Ichimura Masachika takes a break from work due to stomach cancer

Ichimura Masachika has been diagnosed with early stage stomach cancer and will not be participating in the muscial "Miss Saigon" which recently began its run on 25 July and is supposed to end on 5 October. According to the statement released by Ichimura's agency and Toho which is producing the musical, Ichimura who was supposed to play the role of Engineer, will be replaced by Komada Hajime who will appear in the July performances. As for the sessions from August onwards, they will be shared by Komada and Kakei Toshio and details will be released at a later date.

Ichimura's agency revealed that Ichimura had complained of feeling unwell in late June and went for a checkup where he was first diagnosed with acute gastritis. However, upon a detailed checkup, it was later determined that he had a malignant tumour in his stomach. In order to concentrate on treatment, Ichimura had no choice but to stop appearing in the musical after his last performance on 27th July and announced the news to the cast on the same night. He is due to be hospitalised for two weeks to undergo laparoscopic surgery before recuperating at home. If all goes well, Ichimura will make his return to work in the musical "Mozart!" in November.

Source: Oricon