KISA – 28, female. Japanese. An ex-painting, hard-working independent thinker who has put aside her dreams to return to her hometown and take care of her ailing father. She has taken over her Dad’s taxi to pay for his medical bills. She has a darkness to her.
TORU – 28, male. Japanese. Toru sticks out in this conservative town with his bright-patterned clothes, gold rings and slightly sleazy demeanor. But everyone in the town still loves him. Give him an inch, and he’ll take a mile. Toru is the face and the people-person in the real estate agency he runs with his older sister. Hidden inside is a big, warm heart. Kisa’s childhood (boy)friend.
ISAMU – 50s to 60s, male. Japanese. Kisa’s goofy, usually happy-go-lucky Dad. Papa’s health has gone downhill after his wife’s death two years ago, and no one can pinpoint what’s wrong with him. He loves his daughter Kisa dearly, but he would be happy to join his wife in the afterlife. An ex-taxi driver. Also plays JIRO, one of Kisa’s Uncle-figures. Stern.
SACHIKO – Late 30s, female. Japanese. Toru’s sister. A shrewd businesswoman. Due to a slight age difference, she bullies her brother around a bit, but she loves him. Sachiko is unlike the town’s other conservative women and wears big gold jewelry and bright lipstick. Also plays OBACHAN, a gossipy older woman; WOMAN, a mysterious passenger; EMI, Kisa’s art frenemy; TOURIST 1; TOURIST 3; and MEGUMI.
ALEX – 30s, male. White. American. An English teacher who has found an unexpected quiet spot in a small town in Japan. A tortured soul, hiding away. Also plays NICHOLAS, TOURIST 2, FIGURE OF A MAN, BARKEEP, RADIO VOICE and TAXI DISPATCHER VOICE.
The Japanese characters can be played by Asians or Asian Americans of any ethnicity, though the playwright prefers that at least one actor has Japanese heritage. Everyone should speak in their natural accent unless otherwise indicated.