Watanabe, who has appeared in the play since its premiere in 2021, and this is his second time in the show, happily greeted the audience, saying, "I am now thinking of doing this play to help fund my retirement.

Regarding her impression of Ms. Muroi, with whom she will be working together for the first time, she said, "I am looking forward to the change of pace. I think we will be able to work together like a comic duo with interesting nuances," she said with an excited expression. Regarding the role she will play, she said, "Atsuko is a nice young lady from a castle town. She seems solid and a bit ditzy, a typical housewife in her 50s. When the issue of weddings and funerals comes up, she comes face to face with the fact that she has been vain and worrisome," she commented.

About the work itself, he said, "This is a play that people in their 80s and 90s can watch and still feel energized. I am relieved by the positive ending, which encourages us to believe in human beings and the love of family," he said.

Mr. Muroi, who is participating for the first time, opened his speech by saying, "I am learning to sing from an opera singer, but I have no idea how to sing," because he has to sing on stage. I also ride a bicycle to strengthen my core. I want to do my best on this stage, taking my old age into consideration.

As for co-starring with Mr. Watanabe, he said, "I would like to have Mr. Watanabe direct me. I want to do my best as a trainee," he said in confidence. As for her own role as Satsuki, she said, "I think her husband is the life of the story. If something happens to her husband, she might be surprisingly fragile and do bad things to support him." Ms. Watanabe said, "I was once told by a customer that 'Satsuki's family seems happier than Atsuko's family. Maybe we can show that kind of contrast. This will be interesting (laughs).

When asked about the work itself, Muroi said, "I think the Corona disaster has made it clear to me how I will live when I grow old. My friends don't want to be a burden to their children. Some, like me, will not have children, and I want to continue working as much as possible. I think that society as a whole needs to think about what true happiness is in the future. I hope this play will be an opportunity to think about such issues," he said.

The topic of "retirement funds" has become a hot topic of conversation, and it is something that we cannot afford to ignore. The two actors, who are performing together for the first time, will sing, dance, and tell a humorous and light-hearted story that will make you laugh away your worries.