As a related program to the 79th Tony Awards ceremony (June 8th Japan time), which will be broadcast live exclusively on WOWOW, visuals have been released for " Taiga Kyomoto Hello Tony! 2026," a program in which Taiga Kyomoto of the popular group SixTONES conveys the charm of the Tony Awards. For its third year, this year's program was filmed in South Korea, the birthplace of "Maybe, Happy Ending," which won the Tony Award for Best Musical last year.
" Taiga Kyomoto Hello Tony! 2026" will be broadcast and streamed on WOWOW Live and WOWOW On Demand, with the first part airing on April 26th at 6:30 PM and the second part on May 24th at 4:15 PM. Prior to the program, an interview with Kyomoto, in which he talks about his experiences filming in Korea and his thoughts on the Tony Awards, has also been released.
During this filming in South Korea, Kyomoto visited Daehak-ro, a theater district with 150 theaters, and watched the musical "Sisyphus." He also visited the Korea National University of Arts, which trains professional theater artists. The released program visuals were shot at Marronnier Park, a symbol of Daehak-ro.
During the filming, Kyomoto also had a conversation with actor Choi Woo-hyuk, who has experience playing the same role of Rudolf as Kyomoto in the musical "Elisabeth." They talked about commonalities in their approach to character development. Choi Woo-hyuk is also scheduled to appear as John in the musical "Miss Saigon" in Japan this fall.
◇ Interview with Taiga Kyomoto
--How was your visit to South Korea? Please tell us what left the biggest impression on you.
My visit to Korea lasted only two days, but it was a truly intense 48 hours. I went to Daehak-ro, an area with 150 theaters, and saw the musical "Sisyphus." The theater had a capacity of about 300 people, and I was sitting in the very back, but the stage was close, and I felt the same energy as if I were sitting in the front. There were only four performers, and each of them had tremendous energy. I was overwhelmed not only by their technical skills but also by their extra "power to connect" with the audience. They completely captivated me from the very beginning! It made me realize, in a way, that good works truly resonate with the hearts of the audience, regardless of the size of the venue or the number of cast members.
--I heard that you met actor Choi Woo-hyuk, who mainly works in musicals, and that you hit it off while you were there?
Yes, we exchanged contact information! Woo-hyuk is a very sociable, calm, and kind person. I'm a bit shy around new people, but since Woo-hyuk is only one year older than me, I felt like he was like an older brother, and we hit it off right away. We asked each other all sorts of questions even when the cameras weren't rolling. We were able to share information about each other's country's culture and the state of musicals, and it was a really fun time.
What surprised me most during our conversation was the fundamental difference in our schedules. When I said, "For a matinee performance, I arrive at the venue at 10 AM and start putting on my makeup," Woo-hyuk looked incredulous and said, "My body isn't awake at that time, and I can't speak!" (laughs). Apparently, in Korea, matinee performances starting at 12 or 1 PM are uncommon, so it was fascinating to hear about these differences firsthand. In addition to the questions I had prepared beforehand, I also got off on tangents and asked lots of questions that I wanted to know. I think the filming scene with Woo-hyuk is filled with my own feelings!
--Regarding this year's Tony Awards ceremony, could you tell us again about your thoughts and enthusiasm for performing with Yoshio Inoue and Emma Miyazawa at the ceremony in June?
Last time, Yoshio-san was in Osaka and Emma and I were in Tokyo, so our studios were in different locations. I'm really looking forward to the three of us being able to gather in the same place again. Their knowledge is truly amazing, so I'm curious to hear their thoughts on various works and I'm excited to hear their comments. In a live broadcast situation where editing is impossible, their ability to adapt to the situation and the sense of security they provide, as well as the good pace that makes the four hours fly by, always making the broadcast feel like it's over in an instant. In that context, since I'm from a slightly different generation, I think my role is to convey what I feel from my own perspective.
--This is your third time as a special supporter. Have you noticed any changes in your own perspective?
The first time I jumped in without knowing anything, but as I gradually learned more, a sense of responsibility began to grow within me. I'm the type of person who wants to study whenever I have the time, but the fact that my whirlwind trip to see the musical "Once" in Korea didn't just end with "Oh, it's playing in Korea right now..." was a big deal. I think the Tony Awards and exposure to overseas musicals have greatly influenced the ability to take action and say, "Let's go!" I feel that my engagement with the works is becoming more profound year by year, and that my sincerity towards the works is deepening.
--Once again, please tell us about the appeal of the Tony Awards and give a message to the viewers!
I believe the Tony Awards ceremony is a wonderful, festive space where everyone involved in theater and musicals—not just the winners, but everyone involved—can celebrate together. I would be happy if my involvement could convey the charm of live theater and the excitement of musicals to people who don't usually have many opportunities to experience it, and I think being able to contribute in that way would bring me great joy.
Every year, I myself find new goals and dreams through the Tony Awards. By learning about the various works that enlivened the past year and experiencing parts of the performances, I am truly inspired, thinking things like, "There are such themes," or "That direction is amazing..." It makes me think, "If this work comes to Japan, I want to play this role," or "Even if I'm not in it, I'll definitely go see it," and I think that being moved in that way is a major appeal of the Tony Awards. If viewers learn about the Tony Awards ceremony through me, learn about musical works from around the world, and become interested in seeing them when they come to Japan, I think that will be a way of giving back to the theater and musical world.
