foundation applied to his hands, neck, and face.

Matsuoka also said that the costume and the make-up were what helped him get into character for the show, while Sato said he mentally prepares himself with prep talk before going on stage.

For Rachi, getting into character means putting on his make-up while looking at illustrations from the manga.

“Each and every show is important to me and I want to be able to breathe life into the character of Itachi Uchiha,” he said.

Bringing a well-loved manga to life

The three actors also talked about how it was like bringing a popular manga and anime series like Naruto to life on stage.

“There are definitely pressures and expectations but nothing will happen if I just continue to be afraid,” said Matsuoka. “Instead, I take pride in my role when performing on stage.”

Sato said portraying Sasuke in the first instalment of the play helped alleviate some of the pressure of the role.

“I want to be able to portray Sasuke Uchiha’s charm and share it with the world,” he said.

Newcomer Rachi called it a “miracle” that he had been cast as Itachi, and said he would do his “utmost for the role”.

The actors also shared their excitement to meet the fans and audiences in Singapore, with both Matsuoka and Sato expressing their delight at returning to the country after two years.

“I’m so excited for the show!” Matsuoka said, adding, “We are coming back to Singapore for the first time in two years. I’m going to give it my all.”

Added Sato, “The other cast members and I are excited to be meeting you guys again!”

The show will also feature more music this time around, Rachi said, urging attendees to “look out for the songs and musical elements”.

“I will do my best to convey not only the world of Naruto but also the emotions of Itachi through my singing,” he said.

“Live Spectacle NARUTO – Song of the Akatsuki –” will be in Singapore on 10 and 11 June 2017 (Saturday and Sunday), at 1pm and 6pm at the Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands.

Tickets cost between $78 and $672 for a VIP Box for four, excluding booking fee, and are available at http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/naruto0617.

Photos: ©Masashi Kishimoto, Scott/SHUEISHA/Live Spectacle “NARUTO” Production Committee 2017

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