“I always wanted to marry 19th century Russia to 1960s Japan to highlight the confusion created by remnants of communism and student activism in our country,” Koike says, of his play. “In 1960s Japan, students were more outgoing and politically educated. Today, the young men especially, are becoming very conservative, to the extent that they don’t want to take up acting. They don’t want to embrace change and I am afraid for our future. Sadly, the government is also selecting conservative youngsters in the services,” he rues. Speaking of women’s contribution to Japanese theatre, Koike heaves a sigh of relief when he tells you that the last 20 years have seen a comeback for female theatre actors. “The men had suppressed them but now they are waking up,” adds Koike, who also runs an institute where he teaches dance, aikido, theatrical and directorial skills.

Koike’s productions have a lot of dance and music thrown in with histrionics. “I always wanted to take theatre beyond acting. Martial art, dance, opera, theatre make a wonderful mix,” he says.