Members Kamenashi Kazuya, Tanaka Koki, and Nakamaru Yuichi of the popular group KAT-TUN announced that they will change their group name from KAT-TUN to "??" (pronounced as "Katsu-un") on a limited basis for the duration of their performance of �Dream Boys� in Tokyo from September 3rd to September 25th.

It was surprisingly announced at a recent press conference for the musical. Nakamaru stated, �I heard this when I came (to the theater) today.� I was surprised, but I wish we can expand our own strengths.� All this while Tanaka laughed bitterly and said �I have heard this name about ten years ago, and I see it was pushed out again.��

Kamenashi stated positively that �The meaning of the name KAT-TUN is akin to reading manga (cartoon) � you read one page and you want to keep reading the next page and so on and so forth.� "??" has also been existed as a group name from the past and because it means a group that can win (=?)�in everything and has strong luck (=?), and we want to deliver this luck from the Imperial Garden Theater.�

�Dream Boys� began as �Dream Boy� starring Takizawa Hideaki in 2004. �On stage,�through a mix of acrobatics, boxing, and flying,�the dreams and setbacks of young men as well as friendships are depicted.

Popular stars from Johnny�s have successively performed in this musical.� Kamenashi, this time in the role of Kazuya, showed his aspirations when he stated �I am happy that we can do this during the year of the Imperial Garden Theater's 100 year anniversary.� From here on out, I want to send out smiles, bravery, and vigor.� I'm planning to have a new way of flying for the 100 year anniversary.�� Making a comeback on this stage after 3 years, Tanaka, in the role of Koki, spiritedly stated, �I want to take in the feelings and thoughts from what I felt as the audience, and make a good 'champ'.� I want to show everyone my energy.�� Making his first return since 2004, Nakamaru, in the role of Yuichi, stated, �I also thought when I saw the performance as the audience, that the best part of this stage performance is an overflow of energy, so I want to express that.�� Still, regarding his own role, Nakamura laughed and stated that �It is the role of a mediator.� I mediate between 2 people who get angry easily (Kamenashi and Tanaka), but it is usually like that within the group, so I am used to it.�

Last week, for the first time, all of the KAT-TUN members visited Fukushima prefecture which was the devastated area from the earthquake. �In the city of Koriyama, they had an official public broadcast on the radio and Tanaka powerfully stated that �In any case, I wish to deliver my sentiments.� From the Imperial Garden Theater, I want to transport luck, courage, and smiles.�� Also, regarding the cancellation of the outdoor concerts planned for the summer, Kamenashi made a statement for his fans, �I think there are many people who looked forward to the concerts.� Therefore, when the other members visit to see the stage performance, I would ask them to appear on this stage, as much as possible, so that the fans can see more of ��KAT-TUN.��

Also appearing on the same stage are actresses Otori Ran and Makoto Tsubasa. �Presently, the musical has been performed a total of 312 times and the number of people in the audience has exceeded 580,000. �In the 38 performances from September 3rd to September 25th, it is expected that 70,000 people will be in attendance.

Source: Oricon