These subtitles are timed to the video on the DVD. There are certain bits of dialogue that I'm not 100% sure of but I've referenced the sixth Showa novel in the making of the subtitles so hopefully, there are minimal mistakes. If you do spot anything glaringly off, just let me know.


English subtitles for Yashashuu Boogie Woogie (the third Mirage Showa Hen stage play)
Subtitle Formats: SSA / SRT 
Transcript: PDF

Tech Tips
Just a couple of suggestions on how you may use these subtitles.

• Rip the video from your DVD and burn the subtitles together with the video onto a new DVD. Or you can simply store both the ripped video and subtitles in the same folder on your computer/external drive, make sure the file names are identical and play the video.
• Play your DVD on your computer using a media player that can load external subtitles. VLC player is a good one to use. If you're on a Windows platform, Media Player Classic also has this function.

If you have any technical difficulties or issues with the subtitles, such as out-of-sync timing, feel free to let me know and I'll try to help you out.

I've been so overwhelmed with work recently that I've been away from my Mirage translating (subtitles are 75% done) but I finally received my copy of the Gurenzaka Blues play today and just finished watching it.

Considering that this is a condensation of 3 (?) books it's understandable that the story doesn't flow as well as the first two plays. The atmosphere of the entire play is relatively more intense but there isn't as good a buildup or a true climax in the story-telling IMO. What I'm really still thinking about is the cast this time round.

Among the new members of the cast, Kanegae Kou is far and away the MVP with his performance as Kousaka. His Kousaka is freaking brilliant. Period.

I like the new Minako (played by Onogawa) better. Imade plays a fine Minako but I wasn't convinced that she could play Kagetora well from her performance when she was possessed by the dragon god/Takeda spirits. Onogawa has a very strong presence as Minako, perhaps a bit stronger than I expected for the character, so I can somewhat imagine her as Kagetora. Also, she has very good chemistry with Tomita and I really enjoyed their scenes together.

Hiramaki Jin's Naoe is most certainly better than Aramaki's. That said, I don't think he hit all the notes as Naoe. I found his performance a little uneven. He's very good in certain scenes like Naoe's grief over the death of Kasahara's parents but I feel that he didn't quite capture Naoe's cold, scary facade of barely concealed jealousy. To give him some credit, his last scene with Tomita is splendid and I really felt that I was watching Kagetora and Naoe. 

The returning cast is great as usual. Tsukui is still my favorite besides Tomita. Hayashi also got a chance to shine as Ranmaru. His scene with Tomita is fantastic.

I feel like I'm starting to sound like a broken record when it comes to Tomita as Kagetora but the man is truly the heart and soul of the Shouwa plays. I love the way he can balance authority and vulnerability in his performance.

These subtitles are timed to the video on the DVD. There are certain bits of dialogue that I'm not 100% sure of but I've referenced the third Showa novel in the making of the subtitles so hopefully, there are minimal mistakes. If you do spot anything glaringly off, just let me know.


English subtitles for Ruritsubame Blues (the second Mirage Showa Hen stage play)
Subtitle Formats: SSA / SRT 
Transcript: PDF

Tech Tips
Just a couple of suggestions on how you may use these subtitles.

• Rip the video from your DVD and burn the subtitles together with the video onto a new DVD. Or you can simply store both the ripped video and subtitles in the same folder on your computer/external drive, make sure the file names are identical and play the video.
• Play your DVD on your computer using a media player that can load external subtitles. VLC player is a good one to use. If you're on a Windows platform, Media Player Classic also has this function.

If you have any technical difficulties or issues with the subtitles, such as out-of-sync timing, feel free to let me know and I'll try to help you out.

Because I'm fangirling the plays (and Tomita) so hard right now...

These subtitles are timed to the video on the DVD. There are certain bits of dialogue that I'm not 100% sure of but I've referenced the first Showa novel and the first Kaiko novel in the making of the subtitles so hopefully, there are minimal mistakes. If you do spot anything glaringly off, just let me know.


English subtitles for Yonakidori Blues (the first Mirage Showa Hen stage play)
Subtitle Formats: SSA / SRT 
Transcript: PDF

Tech Tips
Just a couple of suggestions on how you may use these subtitles.

• Rip the video from your DVD and burn the subtitles together with the video onto a new DVD. Or you can simply store both the ripped video and subtitles in the same folder on your computer/external drive, make sure the file names are identical and play the video.
• Play your DVD on your computer using a media player that can load external subtitles. VLC player is a good one to use. If you're on a Windows platform, Media Player Classic also has this function.

If you have any technical difficulties or issues with the subtitles, such as out-of-sync timing, feel free to let me know and I'll try to help you out.

I guess it's only fitting that my first post in five years is Mirage-related. I've been away for so long that it actually feels kind of strange to be writing a post. Anyway, I've to thank labingi  for making me remember the Mirage plays. Truth be told, when I first saw the announcement that the Showa prequel was going to be adapted into a stage play in 2014, I was skeptical. And then I was out of fandom for a long time due to RL, during which I completely forgot about the project. But I've purchased all three DVDs now and I guess this is my long, rambling review of the plays.

Note: This post will contain spoilers.


^My DVDs with the free tote bag (calligraphy by Tomita Shou) and photo that came with my purchase.

( Read more... )

On a last note, I believe these plays are well worth owning for any Mirage fan. So if you can, do support the production by purchasing the DVDs. I realize the DVDs are not easy to get because the main shop doesn't ship outside Japan. You can try finding a parcel forwarding service for your country though you'll need to understand enough Japanese to order the DVDs on the website. Otherwise, look for a proxy shopping service. I can recommend CDJapan. Their site is in English and they can purchase items sold on other websites on your behalf (with service charges) and ship almost anywhere internationally. The three Mirage plays are already listed on the Proxy Shipping section of their site (1,2,3).

The Mirage of Blaze Showa Hen plays are a great addition to the Mirage universe and I'm looking forward to owning the fourth play on DVD. In fact, I'm hoping that these plays will be financially successful enough to move beyond the Showa prequels.