The highly acclaimed collaboration between KAAT and Shiroyamayachi no Kai returns. Actor Takashi Okabe talks about playwright Kenji Yamauchi

I want to be entertained by the people who write the most entertaining scripts.

Takashi Okabe is a charming actor who plays everything from villains to jokers. He has been involved with Kenji Yamauchi 's theatre production unit, Shiroyamayachi no Kai, since its inception. "It's not a theatre company, so I do feel a bit nervous. But when I'm asked to perform, I feel relieved, knowing that Yamauchi still thinks I'm interesting."

All of the scripts were written specifically for him. He perfectly fits into his unique cynical worldview. "Yamauchi-san is quiet and literary, and I don't think we would have interacted even if we were in the same class, since I'm a playful type like myself. But I'm happy to be able to act with someone who writes such an overwhelmingly interesting script as Yamauchi-san."

The humor of being ordinary. The true essence is here.

Three years ago, the Shiroyamayagi group performed "Autumn of Global Warming - Hot Autumn" at the Kanagawa Arts Theatre, which was well received and won the Yomiuri Literary Prize for Drama and Scenario. Now, Shiroyamayagi is returning to KAAT with their new work, "The Sweetness That Makes You Salivate Without Permission." Takashi Okabe will be appearing in the play following the previous production. The play was written and directed by Kenji Yamauchi, a popular commercial director, playwright, and film director. Okabe has been participating as an actor since Yamauchi first began performing in theater.

"Muramatsu Toshifumi, Iwatani Kenji and I formed a unit called 'Afternoon Actor's Room,' and Yamauchi wrote a script for us. After that, he started 'Joyamayachi no Kai,' and I was able to perform in it too. But I was so bad at it for the first two films that I didn't know what to do."

People smile and exchange trivial words that are slightly different from their true feelings. Before long, the story takes an unexpected turn. The setting of Castle Yagi gives the feeling of peeking into the daily lives of others.

"Yamauchi's scripts are interesting, so the actors don't have to do anything extra. If you try to be funny, it's obvious right away (laughs). He gets angry and says, 'You're trying to be funny, but it's not funny at all. Don't try and say it, just say it. Just say it normally. If you're going to speak so loudly, it's better if no one can hear you.' It's important not to destroy the worldview. It feels like the script has already directed the story."

Okabe has thus trained himself to play "normal" characters. Yamauchi's works sometimes feature sensual scenes, but Okabe's sex appeal on stage is incredible. He is now in high demand for many productions, but his attitude has not changed at all, and he says that acting is simply fun. He is currently playing the heroine's father in the NHK morning drama "Bakeke," with great charm. The scriptwriter, Fujiki Mitsuhiko, is also a friend with whom he has been working on plays for a long time.

"I'm deeply moved to be able to appear in Fujiki's morning drama. Muramatsu-san helped me develop my comedy skills, and Yamauchi-san, Iwatani-san, and everyone else helped me, so I think I've been able to get to where I am today."