#aichan's translation

[aizawa-chan10]

“Working away from the members was really discouraging and more difficult than I had imagined, so I am glad to be working with all 9 members now. It's a great relief” — Meguro Ren, April 2022.

[cheltranslations]

Takahashi Ai-san！@Nonaka Miki (23.09.12)

Chel here😈💜👾

Thank you very much

For coming to look at my blog！

Your likes and comments

Make me super happy！

☁️🎀Yesterday's 2 choices🎀☁️

How do you eat taiyaki

From the tail？

From the head？

From the head

Was the majority！

I eat them from the tail！

Because I love taiyaki batter ❤️

☁️🎀❛ ･ ❛🎀☁️

With Takahashi Ai-san 💛

Takahashi-san always teaches me new things kindly

And gives me lots of motivation 🌠

There are so many things I'm grateful to her for！

I really made the most of

The time we spent on stage together 🥺💛

(T/N News and information has not been translated)

☁️🎀Today's 2 choices🎀☁️

French fries？

Onion rings？

For reading until the very end

Thank you very much ❤️

Please come by again tomorrow！

Today we had Autumn Tour dress rehearsals！

All of the members worked really hard

So well done you guys！

And to all of you

Well done for working hard today！

See ya 🐾

[dailyhelldorm]

Dorm-mentioned Seasonal Voice Lines & Phone Calls

Currently being updated.

Please note that Topic 1 & 2 are from the Official English release. Topic 3 & 4 are my translation.

Aira

Spring - Night 1: My roommate Sakuma gave me some cherry blossom-flavored chocolate and said ''It's a secret ♪'' It's late at night, but I still want to eat them…

Summer - Morning 2: Tenshouin treated ALKALOID to some really fancy ice cream. Isn't that cool?

Autumn - Evening 1: Sakuma's smiling mysteriously by the window with the full moon at his back… How aesthetic! I wish I could put it on a poster!

Summer - Evening 3: There is a lot of Sakuma-senpai's tomato juice inside the fridge. Maybe I should try to drink some for my health?

Autumn - Night 3: The image of Tenshouin-senpai drinking black tea while reading his book, it was too aesthetic I unconsciously gazed at him... ♪

Autumn - Morning 4: Fuuah... I had a hard time falling asleep so I joined Sakuma-senpai for a conversation... Though, I still ended up staying up late.

Eichi

Summer - Evening 1: I've got a giant watermelon. I want to share it with everyone in the dorm. And I'll save some for you in advance ♪

Summer - Evening 3: Nowadays, I often have a chat with Shiratori-kun before bed. We talk about the memories of the summer festival that happened recently.

Rei

Winter - Night 1: Winters are harsh on my roommate, Tenshouin. On top of that, he seems swamped with work. I hope he isn't overdoing it.

Summer - Morning 3: For a vampire, sunlight is our natural enemy, but it seems you can say the same with the human. Tenshouin-kun is swaying on his own feet.

Summer - Noon 3: Oh? The chill tomato juice in the fridge has increased. I wonder who was the one refilling them in there?

Winter - Evening 4: Shiratori-kun just contacted me, and said he just brought a snow rabbit-shaped cake for me and Tenshouin-kun... ♪

Outsiders

Rinne's Winter - Night 1: I met Aichan in the dorm hallway, and he freaked out. Why is that? I mean, he doesn't seem to have any problems with those two dudes in his room at all…

Phone Call

Rei: Hello? I just talked to Shiratori-kun, but he left his phone at my place. He said you were going to meet up later, so if you can find Shiratori-kun, tell him I am keeping his phone for me.

Aira: Hello~… Uhm, when I am about to enter my dorm room, I hear Tenshouin-senpai and Sakuma-senpai are arguing… Urgh, what should I do at times like this!?

Office Interaction

Eichi: It looks like you won't be heading back until late again. Aira: Every day there's just too much work to do...!

[yuzukahibiscus]

Doing the End of Year Zuka Tag 2022!

Jumping on the bandwagon to do @beccalendsahand​‘s End of Year Tag which you could find here! Let’s get straight right into it! (Yes, I’ll be doing all on a whim!)

1. Sumire no Hana – new favourite

Yūki Daiya from Flower Troupe! So it took me Minami Maito’s CAST side-A to finally realise this rising sienne. Her cuteness-to-coolness gap jumped so wide it blew my mind for a 102th. Like I think this collage shows it, she’s going to do this “impatient boyfriend setting” but she just laughs shyly when the camera cuts off. She surprises me like popping a balloon, the motion is quick but it gives a strong impact. I’m not going to even talk about the mere 9 minutes I get to see her in the newcomers’ performance of “Years of Pilgrimage: The Wandering Soul of Franz Liszt” and how I was disappointed we never got to see it. I really want to see more of her, and I’ll track back earlier in Hanagumi just to try and find her! (See: Sante, 2017)

Bonus question: I talked about noticing Hozumi Mahiro from Flower Troupe! Still am watching her and very happy that she got her first bow hall lead, I got the Junjou still and bromide as a commemoration :D

2. Never Say Goodbye – hardest Taidansha (graduate) to say goodbye

Hiryuu Tsukasa, Wakakusa Moeka, Oto Kurisu and Serina Ei from Flower Troupe. Because I watched my first Flower Troupe livestream in Hong Kong which was saying goodbye to them. It feels very different to see them going down the stairs in the big screen of our local theatre and listening to their words. It really feels unreal and I wasn’t able to believe it until they had Instagrams. Of course, to prepare myself for the taidansha it really was watching back their previous performances and enjoying their presence. I’m glad to see that they’re all thriving in their post-Takarazuka life and am always happy to see their photos :)

3. Material girl – favourite merch

It’s a tie between getting Yuzuka Rei’s 2nd official goods – the photo holder! And also the mini crown from Fashionable Empire national tour!

4. Mon Paris – new show not from this year

Immortal Thorns! (Not linking it because there’s a 2003 version by Haruno Sumire from Flower Troupe and Aizuki Hikaru from Star Troupe in the 2018 version, still Cosmos then.) Watched this show at first for a podcast interview with two mutuals and to do cross-comparison between both versions and I loved our critique and commentary with it. It was a valuable experience :)

I have posted quite some Aichan translations on this Tumblr and it’s all because of this show! Changed my life and I am paying attention to Aichan now! Thanks to the mutual who kindly recommended me shows and we talked lots about it! She’s very careful with what to portray and never fails to perform those roles, except she serves!! Real well! The Aichan phase was watching back more Cosmos Troupe and Star Troupe at the same time haha, so that was nice :)

(At the same time, was gifted some Aichan merch by another mutual. I have my first non-Rei bromide thanks to them lol!!)

5. Wings of the Heart – favourite fandom memory

Finally going to cinema livestreams in Hong Kong!!! 2021 wasn’t a chance because of (1) my exams and (2) the pandemic. My first experience was watching Snow Troupe’s “Yumesuke”/“Sensational” and my second was watching Flower Troupe’s “Years of Pilgrimage”/ “Fashionable Empire”. I even mailed our second livestream photos to Rei, hope she receives them well!!! :)

6. Where is God? – shocking Hankyu announcement

Taidan announcements of two Top Musumeyakus – Asazuki Kiwa from Snow Troupe and Jun Hana from Cosmos Troupe!

Ever since Hana Yuuki’s taidan, I was wary how Top Musumeyakus sometimes don’t have a long Takarazuka career, and recently a plausible trend of 27 months or so...? I don’t know math, but I do know that these two musumeyakus are talented and shine in their own way, it surprises me that they announced taidan this year...

I’ve been watching Kiwa as she went from Flower Troupe to Snow Troupe and in various performances. So you could say I was more familiar with her. From her newcomers’ performance with Rei in “New Genji’s Tale” to “Masquerade Hotel”, to also seeing her in cinemas for “Yumesuke”. I finally understood how it felt shocking when you literally watched her the day before and it was announced the next day... 3 days left, but I hope Kiwa can do well till Tokyo Senshuuraku!

Jun Hana’s a different story. I wasn’t much of a Cosmos Troupe fan but I was easily drawn to her despite not seeing too much of her performances. I’ve seen her Irene Adler in “Sherlock Holmes” and love her portrayal with it. I’ve seen more of her actually in some short bangumis, where she just smiled a lot and was really cheerful! She’s a floofball of joy and often had so great and adorable reactions that also made Yurika (Makaze Suzuho) and Kiki (Serika Toa) laugh. Watched some small clips of her impersonation in “Fly With Me” concert and she really made the effort! Will be sad to see her go in “Casino Royale” but I certainly respect that she wanted to leave with Yurika, and show off those earrings! <3

7. The Final Dance – favourite duedan?

Top Hat duedan! Because it is “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” but in a Latin way? I don’t know, it’s very chic to me. And I remember it’s Rei single-handedly carrying Madoka in spins so like, that’s a plus point like, wow. (I’m not too great at describing duedans, forgive me <3)

8. My Everlasting Dream – most rewatched show

Even though I haven’t watched for the past month, it should be “Years of Pilgrimage”? Yeah, that one.

I remembered preparing a lot beforehand this performance – reading some articles about Liszt, listening to Liszt’s pieces, making a powerpoint over it, recording a podcast episode after it, translating and subbing it, which definitely took many rewatches.

9. Fascinating Rhythm – zuka song stuck in mind

I don’t have one that stays through the whole year, but since I’m translating “Love Burns in Firenze”, I have to say the ominous “Oh Firenze” (おおフィレンツェ). I remember Rei was saying, “I love how the underclassmen are so lively and performing that scene so well!” But the celebration vibe and the tragic things happening at the same time – the irony and juxtaposition of it is uncanny. It makes me pull my hair. As much as the Flower Troupe members are working their heart for it, their enthusiasm makes it even more laughable in the circumstances of Firenze.

10. Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend – favourite costume?

If I could, I would say Rei, because she’s a walking closet but last year I cheated and chose 2, so I’ll do so the same this year LOL (not choose 2, I mean I’ll cheat).

I’ll nominate the finale costumes for the Top Stars for the following performances (because I’m not really a person that is selective on costumes, all of them are so good!)

Flower Troupe – Rei in Fashionable Empire (this was previously worn by Maa-sama (Asaka Manato) in Classical Bijoux”)

Moon Troupe – Tsukishiro Kanato in Full Swing

Snow Troupe – Ayakaze Sakina in Soukyuu no Subaru

Star Troupe  – Rei Makoto in Gran Cantante

Cosmos Troupe  – Yurika in Capricciosa

11. Cool Beast!! – ridiculous costume

Not ridiculous but cute. This is also someone I’ve been watching and recently picked up on more due to mutual’s recommendations. Seo Yuria from Star Troupe’s horse costume in Gran Cantante, haha!

12. Greatest Moment – special moment on stage

Yuzuka Rei and Minami Maito’s “Hotspring of Love” in Fashionable Empire – dubbed by their douki, Hinami Fuu.

 The lights turn off so quickly and I was often frustrated but now I know from their douki that they need privacy in their hotspring, and I fully respect it ;) (I am still thinking which of the 3 bromides from Takarazuka Grand Theatre, Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre or National Tour should I purchase)

13. Musical

I’ve already explained but “Years of Pilgrimage”. 

I’m a pianist and I couldn’t compare myself to the musician difficulties because I’m not a professional one but like somehow I sympathise and empathise with the history of Liszt and the complexities he dealt with. Not saying that I have those, but I surely understood how competition constantly comes from others but also within yourself. And sometimes, it could be dangerous pushing yourself too much to boundaries you can’t reach. So Rei playing as Liszt means a lot to me, more than her playing the piano (which was my 6. Shocking Hankyu Announcement last year) but also how in-depth she went in for the character.

There certainly isn’t that historical revolution and aristocratic vs artistes class struggle in current times, but that comparison stays constant and rings closest to home for me.

14. Revue

“Fashionable Empire” because I do agree with Rei, I do love the “MOMENT” scene and the badass finale scene.

"MOMENT” scene is where everyone just have fun. Gonna quote the lyrics here and you’ll see why I like it.

I suddenly think about the bygone days I can only stand at this moment Now Looking back, all of these are a fantasy The wind blows them away

To the people wandering in the generations There's nothing that won’t change Even though I know it, my heart longs for A promise that will never change

When Today becomes Tomorrow It’s normal that everything will become the Past Still, we become too lonely about that I don’t want those to disappear

Maybe tomorrow, this thought Will be blown to the far ends to wherever Vanishing

Now at this time You’re not alone Open your eyes There’s friends next to your side We can talk about anything and speak like fools It’s casual but I’m happy with my friends Everyone walks alone but Meeting you here

In this time that’s passed We walk, hand in hand Living together and looking forward to Tomorrow Because no one will know about Tomorrow Living Now with no regrets Let’s smile and walk together

From Past to Future, and the Present that connects Let’s live on

That we can live in the same time (Can live) Because of this Moment, this is a miracle In the same place Understanding each other’s thoughts Nothing can ever replace that In this moment (We believe) Let’s walk together (To Tomorrow) I won’t know (But) In this time Let’s live in this time Now (Let’s live on in this time)

No words, JUST LOOK AT HOW COOL THEY ARE.

Anyway 13 and 14 is just like: I have to give it for the only GT production of Flower Troupe!

[zabel99]

Subs for Hello! Morning

If you follow my blog there's a chance this might interest you. Somebody has used AI (that's artificial intelligence, not Aichan!) to generate English subs for all episodes of Hello! Morning. The link can be found on Aidoru! Online below. https://aidoru-online.me/torrents-details.php?id=229032 No doubt the subs will be quite imperfect compared to human-translated subs, but it might help some understand the gist of what's going on in the show.

[littlehouseofkarlacade]

ok so since @aseriouscomedian wants to know more about my momusu love i guess that means i’m required to go on and on some more about it omg

i have never had this opportunity oh my goodness

anyway lemme show you some good songs first of all. it’ll all be under a cut as so not to clog your dashes up with shit you likely don’t care about. xD

go girl! koi no victory is a song i’m a great fan of; i listen to it when i’m sad and sometimes it helps because of how upbeat it is! in fact, i’m listening to it now! they are all so cute in this and i just melt.

another go-to song of mine when i feel bad is this one, ai araba it’s all right, which translates to something along the lines of “as long as there’s love, it’s all right.” it’s such a positive song and i also love it to death.

one more song i really like...

maji desu ka ska! the 9th generation’s debut single. it’s also a really happy, upbeat one. i just adore it. >w<

now i bet you’re wondering just what on earth a generation is. well, a generation is basically the next group of girls to join the overall group. they all go through auditions, of course, and the guy that oversees it all picks who he thinks are the best ones, and then those girls join momusu. i think there have been... 13 generations now? or rather, we’re up to 13? of course, not all of them have been in the group at the same time. only 3 times did a generation only have one member join: 3rd, 7th, and 11th. a graduation, then, is when a girl departs from the group to seek wider pastures in entertainment, or just when she feels she’s been in the group long enough and feels the need to move on. very rarely has someone ever been outright kicked from momusu (actually, i think it’s happened a grand total of once).

now that you know that, let’s go into who my favorite members are/were over the years. it’ll be a general list, done by generation. i won’t do every generation, since that’d be too long, it’ll just be the ones that have stood out the most to me over the years.

Nakazawa Yuko, 1st generation. She’s an outlier overall because she was 24 when she joined! of course, there wasn’t a tradition of really seeking teenage girls for the group yet, since it was only 1st gen, but she’s 45 now!!! what the heck!!!

Yaguchi Mari, 2nd generation. She was (and i suppose still is ahaha!) my oshimen for a long, long, long time. she’s absolutely hilarious. she got herself into a bit of trouble a few years back, but hopefully she’s moved past that now. she’s not in the group anymore either! then again, 90% of these people aren’t...

Yoshizawa Hitomi, 4th generation. i adore her. so much. i had the biggest crush on her for a long time~ i still do, a bit. >w> she was the tomboyish member, at least that’s what they cast her overall role as, and damn did she suit it so well!

Kago Ai, 4th generation. She was 12 years old when she joined, and was the youngest to ever join momusu for a long time! until... the 10th generation, i think??? i don’t remember. this lady has gone through her fair share of problems, but each time, she’s come out all the better for it. i’m so proud of her ;w;

Takahashi Ai, 5th generation. She was a shining star. Her voice is amazing, she was a lot of people’s favorite when she was in the group! she was also in the group for an impressively long time: 10 years, to be exact! she graduated in 2011. she was adorable!!!

Niigaki Risa, 5th generation. Gakisaaaaa~n!!! Oh i love her so much, she is great, and her voice is brilliant as well~!!! she was in the group even longer than Aichan! while she joined along with her in 2001, she graduated in 2012! i love herrrrr aaaaaahhhh alsdkjfla;fja

Kusumi Koharu, 7th generation. She was the sole member of 7th gen, and I believe they actually did 7th gen auditions twice! fun fact: she’s exactly 5 days older than me. same birth year and everything. i always thought that was pretty cool :3

Suzuki Kanon, 9th generation. She was the biggest dork. oh my god. i loved her so much. aldskfja. she was also hilarious >w< i miss her so much ahaha!

Fukumura Mizuki, 9th generation. She’s still in! she’s the current leader of momusu! ahhhh she is gorgeous. i am so happy for her. she finally achieved her dream of joining the group!

aaaaand there are more, but i think i’ve gone on long enough about this! ahaha~

if you have any questions about this just ask me and i’ll do my best to answer ahaha.

[zukadiary]

Shake-up 2017!

The! Announcements! As much as I enjoy playing the Voice of Reason I have to admit I am shook!!

The normal bits, for starters...

Soragumi taidan

I’m sad we’re losing some solid upperclassmen musumeyaku (and only musumeyaku, so Maa can go out surrounded by her harem I guess??) but I really thought this would be a lot worse, especially after no one left with Mirion. The biggest name leaving is Urara and I’m not a bit shocked. I’m seeing a lot of people crying SHAFTED! but I think you’re looking at the wrong moment; Urara wasn’t passed over for Madoka, she was passed over for Mirion waaaaay back when Kaname was announced. I know we live in a world where Senna Ayase is a top star but that’s still far from normal. If anyone else could have pulled it off I’d have said Urara with her big bank sponsorship, but if they were gonna force her in I don’t think they’d have waited for Maa to leave. ANYWAY, she’s also not being kicked out; she knows the clock ran out on her top chances and she’s moving on while she’s still young. She’s VERY well supported, and if she wants to continue a career on stage, she’ll likely be able to do anything her heart desires. When was the last time you saw a non-top, never mind a non-top musumeyaku, retire with her own hakama photo article?? 

Soragumi top announcement

Congrats to Makaze Suzuho and Hoshikaze Madoka!! A cool thing about this is that Madoka is the first Soragumi-born Soragumi top ever. She and Makaze are so different, I’m really looking forward to seeing what kinds of shows they get. 

TRANSFERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I knew that transfers were coming. I definitely did not know that THESE SPECIFIC TRANSFERS WERE COMING. 

My assessment of Glaring Needs was basically...

Yukigumi needs bodies, particularly ones capable of leading a shinko (and arguably a nibante)

Hoshigumi needs basically an entire star track below Coto. They have a couple of pieces but Hankyu just seems wishy washy about them. 

Soragumi needs to move people OUT, the children are suffocating

KIKI TO SORAGUMI SOLVES EXACTLY ZERO OF THESE PROBLEMS. 

I’m not saying it’s a bad move... but it is definitely a curious move (and does nothing to lessen the feeling that the other shoe still needs to drop).

What this means:

I think this is a pretty clear message to Aichan (Kiki’s douki, by the way) that her chances at top are on the none side of slim. I guess she could swoop in somewhere a la Sou, but I think now her future lies in interesting supporting roles. 

With that in mind, I suppose it means nothing for the rest of the crowded Soragumi star track other than a different person in front of them... but it certainly does nothing to lessen the pressure.

MakazeKiki is gonna be friggin lethal, and I think they kind of fill in each others gaps in strengths/weaknesses. They will likely push each other to be better versions of themselves.

We might see Mirio stick around till at least 2019 now? This move was obviously not FOR KIKI, because barring catastrophe she has quite a bit longer to wait in Soragumi... so it was likely for Rei, who will now be Mirio’s nibante, and only has to wait 1-2 years instead of 4+.

Generally, I am OK WITH THIS. I’m still shocked, but my much-loved Soragumi is not changing as much as I expected it would, it’s gaining someone I rather like, and I don’t have to go following my wonderchild to lord knows what other troupe for the time being. 

Aya Ouka to Yukigumi also doesn’t quite do what I wanted. She’s a 98th whose seen a handful of nibante/sanbante shinko roles, and I’m guessing now she’ll see a lead when Hitoko officially graduates from shinko. I’ve only seen her in Beni’s role in Koumori so admittedly my experience is very limited, but I was hoping for a bigger more established personality and MORE BODIES. 

Musumeyaku shuffle: Yukigumi gets Asazuki Kiwa from Hana and gives Sakuraba Mai to Hoshi; Amairo Mineri and Hanayuki Rira swap. The timing of this kind of strips it of meaning; there are no immediate top spots opening up, and none of these girls have had leads other than Kiwa (who, being a 96th, will likely slide into the space vacated by Anri). The only little interesting bit is apparently Coto rather likes Rira? She hasn’t really shown signs of top contention though. 

BONUS: Kamigami role distribution

As excited as I am to sob over whatever heartbreaking monstrosity we’ll get when UeKumi sinks her sadistic hands into a taidan show, I’m kind of expecting it to be top-heavy like Hoshiai was (so while it’s cool that Sora is a dancer, I’m not holding my breath for a lot of lines). Most notable points for me are Aichan as Rasputin, Susshi as an onnayaku, AND, as @caithion translated here, Hankyu acknowledging and explaining their choice of using problematic language?? How about that. 

[zukazukazuka]

Thank you for the translation! I love how much Mirio loves food XDDD

Is that Maitii with Aichan????

As you have probably noticed already, posting is now up to 5 days a week.

[aizawa-chan10]

Meguro Ren Jweb 2022.05.05

cross-post from my Twitter

[cheltranslations]

Takahashi Ai-san！@Nonaka Miki (23.11.08)

Chel here 😈💜👾

Thank you very much

For coming to look at my blog！

Your likes and comments

Make me super happy！

☁️🎀Yesterday's 2 choices🎀☁️

Do you often ride a bike

Yes？

Not really？

Not really

Was the majority！

I don't often ride a bike either！

I had my fortune told at my birthday event this year、

And I was told 「You shouldn't ride any bikes」

So I'm sticking to that 🚶‍♀️

☁️🎀❛ ･ ❛🎀☁️

I went out with Takahashi Ai-san 💛

Being able to talk with her

Made me suーper happy 🥺💛

Thank you very much for everything！

I took this photo on my way home

Christmas vibes 🔔

The stream train was running too！

I was excited to see it 💕

(T/N News and information has not been translated)

☁️🎀Today's 2 choices🎀☁️

Green tea？Black tea？

For reading until the very end

Thank you very much ❤️

Please come by again tomorrow！

Morning Musume。'23

Concert Tour Autumn

Neverending

Shine Show

Tour Finale

11/28 Yokohama Arena

Morning Musume。'23 Concert Tour Autumn

「Neverending Shine Show」

SPECIAL

11/29 Yokohama Arena

Morning Musume。'23 Concert Tour Autumn

「Neverending Shine Show〜Seiiki〜」

Fukumura Mizuki Graduation Special

Live viewings、

And live broadcasts have been announced ❤️

Live viewings will also be held

In Taiwan・Hong Kong！

3 weeks until Yokohama Arena！

In our performance on the 28th

Takahashi Ai-san will also be appearing 💕

I'm already really excited！

See ya 🐾

[aizawa-chan10]

Sakuma J-web 22.04.25 (💗 talks about 🖤)

💗 Meguro Ren who likes me so much plays a movie!! The title is “Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon” 💗 Ren was doing the filming in the middle of a busy schedule. I think it was really hard. So whenever I could see him, I made him laugh a lot and cheered him up. I really love seeing him laugh. I can't wait to watch it in the cinema. Ren, congratulations! (^ ^)

cross-post from my twitter

[aizawa-chan10]

cross-post from my Twitter

[cheltranslations]

Morning Musume。26th Anniversary @Nonaka Miki (23.09.15)

Chel here😈💜👾

Thank you very much

For coming to look at my blog！

Your likes and comments

Make me super happy！

☁️🎀Yesterday's 2 choice🎀☁️

Do you ride thrilling roller-coasters

Yes？No？

No

Was the majority！

I feel like people who like them

Really love them！

I used to ride them quite a lot、

But now I find them scary so I don't really ride them anymore！笑lol

☁️🎀❛ ･ ❛🎀☁️

Morning Musume。26th Anniversary

Dear Morning Musume。

From the bottom of my heart

Thank you & Congratulations! 💕

I'm so grateful that I'm able to spend my days

As a part of my beloved Morning Musume。！

I'll keep working hard 🌠

Please continue to support us！

Oda-san congratulations

On the anniversary of your joining 💗

Also！Takahashi Ai-san

Happy birthday 💛

(T/N News and information has not been translated)

☁️🎀Today's 2 choices🎀☁️

Fried meat？

Croquette？

For reading until the very end

Thank you very much ❤️

Please come by again tomorrow！

TV Tokyo

Hello Dream

Summer Tour Tachikawa Performance

Behind the Scenes footage is included！

Here

Please watch it on catch up！

See ya 🐾

[zabel99]

Hello! Morning 130, 2002-10-13

No Aichan in this episode :( My favorite moment...well, there were two. But one of them (a Konno funny) loses something in translation, while the other barely needs a translation, so imma take the easy route.

The girls are to think of funny lines for given scenarios. The first scenario is to speak the last words you would say if shot by a pistol and about to die. 5:40 Their gags get ever sillier, ending with Tsuji, at the sound of the pistol shot, making as if to swallow the bullet. "Yum."

[yuzukahibiscus]

Aizuki Hikaru: Interview for “The Fantasticks”

(Note: If it’s not obvious, this is my third translation for Aichan, and my mutual very successfully converted me like. I work full-time for Rei and part-time for Aichan. My day has more than 24 hours, it’s a Hibiscus clock. Anyway, I’m amazed by her comments and just how it reminds me of Rei’s acting spirit sometimes about androgyny.) 

In the Musical “The Fantasticks”, Aizuki Hikaru-san plays as El Gallo. Entered the Takarazuka Revue in 2007. Combined with both noble and wild qualities, with a three-set combo (singing, dancing, acting) power, she has charmingly acted as a wide range or roles, from Lucheni in “Elisabeth – The Rondo of Love and Death”, Eri Makropulos in “Immortal Thorns”, Bernardo in “WEST SIDE STORY”, Tybalt and Death in “Romeo and Juliette” and Rodrigo from “Manon”, and has acclaimed popularity as a male role (otokoyaku). She graduated on December 26, 2021 in “The Yagyu Ninja Scrolls” (Role: Ashina Dōhaku) “More Dandyism!” This will be her first musical since she graduated (taidanned).

When you knew about the offer of playing El Gallo, how did you feel?

— I was surprised. This time, knowing about the idea that the role El Gallo that was played by a man would change to be a woman playing as a man is really interesting. Also, I think it’s useful for me because I’ve already mastered being an otokoyaku, so knowing that I could revive that, I accepted the role.

When you accepted the offer, were you lost or confused by anything?

— After leaving Takarazuka, I didn’t have any thoughts of going back on stage, so I was lost and conflicted. But because El Gallo is not a role that has me “acting while wearing a skirt”, I thought that even though this was a quick timing since taidan, fans won’t be reluctant but also happy to see it, and therefore decided to take on the role. I’ve never seen “The Fantasticks” but knowing that it’s a famous work, I’m so blessed to be part of this.

What do you think you’ll work on for preparing the role El Gallo?

— I’m wondering if I had to act as manly as possible, but director Ueda (Ichigo)-san told me “There’s a meaning for a woman to play this, I want to see those betwitching charms presented, that I’d wonder if (El Gallo) is a woman or a man”, so I thought this is a vibe different from the otokoyaku in Takarazuka. Because I find it interesting to present those charms that attracts people regardless of age and gender, I hope to think and grasp those parts as I do rehearsal.

What do you think is the presence of El Gallo in this musical?

— The wanderer El Gallo is responsible for the story teller parts, there’s a scene where (El Gallo) tempts the heroine Luisa, a presence that hurls and messes around the characters, but also guides them. Different from the charms of protagonist Matt, I was thinking about performing (El Gallo) with more of a mature man’s appeals.

What’s your impression on the music?

— Since El Gallo is a man’s role, the songs have a low key, and it may be lower than I ever did in my otokoyaku times. Because this is a new challenge, I want to sing these wonderful songs firmly.

How do you think about this musical?

— I feel the presence and existence of the charms of this historical musical “The Fantasticks!”.

How do you feel about entering this world now the first time?

— It’s my first time meeting the staff members and cast members, how would it feel in rehearsal…it’s still an unknown world to me. I’m very nervous, but also excited. My classmate (douki) who just graduated from Takarazuka recently advised me, “It’s pretty embarrassing to go in rehearsal with those classy outfits you’d wear in Takarazuka, so be aware of that.” (LOL).

Is there something you want to do before you start rehearsal?

— I’d want to go to singing lessons first.

When you graduated from Takarazuka, did you take it slowly for a while? 

— I did take it slowly. In the latter half of being in the revue, because of the corona virus, I had a life where I couldn’t meet up with people, now I’ll still be careful, but I could meet up with people I want to see and have a great time with them.

How are your days in Takarazuka?

— They’re all of my youth. When I graduated from high school and entered (Takarazuka Music School), that’s all of my life. But, I still feel lonely sometimes.

After graduating, you’ve never thought about being on stage anymore?

— I have no interest in the stage apart from that of Takarazuka. I’ve gone to see some upperclassmen who taidanned appearing on different stages, but if it’s going on stage again apart from (Takarazuka), I’ve never pondered about this when I was in the revue. It’s because I only love being in the stage of Takarazuka.

What have you thought of doing apart from stage?

— I’d be happy doing modelling work in magazines. This is something that I would be the happiest in doing if I didn’t enter Takarazuka. Now I’m happy to do this kind of work.

Then, have you thought of any expectations in the future?

— I think this musical that I’m taking part in would act as a barometer for me. When “The Fantasticks” end, what would I think about myself? Will I be doing more (of stage) or is this enough? Then from this moment on, I’ll think about what steps I should embark on. I think it’s okay to decide after each and every time.

As “THE FANTASTICKS” will open soon, please give a message to the audience that are expectant of this!

— I never thought of being in this musical and playing this charming role of El Gallo, and I could meet with a role again to revive what I’ve learnt in Takarazuka, I’m already feeling looking forward now. Because I was thinking that the fans must be happy about this, with that thought, and since I’ll be asking for many people’s strength, I’ll hope to learn various things and also embrace the performance.

[zukadiary]

Chateau de la Reine / VIVA! FESTA! ~ Cosmos Troupe 2017

Mixed feelings and spoilers ahead!

The Plot: We’ve been blessed with a full script translation thanks to @makalations​‘s hard work, so I’m going to keep it very brief: Mirion is running a scam by double booking two tour groups in the same famous hotel at the same time so she can scrape up enough money to prevent her tour company from going under. Tour participants include Maakun (a novelist trying to find inspiration for his Louis XIV love story) and a bunch of other weirdos, antics ensue as the tour company tries to keep the two groups apart and they all kind of get to know each other.

Overall impressions: On the plus side, pretty much all the main players in Soragumi down to the kumichous had their own little side story going on (except Rui Makise and Rukaze Hikaru who receded into the background for this one), which I appreciated as someone who loves the whole troupe and whose fave was just a black angel. I followed the story with no problem, and I think I always wind up giving extra points to shows that make me feel like my Japanese doesn’t suck. They definitely put together a style, and I enjoyed the ridiculous costumes. I was, however, left curious to know more about what the overall vision was; the backgrounds were so drab it felt like they splurged on a custom wardrobe and ran out of budget. Even though the aesthetics could not be more different, it kind of reminded me of Count’s Daughter in that they bothered to stay out of the recycle bin to tell a visual story, but Count’s Daughter took that down to the last corner of the stage and Chateau de la Reine fell short (maybe this is a DVD problem, I don’t know).

On the minus side, it was lazy comedy with no real character development. It reminded me of being 15 and dying laughing at a lot of truly terrible anime because I was just so into it that you could shove any tired trope down my throat and I’d swallow it enthusiastically and beg for more. Puns so simple I understood them, half the characters rolling their Rs all the time, Louis XIV’s dramatic entrances (you could taste the freeze frame allowing a gust of flower petals to blow by)… NO JOKE, Maakun literally crashes into a door like this:

BUT, there is most definitely a give and take with these things. The trade-off for  a one-act troupe showcase is relying on stereotypes for character development to keep the show under 5 hours. Looking at a theatrical masterpiece like Hoshiai, 3 people got really meaningful roles. So I guess as long as a star’s run has a balance of both, I’ll take this occasionally. I do wish the comedy had been a little more creative. I think I laughed the hardest when poor miserable Zunchan picked her chin up and agreed to lead her shafted tour group to see the opera house “from the outside!” because it was the middle of the night… that was cute!

People:

Asaka Manato as Kitashirakawa (yeesh) Ukyo, the aforementioned novelist, was not what I’d call brilliant because it was not the most brilliant character… but she got to do some things she is uniquely good at, namely being kind of a jerkface and performing physically improbable feats of weirdness with her lanky limbs. Entertaining within the parameters of everyone here being a caricature.

Misaki Rion was equally the lead and very much boss lady in charge. I heard a lot of complaints that Reiko was not a role worthy of Mirion considering she retired on it, but I’m not sure what more you can expect out of a career spanning 2 partners and iconic leads like Aida and Elisabeth. This was a strange little show and for what it was I liked Reiko; I also liked that she basically orchestrated the whole scam. It was a much more interesting premise than a love story. Despite it being Maakun and Mirion’s last show together I didn’t even mind that it was romance-lite; they finished on equal footing holding hands, and that pretty much sums up their wonderful partnership for me.

Makaze Suzuho as the apparition of Louis XIV, dwelling in the chateau that was formerly his and inspiring Kitashirakawa’s novel, was probably my favorite part of the show if I toss my biases aside. Her Louis exuded an air of being so very done with all of these ridiculous people, while simultaneously being completely unaware that he’s definitely the most ridiculous person present. It was delightful.

Aizuki Hikaru as a tacky old rich real estate magnate with a toupee, and his arm candy/former hostess Hoshikaze Madoka, were the height of caricature; we learn almost nothing about them beyond that bare bones backstory and what’s conveyed through their clothing and their age difference. Nothing against their performances, but on the show level this was one instance where despite a lack of effort put into characterization we’re just supposed to find them funny (he’s old and absurd and she’s young and silly and they’re dating, get it??). I do appreciate Aichan’s willingness to lean all the way into a completely over the top character. This was a layup for Madoka.

Sumiki Sayato plays Makoto, a kind of grumpy cop paired against his will with Sorahane Riku’s Crayon, who is ostensibly a man in drag (we’re not given enough information to nail down Crayon’s gender identity). Crayon takes a shine to Makoto immediately, and this is another trope we’re just supposed to find funny—grouchy dude doesn’t want anything to do with the always-cheerful, flamboyant drag queen who won’t take no for an answer. WORKING WITH WHAT WE’VE GOT, I enjoyed both of their performances. Akkii is too sweet to fully immerse herself in the jerk who’s just a jerk for the sake of being a jerk, which made her eventual softening both foreseeable and convincing. Riku was hamming it up, and the fact that she was a head taller than Akkii in her heels really made the whole dynamic. And they got a kiss!

Sakuragi Minato plays Togawa, another guide in Reiko’s tour company, responsible for the group that paid less and thus constantly struggling to keep them out of the hotel at the choicest hours. This role was a waste of Zunchan, yet I can’t imagine anyone other than Zunchan in this role. She was adorable and pitiful and 110% invested; I just watch her constantly evolving offstage and I’m waiting for that role that makes me go WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH ZUNCHAN?!

Junya Chitose as the editor was another highlight. She’s both wholly supportive of Kitashirakawa’s eccentricity and a force to be reckoned with herself, and she spends most of her stage time drunk/ hungover/ flirting with Sora. When she’s stumbling, glasses askew, on the silver bridge, you can’t help but pray to the gods she’s not leaving with the next show.

KazukimotherfuckingSora as Pierre, the only one aside from chief bellboy Sao who really has to speak French, was A CHOICE, because she CANNOT DO THAT. There’s a scene where she tells everyone she remembered the name of a place and it sounds like she’s choking. But like everything else she does she took her adorable lavender blazer and ran with it, and I was in stitches, and honestly I don’t know who else she could have played. I miss you, you dumb idiot <3

Mentions: Kumichous were a married couple (<3), Reimi Urara was the memory of Louis’s lover with not a heck of a lot to do, and my not-a-real-character shout out this time goes to club singer Fuuma Kakeru (and Sao finding a way, at great pains I’m sure, to make issuing orders to the other bellboys sexy).

VIVA! FESTA! was not Hot Eyes but nothing will ever be Hot Eyes.

Quick hits:

Catchy theme song, catchier yosakoi chuuzume that had me dancing at work all day today feeling grateful I don’t go to the office

Worth it alone for Night on Bald Mountain featuring Kumichou taking center stage in a very Maleficent getup

I’m not into this boy band trend… but I am also aware that whether or not I am into this boy band trend in the moment depends heavily on who is pointing and winking at me

The festa theme could definitely have been more obvious throughout, but props to Nakamura S. for not falling back on Carnivale for a change. I could honestly watch an entire revue of yosakoi

Can I have a Sora angle? God that kid can dance. I REALLY MISS YOU, YOU DUMB IDIOT <3

Not a set of all-time winners, but I liked everything enough to watch again!