Masayuki Imai’s masterpiece, *THE WINDS OF GOD*, opens in Tokyo on August 22, presented by the Whale Chair Project!

The theater troupe “Kujira Isu Project,” based in Nara Prefecture, will stage *THE WINDS OF GOD*—the magnum opus of actor Masayuki Imai—on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Independent Theater Oji in Tokyo.

“THE WINDS OF GOD” URL: https://lit.link/windsofgod2026

From Rehearsals (1) — Rehearsal Room Photo: Photographed by Mikako Kamewari

This masterpiece, written by former Self-Defense Forces officer Masayuki Imai, has garnered high acclaim both domestically and internationally since its 1988 premiere, including winning three categories at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival Awards and a successful run in New York.Through the story of a struggling comedy duo member who is reincarnated as a kamikaze pilot, the play reexamines the “preciousness of life” as we mark the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II.

From Rehearsals (2) — Rehearsal Photos by Mikako Kamewari

■ Synopsis

Makoto Tashiro (“Aniki”) and Kinta Fukuro, an unsuccessful comedy duo, are transported back in time to a kamikaze base in August of Showa 20 following a bicycle accident. Reincarnated as Lieutenant Kishida and Second Lieutenant Fukumoto, the two experience the daily life of the kamikaze unit while coming to terms with the deaths of their comrades.Kinta volunteers for a kamikaze mission “to protect his grandmother,” and Tashiro, accepting his fate, joins him on the mission.A year later, upon returning to the present, Tashiro, with Kinta’s death etched in his heart, resolves to resume his career as a manzai comedian. A moving drama centered on reincarnation that depicts friendship and a prayer for peace.

■ From the Producer: “I hope this will be a work that makes people think, ‘Let’s keep living tomorrow, too.’”

The “Whale Chair” version introduces a “female ensemble” not found in the original. Producer Mukai explains, “Amid numerous applications, we adopted the ensemble approach to give form to the applicants’ enthusiasm for being part of this project. This has the effect of heightening the intensity of the kamikaze attack scene.“I want to convey Mr. Imai’s message to today’s younger generation in particular.”

Additionally, since we’ll be incorporating live synthesizer performances during the actual show, the overall feel will change even further. Fans of Mr. Imai’s *THE WINDS OF GOD* might say, “This isn’t right!”—but when I met Ms. Yoko Narahashi(Note: She had a close relationship with Imai, having adapted *THE WINDS OF GOD* into a film, among other collaborations) told me, “This is your *THE WINDS OF GOD*, so it’s fine just the way it is,” and I was incredibly relieved. I hope this production will inspire everyone who sees it to think, ‘I want to keep living tomorrow as well.’”

From Rehearsals (3) Rehearsal Hall Photos: Photographed by Mikako Kamewari

■ Comment from Ms. Kyoko Imai, Wife of Masayuki Imai

“*THE WINDS OF GOD*, which was Masayuki Imai’s life’s work, will be staged in Tokyo and Osaka this August by the *Whale Chair Project* team. The timeless energy of young people and their feelings for their loved ones—this production, set in the Reiwa era, will surely breathe new life into the work.

Even now, 81 years after the end of World War II, conflicts continue to rage around the world. Although 38 years have passed since the premiere of *THE WINDS OF GOD*, I believe the spirit of this work—to which Masayuki Imai dedicated his life—will transcend time and resonate in your hearts. We look forward to seeing you there.”

■ Tokyo Performance Schedule

Venue: Independent Theater Oji

　　　　　　　　　　　　 (Address: B1F, 1-14-4 Oji, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0002)

　　　　　　　　　　　　 https://maps.app.goo.gl/kYDqC7gUABndjGMJA

Dates: ・August 22 (Sat) 3:30 PM / 7:30 PM

　　　　　　　　　　　　 ・August 23 (Sun) 11:30 AM / 3:30 PM

Ticket Prices: General Admission: 4,500 yen (tax included) / Under 25* (ages 25 and under): 2,500 yen

Ticket Reservations: https://livepocket.jp/t/2exes?sort=asc

Performance Details & Inquiries: https://lit.link/windsofgod2026

[Contact Information for This Event]

Kujira Isu Project Production Office

https://lit.link/windsofgod2026

(*Please submit inquiries via the official links above or through the contact form.)