#hakataza

[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.

[zukadiary]

Takarazuka news roundup 2023.12.19

Additional cancellation announcements from the official site:

① Cosmos Troupe's upcoming small theater shows, Excalibur (Serika Toa/Haruno Sakura, scheduled for Hakataza -> Umeda Arts) and My Blue Heaven (Bow Hall, scheduled to be Kazeiro Hyuuga's first Bow lead), have both been preemptively canceled. All future appearances of Cosmos Troupe actresses TBD.

② The company previously announced that they would reduce the number of performances per week and the number of shows per year, in order to reduce the actresses' workload. This initiative will start from shows that have already been announced, and in some cases, tickets that have already been sold. The following performances are canceled:

Star troupe RRR/Violetopia: Takarazuka performances from 1/1-1/5 (opening day becomes 1/5 at 3:30pm); The 3:30pm shows on 1/11, 1/18, and 1/30 (2-show days become 1-show days); Shinjin Kouen is canceled. Tokyo performances at 6pm on 2/29, 3/5, 3/18, and 3/28; at 1:30pm on 3/12 (2-show days become 1-show days).

Flower Troupe Arc-en-Ciel: Takarazuka performances 2/9-2/10 (opening day becomes 2/10 at 3:30pm); 2/18 11am, 2/20 3:30pm, 3/5 3:30pm; Shinjin Koen. Tokyo performances 4/13, 4/14 (goes from two shows to one, 1:30pm becomes opening day); 6pm shows on 4/18, 5/2, 5/7, 5/14; 1:30pm shows on 4/25 and 5/24.

Snow Troupe Boiled Doyle on the Toil Trail/Frozen Holiday: Tokyo performances at 6pm on 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30; the 1:30pm performance on 2/6.

③ All 110th anniversary festivities for 2024 have been canceled. This includes:

The 110th anniversary ceremony scheduled for July

The 2024 Takarazuka Special

Sports Day

Rescinding publication of the 3rd-party investigation report

Translated from the official site:

Regarding the sudden death of a Takarazuka actress of Cosmos Troupe, we continue to extend our sincerest condolences to all of her surviving relatives. As announced on December 7 in relation to this incident, based upon written notice received from the family’s legal team on 12/6, along with the contents of the press conference held by said legal team, we made the decision to conduct a second investigation that will examine the facts of the case more closely. We are still taking the problems outlined in the investigation report that we released on 11/14 very seriously. However, as the issues present are not limited to those outlined in said report, after taking into account the information shared by the family’s legal team via the aforementioned documentation and press conference, and with the deepest consideration for the bereaved family’s thoughts and feelings, out of sincere desire to continue our earnest consultation with the family, we have made the decision to rescind publication of our report at their request. Additionally, we will continue to work toward achieving a formal compensation agreement with the family.

Threats demanding Takarazuka performance cancelation

Tiny blurb translated from 47News

In the aftermath of the sudden death of an actress from the Takarazuka Revue in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, we've learned today, December 19, from an inside source, that the company has received numerous messages with threatening contents via post and email, demanding that the reopening of performances be suspended.

[shori]

2022.09.29 Endless SHOCK @ Hakataza Theater in Fukuoka

Posting on my Tumblr so I can delete the thread on my Twitter and it looks better here than a series of 10+ tweets haha. I'm sad I didn't hit for SHOCK 2023 so time to relive seeing it last year. I got lucky and decided to just YOLO by applying for the self guided tour visa before borders opened back up officially like two weeks later lmao. I HAD TO GO since I'm a KinKi and Kisumai fan!

Koichi Zachou is really an oujisama 😍 Loved red hair Mitsu as rival. Wish I could have seen more shows because there's so much happening in all the scenes. Glad I got close seats in the 2nd floor especially to see Koichi's flying scenes in the second act 😭

9/29 13:00 show

I was so focused on Koichi at the beginning and I'm so used to Kochan's stage voice so when Mitsu first spoke I was like who omg it's HIROMITSU

I was very impressed with Mitsu's stage acting and singing just like many fans reported! His singing is very clear & smooth 💯

Matsuzaki & HIROMITSU are too cute as buddies. Zaki telling Mitsu to put his arms around Rika at the rooftop🙈 A few scenes I just laughed at their buddy bro dynamic.

Mitsu in the ❤️ patterned suit is cute 🥰 when he comes in with the bouquet & dances with Rika during It's a Wonderful Day. Man got guts to wear that heart patterned suit. Haha he's so charai just like how he is as idol... watch Kisumai Busaiku! 🤣

I think HIROMITSU is the happy go lucky charai rival that is more on KOICHI's level. He doesn't seem to get angry and is more sly and calculated.

I laughed at the Everybody Go lines 😂 I love the little references/adlibs. For my show since it was the day of Travis Japan's "world debut" announcement. After the rooftop scene they are crossing the stage~

Matsuzaki: There's a group making a world debut!

Mitsu on roller skates: Ehh Tora Tora..! 🐯🐯

Overall HIROMITSU gets along with everyone and have fun in the Company.

The solo for the rival, MOVE ON is such a good fitting song. I felt Shori had the cool youngster brash charisma in the performance. So it's nice to see how Mitsu's version has a different aura that was his own... he totally owned the stage. Dancing & charisma. 💯💯

I need to review the previous rivals and watch more closely but I can definitely see how others say Mitsu's version is different. I felt his version was more calm, diligent, and mature and more of KOICHI's equal. He didn't crumble emotionally and descend into darkness/violence or acted brashly right away...

It was a slowburn but when he finds out, KOICHI is really dead... After the Shakespearean act, HIROMITSU is lying on the floor distraught. The piano melody for Don't Look Back 〜戻れない日々 plays (love this song composed by Koichi! could we get a new OST version with Shori and Mitsu as vocals *biased*). This part always gets me with the rival, KOICHI, and the owner singing. here is where I first started to get sobby/cry a bit. I also cried at the end of Yori no Umi, then and there's HIROMITSU and the cast... The flashbacks of memories with KOICHI is shown...

Shimada Kaho who Koichi worked with in Knights' Tale played the Owner for the first time. She's a lovely lady and has such a elegant presence 😍 she has a softer speaking voice than Maeda Bibari-san but a powerful beautiful singing voice.

As always the second act is just amazing with the Japanese dance and flying scenes.

And the end is just 😭😭😭

Doesn't HIROMITSU look so intense!

Even knowing the general story with the acts and various performances... I understand why people still want to see it every year even tho the general story is the same but how the script changes with the different rival and how it evolves... There's a different atmosphere with each new rival/cast. For me, seeing the cast ensemble makes it interesting to watch with the chairman leading. I really hope to see Endless SHOCK again one day.

Scans by me from digital Weekly TV Guide & TV Guide Alpha

[ponthebear]

クマ散歩：博多座に品行方正なクマ出没 The Bear hung around Hakataza Theater！♪☆(^O^)／

#おでかけ #思い出

[vam-xproduction]

Musical SPY × Family

２０２３年５月３日

博多座でのスパイファミリーの初日講演を見てきました！

アーニャ役の子が天才でした！

May 3, 2023

I watched the musical SPY × Family first act in Hakataza.

The girl who performed Anya was genius!!

#spy family #スパイファミリー #博多座 #hakataza

#fukuoka #musical #舞台 #ミュージカル

[anendlessdawnfalling]

[ninetail-fox]

a Japanese gargoyle ,Fukuoka

[nobutoman]

#博多座 #博多座二月花形歌舞伎 #kabuki #hakataza#japan#hakata#fukuoka #kankuro #matsuyaonoe #shichinosukenakamura #kankuronakamura #ichikawa (博多座)

[lunarharp]

romageki & pockyheart, the same as usual t b q h

[marx48]

[marisu712]

"The shishi Kabuki" Amazing! Humanity! Cool! Let's come and see the Japanese traditional entertainment!! #kabuki #shikan #nakamura #hakataza #japanesetraditional #maristarcafe #芝翫 #芝翫香 #音、背景画、演者さんキレイ♡男性なのにしなやか #壁画が！ (博多座)

[yuzukahibiscus]

Minami Maito "ME AND MY GIRL" Opening and Closing performance speech

Shonichi (Opening performance)

Everyone, thank you very much for coming to the opening performance of Star Troupe "ME AND MY GIRL". I am Minami Maito of Senka troupe of Takarazuka Revue.

The world of "ME AND MY GIRL" is a happy production illustrated by different kinds of love. We hope that the audience could enjoy "ME AND MY GIRL" dearly created by 40 members, including [the director] Miki (Akio)-sensei, the staff members, our star troupe members and myself. And for you to be happy, we will cherish every time, and devote our hearts into this.

Working with everyone today, and supporting each other, we'll be all together in this, so please look forward to us before the closing performance comes. Thank you so much today."

Senshuuraku (Closing performance)

Everyone, thank you very much for coming to the closing performance of Star Troupe "ME AND MY GIRL". I am Minami Maito of Senka troupe of Takarazuka Revue.

First of all, I'm very happy that we could finish the closing performance safely, that with everyone’s love and support we could finish the performances, and the days I've been spending with this company of performers and with everyone is firmly imprinted in my heart.

In the past days, many people have come to the theatre to watch us, to guide us, to give us warm rounds of applause and to laugh a lot. and the audience has loved and created this performance together with us until today, so I am sincerely grateful for that.

I will remember all that I have learnt in “ME AND MY GIRL” and devote all of my body and soul to continue delivering the love, joy and happiness to those who love Takarazuka Revue. So I ask for your support in the future as well.

I'm truly delighted to perform in Hakataza, to meet with everyone in this space and spend the ever lovely time. Thank you so much.

Akatsuki Chisei (Ari) Closing performance speech (excerpt)

Ari: And this time, I performed with Minami-san. You're always so kind, considering things around you. You're so kind a person and there’s too many things you helped me with and I learnt from. Thank you.

Maiti: Thank you too.

[zukadiary]

Hello! I had a question regarding resale tickets. I bought tickets for me and my girl in Hakataza. But I was wondering,do they check your name and ID when entering. I am a bit worried now since it is not my own name that is on the ticket. Thank you!

They SAY they do, but this is my first trip since the resale ban and I haven’t witnessed any checking. Unfortunately I think it’s always a risk, but not necessarily a guaranteed problem. Anyone have more insight?

[monchan-tcs]

3月のご褒美( *´艸｀) 幸せすぎたー♡感極まって涙出たーwかっこよかったー♡ #九楽舞 #九楽舞博多座 #clubhakataza #hakataza #thenineworlds #黒木啓司 #keiji #exilethesecond #therampage #exiletakahiro #くまお #巾着ほしかった #楽しすぎた #感激で涙 #specialday

[taktstockist]

#hakataza #hakatatheater #fukuoka #hakata #home (at 博多座)

[bornonthebreakofdawn]

Double cast for Loid and Yor in the upcoming Spy x Family The Musical!

Cast

- Win Morisaki and Hiroki Suzuki as Loid Forger

- Fuka Yuduki and Mirei Sasaki as Yor Forger

The role of Anya Forger is still being determined via audition

Performance Schedule:

- March 8-29, 2023 at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo

- April 2023 at Hyogo Performing Arts Center

- May 2023 at Hakataza Theater in Fukuoka

Official website: