During last year’s Manga Barcelona, playwright and screenwriter Kazuki Nakashima treated fans to a special screening of his latest theatrical work, “Tengosei: Shaman Star,” followed by a candid Q&A session that offered an in-depth look at the creative engine behind his theater troupe, Gekidan☆Shinkansen. Known for his celebrated anime screenwriting credits, Nakashima traced his career back to the stage, where he has spent decades crafting action-packed, emotionally resonant performances. The event illuminated the company’s innovative Geki x Cine format, which captures live theater with cinematic flair, and revealed much about Nakashima’s philosophy on storytelling, character, and the enduring power of entertainment.
The Birth of Geki x Cine: Preserving Theater’s Fleeting Magic
Nakashima explained that Gekidan☆Shinkansen has always been dedicated to creating action plays infused with fantasy. Yet, theater is inherently ephemeral, vanishing with each final curtain call. The desire to preserve these performances without sacrificing their vitality led to the Geki x Cine concept. A simple recording, Nakashima noted, would be dull. The solution involved placing 14 to 15 cameras throughout the theater during live performances, capturing not only the action but also the electric energy of the audience. For “Tengosei,” the company utilized recordings from two different performances on the same day, weaving together the best takes to create a seamless, dynamic experience. This approach, refined over nearly two decades, brought the work to international audiences, including the screening in Spain, a milestone the playwright described as a great joy. A panelist added context, noting that the company celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2025, consistently pushing boundaries by integrating live rock musical numbers, live bands, and extensive special effects into their productions.
From Anime to the Stage: A Career Built on Entertainment
Nakashima’s journey in theater began long before his iconic anime scripts. He recalled that when he and director Hidenori Inoue, a friend from high school with whom he has collaborated for over 50 years, started their work, stage theater was often regarded as a serious, philosophical art form. From the outset, they deliberately chose a different path. “We agreed that we wanted to focus on entertainment,” Nakashima said. That guiding principle has remained steadfast. Their productions blend action-packed battles, comedy, and internal struggles, all supported by a wide array of special effects, creating a distinctly modern and accessible form of theater. This conviction, he emphasized, is what has sustained their creative partnership for half a century.
A Creative Partnership: Harmonizing Vision and Navigating Disagreements
Despite their long history, Nakashima and Inoue are not immune to creative clashes. “Naturally, we sometimes clash,” the screenwriter admitted. When disagreements arise, the pair engages in extensive discussions until they reach a mutually acceptable conclusion. Nakashima credited the support of the entire team, which he described as excellent, and even joked that the company president, who was present at the event, often bears the brunt of their creative struggles. The strength of the Geki x Cine format, however, lies in Inoue’s ability to execute the mental image he holds for each scene. The director is highly adept at communicating his vision of light, sound, and movement to the actors. Nakashima emphasized that this is not about imposing ideas, but about providing a strong foundation from which the cast can build, resulting in a cohesive and unified style.
The Rehearsal Process: A Month of Precision and Adaptation
Bringing a Gekidan☆Shinkansen production to life requires a dedicated month of rehearsals. During this period, light and sound technicians work alongside the cast, meticulously coordinating the timing of every moment. Nakashima explained that this timing is constantly adjusted based on what happens during rehearsals, allowing the production to evolve organically. The director’s skill in translating his vision is central to this process; he is able to give actors a concrete foundation for their performances, ensuring everyone is aligned without stifling individual expression.
The Musical Heart: From Dragon Ball to the Stage
The musical elements of “Tengosei” and other Gekidan☆Shinkansen plays are a major part of their appeal. The incorporation of songs was the idea of director Hidenori Inoue, who is a fan of musical structures. In “Tengosei,” three or four songs were used, but Nakashima revealed that the company’s current production in Japan, running as of December 2025, features around 14 songs. The lyricist for these productions is the well-known Yukinojo Mori, who wrote the iconic Dragon Ball theme “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA.” The decision of where and when to include music comes from the director, who collaborates closely with composers and writers to integrate songs seamlessly into the narrative.
Unjust Suffering and the Meaning of Family: The Philosophical Core of Tengosei
One of the most striking aspects of “Tengosei” is its protagonist, Hanbei, who suffers a divine punishment for no apparent crime. Asked about this narrative choice, Nakashima offered a profound perspective. “We all know that even though it isn’t always one’s fault, we still end up in a problem or a complicated situation,” he said. He believes that personal growth occurs during these difficult moments. In the film, Hanbei endures immense suffering but ultimately, through his own choices, finds the loved ones he set out to protect. Nakashima acknowledged that his Japanese background might lead to different religious or philosophical perspectives compared to Western audiences, but his core belief is that even if such divine punishments exist, the human response must be to face them directly.
Strong Female Characters and Found Family
Nakashima highlighted the strong female characters in “Tengosei” as a signature element of Gekidan☆Shinkansen’s work. The story features a central conflict between Hanbei and Ginji, but a deeper theme involves the relationship between Hanbei and two young women, Ibuki and Misaki. Although they are not Hanbei’s biological daughters, they are, in Nakashima’s words, “true daughters.” He wanted to portray the power of human emotion in creating a family, a concept that resonates deeply with the narrative. The roles were built around the unique talents of the actresses. Chiharu Yamamoto, who plays Ibuki, is a former Tai Chi Chuan champion with exceptional physical capabilities. Shiori Kubo, who plays Misaki, is a singer and former member of the idol group Nogizaka46. Nakashima explained that he writes scripts with specific actors in mind, a practice that may have roots in Kabuki theater, where the distinct characteristics of each performer are always highlighted. By utilizing the skills of each actor to the fullest, he crafts roles that feel authentic and powerful.
The Screenwriter’s Role in a Theatrical Production
When asked about his involvement in the wider production process, Nakashima clarified that his primary focus is script planning. He often receives assignments after the casting is complete, though he can offer opinions. The producer handles casting, while director Inoue oversees scenography and the various stages of the production. This division of labor allows Nakashima to concentrate on the script. A distinctive element of the Japanese creative process, he noted, is writing the script knowing who the actors are. He studies their qualities and characteristics, sometimes finding inspiration for the story itself in the abilities of the performers. This approach, reminiscent of Kabuki, ensures that the final work is a showcase for the unique strengths of each individual in the cast.
Experience Geki x Cine at Home and Beyond
The Q&A session concluded with gratitude to the Manga Barcelona organization, Gekidan☆Shinkansen, and Nakashima himself for making the event a special experience for all viewers. For those who wish to explore more filmed theatrical performances, titles such as “Stray Nightingale,” “Fortress of Skulls,” and “Siren in the Shadows” are available for streaming on Filmin. The next edition of Manga Barcelona is confirmed to take place from December 5 to 8 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via convention center, providing a future opportunity for fans to engage with the worlds of manga and Japanese culture.
