Three years ago, Mayumi Kamata went to a Broadway charity event held in New York to see a friend perform.
A choreographer and former actress, Kamata was overwhelmed by the scale of the event. The actors and spectators appeared to be together enjoying a spirit of volunteerism, and she wondered why Japan does not stage similar grand events where theater agencies and companies unite for worthy causes.
"There were so many people coming to the event, it was like a festival," recalled Kamata, who had earlier performed in Shiki Theatre Company musicals, including "Cats" and "West Side Story."