It was announced on May 4th that Dochin Yoshikuni (32), half of popular duo CHEMISTRY, would participate in his very first stage performance.

Award winning writer and musician Tsuji Jinse (51) will play the lead role in "Samenagara miru yume" ("Dreams Seen While Awake"). Tsuji is returning to the stage after being away 18 years, and he has also written a new song for the production. Facing his second acting performance since his movie role in 2009, Dochin says, "I want to be able to relax and have fun, while showing a new side of myself."

Dochin and Kawabata Kaname (32), the members of CHEMISTRY, had a spectacular debut, hitting the top of the Oricon single and album charts in '01, and performing in NHK's Kohaku Uta Gassen. Dochin, who had been at the forefront of the music industry for several years, decided to use his "voice talent and power of expression" to have his acting debut in '09 in the movie "Manatsu no Orion". He played the captain of a Japanese submarine during WWII that fought against an American destroyer.

Since then, the actor-singer had received several other acting offers, but in preparation for CHEMISTRY's 10th anniversary this March, he had been focusing solely on his music career. Dochin is using the milestone of CHEMISTRY's 10th anniversary as an opportunity to branch out, taking on his first stage performance, as well as a movie role.

"I want to act naturally, but I also want to show a different 'me', a new 'me'", says Dochin. He will also perform a number of Tsuji's songs during the production. "There are a lot of charming lyrics embedded in his songs, so I want to really emphasize the words when I sing", he explained.

About working with Dochin for the first time, Tsuji commented, "This sounds clich�, but his presence is encouraging. His voice and his appearance. I'm happy to be able to work with a new actor like this." He admitted that he rewrote much of the script after the earthquake hit in March, saying, "Because it is such a hard time, I want the audience to have their own dreams and hopes. That's the purpose of entertainment. I want to give the audience the chance to feel their own strength, their own hopes."

The female lead will be played by Murakawa Eri (23), who played the heroine of NHK's telenovela "Kaze no haruka" in 2005.

Performances will be held first at Tokyo's Globe Theater from September 16-25, and then in Hiroshima, Dochin's hometown, on October 14th. Perfomances in Fukuoka (October 14th) and Osaka (October 21-23) are also planned.

CHEMISTRY began their 10th anniversary tour on April 14th, which will continue until July, and the tour covers 7 cities and 9 shows in total.

Source: Hochi