Yuichiro Yamaguchi Video Archive
Jesus Christ Superstar
(ジーザス・クライスト=スーパースター)
As Jesus Christ (1981 - 1995)
1991; Korean tour
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Japanese cast. Multi-cam proshot: one camera has better colors, another has great close-ups. Minor generation loss which almost doesn't affect on good quality picture, good but mono audio, soundboard.
VOB|1 DVD|3.43 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Japanese cast. Multi-cam proshot: one camera has better colors, another has great close-ups. Minor generation loss which almost doesn't affect on good quality picture, good but mono audio, soundboard.
VOB|1 DVD|3.43 GB
1994; Tokyo, Japan (Proshot)**
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary), Akihiko Mitsueda (Pilate), Morimasa Sagawa (Caiaphas), Akira Aoki (Annas), Masayuki Sano (Peter), Kiyomichi Shiba (Zealotes), Takanori Shimomura (Herod)
High priests: Hirotomo Kawachi, Akio Yoshitani, Ryusei Okamoto
Two-cam proshot from Nissay Theatre, soundboard. Much better quality comparing to other videos of Japanese casts. Comparing to proshot from Korea, the video for this one is less blurry, and the sound is clearer.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary), Akihiko Mitsueda (Pilate), Morimasa Sagawa (Caiaphas), Akira Aoki (Annas), Masayuki Sano (Peter), Kiyomichi Shiba (Zealotes), Takanori Shimomura (Herod)
High priests: Hirotomo Kawachi, Akio Yoshitani, Ryusei Okamoto
Two-cam proshot from Nissay Theatre, soundboard. Much better quality comparing to other videos of Japanese casts. Comparing to proshot from Korea, the video for this one is less blurry, and the sound is clearer.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
1994; Tokyo, Japan (Bootleg)
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Very good quality for its years but shaky a bit. Ends at the edning of "Superstar" and then continues from the beginning of the same song but from another performance.
VOB|1 DVD|3.70 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Very good quality for its years but shaky a bit. Ends at the edning of "Superstar" and then continues from the beginning of the same song but from another performance.
VOB|1 DVD|3.70 GB
1994; Tokyo, Japan (Monitor Video)
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Looks like soundboard and monitor video.
MP4|842 MB looking for VOB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Jesus), Jun Sawaki (Judas), Ryoko Nomura (Mary)
Looks like soundboard and monitor video.
MP4|842 MB looking for VOB
Cats (キャッツ)
As Rum Tum Tugger (1983 - 1985)
November/December 1983; Tokyo, Japan*
Akiko Kuno (Grizabella), Ryoko Nomura (Sillabub), Chizu Hosaka (Jellylorum), Yoshiko Hattori (Jennyanydots), Takanori Yamamoto (Old Deuteronomy), Kenkichi Hamakata (Munkustrap), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Rum Tum Tugger), Osami Iino (Mr. Mistofelees), Masayoshi Yamaguchi (Mungojerrie)
Finally, after almost 2 years of searching I found this gem (though it would be more correct to say that it found me), you can't imagine how excited I am while writing this! Probably the fact that I own this video means that it leaves Japanese musical fan society for the first time.
Multi-cam proshot, soundboard. Gorgeous quality for its age, minor generation loss for almost 40 y.o. video but some transfer loss which can be clearly seen during scenes with a lot of rapid actions, quality is much better comparing to other proshots of Shiki's productions (Phantom, Jesus, Spider Woman). Extremely clear sound with just minor hissing, great colors and great picture, though close-ups are not so often as you could expect.
The only video of the original Japanese version with its unique white costume for Tugger, the earliest video of Cats as far as I know and definitely the earliest recording with Yuichiro Yamaguchi.
Later I got a message from the person who said that here Mistofeless is performed by Keiji Kato who, according to Cats wiki, played only in Osaka 1985 performances. This can mean 2 things at the same time. Firstly, this is video is not from Tokyo 1983 but from Osaka 1985. Secondly, the cast info I got is not based on the video but just copies the original cast listing so it can be not fully correct, though I'm sure about Yamaguchi as Tugger who played both in '83 and '85. I had some doubts about the info myself because, as far as I know, in '83 Yamaguchi had a collar and his hair was absolutely white (I saw a photo of his stage shot printed on program book and it also features his autograph with date "83.11.16" which was probably written by him and the costume was like I described earlier), though there's a possibility that the stage photo was made during previews or rehearsals and they altered his costume before the opening date. I'm not a fan of Cats nor its Japanese productions so I can't identify any of cast members except Yamaguchi, this needs to be investigate by someone who knows more about it than me.
VOB|1 DVD|2.11 GB
Very Limited Trade
Akiko Kuno (Grizabella), Ryoko Nomura (Sillabub), Chizu Hosaka (Jellylorum), Yoshiko Hattori (Jennyanydots), Takanori Yamamoto (Old Deuteronomy), Kenkichi Hamakata (Munkustrap), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Rum Tum Tugger), Osami Iino (Mr. Mistofelees), Masayoshi Yamaguchi (Mungojerrie)
Finally, after almost 2 years of searching I found this gem (though it would be more correct to say that it found me), you can't imagine how excited I am while writing this! Probably the fact that I own this video means that it leaves Japanese musical fan society for the first time.
Multi-cam proshot, soundboard. Gorgeous quality for its age, minor generation loss for almost 40 y.o. video but some transfer loss which can be clearly seen during scenes with a lot of rapid actions, quality is much better comparing to other proshots of Shiki's productions (Phantom, Jesus, Spider Woman). Extremely clear sound with just minor hissing, great colors and great picture, though close-ups are not so often as you could expect.
The only video of the original Japanese version with its unique white costume for Tugger, the earliest video of Cats as far as I know and definitely the earliest recording with Yuichiro Yamaguchi.
Later I got a message from the person who said that here Mistofeless is performed by Keiji Kato who, according to Cats wiki, played only in Osaka 1985 performances. This can mean 2 things at the same time. Firstly, this is video is not from Tokyo 1983 but from Osaka 1985. Secondly, the cast info I got is not based on the video but just copies the original cast listing so it can be not fully correct, though I'm sure about Yamaguchi as Tugger who played both in '83 and '85. I had some doubts about the info myself because, as far as I know, in '83 Yamaguchi had a collar and his hair was absolutely white (I saw a photo of his stage shot printed on program book and it also features his autograph with date "83.11.16" which was probably written by him and the costume was like I described earlier), though there's a possibility that the stage photo was made during previews or rehearsals and they altered his costume before the opening date. I'm not a fan of Cats nor its Japanese productions so I can't identify any of cast members except Yamaguchi, this needs to be investigate by someone who knows more about it than me.
VOB|1 DVD|2.11 GB
Very Limited Trade
A Chorus Line (コーラスライン)
As Bobby Mills (1985)
1985; Japan*
Yumiko Shiota (Kristine), Bibari Maeda (Sheila), Chizu Hosaka (Val), Ryuji Ajikata (Mike), Furusawa Isao (Larry), Hara Kumiko (Maggie), Fukami Masahiro (Richie), Miki Kuwahara (Judy), Joji Masukawa (Don), Yoko Asami (Bebe), Yayoi Aoyama (Connie), Ryoko Nomura (Diana), Kenkichi Hamahata (Zach), Akira Horigome (Mark), Kyoko Hanaga (Cassie), Akira Aoyama (Al), Norihide Uchida (Greg), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Bobby), Masachika Ichimura (Paul)
Multi-cam proshot, some generation loss, including a few random glitches and freezes. I saw some screencaps of this video with less generation loss (or even without it at all), so the better copy exists somewhere.
VOB|1 DVD|2.34 GB
Limited Trade
Yumiko Shiota (Kristine), Bibari Maeda (Sheila), Chizu Hosaka (Val), Ryuji Ajikata (Mike), Furusawa Isao (Larry), Hara Kumiko (Maggie), Fukami Masahiro (Richie), Miki Kuwahara (Judy), Joji Masukawa (Don), Yoko Asami (Bebe), Yayoi Aoyama (Connie), Ryoko Nomura (Diana), Kenkichi Hamahata (Zach), Akira Horigome (Mark), Kyoko Hanaga (Cassie), Akira Aoyama (Al), Norihide Uchida (Greg), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Bobby), Masachika Ichimura (Paul)
Multi-cam proshot, some generation loss, including a few random glitches and freezes. I saw some screencaps of this video with less generation loss (or even without it at all), so the better copy exists somewhere.
VOB|1 DVD|2.34 GB
Limited Trade
West Side Story (ウエスト・サイド物語)
As Tony (1986 & 1995)
Japan; 1990 or 1995*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tony), Chizu Hosaka (Maria), Chiharu Yamada (Anita), Tsutomu Arakawa (Riff)
Initially received the MP4 version dated as 1995 but in the DVD menu which I received later the year is 1990. As far as I know, Yamaguchi did not take part in 1990 performance though maybe my source of information is incomplete. Heavy generation loss, but still watchable. Filming is quite bad with mostly full stage shots and rare midshots. Nevertheless, the sound is not bad at all. Includes 3 alternate takes of Tonight with a bit better filming at the end. The first take features Yamaguchi as Tony again, the second take most likely features Eiji Akutagawa (also known under his new pseudonym Soma Suzuki) and in the third one probably Kanji Ishimaru can be seen in the role. Can't say anything about performers of Maria, except that apparently in the first alternate take this is not Hosaka (Kyoko Nomura maybe?), while it seems that Hosaka can be seen with Ishimaru.
VOB|1 DVD|3.97 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tony), Chizu Hosaka (Maria), Chiharu Yamada (Anita), Tsutomu Arakawa (Riff)
Initially received the MP4 version dated as 1995 but in the DVD menu which I received later the year is 1990. As far as I know, Yamaguchi did not take part in 1990 performance though maybe my source of information is incomplete. Heavy generation loss, but still watchable. Filming is quite bad with mostly full stage shots and rare midshots. Nevertheless, the sound is not bad at all. Includes 3 alternate takes of Tonight with a bit better filming at the end. The first take features Yamaguchi as Tony again, the second take most likely features Eiji Akutagawa (also known under his new pseudonym Soma Suzuki) and in the third one probably Kanji Ishimaru can be seen in the role. Can't say anything about performers of Maria, except that apparently in the first alternate take this is not Hosaka (Kyoko Nomura maybe?), while it seems that Hosaka can be seen with Ishimaru.
VOB|1 DVD|3.97 GB
The Phantom of the Opera (オペラ座の怪人)
As Raoul, vicomte de Chagny (1988 - 1989)
1988; Tokyo, Japan
Masachika Ichimura (Phantom), Ryoko Nomura (Christine), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Raoul), Masako Saito (Carlotta), Jun Sawaki (André), Takanori Yamamoto (Firmin), Jun Kitagawa (Piangi), Yuko Shibagaki (Mme Giry), Yayoi Aoyama (Meg)
Single-cam proshot, soundboard. Amazing quality for its age. Video does flicker and skip at times.
Three flubs during the final scene - boat stops in 'Down Once More' and the Phantom and Christine go walking on water, candles and set are not fully onstage when the leads come in, and the doll gets stuck on the Phantom's throne.
VOB|1 DVD|2.09 GB
Masachika Ichimura (Phantom), Ryoko Nomura (Christine), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Raoul), Masako Saito (Carlotta), Jun Sawaki (André), Takanori Yamamoto (Firmin), Jun Kitagawa (Piangi), Yuko Shibagaki (Mme Giry), Yayoi Aoyama (Meg)
Single-cam proshot, soundboard. Amazing quality for its age. Video does flicker and skip at times.
Three flubs during the final scene - boat stops in 'Down Once More' and the Phantom and Christine go walking on water, candles and set are not fully onstage when the leads come in, and the doll gets stuck on the Phantom's throne.
VOB|1 DVD|2.09 GB
As the Phantom of the Opera (1990 - 1995)
1990; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Sakoto Yoshioka (Christine), Yuji Osa/Kanji Ishimaru (Raoul)
This disk consists of 2 videos: the first one is 36 minutes of shattered highlights with excellent quality, filmed from right side of the stalls, Yuji Osa as Raoul. The second one is full act 1 from different performance filmed from the circle, good quality for its age (3rd screenshot), the chandelier fall was borrowed from the highlights, Kanji Ishimaru as Raoul. What these videos share in common is some shakiness and the fact that they both are a bit flattened. Also includes 4 minutes of the show which is unknown to me at the end. The last video file is damaged by digital glitches starting from second video's AIAoY where glitches are not a serious problem, from "I must go" till the end the video becomes hardly watchable.
The first year for Yuichiro Yamaguchi as the Phantom after playing Raoul for 2 years. Later in the interview he said that he was too young (34 years) to play the Phantom so he didn't manage to express all his feelings about the character. This is also the debut for Kanji Ishimaru who still was a student at that moment.
VOB|1 DVD|2.88 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Sakoto Yoshioka (Christine), Yuji Osa/Kanji Ishimaru (Raoul)
This disk consists of 2 videos: the first one is 36 minutes of shattered highlights with excellent quality, filmed from right side of the stalls, Yuji Osa as Raoul. The second one is full act 1 from different performance filmed from the circle, good quality for its age (3rd screenshot), the chandelier fall was borrowed from the highlights, Kanji Ishimaru as Raoul. What these videos share in common is some shakiness and the fact that they both are a bit flattened. Also includes 4 minutes of the show which is unknown to me at the end. The last video file is damaged by digital glitches starting from second video's AIAoY where glitches are not a serious problem, from "I must go" till the end the video becomes hardly watchable.
The first year for Yuichiro Yamaguchi as the Phantom after playing Raoul for 2 years. Later in the interview he said that he was too young (34 years) to play the Phantom so he didn't manage to express all his feelings about the character. This is also the debut for Kanji Ishimaru who still was a student at that moment.
VOB|1 DVD|2.88 GB
18 January 1992; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Takako Nakazawa (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul)
Despite being just slightly affected by the generation loss, filming is somewhat poor with shakiness and midshots only. Sound constantly switches from brilliant to good, like the master blocks the mic with their finger, quite annoying for me. Seems to came from the same physical trader as the 1990 DVD, the picture is also a bit flattened, it additionally includes second unmasking and parts of final lair, curtian call and playout from 1990 highlights pllus 2 clips from shows which are unknown to me. Unfortunately, there's one more reason to say that 1990 DVD and this one came from the same source: damaged 3rd video file, though this one has 4 video files. Due to this damage, second half of the final lair from the main video has some occasional glitches but right before "Christine, I love you" the video becomes absolutely unwatchable, which leads to missing the rest of the show, curtain calls, clips from the 1990 bootleg and the beginning of the first clip from the unknown show.
VOB|1 DVD|3.35 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Takako Nakazawa (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul)
Despite being just slightly affected by the generation loss, filming is somewhat poor with shakiness and midshots only. Sound constantly switches from brilliant to good, like the master blocks the mic with their finger, quite annoying for me. Seems to came from the same physical trader as the 1990 DVD, the picture is also a bit flattened, it additionally includes second unmasking and parts of final lair, curtian call and playout from 1990 highlights pllus 2 clips from shows which are unknown to me. Unfortunately, there's one more reason to say that 1990 DVD and this one came from the same source: damaged 3rd video file, though this one has 4 video files. Due to this damage, second half of the final lair from the main video has some occasional glitches but right before "Christine, I love you" the video becomes absolutely unwatchable, which leads to missing the rest of the show, curtain calls, clips from the 1990 bootleg and the beginning of the first clip from the unknown show.
VOB|1 DVD|3.35 GB
1992; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Kyoko Suzuki (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul)
Yamaguchi-oriented highlights, 55 minutes. Filmed from the rear mezz, mostly midshots and has a lots of washout, still Yamaguchi gives very strong performance, much stronger than in another video. Also includes highlights of the 1994 video with Yamaguchi but quality is definitely worse (3rd screenshot).
VOB|1 DVD|3.90 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Kyoko Suzuki (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul)
Yamaguchi-oriented highlights, 55 minutes. Filmed from the rear mezz, mostly midshots and has a lots of washout, still Yamaguchi gives very strong performance, much stronger than in another video. Also includes highlights of the 1994 video with Yamaguchi but quality is definitely worse (3rd screenshot).
VOB|1 DVD|3.90 GB
1992; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Takako Nakazawa (Christine), Masayuki Sano/Kanji Ishimaru (Raoul), Jun Sawaki (André)
Generally usual video for early 90s with some generation loss and yellow tint, filmed from the circle. AIAoY and most of the final lair have being replaced with footage from another performance, filmed from the first rows with marvelous close-ups (2nd screencap), in this footage Raoul is played by Kanji Ishimaru.
VOB|1 DVD|4.22 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Takako Nakazawa (Christine), Masayuki Sano/Kanji Ishimaru (Raoul), Jun Sawaki (André)
Generally usual video for early 90s with some generation loss and yellow tint, filmed from the circle. AIAoY and most of the final lair have being replaced with footage from another performance, filmed from the first rows with marvelous close-ups (2nd screencap), in this footage Raoul is played by Kanji Ishimaru.
VOB|1 DVD|4.22 GB
1994; Sapporo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Kyoko Suzuki (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul), Jun Sawaki (André), Toshihide Mura (Firmin)
In fact there're 4 Phantoms in this video because every male main cast member here (except Piangi) played Phantom at the same time or later. Shot from the front rows and has amazing close-ups and nice colors, though filming is very shaky, especially in Act 1 but all scenes with Phantom are steady, a few heads sometimes blocking some parts of the stage. Focuses on Sawaki' and Yamaguchi's faces quite often.
Also includes the Title song, MOTN and Final Lair with Eiji Akutagawa as Phantom. Shot from from further back but still has wonderful close-ups and much steadier filming (3rd screenshot). Akutagawa's new pseudonym is Soma Suzuki.
VOB|1 DVD|4.13 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Phantom), Kyoko Suzuki (Christine), Masayuki Sano (Raoul), Jun Sawaki (André), Toshihide Mura (Firmin)
In fact there're 4 Phantoms in this video because every male main cast member here (except Piangi) played Phantom at the same time or later. Shot from the front rows and has amazing close-ups and nice colors, though filming is very shaky, especially in Act 1 but all scenes with Phantom are steady, a few heads sometimes blocking some parts of the stage. Focuses on Sawaki' and Yamaguchi's faces quite often.
Also includes the Title song, MOTN and Final Lair with Eiji Akutagawa as Phantom. Shot from from further back but still has wonderful close-ups and much steadier filming (3rd screenshot). Akutagawa's new pseudonym is Soma Suzuki.
VOB|1 DVD|4.13 GB
Les Misérables (レ・ミゼラブル)
As Jean Valjean (1997 - 2011)
27 October 1997; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Kaho Shimada (Éponine), Risa Junna (Cosette), Kazutaka Ishii (Marius), Mari Natsuki? (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Block of performances devoted to 10th anniversary of the Japanese production, first block for Yamaguchi. Valjean-, Javert- and Enjolras-oriented highlights, ~2 h. including 20 minutes of special curtain calls. Absolutely great video, just minor generation loss and great filming. I was told that this bootleg was filmed by Yamaguchi's fan but judging by how much attention the master paid to Kojiro Oka, I have some doubts about that. Permanent time stamp which randomly disappears for a few seconds sometimes. Also includes some footage of Yamaguchi being welcomed by fans on his way to the theatre in the beginning.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Kaho Shimada (Éponine), Risa Junna (Cosette), Kazutaka Ishii (Marius), Mari Natsuki? (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Block of performances devoted to 10th anniversary of the Japanese production, first block for Yamaguchi. Valjean-, Javert- and Enjolras-oriented highlights, ~2 h. including 20 minutes of special curtain calls. Absolutely great video, just minor generation loss and great filming. I was told that this bootleg was filmed by Yamaguchi's fan but judging by how much attention the master paid to Kojiro Oka, I have some doubts about that. Permanent time stamp which randomly disappears for a few seconds sometimes. Also includes some footage of Yamaguchi being welcomed by fans on his way to the theatre in the beginning.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
1999; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Kunio Murai (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Katsumi Toi (Marius), Bibari Maeda? (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Quite bad picture quality due to generation loss which also affected the sound seriously. Filming is really great though.
MP4|2.63 GB looking for VOB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Kunio Murai (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Katsumi Toi (Marius), Bibari Maeda? (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Quite bad picture quality due to generation loss which also affected the sound seriously. Filming is really great though.
MP4|2.63 GB looking for VOB
25 June 1999; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Honoka Suzuki (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine), Yu Hayami (Cosette), Katsumi Toi (Marius), Takuya Kon (Enjolras)
Almost 2 hours of fine filmed highlights with clear quality. For some reason the video turns to 16:9 from the wedding which leads me to presumption that it comes from different performance, though it seems to be filmed from the same seat.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Honoka Suzuki (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine), Yu Hayami (Cosette), Katsumi Toi (Marius), Takuya Kon (Enjolras)
Almost 2 hours of fine filmed highlights with clear quality. For some reason the video turns to 16:9 from the wedding which leads me to presumption that it comes from different performance, though it seems to be filmed from the same seat.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
4 August 1999; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine), Yu Hayami (Cosette), Kazukata Ishii (Marius), Yukio Yamagata (Thénardier), Bibari Maeda (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Sound is very clear, switches to mono time to time. Rather dark video but not obstructed, good quality for its age. This is the video which is commonly known dated as "1997" but I also received it with this date and I tend to think that this is the correct one because it's full. Still, nothing else indicates on the date so I leave possibilities for both.
VOB|2 DVD|8.41 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Mayo Kawasaki (Javert), Hiromi Iwasaki (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine), Yu Hayami (Cosette), Kazukata Ishii (Marius), Yukio Yamagata (Thénardier), Bibari Maeda (Mme Thénardier), Kojiro Oka (Enjolras)
Sound is very clear, switches to mono time to time. Rather dark video but not obstructed, good quality for its age. This is the video which is commonly known dated as "1997" but I also received it with this date and I tend to think that this is the correct one because it's full. Still, nothing else indicates on the date so I leave possibilities for both.
VOB|2 DVD|8.41 GB
18 July 2004; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Haruki Sayama (Javert g/p), Rumi Iryo (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine g/p), Eisuke Tsuda (Marius), Tamaki Kenmotsu (Cosette), Sanyutei Arou (Thénardier), Saori Mine (Mme Thénardier), M (Enjolras)
Costume concert, I've no idea what's the reason of making concert, already having almost permanent Japanese production since 1987 with the same cast. Amazing picture and filming, probably the best bootleg of Japanese Lesmizes.
VOB|1 DVD|4.02 GB
Limited Trade
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Haruki Sayama (Javert g/p), Rumi Iryo (Fantine), Minako Honda (Éponine g/p), Eisuke Tsuda (Marius), Tamaki Kenmotsu (Cosette), Sanyutei Arou (Thénardier), Saori Mine (Mme Thénardier), M (Enjolras)
Costume concert, I've no idea what's the reason of making concert, already having almost permanent Japanese production since 1987 with the same cast. Amazing picture and filming, probably the best bootleg of Japanese Lesmizes.
VOB|1 DVD|4.02 GB
Limited Trade
17 March 2005; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Soma Suzuki (Javert), Marcia (Fantine), Anza (Éponine), Rina Chinen (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier), Kenji Sakamoto (Enjolras)
Good quality but minor head obstruction.
VOB|2 DVD|5.16 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Soma Suzuki (Javert), Marcia (Fantine), Anza (Éponine), Rina Chinen (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier), Kenji Sakamoto (Enjolras)
Good quality but minor head obstruction.
VOB|2 DVD|5.16 GB
31 March 2005; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Soma Suzuki (Javert), Marcia (Fantine), Anza (Éponine), Rina Chinen (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier)
Not really clear picture, no close-ups as well.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Soma Suzuki (Javert), Marcia (Fantine), Anza (Éponine), Rina Chinen (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier)
Not really clear picture, no close-ups as well.
VOB|1 DVD|4.01 GB
15 January 2006; Osaka, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Sylvia Grab (Fantine), ANZA (Éponine), Yuko Kono (Cosette), Yohei Izumi (Marius), Kong Kuwata (Thénardier), Miya Setouchi (Mme Thénardier), Yoshihisa Higashiyama (Enjolras)
Closing night of 2005-2006 tour. Filmed from left balcony, good quality, but zooms are quite poor.
VOB|2 DVD|5.74 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Sylvia Grab (Fantine), ANZA (Éponine), Yuko Kono (Cosette), Yohei Izumi (Marius), Kong Kuwata (Thénardier), Miya Setouchi (Mme Thénardier), Yoshihisa Higashiyama (Enjolras)
Closing night of 2005-2006 tour. Filmed from left balcony, good quality, but zooms are quite poor.
VOB|2 DVD|5.74 GB
15 April 2006; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Rumi Iryo (Fantine), Maya Sakamoto (Éponine), Tamaki Kenmotsu (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Rika Tanaka (Mme Thénardier), Yoshihisa Higashiyama (Enjolras)
Good quality, head blocking the left side of the stage
VOB|2 DVD|6.78 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Rumi Iryo (Fantine), Maya Sakamoto (Éponine), Tamaki Kenmotsu (Cosette), Kohki Okada (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Rika Tanaka (Mme Thénardier), Yoshihisa Higashiyama (Enjolras)
Good quality, head blocking the left side of the stage
VOB|2 DVD|6.78 GB
17 July 2007; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Kojiro Oka (Javert), Maoko Imai (Fantine), Kaho Shimada (Éponine), Kozue Karashima (Cosette), Zen Ishikawa (Marius), Yu Tokui (Thénardier), Mihachi Setouchim (Mme Thénardier), Yuji Kishi (Enjolras)
20th anniversary of Japanese production. Yamaguchi’s 10th year as Valjean.
Some head obstruction. Quite good quality. Some mechanic noises
VOB|2 DVD|5.12 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Kojiro Oka (Javert), Maoko Imai (Fantine), Kaho Shimada (Éponine), Kozue Karashima (Cosette), Zen Ishikawa (Marius), Yu Tokui (Thénardier), Mihachi Setouchim (Mme Thénardier), Yuji Kishi (Enjolras)
20th anniversary of Japanese production. Yamaguchi’s 10th year as Valjean.
Some head obstruction. Quite good quality. Some mechanic noises
VOB|2 DVD|5.12 GB
27 August 2007; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Vavert), Gulabu Shirubia (Fantine), Rena Sasamoto (Éponine), Mika Kikuchi (Cosette), Yohei Izumi (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier), Higashiyama Yoshihisa (Enjolras)
Last day in Tokyo for the 2007 block of performances, then the production moved to Fukuoka. The most rare bootleg of Japanese Lesmizes and I suppose it's because it's the worst one. Filmed from the gallery and the camera can't provide great close-ups because of that. The video itself is dark and at zooms it's very grainy and shaky. Still the sound is extremely clear, soundboard-like quality. Includes post-show speeches and the exit music.
VOB|2 DVD|6.26 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Vavert), Gulabu Shirubia (Fantine), Rena Sasamoto (Éponine), Mika Kikuchi (Cosette), Yohei Izumi (Marius), Hajime Komada (Thénardier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénardier), Higashiyama Yoshihisa (Enjolras)
Last day in Tokyo for the 2007 block of performances, then the production moved to Fukuoka. The most rare bootleg of Japanese Lesmizes and I suppose it's because it's the worst one. Filmed from the gallery and the camera can't provide great close-ups because of that. The video itself is dark and at zooms it's very grainy and shaky. Still the sound is extremely clear, soundboard-like quality. Includes post-show speeches and the exit music.
VOB|2 DVD|6.26 GB
23/24 April 2009; Sendai, Japan**
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Sylvia Grab (Fantine), Rina Chinen (Eponine), Sayaka Kanda (Cosette), Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Marius), Motomu Azaki? (Thénadier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénadier), Tsuyoshi Matsubara (Enjolras)
To my knowledge, this is the latest video of Japanese Lesmiz and it's the only one in the widescreen! Aspect ratio adjustment required though (as seen on the screenshots). Quality of the picture and filming is amazing except some grain during max close-ups. There's some controversy about the date: I received it dated as 24 April but the DVD menu for the first act says that it's 23 April, though the menu for the second disk shows the 24th. Maybe acts were filmed during different performances.
VOB|2 DVD|4.92 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Valjean), Takuya Kon (Javert), Sylvia Grab (Fantine), Rina Chinen (Eponine), Sayaka Kanda (Cosette), Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Marius), Motomu Azaki? (Thénadier), Kumiko Mori (Mme Thénadier), Tsuyoshi Matsubara (Enjolras)
To my knowledge, this is the latest video of Japanese Lesmiz and it's the only one in the widescreen! Aspect ratio adjustment required though (as seen on the screenshots). Quality of the picture and filming is amazing except some grain during max close-ups. There's some controversy about the date: I received it dated as 24 April but the DVD menu for the first act says that it's 23 April, though the menu for the second disk shows the 24th. Maybe acts were filmed during different performances.
VOB|2 DVD|4.92 GB
Elisabeth (エリザベート)
As der Tod (2000 - 2012)
22 July 2000 (Evening); Tokyo, Japan**
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Keisuke Konno (Little Rudolf)
Splendid unobstructed video with some great close-ups and very nice filming in general but grainy sometimes, sound is very clear. Very little of generation loss but aspect ration adjustment required (as seen on screenshots).
VOB|2 DVD|4.71 GB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Keisuke Konno (Little Rudolf)
Splendid unobstructed video with some great close-ups and very nice filming in general but grainy sometimes, sound is very clear. Very little of generation loss but aspect ration adjustment required (as seen on screenshots).
VOB|2 DVD|4.71 GB
27 May 2001; Nagoya, Japan*
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Keisuke Konno (Little Rudolf)
Last day in Nagoya. Some generation loss and not too many close-ups. Still, this one is full, also the different angle gives the opportunity to understand better what the original Toho version was like. Apparently, the set here is a bit different, at least there's no chariot here, probably this is caused by venue limitations or some other technical issue.
MP4|2.11 GB looking for VOB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Keisuke Konno (Little Rudolf)
Last day in Nagoya. Some generation loss and not too many close-ups. Still, this one is full, also the different angle gives the opportunity to understand better what the original Toho version was like. Apparently, the set here is a bit different, at least there's no chariot here, probably this is caused by venue limitations or some other technical issue.
MP4|2.11 GB looking for VOB
31 August 2001; Osaka, Japan
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Toru Takahashi (Little Rudolf)
Last day in Osaka. Initially was listed as 28 August at every trading site I know but one Japanese traders insists that speeches at curtain calls indicate at 31 August. Missing ~30 minutes of the show. Amazing quality for its age. Great video and audio quality. Unfortunately camera often goes where it shouldn’t be. When Tod’s servants are on stage, camera will almost always aim at them. Unfortunately, filmer didn't used his camera's close-ups potential fully. Includes curtain calls and speeches.
VOB|1 DVD|3.96 GB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Yoshio Inoue (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Ken Teraizumi (Max), Satomi Achiwa (Ludovika), Sylvia Grab (Frau Wolf), Toru Takahashi (Little Rudolf)
Last day in Osaka. Initially was listed as 28 August at every trading site I know but one Japanese traders insists that speeches at curtain calls indicate at 31 August. Missing ~30 minutes of the show. Amazing quality for its age. Great video and audio quality. Unfortunately camera often goes where it shouldn’t be. When Tod’s servants are on stage, camera will almost always aim at them. Unfortunately, filmer didn't used his camera's close-ups potential fully. Includes curtain calls and speeches.
VOB|1 DVD|3.96 GB
3? April 2004 (Matinee?); Tokyo, Japan
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Pak Tongha (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Originally only year was listed, later I saw it dated as "April 2004" and I tend to believe it, accurate date is my assumption based on matching cast members with schedule. Also there is a possibility it's 15 or 25 April. Great sound and colors, not obstructed. One of the earlier performance with some song being faster than usually.
VOB|1 DVD|4.35 GB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Pak Tongha (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Originally only year was listed, later I saw it dated as "April 2004" and I tend to believe it, accurate date is my assumption based on matching cast members with schedule. Also there is a possibility it's 15 or 25 April. Great sound and colors, not obstructed. One of the earlier performance with some song being faster than usually.
VOB|1 DVD|4.35 GB
9 April 2004; Tokyo, Japan*
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Pak Tongha (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Yet another capture of an early speeded up performance but much better quality this time. Generally greatly filmed but a bit unsteady bootleg with nicest close-ups. Some generation loss though, which affected the colors and made the sound a bit glitchy with some random temporary fadings from one or both sides.
VOB|1 DVD|4.06 GB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Pak Tongha (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Yet another capture of an early speeded up performance but much better quality this time. Generally greatly filmed but a bit unsteady bootleg with nicest close-ups. Some generation loss though, which affected the colors and made the sound a bit glitchy with some random temporary fadings from one or both sides.
VOB|1 DVD|4.06 GB
12 December 2004; Osaka, Japan*
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Last day for the first block of performances of the revised production. Updated version without any visible signs of generation loss and proper colors. New version also includes curtain calls with speeches by the cast, Shoichiro Koike (director and translator), Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay. Great filming with some minor shakiness, some compression.
VOB|1 DVD|4.10 GB
Maki Ichiro (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Jun Hatsukaze (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Last day for the first block of performances of the revised production. Updated version without any visible signs of generation loss and proper colors. New version also includes curtain calls with speeches by the cast, Shoichiro Koike (director and translator), Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay. Great filming with some minor shakiness, some compression.
VOB|1 DVD|4.10 GB
2008; Japan*
Hikaru Asami (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kanata Irei (Rudolf), Hizuru Kotobuki (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Quite a usual quality for Japanese videos. Some scenes are partly missed, for example argument between Sophie and Max is not included but the choir which is followed after the argument is included. Yamaguchi forgot to take off the coat during Wenn ich tanzen will so he sings the whole song in cab's disguise.
MP4|3.83 GB
Hikaru Asami (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kanata Irei (Rudolf), Hizuru Kotobuki (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Quite a usual quality for Japanese videos. Some scenes are partly missed, for example argument between Sophie and Max is not included but the choir which is followed after the argument is included. Yamaguchi forgot to take off the coat during Wenn ich tanzen will so he sings the whole song in cab's disguise.
MP4|3.83 GB
9 August 2008 (Matinee); Nagoya, Japan
Mayo Suzukaze (Elisabeth), Shinji Takeda (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Poor quality, mostly wideshot, lot of washout, slight color bleeding and head obstruction. Overloaded sound. Includes fragment form evening performance (from Milch! till ending of Act 1) with Hikaru Asami (Elisabeth) and Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), the rest of the cast is the same, picture quality is slightly better because camera is closer to stage (3rd screenshot).
VOB|2 DVD|5.31 GB
Mayo Suzukaze (Elisabeth), Shinji Takeda (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Soma Suzuki (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Poor quality, mostly wideshot, lot of washout, slight color bleeding and head obstruction. Overloaded sound. Includes fragment form evening performance (from Milch! till ending of Act 1) with Hikaru Asami (Elisabeth) and Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), the rest of the cast is the same, picture quality is slightly better because camera is closer to stage (3rd screenshot).
VOB|2 DVD|5.31 GB
6 September 2008 (Evening); Fukuoka, Japan**
Mayo Suzukaze (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Hizuru Kotobuki (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Some head obstruction. Very nice quality in general but second act apparently was affected by transfer loss. There are some stripes which mostly can be seen on the black background only, also the sound from the left is quite but overloaded but this can be easily fixed with VLC's audio settings.
VOB|2 DVD|4.49 GB
Not For Trade
Mayo Suzukaze (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Hizuru Kotobuki (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf)
Some head obstruction. Very nice quality in general but second act apparently was affected by transfer loss. There are some stripes which mostly can be seen on the black background only, also the sound from the left is quite but overloaded but this can be easily fixed with VLC's audio settings.
VOB|2 DVD|4.49 GB
Not For Trade
19 October 2010 (Evening); Tokyo, Japan*
Jun Sena (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Kaeiki Mori (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf), Shun Kikuchi (Little Rudolf)
Yamaguchi's last in this block of performances, earlier than usual because he had to prepare to the role of Colloredo in Mozart! in November. Adorable video with some great close-ups as well. There're a few blackouts when the master can't avoid heads but that is a rare case, there are also a few skips, at least I noticed that Elisabeth's song at Rudolf's grave is missing. Strange enough, the mic seems to be more sensitive to Yuichiro Yamaguchi's voice because he sounds clearer and louder than the rest of the cast and the orchestra, Yamaguchi himself gives one of his best performances captured on camera. It is really interesting that Die Schaten reprise here looks and sounds much better than in the 12.12.2004 video, even though it features same performers.
VOB|2 DVD|4.87 GB
Jun Sena (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Zen Ishikawa (Franz Joseph), Kenji Urai (Rudolf), Kaeiki Mori (Sophie), Kunio Murai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf), Shun Kikuchi (Little Rudolf)
Yamaguchi's last in this block of performances, earlier than usual because he had to prepare to the role of Colloredo in Mozart! in November. Adorable video with some great close-ups as well. There're a few blackouts when the master can't avoid heads but that is a rare case, there are also a few skips, at least I noticed that Elisabeth's song at Rudolf's grave is missing. Strange enough, the mic seems to be more sensitive to Yuichiro Yamaguchi's voice because he sounds clearer and louder than the rest of the cast and the orchestra, Yamaguchi himself gives one of his best performances captured on camera. It is really interesting that Die Schaten reprise here looks and sounds much better than in the 12.12.2004 video, even though it features same performers.
VOB|2 DVD|4.87 GB
4 August 2012 (Matinee); Nagoya, Japan**
Sumire Haruno (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Kohki Okada (Franz Joseph), Genki Hirakata (Rudolf), Keaki Mori (Sophie), Kiyotaka Imai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf), Eru Yamada (Little Rudolf)
1000th performance of Toho Elisabeth! Amazing widescreen filming with rare but marvelous close-ups so you can see tons of make-up on 55-y. o. Yuichiro Yamaguchi, who left the show 2 months later. Unfortunately, the sound is a bit overloaded but otherwise ok. Includes special curtain calls (MP4 file) with cast members who accompanied the show during the run and some footage from the original 2000 show. Also, Maki Ichiro (the first Japanese Tod and the first Elisabeth in Toho production) appears as special guest. The 2012 block of performances itself is devoted to the musical's 20th anniversary. Unfortunately, Yamaguchi doesn't give his best performance.
VOB|2 DVD|8.01 GB
Sumire Haruno (Elisabeth), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Tod), Masahiro Takashima (Lucheni), Kohki Okada (Franz Joseph), Genki Hirakata (Rudolf), Keaki Mori (Sophie), Kiyotaka Imai (Max), Hitomi Harukaze (Ludovika), Hiromi Ito (Frau Wolf), Eru Yamada (Little Rudolf)
1000th performance of Toho Elisabeth! Amazing widescreen filming with rare but marvelous close-ups so you can see tons of make-up on 55-y. o. Yuichiro Yamaguchi, who left the show 2 months later. Unfortunately, the sound is a bit overloaded but otherwise ok. Includes special curtain calls (MP4 file) with cast members who accompanied the show during the run and some footage from the original 2000 show. Also, Maki Ichiro (the first Japanese Tod and the first Elisabeth in Toho production) appears as special guest. The 2012 block of performances itself is devoted to the musical's 20th anniversary. Unfortunately, Yamaguchi doesn't give his best performance.
VOB|2 DVD|8.01 GB
Gone with the Wind (風と共に去りぬ)
As Rhett Butler (2003)
Summer 2001; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Rhett Butler), Daichi Mao (Scarlett O'Hara), Kiyotaka Imai (Ashley Wilkes), Keaki Mori (Melanie Hamilton)
Heavy generation loss and compression which is seen very clear during rapid actions, which happens quite frequently because filming is quite shaky, though clouse-ups are great. The main video is filmed from the stalls but some scenes are filmed from the balcony. I've never seen the Hollywood movie but I heard that there was a racist scandal around it, but I haven't seen any black performers here, not even with blackface.
VOB|1 DVD|2.62 GB
Limited Trade
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Rhett Butler), Daichi Mao (Scarlett O'Hara), Kiyotaka Imai (Ashley Wilkes), Keaki Mori (Melanie Hamilton)
Heavy generation loss and compression which is seen very clear during rapid actions, which happens quite frequently because filming is quite shaky, though clouse-ups are great. The main video is filmed from the stalls but some scenes are filmed from the balcony. I've never seen the Hollywood movie but I heard that there was a racist scandal around it, but I haven't seen any black performers here, not even with blackface.
VOB|1 DVD|2.62 GB
Limited Trade
Mozart! (モーツァルト!)
As Hieronymus Colloredo (2002 - now)
2002; Japan
Yoshio Inoue (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Takako Matsu (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Seika Kuze (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
First non-German production. Good quality and close-ups but some spotlight washout. It seems that master is the same as in Lemizes 1997 video, but quality is different here. If Yamaguchi (Colloredo) is on stage, camera will always aim at him with max close-ups. The video abrupts right before Schatten los Reprise.
VOB|1 DVD|3.71 GB
Yoshio Inoue (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Takako Matsu (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Seika Kuze (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
First non-German production. Good quality and close-ups but some spotlight washout. It seems that master is the same as in Lemizes 1997 video, but quality is different here. If Yamaguchi (Colloredo) is on stage, camera will always aim at him with max close-ups. The video abrupts right before Schatten los Reprise.
VOB|1 DVD|3.71 GB
26 June 2005; Osaka, Japan*
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Hikaru Nishida (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Tatsuki Koju (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
Despite being very large, the video has some traces of compression due to DVD-VHS transfer. Very well filmed though. Last day in Osaka for 2005 block.
VOB|2 DVD|6.20 GB
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Hikaru Nishida (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Tatsuki Koju (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
Despite being very large, the video has some traces of compression due to DVD-VHS transfer. Very well filmed though. Last day in Osaka for 2005 block.
VOB|2 DVD|6.20 GB
29 November 2005; Fukuoka, Japan
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Chihiro Otsuka (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Maki Ichiro (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
The last but one day in 2005. There're skips between every scene, I guess it can be annoying if you watch the full video. Also there's a thing I noticed 2 years after having the video: some scenes are filmed from different seat. Anyway, I think that this is the best video of Japanese Mozart! in light of the picture, filming and performance in general.
VOB|1 DVD|4.00 GB
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Chihiro Otsuka (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Maki Ichiro (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Osamu Kao (Arco)
The last but one day in 2005. There're skips between every scene, I guess it can be annoying if you watch the full video. Also there's a thing I noticed 2 years after having the video: some scenes are filmed from different seat. Anyway, I think that this is the best video of Japanese Mozart! in light of the picture, filming and performance in general.
VOB|1 DVD|4.00 GB
24 December 2007; Tokyo, Japan
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), hiro (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Mayo Suzukaze (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco)
Nakagawa’s last, includes curtain calls and speeches. Camera sometimes goes where it shouldn’t been.
VOB|2 DVD|5.07 GB
Akinori Nakagawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), hiro (Constanze), Yumiko Takahashi (Nannerl), Mayo Suzukaze (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco)
Nakagawa’s last, includes curtain calls and speeches. Camera sometimes goes where it shouldn’t been.
VOB|2 DVD|5.07 GB
9 (Evening) & 16 (Matinee) December 2014; Tokyo, Japan
Yoshio Inoue (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Sonim (Constanze), Mari Hanafusa (Nannerl), Tatsuki Kohju (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco)
Officially released video. 2 versions available:
TV*: Full HD rip with some special features, 1080p. 1st screenshots. TS|28.5 GB
DVD: ripped from old release, missing 3rd disk with other special features, 480p. Includes booklet scans. VOB|2 DVD|8.31 GB
Yoshio Inoue (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Sonim (Constanze), Mari Hanafusa (Nannerl), Tatsuki Kohju (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco)
Officially released video. 2 versions available:
TV*: Full HD rip with some special features, 1080p. 1st screenshots. TS|28.5 GB
DVD: ripped from old release, missing 3rd disk with other special features, 480p. Includes booklet scans. VOB|2 DVD|8.31 GB
16 (Evening) & 19 December 2014; Tokyo, Japan*
Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Aya Hirano (Constanze), Mari Hanafusa (Nannerl), Sumire Haruno (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco), Rinka Kakihara (Amadé)
Officially released video. 2 versions available:
TV: Full HD rip with some special features, 1080p. 1st screenshots. TS|28.4 GB
DVD: ripped from old release, includes other special features, 480p. Includes booklet scans. VOB|3 DVD|13.1 GB VLT
Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Aya Hirano (Constanze), Mari Hanafusa (Nannerl), Sumire Haruno (Waldstätten), Keigo Yoshino (Schikaneder), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Junichi Takeoka (Arco), Rinka Kakihara (Amadé)
Officially released video. 2 versions available:
TV: Full HD rip with some special features, 1080p. 1st screenshots. TS|28.4 GB
DVD: ripped from old release, includes other special features, 480p. Includes booklet scans. VOB|3 DVD|13.1 GB VLT
6 June 2021 (Evening); Osaka, Japan*
Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Haruka Kinoshita (Constanze), Mio Kazune (Nannerl), Tatsuki Kohju (Waldstätten), Yutaka Abe (Arco), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Yusuka Tohyama (Schikaneder), Yoko Fukamachi (Amadé)
Second to last performance in 2021 and the last performance for Yamazaki, though initially it wasn't announced. A recording of a paid live stream. This is significantly different from the Japanese production which was on stage in 2002 - 2015, it is completely redesigned and includes Der Einfache Weg. Yamaguchi's appearance is significantly different from the previous years, including black gloves, new strange wig and make up. There was no living audience in the theatre during the performance so no applauses or other noises are heard. 2 version available:
Version 1: Very nice quality but misses last 30 minutes (first 2 screenshots). MP4|6.16 GB
Version 2: Complete but sound is a bit worse and you can see a bit of site's interface and cursor at the bottom. MP4|5.16 GB
Wants Only
Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Haruka Kinoshita (Constanze), Mio Kazune (Nannerl), Tatsuki Kohju (Waldstätten), Yutaka Abe (Arco), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Yusuka Tohyama (Schikaneder), Yoko Fukamachi (Amadé)
Second to last performance in 2021 and the last performance for Yamazaki, though initially it wasn't announced. A recording of a paid live stream. This is significantly different from the Japanese production which was on stage in 2002 - 2015, it is completely redesigned and includes Der Einfache Weg. Yamaguchi's appearance is significantly different from the previous years, including black gloves, new strange wig and make up. There was no living audience in the theatre during the performance so no applauses or other noises are heard. 2 version available:
Version 1: Very nice quality but misses last 30 minutes (first 2 screenshots). MP4|6.16 GB
Version 2: Complete but sound is a bit worse and you can see a bit of site's interface and cursor at the bottom. MP4|5.16 GB
Wants Only
7 June 2021; Osaka, Japan**
Yuta Furukawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Haruka Kinoshita (Constanze), Mio Kazune (Nannerl), Mayo Suzukaze (Waldstätten), Yutaka Abe (Arco), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Yusuka Tohyama (Schikaneder), Tsuruoku Kanan (Amadé)
Concluding performance of 2021 and the last for Haruka Kinoshita, Mio Kazune, Yutaka Abe and Satomi Achiwa. 2nd paid live stream but with the real audience this time.
Version 1: Video is significantly compressed comparing to both above but still watchable. MP4|5.83 GB
Version 2: better picture but slightly lower FPS rate (3rd screenshot). MP4|5.48
Yuta Furukawa (Wolfgang), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Colloredo), Masachika Ichimura (Leopold), Haruka Kinoshita (Constanze), Mio Kazune (Nannerl), Mayo Suzukaze (Waldstätten), Yutaka Abe (Arco), Satomi Achiwa (Cäcilia), Yusuka Tohyama (Schikaneder), Tsuruoku Kanan (Amadé)
Concluding performance of 2021 and the last for Haruka Kinoshita, Mio Kazune, Yutaka Abe and Satomi Achiwa. 2nd paid live stream but with the real audience this time.
Version 1: Video is significantly compressed comparing to both above but still watchable. MP4|5.83 GB
Version 2: better picture but slightly lower FPS rate (3rd screenshot). MP4|5.48
Tanz der Vampire (ダンス・オブ・ヴァンパイア)
As Graf von Krolock (2006 - now)
26 August 2006 (Matinee); Tokyo, Japan (Stalls)
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Chihiro Otsuka (Sarah), Kenji Urai (Alfred), Masachika Ichimura (Abronsius), Yuki Miyamoto (Magda), Keigo Yoshino (Herbert), Masahiro Sato (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
Last matinee for 2006 block. Updated 2-disks version with really better quality than 1-disk version, this one also includes curtain calls and “Die Vampire Bitten zum Tanz (Reprise)”.
Very good video quality and good zooms, but some head obstruction. Also master hides his camera quite often.
VOB|2 DVD|7.81 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Chihiro Otsuka (Sarah), Kenji Urai (Alfred), Masachika Ichimura (Abronsius), Yuki Miyamoto (Magda), Keigo Yoshino (Herbert), Masahiro Sato (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
Last matinee for 2006 block. Updated 2-disks version with really better quality than 1-disk version, this one also includes curtain calls and “Die Vampire Bitten zum Tanz (Reprise)”.
Very good video quality and good zooms, but some head obstruction. Also master hides his camera quite often.
VOB|2 DVD|7.81 GB
26 August 2006 (Matinee); Tokyo, Japan (Circle)*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Chihiro Otsuka (Sarah), Kenji Urai (Alfred), Masachika Ichimura (Abronsius), Yuki Miyamoto (Magda), Keigo Yoshino (Herbert), Masahiro Sato (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
The same performance as above but filmed from different seat. Picture is worse because it suffers from digital-to-tape transfer and compression from 2 disks to 1, the colors are more accurate though. But the filming is MUCH better, it is much more stable, there are no blackouts and the balance between close-ups and midshots is much better, which along with the master's position gives better understanding of how the original Japanese set looked like, spotlight washout is more frequent here though. Also the masters follows Yamaguchi's actions very carefully even if he's not in the spotlight.
VOB|1 DVD|4.13 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Chihiro Otsuka (Sarah), Kenji Urai (Alfred), Masachika Ichimura (Abronsius), Yuki Miyamoto (Magda), Keigo Yoshino (Herbert), Masahiro Sato (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
The same performance as above but filmed from different seat. Picture is worse because it suffers from digital-to-tape transfer and compression from 2 disks to 1, the colors are more accurate though. But the filming is MUCH better, it is much more stable, there are no blackouts and the balance between close-ups and midshots is much better, which along with the master's position gives better understanding of how the original Japanese set looked like, spotlight washout is more frequent here though. Also the masters follows Yamaguchi's actions very carefully even if he's not in the spotlight.
VOB|1 DVD|4.13 GB
11 January 2016; Osaka, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Shinji Rachi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Sonim (Magda), Kohei Ueguchi (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Aya Izumo (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
Last day in Osaka for the short-running second Japanese version of the show. This version features some new scenery for a few scenes (the scale of changes is comparable with the new West-End production of POTO) and completely new costumes, I would say that the approach to the costume design is different, they look somewhat cartoonish. The bootleg itself is far from being great, camera came from first half of 00s apparently, spotlight washout is a common thing here. Also, there's heavy obstruction by heads and theatre's interior, this causes some wobbliness. Also, the master mostly films in midshots, close-ups are rare and they are not really good. Originally received it dated as "20161111" but it cannot be true, I checked the cast schedule and the only performance which matches with the cast here and has similar date is 11 January 2016.
MP4|2.55 GB looking for VOB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Shinji Rachi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Sonim (Magda), Kohei Ueguchi (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Aya Izumo (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Youya Shinjo (Vampire Dancer)
Last day in Osaka for the short-running second Japanese version of the show. This version features some new scenery for a few scenes (the scale of changes is comparable with the new West-End production of POTO) and completely new costumes, I would say that the approach to the costume design is different, they look somewhat cartoonish. The bootleg itself is far from being great, camera came from first half of 00s apparently, spotlight washout is a common thing here. Also, there's heavy obstruction by heads and theatre's interior, this causes some wobbliness. Also, the master mostly films in midshots, close-ups are rare and they are not really good. Originally received it dated as "20161111" but it cannot be true, I checked the cast schedule and the only performance which matches with the cast here and has similar date is 11 January 2016.
MP4|2.55 GB looking for VOB
9 November 2019 (Matinee); Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Keisuke Higashi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Chihiro Otsuka (Magda), Takuya Uehara (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Kaiji Moriyama (Vampire Dancer)
Absolutely brilliant 1440p capture directly from the master. Very steady filming and great close-ups are presented, sound is very clear. Very minor obstruction which is rarely visible, except seriously obstructed Knoblauch. Missing the overtures for both acts, the final scene and the curtain calls are just audio with black screen. There are skips between some scenes but it does not lead to any missing footage.
I rarely write reviews, especially here, but I think a short one is required in this case. Firstly, I need to mention that basically this is going to be a comparison of this video with the only another video of Japanese TDV I know at this moment, the 26.08.2006 video. First thing to mention is that the production is still based on Vienna 1997 version, not Germany or Vienna 2009 version like all the others: some songs are still longer, Fur Sarah is still heard in the library etc. Visually the production seriously differs from the 2006 and 2015 versions, this one looks much more European: Chagals got a full sized house at last, the castle looks much more solid and the production seems to be much more expensive overall, still the costumes seems to be fully identical to the 2015 version. Nevertheless, some spirit of Japanese 'craziness' is still here, after all where else you would see the upper jaw from the logo at the entrance to the castle? Cast seems to have a lot of fun which is great to see in shows like TDV. Speaking of cast, it should be mentioned that quite a few members didn't left the show after 13 years and hundreds of performances, these are Yamaguchi as Krolock, Achiwa as Rebecca and Komada as Koukol. Also Otsuka returned to the cast, now as Magda, 10 years after she sang Sarah for the last time.
Obviously I have to write something about Yuichiro Yamaguchi as well. Strange enough, even though I don't think that he revised his Krolock, the difference between this iteration and 2006 one is significant, but I think this is a natural logical process. Now Yamaguchi acts like a hermit who partly forgot how to communicate with people, now he is much more enthusiastic and show emotions. Yamaguchi's Krolock always was unique because he implemented some acting technique from traditional Kabuki's way of playing demons and here that techniques are even more notable. Also the long friendship between Yamaguchi and Ishikawa (Abronsius) gives them a certain vibe in the finale of the first act. Interesting thing is that Keisuke Higashi is very tall, this is a rare (or even unique?) case when Alfred is taller than Krolock and also it is the first time when Yamaguchi interacts with anybody taller than him on stage and I think he is somewhat confused by that because it never happened to him during previous 40 years of his career. Speaking of interaction between Krolock and Alfred, for me it is obvious that Yamaguchi's Count is more sexually attracted to Alfred than any Herbert. I mean it's Krolock who flirts with Alfred during "Vor dem Schloss", not Herbert! I always thought that bisexuals (not to mention other sexualities and genders) are less represented in musicals than homosexuals, so this is a nice addition. Overall the production is more sexualized than European and previous Japanese productions, still it's not vulgar as the Broadway production, and the spirit of the original is still present.
MTS|11.0 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Keisuke Higashi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Chihiro Otsuka (Magda), Takuya Uehara (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Rebecca), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Kaiji Moriyama (Vampire Dancer)
Absolutely brilliant 1440p capture directly from the master. Very steady filming and great close-ups are presented, sound is very clear. Very minor obstruction which is rarely visible, except seriously obstructed Knoblauch. Missing the overtures for both acts, the final scene and the curtain calls are just audio with black screen. There are skips between some scenes but it does not lead to any missing footage.
I rarely write reviews, especially here, but I think a short one is required in this case. Firstly, I need to mention that basically this is going to be a comparison of this video with the only another video of Japanese TDV I know at this moment, the 26.08.2006 video. First thing to mention is that the production is still based on Vienna 1997 version, not Germany or Vienna 2009 version like all the others: some songs are still longer, Fur Sarah is still heard in the library etc. Visually the production seriously differs from the 2006 and 2015 versions, this one looks much more European: Chagals got a full sized house at last, the castle looks much more solid and the production seems to be much more expensive overall, still the costumes seems to be fully identical to the 2015 version. Nevertheless, some spirit of Japanese 'craziness' is still here, after all where else you would see the upper jaw from the logo at the entrance to the castle? Cast seems to have a lot of fun which is great to see in shows like TDV. Speaking of cast, it should be mentioned that quite a few members didn't left the show after 13 years and hundreds of performances, these are Yamaguchi as Krolock, Achiwa as Rebecca and Komada as Koukol. Also Otsuka returned to the cast, now as Magda, 10 years after she sang Sarah for the last time.
Obviously I have to write something about Yuichiro Yamaguchi as well. Strange enough, even though I don't think that he revised his Krolock, the difference between this iteration and 2006 one is significant, but I think this is a natural logical process. Now Yamaguchi acts like a hermit who partly forgot how to communicate with people, now he is much more enthusiastic and show emotions. Yamaguchi's Krolock always was unique because he implemented some acting technique from traditional Kabuki's way of playing demons and here that techniques are even more notable. Also the long friendship between Yamaguchi and Ishikawa (Abronsius) gives them a certain vibe in the finale of the first act. Interesting thing is that Keisuke Higashi is very tall, this is a rare (or even unique?) case when Alfred is taller than Krolock and also it is the first time when Yamaguchi interacts with anybody taller than him on stage and I think he is somewhat confused by that because it never happened to him during previous 40 years of his career. Speaking of interaction between Krolock and Alfred, for me it is obvious that Yamaguchi's Count is more sexually attracted to Alfred than any Herbert. I mean it's Krolock who flirts with Alfred during "Vor dem Schloss", not Herbert! I always thought that bisexuals (not to mention other sexualities and genders) are less represented in musicals than homosexuals, so this is a nice addition. Overall the production is more sexualized than European and previous Japanese productions, still it's not vulgar as the Broadway production, and the spirit of the original is still present.
MTS|11.0 GB
11 November 2019 (Evening); Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Keisuke Higashi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Chihiro Otsuka (Magda), Takuya Uehara (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Magda), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Yousuke Sato (Vampire Dancer)
Yamaguchi-oriented highlights plus a couple of funny bits, ~1 hour. Same master as above, but the different position allows to give a lot of amazing shots. Same performers for Sarah and Alfred, unfortunately. Yamaguchi gives much better performance than in the full video.
MTS|11.5 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Krolock), Sayaka Kanda (Sarah), Keisuke Higashi (Alfred), Zen Ishikawa (Abronsius), Chihiro Otsuka (Magda), Takuya Uehara (Herbert), Kong Kuwata (Chagal), Satomi Achiwa (Magda), Hajime Komada (Koukol), Yousuke Sato (Vampire Dancer)
Yamaguchi-oriented highlights plus a couple of funny bits, ~1 hour. Same master as above, but the different position allows to give a lot of amazing shots. Same performers for Sarah and Alfred, unfortunately. Yamaguchi gives much better performance than in the full video.
MTS|11.5 GB
Marie Antoinette (マリー・アントワネット)
As Cagliostro (2006 - 2007)
11 December 2006 (Matinee); Tokyo, Japan
Seiko Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
World premiere production.
VOB|2 DVD|5.78 GB
Seiko Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
World premiere production.
VOB|2 DVD|5.78 GB
17 February 2007 (Matinee); Osaka, Japan
Reina Sasamoto (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
Quality is better than in the video above. The continuiation of the first production (2006-2007 tour), so here're no changes made later in 2007.
VOB|2 DVD|5.53 GB
Reina Sasamoto (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
Quality is better than in the video above. The continuiation of the first production (2006-2007 tour), so here're no changes made later in 2007.
VOB|2 DVD|5.53 GB
4 March 2007; Osaka, Japan**
Seiko Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
The same quality as the one above in general. I love how the masters' positions in each Japanese MA video gets lower and lower chronologically.
VOB|2 DVD|5.44 GB
Seiko Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Yoshio Inoue (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Masahiro Takashima (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
The same quality as the one above in general. I love how the masters' positions in each Japanese MA video gets lower and lower chronologically.
VOB|2 DVD|5.44 GB
20 May 2007; Tokyo, Japan*
Seika Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Takuya Kon (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Soma Suzuki (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
Much better than both bootlegs above because filmed from the stalls and great close-ups are presented. There are some blackouts, unfortunatelly. This is one of the "Triumphal performances" which took place when the production returned to Tokyo after visiting several cities. These performances featured some changes like added song "Illusion" for Cagliostro.
VOB|2 DVD|7.21 GB
Seika Niizuma (Margrid), Mayo Suzukaze (Marie Antoinette), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Cagliostro), Takuya Kon (Axel), Zen Ishikawa (Louis XVI), Kazuhiro Yamaji (Pierre), Soma Suzuki (Herzog), Yuko Doi (Agnes)
Much better than both bootlegs above because filmed from the stalls and great close-ups are presented. There are some blackouts, unfortunatelly. This is one of the "Triumphal performances" which took place when the production returned to Tokyo after visiting several cities. These performances featured some changes like added song "Illusion" for Cagliostro.
VOB|2 DVD|7.21 GB
Rebecca (レベッカ)
As Maxim de Winter (2008 - 2019)
15 March 2010 (Matinee); Nagoya, Japan*
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Mayo Suzukaze (Danvers), Hizuru Kotobuki (Van Hopper), Keigo Yoshino (Favell), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Hiroshi Abe (Julian), Hiromi Ito (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben)
Beautiful capture of original Japanese version. Very clear picture and amazing, not obstructed filming, the master follows the action quite well. To be honest, I never dreamed about such great video. Includes "Zauberhaft natürlich" which was written specially for this production.
VOB|2 DVD|7.54 GB
Limited Trade
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Mayo Suzukaze (Danvers), Hizuru Kotobuki (Van Hopper), Keigo Yoshino (Favell), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Hiroshi Abe (Julian), Hiromi Ito (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben)
Beautiful capture of original Japanese version. Very clear picture and amazing, not obstructed filming, the master follows the action quite well. To be honest, I never dreamed about such great video. Includes "Zauberhaft natürlich" which was written specially for this production.
VOB|2 DVD|7.54 GB
Limited Trade
15 March 2010 (Evening); Nagoya, Japan**
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Sylvia Grab (Danvers), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Keigo Yoshino (Jack), Hizuru Kotobuki (Van Hopper), Hiromi Ito (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben), Hiroshi Abe (Julian)
Apparently filmed by the same master as above but different format this time.
M2TS|2 BD|6.08 GB
Limited Trade
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Sylvia Grab (Danvers), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Keigo Yoshino (Jack), Hizuru Kotobuki (Van Hopper), Hiromi Ito (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben), Hiroshi Abe (Julian)
Apparently filmed by the same master as above but different format this time.
M2TS|2 BD|6.08 GB
Limited Trade
4 December 2018 (Preview); Tokyo, Japan*
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Chizu Hosaka (Danvers), Keigo Yoshino (Favell), Kumiko Mori (Van Hopper), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Takuya Kon (Julian), Aya Izumo (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben)
Fourth and final preview of completely remade Japanese production which is devoted to the 10th anniversary of Japanese premiere, lyrics are altered a bit, though number and order of songs is the same. I really love Kumiko's Mrs. Van Hopper, such a pity that "American Woman" is not filmed here.
Seems like the camera came from middle 00s, still the picture is not bad. Close-ups are very rare thing here but presented close-ups are good. The master experienced some difficulties with moving the camera, but eventually they were moving it successfully. I suppose the master suspected that they were caught during the Sie's Fort so the rest is filmed in blindshot and the video ends after Gott, Warum? Some permanent hissing which sometimes is louder than the show itself.
VOB|1 DVD|2.19 GB
Limited Trade
Chihiro Otsuka (Ich), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Maxim), Chizu Hosaka (Danvers), Keigo Yoshino (Favell), Kumiko Mori (Van Hopper), Zen Ishikawa (Frank), Takuya Kon (Julian), Aya Izumo (Beatrice), KENTARO (Jilles), tekkan (Ben)
Fourth and final preview of completely remade Japanese production which is devoted to the 10th anniversary of Japanese premiere, lyrics are altered a bit, though number and order of songs is the same. I really love Kumiko's Mrs. Van Hopper, such a pity that "American Woman" is not filmed here.
Seems like the camera came from middle 00s, still the picture is not bad. Close-ups are very rare thing here but presented close-ups are good. The master experienced some difficulties with moving the camera, but eventually they were moving it successfully. I suppose the master suspected that they were caught during the Sie's Fort so the rest is filmed in blindshot and the video ends after Gott, Warum? Some permanent hissing which sometimes is louder than the show itself.
VOB|1 DVD|2.19 GB
Limited Trade
Lady Bess (レディ・ベス)
As Roger Ascham (2014 - now)
Lady Bess is the latest musical created by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay. World premiere was in Tokyo, Japan in 2014 and it never been in other countries. To learn more about plot click here.
October & November 2017; Tokyo, Japan*
Mari Hanafusa (Lady Bess), Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Robin Blake), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Roger Ascham), Mayo Suzukaze (Kat Ashley), Rie Yoshizawa (Mary Tudor), Genki Hirakata (Philip of Spain), Miou Kazune (Anne Boleyn), Keygo Yoshino (Simon Renard), Zen Ishikawa (Stephen Gardiner)
“Flower version”. Official release. Multi-cam proshot, soundboard.
Includes bonus materials: “Wings” by Mari Hanafusa (Bess) and Kazuki Kato (Robin); Interview with Mari Hanafusa; interview with Shuichiro Koike (producer, translator, director); trailer.
Copied from DVD in original quality.
VOB|3 DVD|10.3 GB
Very Limited Trade
Mari Hanafusa (Lady Bess), Ikusaburo Yamazaki (Robin Blake), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Roger Ascham), Mayo Suzukaze (Kat Ashley), Rie Yoshizawa (Mary Tudor), Genki Hirakata (Philip of Spain), Miou Kazune (Anne Boleyn), Keygo Yoshino (Simon Renard), Zen Ishikawa (Stephen Gardiner)
“Flower version”. Official release. Multi-cam proshot, soundboard.
Includes bonus materials: “Wings” by Mari Hanafusa (Bess) and Kazuki Kato (Robin); Interview with Mari Hanafusa; interview with Shuichiro Koike (producer, translator, director); trailer.
Copied from DVD in original quality.
VOB|3 DVD|10.3 GB
Very Limited Trade
October & November 2017; Tokyo, Japan
Aya Hirano (Lady Bess), Kazuki Kato (Robin Blake), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Roger Ascham), Mayo Suzukaze (Kat Ashley), Yuki Mirai (Mary Tudor), Yuta Furukawa (Philip of Spain), Miou Kazune (Anne Boleyn), Keigo Yoshino (Simon Renard), Zen Ishikawa (Stephen Gardiner)
“Star version”. Official release. Multi-cam proshot, soundboard. Both acts has different aspect ratio and none of them is right.
Missing bonus materials.
MP4|1.29 GB
Aya Hirano (Lady Bess), Kazuki Kato (Robin Blake), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Roger Ascham), Mayo Suzukaze (Kat Ashley), Yuki Mirai (Mary Tudor), Yuta Furukawa (Philip of Spain), Miou Kazune (Anne Boleyn), Keigo Yoshino (Simon Renard), Zen Ishikawa (Stephen Gardiner)
“Star version”. Official release. Multi-cam proshot, soundboard. Both acts has different aspect ratio and none of them is right.
Missing bonus materials.
MP4|1.29 GB
The Man Who Laughs (笑う男)
As Ursus (2019 - now)
28 April 2019 (Matinee); Tokyo, Japan*
Kenji Urai (Gwynplaine), Misa Eto (Dea), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Ursus), Manato Asaka (Josiana), Hironobu Miyahara (David), Zen Ishikawa (Barkilphedro), Sora Toyoshima (Little Gwynplaine)
Same master as for TDV videos from the same year. For this video the blackout is the default state. The camera comes up only if Yamaguchi is on the stage and even then, the master hides their camera sometimes. Also, the camera captured a short fragment of Duchess’s song. Nevertheless, when the camera actually films, the picture is beyond imagination and there are some astonishing close-ups as well.
MTS|14.3 GB
Kenji Urai (Gwynplaine), Misa Eto (Dea), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Ursus), Manato Asaka (Josiana), Hironobu Miyahara (David), Zen Ishikawa (Barkilphedro), Sora Toyoshima (Little Gwynplaine)
Same master as for TDV videos from the same year. For this video the blackout is the default state. The camera comes up only if Yamaguchi is on the stage and even then, the master hides their camera sometimes. Also, the camera captured a short fragment of Duchess’s song. Nevertheless, when the camera actually films, the picture is beyond imagination and there are some astonishing close-ups as well.
MTS|14.3 GB
26 September 2022; Tokyo, Japan*
Naomi Watanabe (Tracy), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Edna), Hiroki Miura (Link), Eliana (Maybelle), Kurumi Shimizu (Penny), Kohei Ueguchi (Corny), Soichi Hirama (Seaweed), Jun Sena (Velma), Meimi Tamura (Amber), Zen Ishikawa (Wilbur), Hiroko Kachi (Prudy), Tatsuya Kawaguchi (Spitzer), Alex Kawamoto (Pinky), Reika Arakawa (Inez)
The Dynamites: Saho Aono, MARIA-E, Mahya Harada
Ok capture of the Japanese production which was initially scheduled for 2020 but was cancelled due to the Covid restrictions. This is the first day for Alex Kawamoto as Mr. Pinky, who got the Covid shortly before the premiere which caused cancelation of first two days of performances and then opened with Kohei Ueguchi (Corny) temporarily replacing Kawamoto. As far as I know he is the first black performer for Mr. Pinky. Filmed from the stalls without any closeups but the picture quality is not bad at all.
MP4|8.75 GB
Very Limited Trade
Naomi Watanabe (Tracy), Yuichiro Yamaguchi (Edna), Hiroki Miura (Link), Eliana (Maybelle), Kurumi Shimizu (Penny), Kohei Ueguchi (Corny), Soichi Hirama (Seaweed), Jun Sena (Velma), Meimi Tamura (Amber), Zen Ishikawa (Wilbur), Hiroko Kachi (Prudy), Tatsuya Kawaguchi (Spitzer), Alex Kawamoto (Pinky), Reika Arakawa (Inez)
The Dynamites: Saho Aono, MARIA-E, Mahya Harada
Ok capture of the Japanese production which was initially scheduled for 2020 but was cancelled due to the Covid restrictions. This is the first day for Alex Kawamoto as Mr. Pinky, who got the Covid shortly before the premiere which caused cancelation of first two days of performances and then opened with Kohei Ueguchi (Corny) temporarily replacing Kawamoto. As far as I know he is the first black performer for Mr. Pinky. Filmed from the stalls without any closeups but the picture quality is not bad at all.
MP4|8.75 GB
Very Limited Trade
Concerts
M.クンツェ&S.リーヴァイの世界 (World of M. Kunze & S. Levay)
25 March 2012; Tokyo, Japan
Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Seiko Niizuma, Yuko Doi, Zen Ishikawa, Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Yoshio Inoue, Maki Ichiro, Jun Sena, Patrick Stanke (special guest star)
Official release. Arias from Kunze/Levay musicals (Elisabeth, Mozart!, Marie Antoinette, Rebecca) in concert. Starring best Toho artists. It seems like Yamaguchi is sick so his voice is wheezy a bit especially in act 2. Parts with Patrick Stanke was recorded on 9 March in Osaka.
To view list of arias click here.
Disk 1 – DVD9, disk 2 – DVD5
VOB|2 DVD|8.16 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Seiko Niizuma, Yuko Doi, Zen Ishikawa, Ikusaburo Yamazaki, Yoshio Inoue, Maki Ichiro, Jun Sena, Patrick Stanke (special guest star)
Official release. Arias from Kunze/Levay musicals (Elisabeth, Mozart!, Marie Antoinette, Rebecca) in concert. Starring best Toho artists. It seems like Yamaguchi is sick so his voice is wheezy a bit especially in act 2. Parts with Patrick Stanke was recorded on 9 March in Osaka.
To view list of arias click here.
Disk 1 – DVD9, disk 2 – DVD5
VOB|2 DVD|8.16 GB
My Story, My Song ~and YOU~
22 May 2022; Tokyo, Japan*
Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Chihiro Otsuka, Keigo Yoshino
Final in number of concerts in which Yuichiro Yamaguchi and his guests recall working together in the first act and sing arias from various musicals in the second act. This performance includes songs from POTO, TDV, Elisabeth, Rebecca and others. Recorded from the paid livestream.
M2TS|19.50 GB
Yuichiro Yamaguchi, Chihiro Otsuka, Keigo Yoshino
Final in number of concerts in which Yuichiro Yamaguchi and his guests recall working together in the first act and sing arias from various musicals in the second act. This performance includes songs from POTO, TDV, Elisabeth, Rebecca and others. Recorded from the paid livestream.
M2TS|19.50 GB