Akimoto Yasushi’s latest project – Gekidan $4.50

While not every project that producer Akimoto Yasushi had started became successful, one can’t deny that he has had incredible success from AKB48, SKE48, NMB48, HKT48, Nogizaka46, Keyakizaka46 and many more projects he was involved in.

But this time, Akimoto’s latest project is the Gekidan $4.50 ($4.50 Theater Company).  But unlike other theater companies, it’s also an entertainment group in which members take part in musical activities, dramas, movies, models, variety shows, etc.

The name Gekidan $4.50 was inspired by the Janis Joplin’s death (who died of a heroin overdose and had $4.50 clutched in her hand) but also inspired by Janis Joplin’s grasping of that $4.50 and he saw that one should grasp onto $4.50 as a dream like Janis.

Of why he created the Gekidan $4.50, Akimoto said, “It’s best to try new things because its very interesting and the amazing power of amaeturs is wonderful.  The possibilities are great and because everyone is a gemstone, there is a possibility to see which is a diamond”.

In some ways, as he has done with the popular idol groups he produced which have performances at their own theater and then their goal of working on their own personal careers in entertainment, Gekidan $4.50 focuses on a talents with potential and will take part in plays.

In a collaboration with Avex, 31 people were selected (21 women and 10 men) from 5,000 people.  Many are amateurs and are undergoing real training.

Gekidan $4.50 took part in pre-plays at the Spiral Hall in November and performances scheduled at Kinokuniya Hall this month.

And already, members of Gekidan $4.50 took part in the PS4 Call of Duty ad campaign.

Members Kunimori Sakura, Maeda Yuyasa, Fukushima Yukina, Yukawa Reika have appeared in numerous magazines.

In fact, some of Akimoto’s successful plans that he pulled off with the idol groups are evident with $4.50.  Kunimori Sakura is the “center” of $4.50, an amateur, shy face but wanting to show that an ordinary girl can truly shine, as he has done with AKB48’s Maeda Atsuko and Nogizaka46’s Ikoma Rina.

Gekidan $4.50 center Kunimori Sakura who hails from Hiroshima is a high school senior.  She worked part-time at a yakiniku restaurant and earned pocket money to travel from Hiroshima to Tokyo to audition.

Because of her inexperience and her shy personality, she does feel pressure as center.  But Maeda Atsuko of AKB48 was the same way and was able to blossom as center.  Akimoto hopes to see if Kunimori can blossom.

But what won Akimoto was her reply to why she auditioned.

Kunimori said, “I wouldn’t know if I would make it if I don’t try.  I thought I want to give it a shot for my future and so I auditioned.”

Kunimori also said, “I am inexperienced when it comes to acting, singing, dancing and I’m not as good as other theater company members.  But I will do it for myself with a smile and I hope to grow in the future.”

Akimoto remembered Maeda’s response during her audition, when Maeda said, “I want to change myself because I am shy, I want to become an actress”.

Kunimori was asked about her future goals and she responded, “First, I want to make this theatrical group the best in Japan.  I want to get work as an actress individually, take part in CM and grow in experience and become a well-known actress.  I want people to say they want to watch this drama because it features Kunimori Sakura.”.

And Kunimori is just one of the talented people in the group, 30 others also want to show they can grow as part of the theater company and work hard at it.

Gekidan $4.50 have also partnered with Showroom and many members having their own channel on Showroom.

And you can also see how each member are doing through their blog.

For more information on Gekidan $4.50, please visit their official website.

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