"A3!" Winter Group's solo event "Winter Party! 2025" evening show report: All Winter Group cast members appear, plus a surprise appearance by Hirofumi Sakai as Sakuwa Saya
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/360/G036073/20250911042/
Writer: Tangsanda | 2025/10/09 11:00 (UTC)
Libre Entertainment’s “A3! (Ace-Three)” (iOS / Android) is a handsome actor training game where you play as the director and general supervisor of MANKAI COMPANY, watching over a diverse cast of performers divided into four groups—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Starting with “MANKAI COMPANY presents ‘Spring Party! 2024’” held in March 2024, fan meetings for each group were gradually held, culminating in the final event: the solo winter group special “MANKAI COMPANY presents ‘Winter Party! 2025’”, which took place on September 6, 2025 at Morinomiya Hall 21 Grand Theater in Chiba Prefecture.
The event featured the entire winter group cast! This report covers the evening show (Soirée), where Hiroki Sakai made a surprise appearance as Saya Suzuka and major announcements were revealed.
MANKAI COMPANY presents “Winter Party! 2025”
■Cast (Courtesy titles omitted)
[Winter Group]
Tsuyoshi Tsukasa: Toshiki Tamamori
Sei Takato: Takaya Sato
Mitsu Okage: Dento Terashima
Yuki Aoi: Rikiya Toyohara
Tou Shirokami: Tetsuya Kikumaru
Guy: Satoshi Hino[Spring Group]
Saya Suzuka: Hiroki Sakai
A Bloom of Smiles at the Venue, Inspired by Tsuyoshi
Audiences (players) normally take on the role of director and general supervisor for MANKAI COMPANY. However, as this event was a fan meeting format, attendees were able to experience it from the perspective of an enthusiastic fan watching over the winter group’s performances.
The opening began with a greeting (reading drama) by the winter group members—creating immersive theater-like staging that made guests feel like they’d truly arrived at their own special event.
First came introductions from each member. Though the winter group generally carries a calm atmosphere, the cast’s talent shone through in an abundance of ad-libs. Laughter echoed continuously throughout the venue as the mood remained warm and lively, marking a joyful start to the event. Notably, since they had just concluded their 12th performance, “The Flame of Yellow Heaven,” this gathering also carried celebratory undertones.
One particularly memorable moment was the call-and-response between cast and audience. Poet Yuki passionately reciting poetry, Sei practicing vocal exercises—each unique exchange sparked enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. Sei responded without using a microphone, projecting his voice clearly even to the third-floor seats.
Additionally, Tsuyoshi—who enjoys tending plants—requested that everyone shout “Buru-buru” together so they could be rewarded with a blooming smile in return: “Blumming.” As Yuki put it, “Let’s make blossoms of smiles across the venue and the winter group!” And indeed, laughter spread throughout the audience, wrapping the hall in warmth.
Following the reading drama, the cast held a retrospective segment on their recent performances. Reflecting the winter group’s frequent serious dramas and fantastical works, they shared many vivid stories about memorable costumes and favorite props.
Toshiki Tamamori
Takaya Sato
Dento Terashima
Rikiya Toyohara
Tetsuya Kikumaru
Satoshi Hino
Miracle Happens in the Tradition: “Elegant Test”!
Next came “The Elegant Test Party for True Gentlemen,” a fun game where two options were presented and participants had to choose which matched the theme—essentially a ranking-style quiz. Teams of two were formed: Tamamori & Sato, Terashima & Toyohara, Kikumaru & Hino.
Audiences joined in by using event merchandise “‘Winter Party! 2025’ AB Answer Cards” and light sticks to predict correct answers and send hints to the cast. This long-running favorite was given a fresh twist this time: two small rooms labeled A and B were set up on stage, mirroring the original format—making it feel authentic.
Additionally, surprise guest host Hiroki Sakai appeared as Saya Suzuka from the spring group, sending shockwaves of delight through the crowd.
This “Elegant Test” had also been held during the matinee (afternoon show), where Tamamori & Sato team ranked as “Second-rate Voice Actors,” Terashima & Toyohara as “Average Voice Actors,” and Kikumaru & Hino as “Third-rate Voice Actors.” For the evening performance, teams began with their previous rankings and attempted to improve—creating suspenseful drama.
The first question asked participants to identify a painting titled “Winter” (a real artwork by Arcimboldo). Each team’s representative answered. Sato and Kikumaru chose A; Toyohara alone picked B. During responses, cast members delivered dramatic performances with camera appeals—making every moment visually engaging.
Result: Toyohara was correct. Tamamori & Sato dropped to “Third-rate Voice Actors,” while Kikumaru & Hino were demoted to “Look-alikes.” Instantly, the duo launched into impromptu stage names and delivered comedic ad-libs as Look-alikes, erupting laughter across the venue.
The second question involved guessing the correct drum performance. Contestants were Tamamori, Terashima, and Hino; only Terashima chose A—and correctly so! Tamamori & Sato dropped to “Look-alikes,” while Tamamori and Sato’s comedic act as rural look-alikes brought loud cheers. Kikumaru & Hino ultimately fell to the lowest rank: “Nobody.”
The third question was a special challenge centered on poetry—correct answers would raise your rank by one, incorrect ones would drop it by two—a high-stakes situation. All team members answered; Terashima & Toyohara chose A, while the other two teams picked B.
Result: Only Terashima & Toyohara team got it right, rising to “First-rate Voice Actors!” The other two teams dropped even lower than “Nobody,” exiting the stage in shock—making for a dramatic and unforgettable climax.
Filled with laughter and surprise, this segment highlighted the sharp eye of judgment by Terashima & Toyohara’s team and the cast’s impressive improvisational talent.
Original Reading Drama Using Fan Letters
The reading drama segment featured real fan letters collected via the official website, with cast members reading them aloud and responding on the spot—must-see content for fans.
In “MANKAI Fan Letter (Futso-ta Corner),” questions focused on secrets known only between roommates. Stories included Yuki hiding premium marshmallows from Mitsu; Tsuyoshi and Sei revealing their long-standing relationship had no hidden secrets at all—all offering glimpses into the cast members’ close bonds.
A fan letter was also shared by someone who joined a local theater troupe after being inspired by MANKAI COMPANY and made their stage debut. When asked what they saw on stage, the cast responded with personal reflections: “It felt like my place in this world,” or “My perspective changed as I gained experience”—each sharing how their own journey shaped their view of performance.
In the segment “Winter Group Member Fan Favorites!”, fans submitted brief 50-character descriptions highlighting each member’s charm. Tsuyoshi’s sincerity toward acting, Sei’s passion, Mitsu’s wide-ranging talent, Yuki’s diverse abilities, Tou’s unique presence, and Guy’s personal growth—each comment radiated deep affection, filling the hall with shared nods of understanding.
Live Performances: “Shintai,” “Es no Yūutsu,” and “UNMASK”!
After a recap of the winter group’s 12 previous performances through video, it was time for the live performance segment. The stage featured hits from their past shows, with costumes tailored to each character. Every instrumental intro triggered massive applause—confirming how deeply these songs are cherished as core elements of their works.
First song: “Shintai” from the third performance, “Midnight Inhabitants.” A sofa identical to the flyer was placed on stage, launching the act with a toast scene between Kyuutou Reo (portrayed by Tetsuya Kikumaru / voice: Tetsuya Kikumaru) and Seio Kotaro (portrayed by Takaya Sato / voice: Takaya Sato).
Heart-wrenching yet sensual lyrics, combined with the perfect emotional distance between the two characters—drawing audiences in. This marked the first time Tetsuya Kikumaru performed a live duet; the beautiful harmony left the audience spellbound.
Second song: “Es no Yūutsu” from the second performance, “The Master Is Obsessed with Mysteries.” According to Rikiya Toyohara, this performance was designed as an “alternate story after solving the case,” featuring new choreography different from previous versions. The unspoken understanding between Ryusima Kei (portrayed by Rikiya Toyohara / voice: Rikiya Toyohara) and Tōjō Shiki (portrayed by Dento Terashima / voice: Dento Terashima) came across vividly through dance.
Third song: “UNMASK” from the fourth performance of the new winter group, “The Phantom F and The Opera of Sorrow.” At the final stage, Kris (portrayed by Toshiki Tamamori / voice: Toshiki Tamamori) expressed gratitude to fans and his old friend Phantom (portrayed by Satoshi Hino / voice: Satoshi Hino)—only for the long-lost Phantom to suddenly reappear. The dramatic exchange heightened the emotional power of the song. Toshiki Tamamori, wearing a costume for the first time in ages, smiled saying he’d worn it just as it was back then. Satoshi Hino shared behind-the-scenes details: “The Phantom’s mask had taken on a weathered look and needed replacing.”
The finale was the new winter group unit theme song, “Mutsu no Hana.” Presented under a stunning visual of falling snowflakes, the entire venue became immersed in a dreamlike atmosphere. Each attendee received one snowflake-shaped souvenir—each bearing signatures from all six members—an exclusive keepsake.
Finally, Hiroki Sakai reappeared to announce the full-voiced production of “Main Story Part Five,” sending the audience into a roar of applause. Fans can’t wait to see what MANKAI COMPANY will bring next—excitement is already building.
The event will be broadcast on November 16th via CS channel TBS Channel 1, with simultaneous airings of “MANKAI COMPANY presents ‘Spring Party! 2024’,” “Summer Party! 2024,” and “Autumn Party! 2025.” Available for viewing from smartphones or PCs—check the official program website (link) for details.
Official Website for “MANKAI COMPANY presents ‘Winter Party! 2025’”
(C)Libre Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
(C)Libre Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.