On September 11, 2025, the long-running play "GEAR" in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward celebrated its 5,000th performance. This non-verbal entertainment has proven popular with audiences both in Japan and abroad, and audience numbers are expected to soon exceed 350,000. Organizers commented, "This was only possible because of the small theater."
Set in a dilapidated factory, "GEAR" tells the story of a humanoid robot working there and its interactions with toy dolls made there. The 90-minute performance features physical expressions such as dance, magic, and juggling, as well as lighting and video effects.
The show began in 2012 in a dedicated 100-seat theater in the 1928 Building in Sanjo Gokocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. Performances have continued with updated productions, even overcoming the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many audience members return, and the show is popular with foreign visitors to Japan, with attendees from over 80 countries.
During the curtain call at this milestone performance, the cast members came on stage holding up signs reading "5,000 Performances Reached." Yuka Hyodo, who played Doll, expressed her gratitude, saying, "We're just passing the milestone. We look forward to your continued support in the future," to which the audience responded with thunderous applause.
General Producer Hiroto Obara (65 years old) expressed his gratitude, saying, "We've come a long way. The audience supported the staff and cast's determination to create something great."
