Harajuku Girls: Interview with the Cast

After watching the play Harajuku Girls I got thinking to how the actors related to the roles as the production was made up on an entirely pan-asian cast. We talk about Japanese culture and panties!

Haruka Abe 

Having being born in Japan and going to drama school as a child - Could you relate to your role?

I am incredibly lucky because growing up my parents were always supportive of me pursuing whatever dreams I wanted to pursue, but I do know a lot of people who had to give up their dreams because they are not considered as legitimate/respectable careers.

Have you ever cosplayed?

In fact, yes! I'm a massive geek and used to go to all the big cons and festivals, and I made many cosplay outfits but never found the courage to wear them out. My favourite outfit I made was of Reiha from Vampire Miyu.


Do you think having a young face is a blessing or a curse for acting roles?

Haha, I don't think I'm as old as you think I am! But I don't see having a young face is hindering me. Ask me again in 20 years and I might have a different answer for you, or worse you might not want to bring up the topic at all ;)


Looking at all three girls why do you think Marie clung to Keiko rather than Yumi ?

Mari really loves them both, but I think she sees Keiko as an ideal self; she is the cool, free-spirited popular girl who gets away with doing whatever she wants. On the other hand, Yumi is the girl she would have been if she hadn't met Keiko; a shy and nerdy girl who is conformed to her parents' wishes. So of course she is more drawn to Keiko, because she wants to be more like her.

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Elizabeth Tan 

Was it a change playing this role compared to your past roles like in Coronation street/Waterloo Road ?

Yes, Keiko is far more damaged and out of control than Xin (Corrie) and Princess (Waterloo Road). It was exciting to play such a tumultuous character with such an emotional journey.

If given the chance to do a photoshoot would you sport, a cosplay outfit or Japanese Fashion?

I would do Cosplay!

Do you think your character got a fair conclusion?

There were always going to be ramifications for Keiko's actions. For Keiko, beneath the tough facade was a desperate fear and insecurity about her future. Perhaps she never got the love and support she needed at that difficult time.

Looking at all three girls why do you think Keiko hated Yumi so much?

I don't think Keiko hated Yumi. Yumi was just a constant reminder of what Keiko needed but didn't have - a loving supportive family.


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Sadao Ueda

Were you aware of 'Otaku' fetish before doing this role?

I do know some Otaku people. Otaku doesn’t mean they are perverts at all. For example, train spotters, they are train Otaku. Otaku is someone who is fanatical about one particular thing. Panty Shop Owner is an Otaku who has vast knowledge of used uniforms and underwear. But Mr Narita and Mr Nakamura are not Otaku. They are just a bit wierd.

The underwear scene was quite shocking - do you think this would happen in real life?

I would say welcome to the real world. I have seen many things you may not want to know.

Playing your two different characters in the play - did you feel females take advantage of men's perverse fantasies in Japan?

I actually play 3 characters. I do not believe female sex workers are taking advantage of men’s perverse fantasy. It is a business. Someone selling fantasies, and someone buying them. Personally, I did not think Mari did anything wrong. She needed money for good reason, and she earned it. Her parents couldn’t bear the thought of her working in an image club, because their morals wouldn’t accept it. It’s like a cigarette, it is not illegal to smoke, but many people hate it. Many campaign urges to stop smoking, but they never stop selling them.

Just for your information, there are places called “Host Clubs” in Japan. Female customers visit there to be treated like princess by good looking male escorts. So, it’s not only Japanese men who have perverse fantasies.

Harajuku Girls is running till the 21st March 2015 at Finborough Theatre, buy your tickets now!

Review: Harajuku Girls

Harajuku Girls is Nicholas Goh and Papergang Theatre's debut production. It's written by Northern Irish/Japanese playwright Francis Turnly (currently resident writer at the Tricycle Theatre) and directed by Jude Christian (2013 winner of the National Theatre Studio Bursary).

The cast is made up on an entirely East Asian cast, starring Elizabeth Tan (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road ), Haruka Abe (Cyber Bully, Cucumber) and Kunjue Li (Ripper Street, Peaky Blinders).  From first glance or the manga style art on the flyers you may think this play is about fun loving fashionistas, this isn't the case at all.

We follow three girls finishing school and waiting to find out there exam results to see which University they would get into. Yumi is the young loving un-popular girl who is often insulted and shunned by Keiko the pretty and popular girl. Marie is the mediator between the both and wants them all to get on. Keiko comes from a divorced family which is rumored to have made her behavior spiral out of control and made her into the wild child she is. 'Rumours' is an important factor cover int eh play how society watches the youths and passes judgement.

Marie is desperately trying to get into acting school but her father does not approve and refuses to pay the fees. Keiko gives her a way to make money herself through prostitution or fantasy hotels. After watching the 'Love Hotel' recently on tv I was very aware of these concepts and it was in fact a part of Japanese lifestyle just hidden very well.

Somehow these adolescents leave there carefree lives from cosplaying and Japanese fashion at Harajuku street to club nights picking up rich old men - which Keiko does with skill, Marie does out of desperation. There is always a cut out point for Marie so she can pay for acting school and get out, Keiko has no goal this is just a means to end and being good at her job is then only thing that seems to matter.

This play is a great demonstration of fringe theater actors play double roles from Marie's father playing as a sleazy man wanting some fun with her. Yumi is also the innocent friend who later plays one of the fantasy girls in the hotel.

I certainly loved all the cosplay's used and shown from nurse uniforms to Sailor Moon inspired outfits they have kept to the roots of even using Yen as currency on stage. Also the soundtrack used for scene changes was great contemporary mix of Kyari Pamyu Pamyu and Baby Metal amongst Japanese cover songs as well.

In the words of an Otaku the play develops from innocence to fan service and then feels. You couldn't help but laugh at points and also feel deep empathy. Fantastic acting from the cast especially from Haruka Abe playing the tormented lead Marie. I thoroughly enjoyed the play and look forward to more productions from Papergang theatre.

Running till 21st March - buy tickets here.