KERA CROSS 7th Play "Sharp-san Flat-san" Announced for 2026

Imagine stepping into a Tokyo theater, where the echoes of Japan’s turbulent 1990s come alive through laughter and heartbreak. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Japanese culture beyond textbooks, here’s your chance to dive into something truly authentic. On February 6, 2026, theater enthusiasts in Japan received thrilling news: the seventh installment of the acclaimed KERA CROSS project, titled シャープさんフラットさん (Shaapu-san Furatto-san - "Mr. Sharp and Mr. Flat"), has been officially announced for performance. This play promises a captivating mix of comedy and drama, reflecting a pivotal era in Japanese history. Let’s explore what this production means and how it can enrich your journey of learning Japanese the way it’s taught in Japan.

A New Chapter for KERA CROSS

The KERA CROSS series, which began in 2019, is a beloved theater project showcasing original works by the iconic playwright ケラリーノ・サンドロヴィッチ (Kerarīno Sandorovitchi), often known simply as KERA. For its seventh production, the series brings back KERA’s semi-autobiographical play シャープさんフラットさん, originally performed in 2008 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his avant-garde theater troupe, Nylon100℃. This time, the 演出 (enshutsu - direction) is helmed by マギー (Magī), who promises to infuse a fresh perspective into this poignant story. The 公演 (kouen - public performance) is scheduled for June and July 2026, gracing stages at Tokyo’s Kinokuniya Southern Theatre TAKASHIMAYA, Aichi’s Niterra Japan Special Ceramic Industry Citizens’ Hall Village Hall, and Osaka’s Sankei Hall Breeze.

Set in the early 1990s, the 戯曲 (gikyoku - play) captures the aftermath of Japan’s バブル経済 (baburu keizai - bubble economy) and its dramatic 崩壊 (houkai - collapse). The story follows the 主人公 (shujinkou - protagonist), 辻煙 (Tsuji Kemuri - literally "Tsuji Smoke"), portrayed by the talented actor 柄本時生 (Emoto Tokio). Tsuji, a man devoted to creating laughter, escapes to a sanatorium after a troubling incident. Through encounters with his lover 美果 (Mika), former comedians, and even visions of his father, the narrative weaves personal tragedy into comedy, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit. With a stellar cast including 高梨臨 (Takanashi Rin), 安達祐実 (Adachi Yumi), and トリンドル玲奈 (Torindoru Reina), this 上演 (jouen - performance) is set to be an unforgettable experience.

Cultural Context: The 1990s Bubble Collapse and Japanese Theater

To fully appreciate シャープさんフラットさん, let’s unpack the historical backdrop that shapes its story. The early 1990s marked the beginning of the end for Japan’s バブル経済 (baburu keizai - bubble economy), a time of unprecedented economic growth in the late 1980s driven by speculative investments. When the bubble burst, Japan entered a period of stagnation often called the "Lost Decades." This era of shattered dreams and uncertainty adds a profound layer of melancholy to the play, mirroring the personal struggles of Tsuji as he navigates his own crises.

Japanese theater, especially works by creators like KERA, often serves as a mirror to society, blending sharp commentary with humor and surreal storytelling. KERA’s troupe, Nylon100℃, is renowned for its avant-garde approach, exploring complex emotions in unconventional ways. The fact that this play is described as 半自伝的 (han-jiden-teki - semi-autobiographical) means it draws from KERA’s own life, offering a raw glimpse into the sacrifices and passions of a playwright during turbulent times. For you as a learner, engaging with this production isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a chance to understand how Japanese artists process history and identity through their craft.

Learn Japanese from This Article

If you’re excited to dive into the language and themes of シャープさんフラットさん, let’s break down some key vocabulary and grammar from this story. These are authentic terms and structures you’d encounter in Japan, taught the way native speakers learn them.

Key Vocabulary

Here are some essential words related to theater and the historical context of the play:

These words aren’t just useful for understanding theater—they’re also common in discussions about history and storytelling in Japan. Try using 主人公 (shujinkou) when talking about your favorite character in a book or movie!

Grammar Spotlight: 〜が決定した and 〜を通じて

Let’s look at two useful grammar patterns that popped up in the context of this news.

• 〜が決定した (ga kettei shita

  • has been decided, has been determined) This structure is often used in formal announcements to indicate that something has been finalized.
  • 「シャープさんフラットさん」の上演が決定した。 ("Shaapu-san Furatto-san" no jouen ga kettei shita.
    • The performance of "Sharp-san Flat-san" has been decided.)
  • 新プロジェクトが決定した。 (Shin purojekuto ga kettei shita.
    • The new project has been decided.)
  • 来年の予定が決定した。 (Rainen no yotei ga kettei shita.
    • Next year’s schedule has been determined.) Use this pattern when sharing news or updates about finalized plans, especially in formal or written contexts.

• 〜を通じて (o tsuujite

  • through, by means of) This expression indicates the medium or method through which something happens or is conveyed.
  • この戯曲を通じて、1990年代の日本を知ることができる。 (Kono gikyoku o tsuujite, senkyuuhyaku kyuujuunendai no Nihon o shiru koto ga dekiru.
    • Through this play, you can learn about Japan in the 1990s.)
  • 映画を通じて、文化を理解する。 (Eiga o tsuujite, bunka o rikai suru.
    • Understand culture through movies.)
  • 友達を通じて、新しい情報を得た。 (Tomodachi o tsuujite, atarashii jouhou o eta.
    • I got new information through a friend.) This is a versatile phrase, perfect for discussing how you’ve learned or experienced something indirectly.

Useful Expression

Here’s a bonus phrase you might hear in the context of theater or storytelling: 物語が展開する (monogatari ga tenkai suru - the story unfolds). It’s a natural way to describe how a plot develops, as in:

• 物語が1990年代に展開する。 (Monogatari ga senkyuuhyaku kyuujuunendai ni tenkai suru.
  • The story unfolds in the 1990s.)

Continue Learning

Ready to expand your Japanese skills even further? Check out these related lessons from "Japanese from Japan" to deepen your understanding of language and culture:

• Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations: Curious about the Japanese used here? Our Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations lesson covers this in depth.
• Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases: Want to learn more about culture? Check out our lesson on Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases.
• Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences: Ready to dive deeper? Our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences will help you master these concepts.

As you continue your journey with Japanese, remember that stories like シャープさんフラットさん aren’t just entertainment—they’re a gateway to understanding the heart of Japan. Keep exploring, keep learning, and let’s uncover the beauty of this language together.

これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.