Kamata March Finale ~ Gin's Departure

Kazukiyo Nishikiori

Kazukiyo Nishikori is a renowned theater director. He is a master at bringing stories to life on the theatrical stage, creating immersive and emotional experiences that have drawn audiences from all walks of life. His work has been hailed as both profound and entertaining. He has a magic touch for turning a musical or a play into beautiful choreography that wows the audience from the moment the curtain opens until the end. Kazukiyo Nishikori has directed over 30 musicals and theater plays throughout his career, creating unforgettable performances that captivated Asian audiences. In addition to his work in the theater, he has performed in countless musicals since the 1980s. His unique style and infectious energy have won him multiple awards and a legion of devoted fans. Kazukiyo Nishikori continues to push boundaries to express his artistic vision. His passion for theater and commitment to excellence have made him one of the most influential figures in the Japanese entertainment industry.

Sophia Huang

Sophia Huang is a dynamic theater producer whose groundbreaking work seamlessly combines innovative stage technology with timeless theatrical traditions. She is also the President of the non-profit organization, International Performing Arts Consortium. Armed with a remarkable academic background—including a Doctorate in Applied Statistics and Multimedia Teaching from the University of San Francisco, an M.F.A. in Film from the Academy of Art University, a Master’s in Machine Learning and Data Science from UC Berkeley, and an M.B.A. from the University of San Francisco School of Business—Huang brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective to the world of theater. Her passion for storytelling was evident from her early days as the leading actress and part of the production team for the short film The Confessional, which garnered her a Student Emmy Award. Under the mentorship of two-time Tony Award–winning producer Ken Davenport, Huang honed her expertise in behind-the-scenes Broadway technology. In recent years, she has pioneered using VR/Motion Design subtitles to revitalize traditional Japanese theater, capturing new audiences and bridging art, technology, and international stage production. Eager to introduce this innovative form to a broader global community, Sophia Huang continues expanding the boundaries of theatrical creativity, elevating the live performance experience both on Broadway and worldwide.

Kohei Tsuka

Kōhei Tsuka is an influential Japanese theater luminary who revolutionized playwriting and directing from the 1970s onward. His iconic “Atami Murder Case,” recognized by the Kishida Kunio Drama Award, sparked the “Tsuka Boom.” Known for his “Kutitate” method emphasizing improvisation, Tsuka produced plays like “Stripper Story” and “Kamata March,” earning top honors including the Naoki Prize. He established the Kita-ku Kōhei Tsuka Theater Company and impacted Korean theater with international stagings. Famed for blending social critique with humor, Tsuka’s characters exude raw emotion reminiscent of Shakespeare. His rigorous training shaped notable actors, ensuring a lasting legacy for his timeless works.

Haoyang Chen

Haoyang Chen is a visionary 3D/VR Design Director whose groundbreaking work in stage multimedia and floating subtitle design has garnered him the prestigious Red Dot Design Award two years running (2021, 2022). Renowned for his expertise in 3D animation, visual effects, and motion design, he boasts international experience from his tenure at The Orphanage in San Francisco, where he contributed to the blockbuster hits Superman Returns and The Host. A dedicated educator as Associate Chair and Assistant Professor in the Department of Visual Communication Design at Kun Shan University, Chen has received multiple Excellence in Teaching Awards for nurturing the next generation of creative talent. Beyond academia, he serves as a digital media consultant for the Chimei Museum, spearheading dynamic image design for special exhibitions and pioneering virtual training systems for the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science & Technology. From cultural installations like Pingtung’s “Feng Ying Wang” imagery animation and the dance drama The Unforgettable Scenery of That Year, to the Lantern Festival’s dazzling projection mapping, Chen’s distinctive blend of art and technology has transformed live events into immersive, cutting-edge experiences. Frequently invited to judge professional competitions and engage in international academic exchanges, Chen Haoyang continues to elevate Taiwan’s multimedia design on the global stage—bridging VR innovation and theater in a way that promises to shape Broadway’s evolving future.

Tun-Chih Chi

Tun-Chih Chi is a trailblazing 3D/VR Technical Director whose pioneering work showcases the evolving synergy between cutting-edge animation and live theater. Co-director of Taiwan’s first sci-fi animated film, Heavy Armor Machine God: Divine Descent, Chih’s portfolio spans comics, animation, 3D modeling, VR design, and mastery of tools like AE, PR, Blender, and 3DMAX. A graduate of Tainan National University of the Arts, Chih has earned accolades including a Government Information Office Original Comic Subsidy, a Special Award from the Kadokawa Manga Awards, and recognition for album packaging design at the Golden Melody Awards. As founder of Nine Chicks Animation Studio, he has also produced VR disaster demonstrations that highlight his technical versatility and problem-solving acumen. Committed to expanding the global reach of Taiwanese animation, Chih participated in the “Taiwan Animation IP — Stars of the Future 2018” nationwide theatrical tour and the Taiwan Animation Exchange Tea Party, fostering collaboration among industry professionals, academics, and audiences. His animated short film, Hungry Man Sells Electricity, has amassed over six million views in Japan and online, underlining his talent’s international resonance. By integrating 3D/VR innovation into both cinematic and theatrical storytelling, Chi Tun Chih stands as a dynamic force driving the future of stage design, elevating live performances with immersive, next-generation visuals—an approach perfectly aligned with Broadway’s constant pursuit of creative evolution.