For fans of musicals in Japan, the buzz surrounding Teppei Koike and Haruma Miura is reaching a peak thanks to the pair's newest production: the first-ever Japanese version of the award-winning hit "Kinky Boots."

It doesn't hurt that the media refer to them as ikemen (handsome young men), the kind of actors that producers will often cast to ensure female fans buy out a show. For Koike, 30, and Miura, 26, however, starring in "Kinky Boots" may mark a major moment in their respective careers. The Broadway musical won six Tony Awards when it opened in 2013, including for Best Musical and Best Original Score. The West End production garnered three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.

The Japan Times sat down with both men at Fuji Television after a TV appearance and during a break from rehearsals, which were being led by the original creative team from Broadway. Koike, who plays main character Charlie, says that the process has been enlightening.