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https://thetv.jp/news/detail/1076832/

Miyajima Yugo (ORβIT) - his first time challenging the musical stage! What he has in common with his role Aladdin in the musical “Magi” is “We are more than just cute!”

The popular “Weekly Shonen Sunday” comic “Magi” turns into a musical under the name “Magi - Dungeon Suite -“. YUGO from the boy group ORβIT has been announced to play the main character, Aladdin, under the name Miyajima Yugo. For Miyajima who has the reputation of having cute visuals and solid performance abilities, it is the first time to act and stand on the musical stage. We asked him directly about his current state of mind, which is a mix of worry and anticipation, and his fresh enthusiasm.

Furthermore, it has been decided that Miyajima is going to appear in “The Television Show Vol.6” released on 26th March. Look forward to a styling you will only find there and a shooting at a location similar to the image of “Magi”.

“Magi” is youth ! The unexpected appearance in the musical of the beloved manga

Which was the first thing you felt when it was decided that you will appear in the musical “Magi”?
I was honestly happy! There was also worry and nervousness, but it is a manga I have loved for a long time.

So you also like the original work!
I was reading the manga right when I was in middle school! Hence, I was surprised! It was so unexpected! Right now the worry has become big. I'm worried whether I can do it well, because I wonder how I will be seen by the people who like “Magi” and because it is my first time to act.
TN: It might be worth mentioning that the target audience of the magazine “Weekly Shonen Sunday” in which “Magi” was published are 10-14 year old boys, hence older elementary school students - middle school students.

What do you find interesting about “Magi”?
It gave me a really thrilling experience and it felt like youth! I was really into it that much. What I like the most about “Magi” is… it’s hard to narrow down to the number 1 but (laughs) I really like the story because each of them has their own way of thinking and it makes you rethink your own current way of thinking. Each one of the characters has their own justice and the way of how (their interpretations of) justice clash with each other resembles our current society.

I want to cherish standing in front of an audience and the live performances

How do you feel regarding the character Aladdin?
Aladdin is cute on the first glance, but I think he is more than this, as he stays true to his values and he is a strong kid who got something inside of him. What we have in common… it is “we are more than just cute!” after all. A lot of people tell me I look like a young boy on the first glance, but I feel I might be like Aladdin in the regard that I stay true to my values.

Hopefully by expanding what you two have in common, a charming Aladdin can be born who only you can create.
It’s really like this. I still don’t know where to start in preparing for the role… Right now I’m studying the manga. Because it’s important to be able to be like him. And from there, I start to learn the lines one after another! But I guess since it is my first time it is still difficult for me. I want to take my time and do my best.

Did you have the wish to challenge the theatre stage from the start?
I always had it! Songs and music videos are recorded and filmed and brought to the fans in a beautiful state, but theatre stages and musicals are live. I also had live shows as part of the group activities, but I want to cherish live performances, so I always had the wish to challenge (theatre) acting or musicals.

You have the major role of the main character on your first musical stage.
I‘m actually the youngest one of the cast. Thus, I hope that I can be of support when I can and receive support when I need it… I hope to learn a lot from my seniors and create a good atmosphere at the location and the rehearsals by being there.

Was there any encouragement from the ORβIT members?
Everyone was really supportive and sent me out, saying “Do your best”. Also, they gave me the advice “Watch out because you blink a lot when you are nervous” (laughs). I want the members to come to watch it. Because this is my first solo work… and it’s even the role of Aladdin! I’m nervous but grateful.

Transforming into Aladdin for the promotion photo shooting “had been so much fun”

The main pictures have been released, but how was the shooting?
Before I wore the costume I wondered “Can I really become Aladdin?”, but once I wore both the costume and the wig I started to truly feel that “I can be Aladdin finally!”. The shooting had been so much fun. Having a different make-up than usual, wearing colour contact lenses, everything was so much fun.

When it comes to musicals it surely feels different from performing as a group?
That’s right. I only know how to sing in a pop music style, but in musicals it’s also different how you feel the rhythm and so on. It’s an amazing opportunity and I think I will learn a lot.

Is there a point that makes you think I want to improve here through this work?
Of course it’s acting and singing, but I want to work hard on not getting nervous and staying calm when standing in front of the audience. Since we formed the group we haven’t stood in front of an audience yet… but we did an online live once. This is my first time, so I have to make sure not to get nervous!

Do you have any strategies against nervousness that you are currently considering?
I think the only way is to keep on practising after all. If you are confident about it, you won’t be nervous, so I want to work hard until I won’t be nervous anymore and feel absolutely alright about it!

“Something you can only see here” Attention to the songs unique to the musical

Your co-stars come from various genres, but is there anything that makes you think “In this I won’t lose to them!”?
As my main job, I do singing and dancing, so I try not to lose to them in these aspects. There are a lot of amazing people in the cast, so I want to work hard not to lose to them. What I want everyone to pay the most attention to… of course the songs! I want everyone to come to listen to those. I think I will sing differently from when I’m with the group, in a way that you can only witness there, so I hope that you will come to the theatre.

Lastly, please tell us what you look forward to in the musical “Magi”?
Standing in front of the audience is what I'm looking forward the most to after all. I wonder how they will receive what we have worked hard on in rehearsals and practises…? I’m going to work hard while looking forward to the reaction of the audience!