East of Eden is a novel by John Steinbeck based on the story of Cain and Abel’s feud in the Old Testament and Cain’s escape to the east of Eden. The story depicts the struggles, rebelliousness, and reconciliation of a son who craves love from his father. In 1955, James Dean starred as the lead role in Elia Kazan’s film. 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of James Dean’s death and to honor his legacy Matsumoto Jun has taken the role in a revised stage play version of the film. This play ran from May 1-21 at the Tokyo Globe Theater and May 27-29 at Theater Brave! in Osaka.