ISSEI (Issei Kanasashi), formerly of "Bi shonen," attended a press conference on February 22 in Kyoto City for the stage "Onigari~ONIGARI~" (February 11~, Miyagawa-cho Utamaneriwa Mitsuwaza), a fusion of Kabuki and modern theater.

ISSEI left STARTO ENTERTAINMENT in November 2012 and has been a member of "TOBE" since December of the same year. About this stage, he said, "This is the first time for me to perform with Kabuki actors. In addition to the traditions of Kabuki, I can express myself through singing and dancing. I have been performing martial arts for seven years, so I think I have the expression and strength that only I can offer. I'm really looking forward to the fusion of the two," he said enthusiastically, "I hope my fans will come and see a new world, a world they've never seen before. He also told the president of his office, Hideaki Takizawa, "I hope you will come (to Kyoto) to see it. First of all, I want to work hard in rehearsals so that you can come and see the show," he said with a smile.

Co-starring Kabuki actor Otani Hiromatsu said with shining eyes, "I'm looking forward to performing with ISSEI and Kent Mori (in charge of dance choreography and music), who will add an essence not found in Kabuki." Ichikawa Kudanji spoke with confidence, "I want to play the demon in a cool way. I want to liven up the appeal of the Kabuki field and the field that ISSEI has."

The story is set in the Meiji era, a time of civilization and enlightenment, well beyond the turmoil of the late Edo period. Shuten-doji, Ibaraki-doji (Kudanji), Kiyohime (Hiromatsu), and other demons who were once defeated by Minamoto no Yorimitsu have transformed into Meiji government leaders Ito Hirobumi and Okubo Toshimichi, plotting to overthrow the human world. A "demon hunter squad" led by Raikou (ISSEI), a descendant of Yorimitsu, clashes with the demons. The play will be performed as the opening performance of the theater, which reopened after renovations in May of last year.