Creating a Stage Together: Three Japanese-Language Theater Companies

DOCU! SOPHIA

Meet our three Japanese-language theater companies, where students spend long hours together creating, rehearsing, and bringing a production to life.

Sophia Little Square Theatre Company

This year marks our 45th anniversary. We usually perform together with Drama Study Group and Theater Company Kanransha as one of Sophia’s three Japanese-language theater companies, staging performances roughly once a month in the historic auditorium of Building 1. This April, we staged Michishirube wa Kenban no Ue ni (“A Guiding Light on the Piano Keys”) on our own over three days, depicting the life of Chopin, to enthusiastic audience response. For each production, members work behind the scenes in teams responsible for stage design, lighting, sound, and production. Starting with nothing but an empty floor, we build the stage as we envision it and create intimate small-theater productions.

July 2025 production, Aisare Ruuto A or B? (“Beloved Route: A or B?”) The decorations outside the theater were made by the production team; the panel set was built up from a bare floor by the stage crew.

April 2026 production, Michishirube wa Kenban no Ue ni (“A Guiding Light on the Piano Keys”). A performer under the stage lights, next to a piano prop built by students.

Signboard for the July 2025 production, Aisare Route A or B?

The stage set depicting a park.

Drama Study Group

We stage performances on an occasional basis in the auditorium of Building 1. We are actively involved in theater production, including writing and directing Harisenbon na Kimi ga Ii (“I Like You Just the Way You Are”) for a joint production by Sophia’s three theater companies in May 2026. Theater may seem a little daunting, but our rehearsals are actually relaxed and fun, with members joking around and enjoying themselves. When it comes time to perform, though, everyone steps fully into their roles and engages intensely with each other on stage. We also put a great deal of effort into our staging, using colorful lighting and immersive sound to create a more dynamic experience. We’d love for you to come see one of our performances!

The cast huddling together before the performance.

April 2025 production, Ashita wa Kimi no Sekai (“Tomorrow Is Your World”). The protagonist sinking to the floor in sorrow.

A scene from a regular rehearsal.

April 2025 production, Ashita wa Kimi no Sekai (“Tomorrow Is Your World”): The protagonist, Shoya, trying to persuade Yuki to stay.

Theater Company Kanransha

We stage around two productions a year in the auditorium of Building 1. In recent years, we’ve also been putting on many original works written by our members. Our recent productions have covered a wide range of genres, including Aitsu wa Itsumo (“Moonlight Sonata”), an ensemble drama that draws parallels between the moon and other people and portrays a diverse cast of characters as they navigate their relationships with those around them, and Dear My Friend, which depicts a day in the life of a university student caught up in an incident, using a staging approach similar to a single-location film. Involved in a variety of activities, we also take part in events like joint classroom performances during the Sophia Festival by Sophia’s three Japanese-language theater companies.