#Maisora Hitomi

[nakoayas]

Rei Makoto and Maisora Hitomi for the Tiara Azul -Destino- Programme 🌟🩵

Scanned from my personal collection.

[yuzukahibiscus]

Minami Maito on Bling! – A closeup on the updates of Senka members.

(Source from 2024 TAKARAZUKA GRAPH November Issue)

— You transferred from Flower Troupe to Senka in late April 2923, and your first performance was the Star Troupe performance “ME AND MY GIRL” in Hakataza.

I was really nervous before the first day of rehearsals, but I became more reassured with the presence of Maisora (Hitomi) who was in Flower Troupe with me before. I met Ari-chan (Akatsuki Chisei) for the first time and with Maisora Hitomi, the three of us had our first interview together. Ari-chan and I were both really shy with each other, and we couldn’t’ talk to each other without the help of Maisora (LOL), but later when we went to Fukuoka for our press conference, the three of us quickly got along in that 2-day-1-night trip. Afterwards, our relationship was really good when rehearsals began. As rehearsals started, I truly felt that since Maisora had a more important status (as Top Musumeyaku) now, that compared to her Flower Troupe times she worked even more diligently, and I realised that I could only do my very best to support her. I feel like I knew her, but at the same time discovered something new from her as I watched her performance… I’m grateful to spend this time with her. Ari-chan and I played either Bill or Sir John in the role swap arrangement, and there was so much to remember about the details of these 2 roles, so it was really challenging… But it can be a form of support being close with someone who’s also playing the same role, and we can cooperate together. We’d point out and be careful in scenes when we’re wearing tap shoes but not dancing in tap yet. We’d remind each other, “What about the playing cards? And the hat? Don’t forget the watch!” (LOL) Through our role swap arrangement, we had th experience of looking at our roles objectively and creating our own, so it was really fun.

— How was Star Troupe?

When I was in Flower Troupe, I find Star Troupe a contrasting troupe, because I see different colours in this troupe. So while I imagined how I’d feel, I found it stimulating to have rehearsals with them. When I tried something, I was surprised how fast they adapted to my acting. I realized that I used to be too reserved with my acting, and I learned the importance of just trying things without overthinking them. What’s more, Star Troupe members have this energetic and bright ambience so I felt very comfortable with them.

— Were there any changes becoming a Senka member?

I had a long rest before “ME AND MY GIRL” performances, and I went to London, Paris and the Versailles Palace…at that time I didn’t know I would be performing in the “Rose of Versailles 50” concert (LOL)… In that vacation, I took dance lessons in London, and surely I had a change in mindset. As I become more senior in year, with much gratitude I took on more important roles and received more attention from the audience, but that’s also why I have to aim higher, and have more things I want to pursue. With that, I could only see my weaknesses, and at one point there were more things that “I needed to do” rather than “I wanted to do”. Yet, in the lessons in London, there were people wearing pointe shoes; some weren’t; some were dancing the same moves over and over again…the people were dancing freely and enjoying it. Then I realise: that’s right! It’s because I wanted to enjoy dancing freely that I entered Takarazuka. I was able to return to my primal joy and these lessons became a very significant experience for me.

— Later, it was announced that you were performing in the external performance of “HiGH&LOW: THE SENGOKU” produced by LDH.

When I heard the news, I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I thought, “Am I playing an otokoyaku? Or a woman? Or am I part of a choir?” (LOL) I had so many question marks in mind, at the same time I believe it would be an interesting experience to have during my time in Takarazuka so I was excited. During the interview, many asked if I felt the difference between Takarazuka and LDH, but I think both companies wanted to create good stage performances, so fundamentally they can’t be too different. But in comparison with Takarazuka where the director basically manages everything, the scriptwriter, the director and the music directors in LDH have different sections to guide us , so it was refreshing to lean from their way of work. What’s more, when there’s professionals of different fields all in one place, in one-to-one sessions, they teach us the techniques generously and I really learnt more new things. Also, we have Top Stars in Takarazuka as leading roles of each story, so the story would be created to make the Top Star stand out, but it’s different in LDH. Certainly, I’d say they have a concept of making every member as important as a lead role, and there are directions which I question, “Is it okay when the audience cannot see Katayose-san in this scene?!”. At first I was really confused with Seo, who also performed with me this time. LDH members said that we could ask them if we have any questions, and so we told them things that didn’t make sense to us “That in Takarazuka, we would…”, and discussed these parts thoroughly with the members.

— It must be a rare experience to play otokoyaku among men.

Since we were always supported by musumeyaku around us, so I’d always feel that I want to play my roles more masculine! But they advised me that, “Men don’t stand with arms that wide apart. You’ll be fine as long as you’re keeping your mindset as if you’re a real man.” But since I felt really apprehensive if people would see me as a woman when the performance started, I think this frustration helped me shape Kamisuzaki Yusui’s troubles and concerns as the leader of a state. After the first day finished successfully, I was relieved that I could tone down my thick eyebrow makeup (LOL) and I applied lighter makeup, in which I became more confident in conveying my role as a man, rather than simply relying on makeup.

— You had various swordfight choreography scenes with the men.

I love swordfight choreography, and they have this momentum as men and it was so satisfying learning, “That’s how I have to fall down when I’m being slain!” (LOL). Since this was a performance about 5 warring states, our teacher said that we’d be learning different fighting styles depending on which state we belonged to. I was the state leader of Nogi-kuni, a state holding pride for its flourishing waters, so the teachers taught us swordfight choreography that is smooth as the flow of water. It was really difficult, but I enjoyed learning it.

— Continuing from there, you played Andre in “Rose of Versailles 50” with the distinguished OGs.

A total opposite to LDH! (LOL). But I savoured the experience of being one of the youngest underclassmen again while playing among legends (LOL). Well~ the rehearsals every day was so fun and as I checked the schedule timetable, I’d be excited when I realized, “Oh, tomorrow’s the day they’re going to play Oscar! I look forward to it~!” I know that’s not a timetable is really for (LOL). But actually it was super thrilling being in the same rehearsal classroom with those legendary Oscar, Andre, Fersen actresses. Originally, these OGs have established their individual careers, but when they’re all assembled in one place, it felt so extravagant that it was a feast for the eyes. Kacha-san (Nagina Ruumi) who paired up with me as Oscar was busy performing in the bow hall for an external performance, so it was really me that was still a current Takarasienne…and I couldn’t believe I had the chance of rehearsing with other legendary OG Oscars during rehearsals. I panicked so much because “the people I looked up to are looking at me! They’re holding me in their arms~!” (LOL). I develop these different feelings depending on which OG I’m acting with. Of course, the ambience changed drastically from the different combinations, and I wanted to take all these experiences with me. When I wore the costume on stage, and when they watch me from the audience, they come to give me advice, “Mina-chan! You’d look better this way!” I couldn’t be more grateful to have spent this time.

— And now, you’re rehearsing the Moon Troupe national tour performance “In the Amber Hued Rain” and “GRANDE TAKARAZUKA 110!” You’re performing with Houzuki An again after being in Flower Troupe together in the past.

That’s right! First of all, many people are looking forward to Chinatsu-san (Houzuki) and Juri-chan (Amashi Juri)’s debut performance so I’m very glad to be part of it. And I really love Moon Troupe’s acting, so I look forward to seeing how they create a play from start to finish. This is also a troupe that I haven’t performed with, so I believe I’ll be inspired by them. I acted with Chinatsu-san before in “Stardom” back in the Flower Troupe times, but I was still an underclassman at that time, and I didn’t know much about acting or how to establish my presence in the troupe yet, now that I’m an upperclassman, I believe we can talk more about those issues. What’s more, I really love Chinatsu’s acting, so I want to feel more concretely how it feels and I will do my best to follow her.

[liminal-roses]

- After death too, there is Arkadia. final dance in RetJ (2021)

[ilovetkrzuka]

All Female Takarazuka Revue RRRxTakarazuka Bheem Musical & Revue Syndrome Violetopia Poster

2024/01/01 ~ 02/04 @ Takarazuka Grand Theater

2024/2/23 ~ 04/06 @ Tokyo Grand Theater

Starring: Rei Makoto , Maisora Hitomi , Akatsuki Chisei , & featuring Star Troupe members

[talesofsorrowandofruin]

PERIOD DRAMA APPRECIATION WEEK 2024

Day 3: Favourite Costumes: Dimitri (Takarazuka Revue, 2022-23)

Bonus: close-up screenshots under the cut:

[miriogumi]

— VIOLETOPIA

scanned from my personal collection: le cinq vol. 237

[hibiscusbabyboy]

記憶にございません！－トップ・シークレット－

(2024)

[laurelilu]

『ME AND MY GIRL』 '23 official promo image

[wtheckzukasubs]

“The Red and The Black (Bluray 2023)”  subs

Download the subs here: wtheckzukasubs.tumblr.com/shows

The subs have been resynced to the official release and revised.

The translation was done aurally, so there will be more mistakes than usual, even if I did disturb a lot more people for this one. Special thanks to Penguin and Barafubuki, as well as the usual suspects I need to cry to.

I’m not a fan of this novel and I didn’t really like the old version (but it was a lot because this novel wasn’t really for me and not Takarazuka’s fault). And yet, this is a good musical. The songs are all good, I can’t think of any I didn’t like. Coto is amazing, as expected, but also more than I had expected. The cast is solid, and if I were to change anyone it would have been solely for personal preference.

[mmousesouriss]

Another bonus cotonako ;)

Such a lovely moment when she buried her face on coto’s shoulder 😌

That’s her comfort place to stay for a while.

,,

Plus, I adore how strong and independent she is during Coto’s absence. I should draw her more 😌

[nakoayas]

Maisora Hitomi - Profusion of 110 Flowers (from GRAPH 2024 September)

Learning about the beauty of musumeyaku in various perspectives.

PLAY

— I hadn’t been able to go for long vacations, but recently I spent my rest days to meet people I’ve wanted to see! Before this, I reunited with my family after a long time and we talked about various things. Even just by doing so, I’ve felt much better and it was refreshing. But if I have time, I’ve dreamt of being more active in going farther… I’ve obtained my driving license, and I want to have a drive around Awaji Island, for example! I’ve always enjoyed the time sitting at the passenger seat (LOL), so I hope one day I could give a drive for others too.

RELAX

— Since I like feeling nature, I find Takarazuka the best city with both mountains and rivers! When I see the morning sun as I wake up, it’s the same sun at whichever place too, but I somehow feel better (when I look at it in Takarazuka) (LOL). Even when I’m thinking on my way home from the theater, when I look up casually I’d see a very beautiful night sky. It’d give me the feeling that “It’s great that I worked hard today!” I’d feel so relaxed when I return home from the Tokyo performances (LOL), but (Takarazuka) is a very healing city to me!!

KNOWLEDGE

— I went to see Rose of Versailles 50 earlier, and I was able to see all the amazing performers from the past assembled in this performance. I was so moved and couldn’t stop crying when I had these thoughts towards the performance and the roles, and seeing how the various performers showcase their unique preferences! The seniors said that “Because I’m next to her, I feel nervous that I couldn’t properly apply my makeup!!”… Hearing from the seniors I’ve admired talk about performing with people they respect made me feel the history of Takarazuka from these stories, and felt that the love towards Takarazuka remains unchanged, no matter what generation we’re in. I’m so overwhelmed with delight that I’m in the Revue, and I really wanted to connect more to the things the seniors have left for us to inherit.

BEAUTY

— My skin has been weak since I was small, so I’ve paid more attention to it (LOL). I haven’t felt there’s particularly anything that “doesn’t go well with my skin”, but because I have dry skin, I’d choose organic moisturizing toner. My hair is as dry as cat’s hair… Since I find people with beautiful hair amazing, I definitely have to apply oil to my hair before I sleep, so my hair won’t be too dry!!

HEALTH

— I’m “Team Bread” that even without rice, as long as there’ bread I can survive! But I’ve become more conscious of eating glutten-free foods. I’m on the way of changing to Team Rice now! When I eat noodles, I tend to eat zenbu noodles. There’s special sauce and soup included in the packaging, so I want to add more (foods I can create) in my cooking repertoire. But sometimes I’d still like to have some bread (LOL), so (my diet) just “slight” gluten-free (foods).

FASHION

— Now, I’ve fallen in love with rings and bracelets… Because these are things that easily catch the eye, I feel elated when I add cute accessories in my fashion style! Even when I go to stores, I can’t help but going closer to look at these accessories. (LOL) Hair accessories can be adorable but sometimes the shape of these accessories don’t suit well when I put them on, so I’d be choosing them by placing it on my head to try it first. I’d like to take on various challenges to go for a full coordinated fashion style!

MEMORY

— My parents told me “Your handwriting should be pretty because it reflects your heart”, so I’ve always loved writing when I was small! Writing is what I’m familiar with since our family also has the write down our thoughts in our diaries (LOL). I have a “Favourite Quotes” notebook to write down my favourite lines, or wonderful phrases I’ve heard on television. Since I announced my graduation, I’ve received so much power from everyone who wrote to me so many words, I wanted to note down these words like a memory.

BONUS!!

First picture bubble:

"It's September~" (t/n= she's posing 9 for September)

Second picture bubble:

"Here's a cute shot too ✨"

Scanned from my personal collection and graciously translated by @yuzukahibiscus ♥️

[yuzukahibiscus]

Takarazuka Revue Star Troupe Top Musumeyaku Maisora Hitomi Retirement Press Conference “I am overwhelmed with sentiments”

(Source from Nikkan Sports)

Takarazuka Revue Star Troupe Top Musumeyaku Maisora Hitomi has decided to retire in December 2024, and she had her press conference in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre “Espree Hall” on the 8th. In a white dress, Maisora says, “to everyone whom I have met, taught me, guided me, raised me up, and to all the fans so far, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I will continue to evolve every day as a Takarazuka musumeyaku before the last day comes and want to do my best.”

Maisora entered the Revue, ranking first of the 102th class in 2016. After assigned to Flower Troupe, she was known for her loveable appearnace and sharp dancing. In April 2019, she was transferred to Star Troupe and in the same year in October, with Rei Makoto as her partner, she became the Top Musumeyaku. She was the heroine for many overseas musical (adaptations), such as “Romeo and Juliette” “1789 – Lovers of the Bastille”. Together with Rei-san, they are the Top Combi of the firsts. (*Rei Makoto was ranked first of the 95th class.)

She decided her retirement after the closing performance of “ME AND MY GIRL”, in which she admired, and she played the heroine Sally in the performance. “I decided to retire on this 110th anniversary, a turning point in which I feel so content and fulfilled in my heart.” She told this news to Rei-san in the rehearsals for the previous Grand Theatre performance, and (REi Makoto has said), “If that is what Naco-chan (Maisora) has decided, I will suport her fully.”

Her memorable performances were three, including her first role without changes in Flower Troupe’s performance “Hanna’s Florist”, “Romeo and Juliette” to which she described, “how I instantly felt that I was welcoming a new ‘door’ of myself”, “Valencian Passion” to which she played the heroine in Shibata Yukihiro’s play, a director whom she admired.

In the conference, she wore the necklace Rei-san gifted her. “Rei-san said these encouraging words, ‘Even if you can’t do it, that’s fine. As long as you enjoy yourself the fullest on stage’. Such words gave me the motivation to continue moving forward,” she smiled and recalled.

Her retirement performance will be “Hit Me Anyone One More Time -Top Secret- / Tiara Azul -Destino-” which will be performing in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre on August 17~September 22. And after the Tokyo Takarazuka theatre performances on October 19-December 1, she will be retiring (from Takarazuka Revue) after the closing performance.

[liminal-roses]

- Rei Makoto and Maisora Hitomi in RetJ (2021)

[tomsamjim]

HAPPY NACO DAY👼

[ladies-and-jennes]

These pictures are responsible for affecting me in so many ways. I borderline hate them to the point of loving them. Gosh look her her. Look at them.

[crazyfox-archives]

The Takarazuka Revue actress Maisora Hitomi (舞空瞳) along with five colleagues costumed as bodhisattvas and scattering flower petals over the audience after a procession & song performance as a key part of the Muenkyō Taikaishiki (無縁経大会式), a rite for bringing tranquility to the realm by caring for departed spirits lacking relatives held annually in April at Nakayamadera Temple (中山寺) in Takarazuka, Hyōgo Prefecture

Photo by さえずったぁ [Saezuttaa], April 1, 2018