In April, it was discovered that 75-year-old actor Makoto Fujita has esophageal cancer and has been undergoing radiation therapy for it. This past Monday, he received additional treatment in the form of surgery, which is said to have gone well.

Because of his illness, Fujita had to step down from his role in the play "Kenkaku Shobai," which starts in Tokyo this month. He was replaced by Mikijiro Hira, though he was scheduled to make his return for the Osaka performances that start in September. However, Fujita's doctor has advised him to rest for the entire summer while he continues to be treated, pushing his comeback until fall at the earliest. As a result, the show has had its Osaka run canceled.

This is the first time that the Shochikuza has canceled a show since the theater opened in 1997.