#hakumyu shitan kazama hakuouki musical

[liliththunder]

Adoption request for Mahoroba Kanata into the Hakumyu fan community

“Mahoroba Kanata” is a original work of the screen writer Nishida Daisuke, it follows the story of the Choshu clan centered by Takasugi Shinsaku, set in the Bakumatsu period. “Mahoroba” also called the ‘land of blessings’ in the Japanese folklore is something Takasugi dreams of to obtain.

Why do I want adopt it into Hakumyu (Hakuouki)?

The reason are simple and overflowing:

time period and story: 1) both are settled in the Bakumatsu period in a time frame between 1850ties and 1860ties 2) both are concentrate on a contrary opinions, none of them follows the concept of “We are right, you are wrong” 3) there is lot of suffering (maybe a bit more love in Mahoroba) 4) both like to joke and have unique, relatable characters 5) all characters are as well based on real history figures

cast and stuff 1) well as said before: Nishida Daisuke as director (active in Hakumyu since 2018) 2) Tomita Maho: - fourth Chizuru in Kazama Hen                            - playing the role of Shinsaku’s faithfull and tomboiish                                   wife O-Masa 3) Tanoue Marina: - fifth Chizuru in Toudou Hen                               - playing the younger sister of Yoshida Shouin, named                                  Fumi 4) Motonishi Sakiho: - ninth Chizuru in Shitan Kazama Hen                                  - playing the lover of Takasugi Shinsaku, called Ouno 5) Matsuda Ryo: - first Saito Hajime active until Kazama Hen                            - playing the role of Katsuragi Goro

Shinsengumi yes, they do appear and they play a minor role

publication and fandom since it’s on one side an original work and on the other side not part of a series, there’s is no ‘active’ fandom, I would claim (at least outside of Japan) AND they don’t plan on ever publishing a DVD/BD, but since it’s such a high quality play, I find it sad to let it disappear into history’s shadow.

Why is Mahoroba Kanata attractive on it’s own?

It’s easy to be answered, because it has it all: great music, great story, overwhelming feelings, great actors and great acting, fun bits and good bits and and tearing apart sad parts, great visuals, a beautiful stage - did I forgot something?

Whole cast list:

高杉晋作 Takasugi Shinsaku (1839-1867) samurai, who fought against the Bakufu 阪本奨悟 Sakamoto Shougo (https://twitter.com/Sakamoto_Shogo)

山縣狂介 Yamagata Aritomo (1838-1922) 糸川耀士郎 Itokawa Youjirou (https://twitter.com/yohhg)

大村蔵六  Oomura Zouroku (1825-1869) 和合真一 Wago Shin’ichi (https://twitter.com/wagoshin1)

伊藤春輔 Itou Hirobumi (1841-1909) politican in the later Meiji goverment 廣野凌大 Hirono Ryouta (https://twitter.com/hironobimistaff)

勝海舟 Katsu Kaishuu (1823-1899) former samurai, politican and bakufu supporter 根本正勝 Nemoto Masakazu (https://twitter.com/oni_fukucyo)

お雅 O-Masa (1845-1922), wife of Shinsaku, real name Masako 富田麻帆 Tomita Maho (https://twitter.com/maho_tomita6261)

文 Yoshida Fumi, later Katori Miwako (1843-1921), sister of Yoshida Shouin 田上真里奈 Tanoue Marina (https://twitter.com/tanouemarina)

おうの Ouno, Shinsaku’s lover (1843-1909), former Geiko, later nun 本西彩希帆 Motonishi Sakiho (https://twitter.com/sakiho_46)

すみ子 (Itou) Sumiko, Hirobumi’s ex wife 平井琴望 Hirai Kotomi (https://www.instagram.com/kotomi915/)

幾松  Ikumatsu (1843-1886) later  Kido Matsuko (Katsuragis wife) 律 Ritsu (https://twitter.com/LizLiz_ritsu)

吉田松陰 (1830-1859), proponent of the Sonnou Jooi, got arrested and later executed 中村亀鶴 Nakamura Kikaku (2nd gen) (https://twitter.com/KIKAKU0618)

桂小五郎 Katsuragi Goro (1833-1877) later  Kido Takayoshi, former samurai, Meiji goverment politican 松田凌 Matsuda Ryo (https://www.instagram.com/matsudaryo_9)

(pictures taken from the official twitter page : https://twitter.com/mahorobakanata

Still not convinced? Then hear for yourself (and thanks for sticking until the end)

Will you accept my request, Hakumyu-Community?  Thanks for listening to me (I decided to translate it within this year, but please be patient with me LIVE 3 is still being nosy on my desk (;^_^A)

[kuro71]

Hands Down for Hakumyu Shitan Kazama-Hen

I’ve always a simp and followed Hakumyu since Saito-hen 2012 (their first production) so seeing the new casts it’s a bit hard for me, moreover I already attached to them especially on their early production of Kazama and Heisuke-hen

To me their production at that time were the best and no other version can beat it.

And then Reimeroku came, it gave me bitter taste seeing the new casts didn’t exceed my expectations. Shinsengumi Kitan came, Harada-hen, Hijikata-hen (2018), and then finally Shitan Kazama-hen (2019)

At first I didn’t watch it instantly, I still love the old cast, you can say I’m very adore and love the og. But after clearing up my head and watching it with an empty mind (no bias). Oh god... hands down to Shitan Kazama-hen!

I don’t think we give enough credits for this production, therefor I am going to talk about this stage because it gives me so much nostalgia, happiness, and satisfying feelings

Overall score:

Script ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Casts ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Production ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Songs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Chemistry ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆

I’m going to give my own reviews and opinions so there will be lots of spoilers. Disclaimer: English is not my first language, so I am very sorry if there are tons of grammatical errors

Second disclaimer: this review will be very bias by how I perceived musical (usually I accentuate more on the actors/actress acting and singing ability than the production). Also I learn a little bit about theater hopes my knowledge helps the reliability of this review.

1. Acting + Singing Ability 

Nakagauchi Masataka as Kazama Chikage

At first I thought no one can beat Suzuki Shogo as Kazama Chikage, his voice and acting already imprint on my head. Suzuki really potrays such a maniac and obsessive in early production, but in his own Kazama-hen he really give his best shot by understanding the character and gosh his singing ability totally improved! So after Suzuki being replaced by Sasaki, Suzuki still won because I think he lives for Kazama role. Yet, when Nakagauchi came, he really came to wreck my bias list. HIS SINGING?! ACTING?!!?!?! damn I think I might’ve like Nakagauchi more as Kazama than Suzuki. There are some parts in the beginning he was a little bit awkward, his sword ability is below than what I anticipated. But Nakagauchi really potrays anime and game Kazama. Stoic, reserved, cold, yet caring. But he lack the manic and obsessiveness towards Oni pride (?) unlike Suzuki. There is this part where Nakagauchi sang acapella when he fought with Hijikata and ~oh god~ it truly blows my mind away.

Motonoshi Sakiho as Yukimura Chizuru

is this really her? she looks different on stage anyways, hmmm... *cough* (okay start with compliment, start with compliment)

SO, 

Motonoshi realllllly the embodiment of Yukimura Chizuru. All this time I thought Isobe or Tanoue are the best. Well they are, but there are this spirit and perseverance in Motonoshi when she portrays Chizuru. I don’t know maybe it’s because Kazama-hen story, so Chizuru must be very stubborn or how she potrays Chizuru that’s why there is this strong willed personality in her -which I like it so much- But what I can’t stand from her are I think she is a rookie actress on stage / musical play. You can see how awkward she is when she’s LITERALLY STANDING ON THE STAGE or BEING SLASHED BY THE ENEMY, I think she’s confused what to do, don’t know where to stand etc etc. And her acting is quite stiff. But here’s where I find it interesting. Whenever she sings she can act like normal, like chizuru, she can portray Chizuru very well WHEN SHE SINGS. And I love her voice, her voice trully blend with Nakagauchi. Is she the best Chizuru? She is, when she sings. But if I have to compare her with Tomita Maho, I guess love them both but in acting skills I prefer Tomita but Motonoshi for singing.

Wada Masanari as Hijikata Toshizo

I don’t need to say anything about him actually. He’s very positive from me. Green light. Wada Masanari have a great singing ability, I knew him from Tousute and how he portrays Hasebe really remind me of Hijikata, so I’m not surprised when he got the role. I’m more surprised by how good he is when he’s on stage. I can say he’s almost equal to our beloved captain Piroshi. His singing ability is also top notch.

Yamazaki Shogo as Okita Souji

Yamazaki Shogo really surprise me when he showed up and start to talk. His voice sound similar as Daisuke, and his cunning looks similar to Okita itself. He’s good, I have nothing negative thing to say about him (minus his laugh tho it sounds so forced). Aside from it his portrayal as Okita is really good. There’s a scene where Okita learned about Kondou death, it’s really heartbreaking and Yamazaki acting and singing skills really build up the emotions

Akazawa Tomoru as Saito Hajime

Who is Saito Hajime? It’s Akazawa Tomoru 👉🏼😎👉🏼 ........ get it? In all seriousness Akazawa is the epitome of Saito Hajime. I LOVEEEE Matsuda Ryo’s portrayal, but I also love Akazawa’s portrayal as a loner and loyal samurai in here. There are some part that he kinda overwhelm by others (like you won’t notice he’s there) but there are times where he really outshine others. I think he’s my second favorite Satio Hajime actor after Matsuda :)

Higuchi Yuta as Toudou Heisuke

No one can beat Ikeda Junya ask Toudou Heisuke, but that doesn’t mean Higuchi Yuta doesn’t do a great job as Heisuke. When I watch his scene, he has his own charisma that makes me wanted to protect him. On the stage he really can act like “I will protect you chizuru senpai” but there are also some moments where he went serious (but I can’t take him serious bcs he’s just too cute). Also I did not expect his duet with Chizuru before the battle with Rasetsu in ??? Castle. It gives me a nostalgia moment about Heisuke route :( 

Mizushi Atomu as Harada Sanosuke

Hands down to Mizushi Atomu who plays as Harada Sanosuke. In this stage production, Mizushi didn’t exaggerate Harada character AT ALL. Like if he want to be funny, he act funny, if he irrated by Heisuke, he just punch Heisuke in normal (?) way. ALSO DO I HAVE TO REMIND U HOW EFFORTLESSLY SEXY HE IS?! His charisma on stage didn’t overwhelm, eventho somehow I feel like his screentime and lines are more less than in 2015 production, but he manage tho. HE MANAGE TO SHINE TILL THE END <3

Kishimoto Yuuta as Nagakura Shinpachi

To be honest I don’t really pay attention anyone who play as Nagakura Shinpachi. I don’t even remember much from all actors who play as Nagakura bcs they’re all the same to me... lowkey, trying not to outshine other characters, and that’s it I guess? But from all who played as Nagakura Shinpachi, Kishimoto Yuuta have the best singing ability. 

Teruma as Sanan Keisuke

:)  Just..... Where have you been in my entire life Teruma? :) TERUMA TOTALLY STOLE THE SHOW No LIKE SERIOUSLY I don’t think no one can ever top Teruma as Sanan Keisuke. He’s scary, cunning, wicked, gray area character, and unpredictable. I know Teruma lack of Sannan’s kindness, some post said that Teruma portray it better it Souma-hen so I can not wait to see it happened. Also I DO AGREE if Sannan has his own route. Played by Teruma of course ;)

I just want to tell you guys, prepare your body and soul when Teruma do his solo. My jaw dropped really hard when I saw it. 

2. Charisma

Having charisma between two main characters, enemies, and the Shinsengumi it’s not easy. Not all stage productions can nail it. But in here, our two main characters really pull it off. I know Motonoshi is a lil bit stiff playing as Chizuru, but whenever she interact with Kazama, it felt like she know what to do (stubborn Chizuru who doesn’t want to hear what Kazama said lol) and she is like a pure and naive girl about l-o-v-e around Kazama. Yet, Kazama is like the bad boy prodigy when he’s with Chizuru. SO yeah, their dynamic is like bad boy who fall in love with a good girl. Ok. 

Also I love ^ that scene where Kazama slowly hugging Chizuru (maybe out of concern and wanted to comfort her) it shows how Kazama deeply care to his own kin. What I really like in this stage production Kazama didn’t force himself to Chizuru and their chemistry really building up till the end of the show.

But I still found it weird, where Kazama kissed Chizuru AFTER he killed Hijikata like tf

The Shinsengumi they also have strong bond to each other, the trio idiots (that’s what I called them ehe) they don’t really emphasize it that much but I can still feel how genuine they are towards each other. I love Hijikata and Kondou relationship, I really bawled my eyes out when he dies :D.. see in this stage production I dont really feel the closeness as Shinsengumi, moreover as a UNIT. The trio, Hijikata and Kondou, Souji and Okita, the Oni’s, even Sannan felt like an outcast. Maybe it’s because they fasten up the pace, we can not see more interactions in the daily lives of Shinsengumi, which it’s kinda shame.

3. Production 

-stage- 

In terms of production, yes they’re more high quality than the 2015 one. Their choreo are more various, have props (like fans) for dancing, oh and the GodDamn Sakura Tree is beautiful. But what I found it unfortunate is the atmosphere. I still remember when I watched the 2015 I get the chills from the opening, eerie vibes in Chizuru and Kodo duet song, Sannan attack Chizuru, and the sad atmosphere in the song where Hijikata got shot. But when I watched the Shitan Kazama-hen... I felt, somewhat, someway bland. 

Yes Hijikata shot scene are sad and I got teary. Harada duet with Kiranui (?) are more heart wrenching. But what I’m looking for are the eerie, creepy, painful vibes in this one. It’s because our focus are the demons so It’s normal for me to expect something unexpected or inhuman vibes from the stage production. But I didn’t get any. On the other hand, the last fight where Kazama and Hijikata fought under the sakura tree it felt very grand but sad at the same time. 

Kudos for the big sakura tree and and their acting too.. 

-songs-

The songs majority are rearranged, which I don’t find it really that disturbing, they also try to bring back Saito, Okita, Hijikata, and Heisuke iconic songs (but where is Harada song goddamnit) I think there are also new songs? But I don’t quite remember is it really a new songs or it’s just another rearranged songs. They sang Yaisa tho, that’s more than enough :D

There are also some songs that were toned down and some songs get rock versions and stuff. What totally blown me away are Heisuke sudden duet song, Sannan’s solo, and Kazama acapella. I also love Chizuru harmony and adlib, she sing very good and very light like a feather 

That is all for my review.. This is all based on my own opinions and bias so I you don’t agree to what I say in this post feel free to comment on it (without forcing onto me or anyone else) I would like to say sorry for my messy English, hope you guys understand what I’m trying to say here. Now, excuse me I want to watch Souma-hen :) ✨✨✨

[funjoushi]

HakuMyu Kazama Shitan(2019) subs/dld

okay I swear this is the last one. But here is the link to my final Kazama-shitan subs. These are adjusted so that they can work with any rip and not just my own(also generally edited and refined). But of course, a download and soundtrack is still included

download here

[sandreeen]

[Hakuouki Shitan: Hijikata Toshizou Route (2018) Musical Curtain Call] Kazama’s actor just dissed the whole cast’s singing ability!😂 (Himself included!) Nakagauchi-san, no!😂

[yukimuraruki-art]

Nakagauchi Masataka as Kazama Chikage

Size: A4 scanned at 300 dpi Medium: Charcoal (Derwent & Panduro), Winsor and Newton Pro Markers Pastel Tones Series: Hakuouki - Musical Hakuouki Shitan Character: Kazama Chikage (Nakagauchi Masataka) Reference: Nakagauchi!Kazama

Commission Info |  Instagram |  Facebook|Personal Website

All Likes and Reblogs are welcome and very much appreciated ♡

Don’t Repost, Trace, Recolor or change this drawing in any way without permission. Please also rate the drawing on Pixiv. Alternative on DeviantArt.

It's finished!! Actually since March 3rd, but for some reason I didn't scan it before  Anyways, it is online now and I love it so much!Although I think I could have done better, but since it's Nakagauchi Masataka portraying Kazama Chikage, I think I will never be satisfied. I've been a huge fan of Nakagauchi-san since 2007 or 2006 even, when he debuted as Niou Masaharu in the Prince of Tennis musicals - also Niou Masaharu is one of my top 5 characters of all time and TeniPuri xD And since one of my favourite actors plays now one of my favourite charatcers, it's kind of huge xD So, since I had again access to my charcoals and other drawing materials, I decided to do this portrait. It's drawn on a thicker kind of copy paper, since I wasn't sure how my qater colour paper would react to charcoal. In the end I would have had a better and far easier time if I tried it then, but it's not the worst outcome here either. The flowers are done with pencils and markers, so they would make a nice popping contrast to the overall dark and monochrome picture. I think I didn't capture all the shadows in the best manner, but well... I tried and I will try again His expression is kind of not the same, I think on the photo he looks a bit more arrogant, so here, have my slightly more civilized Kazama xDIt might be the case that many people will look at this and facepalm because I chose to draw Camellia Japonica in the background. Well it's an intentional choice to draw the no-go flowers of the swordsmen in old Japan. The bromide is from Hijikata-hen, so Kazama dies in the end - it's a farewell in that story. For those who do not know the reason: the camellia japonica whithers in a way that looks as if the flower is beheaded - not a good sign for swordsmen. For women on the other hand, the flower means love.

Commissions Open

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Accessing Hakumyu Guide

Okay. So I’ve had a number of people ask me for “How to watch Hakumyu” help as I am one of the individuals who is willing to share files to the fandom and who is also on the LJ... so I wrote a guide for the FAQ I get. 

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First, files uploaded on the Hakumyu LJ and the Hakumyu files that are shared by others are not to be streamed, shared or uploaded elsewhere, but directing someone to the respective website/persons is acceptable.

The Hakumyu community relies on people’s generosity to get translations and subtitle files created, and for the musicals to be shared... so don’t go ruining it. Translating and subtitling can take a significant amount of time to do, and the musicals themselves are not cheap to buy and ship.

In case it needs to be stated, the term “Hakumyu” is a generally used term referring to the abbreviation of “Hakuoki Musical” or “Musical Hakuoki” even though there are “HAKU-MYU LIVE” musicals.

-----------------------------

Accessing Hakumyu

(I am assuming that anyone reading this will have prior knowledge of what Hakuoki musicals have been produced, though information on the what the first 12 musicals are can be found on the Wikia.)

The most common recommendation made to watch Hakumyu, is to join the Hakumyu LiveJournal community. It is also the same group that anyone referring to the Hakumyu fancom or Hakumyu LJ, is speaking of. 

The Fancom is a closed community that you must request membership to join in order to access its files, and requires the creation of a LiveJournal account. The post where membership requests are made is the “[MOD-POST MUST READ TO JOIN] Welcome, to the Land of sparkly Shinsengumi, Oni & Rasetsu!” post. Details on how to join the community are on that post. 

To locate what DVD rips and subtitle files have been shared directly to the Fancom, go to the “[DOWNLOADS MASTERPOST] Hakuouki Musicals Downloads” post. Additionally, the subtitles for the original Saito-hen can be found through the mirror link of the Saito-hen musical download (included this info as the file under the subtitles link still redirects to the hakumyu wikia). 

Alternatively, you can now join the newer back-up Hakumyu LJ fancom to access the majority of files that were shared to the original Hakumyu LJ if waiting for a membership request to go through... since that community only has one mod to process membership requests. However, like the original fancom, you must request access to join here.

In regards to the files that are NOT on the fancom, and therefore do not require membership to the Hakumyu LJ community, there are a number of them which can be found here on tumblr, which include (remove the slash “/” to get the usernames):

Subtitles for Hijikata-hen, LIVE, Shinsengumi Kitan and LIVE 2 are obtainable here (reposted and reuploaded with permission from @/janiesj)

Subtitles for Kazama-hen can be obtained via @/masayume85 (I think you might have to search for the post for them... 

Subtitles for Toudou-hen and Harada-hen can be obtained from @/lady-mug. They should be under the “subs" tag. lady-mug also shares DVD rips of LIVE 2, Toudou-hen, Reimeiroku, Harada-hen, Shinsengumi Kitan, Shitan Hijikata-hen and Shitan Kazama-hen, but you have to send her a direct message when making requests (also please be polite and follow her rules!).

Subtitles of Reimeiroku can be obtained via @/sohmariku under the “Hakumyu” tag.

Subtitles and DVD rips for Hakumyu Shitan Kazama and Souma-hen can be obtained from @/funjoushi, but you must ask them for their files (do not be anonymous when doing so).

@/legendary-girl-a shares assorted CD, soundtrack, DVD and Blu-ray rips of her files. You must ask them for their files by direct private message only. (tumblr no long available. their files are on the 2nd Hakumyu LJ)

I share Blu-ray rips and HD files of Hakumyu musicals, but I have my own rules that need to be followed and only receive requests through direct messages (sorry but I am not elaborating further on anything else given how many times I’ve already done that). 

Translations of Kazama-hen’s extras are here and LIVE extras are here. 

Also, since I have been asked this more than once, in terms of what order to watch the musicals, I would go Saito-hen -> Okita-hen -> Hijikata-hen -> LIVE -> Kazama-hen or Toudou-hen or Reimeiroku or Shinsengumi Kitan -> LIVE2 ->  Shitan Hijikata-hen or Shitan Kazama-hen -> Shinkai Souma-hen -> Shinkai Saito-hen -> LIVE 3

The order for that specific recommendation is due to how Saito-hen is the first musical (and it shows), while LIVE contains spoilers for Saito-hen, Okita-hen and Hijikata-hen, and LIVE 2 contains spoilers for Kazama-hen, Toudou-hen, Reimeiroku and Shinsengumi Kitan. 

p.s. if someone can think of something else that should be added to this, let me know.... since i get these sort of questions quite regularly.

[funjoushi]

you have no control who lives, who dies who tells your story

[sandreeen]

[Hakuouki Shitan: Kazama Chikage Route (2019) Musical] Ensemble wanted to do the blood drinking scene, but Kazama was like, "No. Excuse you, that's my waifu" while the Shinsengumi just felt like third wheelers in this situation.😂

[sandreeen]

I was staring at Wadanari during Kazama arc's Yaisa! Yaisa! Yaisa!

And why is he dancing so awkwardly?😂

[liliththunder]

Koko made juunen, kore kara mo juunen

About the future of Hakumyu (updated version 20th of July 2023)

We followed Hakumyu for several years, and are still excited about the same story, even we watched uncountable times.

So what future does Hakumyu have? Which productions are awaiting us in the next years?

First if all we have a new writer and director, named Nishida Daisuke. He "created" two new series, the Shitan (Kazama & Hijikata) and Shinkai (Souma, Saito & Sannan) as well as LIVE3.

As of the 20th June of 2023 Shinkai Hijikata Toshizō Hen was announced. This date is also the historical Hijikata's death date. But it isn't Nishida, who is in charge.

We have already "explored" routes and "new" routes. (New routes with year are been already aired or scheduled)

Which are:

Explored:

Saitou Hajime (twice)

Okita Souji

Hijikata Toshizou (thrice) (+2024)

Kazama Chikage (twice)

Toudou Heisuke

Harada Sanosuke

Other:

Shinsengumi Kitan

Reimeiroku

And new:

Souma Kazue (2020→2021)

Sannan Keisuke (2023)

Sakamoto Ryoma

Nagakura Shinpachi

Yamazaki Susumu

Iba Hachirou

Shitan

is a series, which follows the screenwriting of Mōri Nobuhiro, but is directed by Mr. Nishida.

So the stories and routes in included are, what we all already know, which makes it 10 possible productions (of which we already have 2, so 8 future productions). But...

Shinkai

is a series written and directed by Nishida. I think, I wasn't the only one expecting there to be only new routes. But after the announcement of Shinkai Saito it made it much more. So we have the new routes and old ones, which make it 16 possiblities (14, if we count Souma Kazue Hen and the new one out)

And with Hijikata's third Hen (or rather fourth time, the left options are back to 15 options)

But...

Now someone could think: "Great, there will be 22 new productions." There won't be, because it is highly unlikely that one route gets a Shinkai and a Shitan production. So with what I calculated, we have 5 new Shinkai routes and 7 either Shinkai or Shitan old routes. Which make it a good chance that Hakumyu will be there even after another ten years. There are of course also other possibilities: for example: we finally get the Yukimura Kodo Hen 😜 or there will be a Hakumyu Uragata, or other stories based on Drama CDs and other game series related to Hakuouki. Also there is the chance we have more LIVEs.

Forget what I said as Hijikata Toshizō got a OG, a Shitan AND a Shinkai, we have the possibility of 21 possibilities.😅

Cast Stay, Comeback, Guests, Retire, Changes

We always wonder, who will be part of the cast, when a new musical is announced. (Everything is based on speculations or statements of actors)

Who will stay?

The cast that started the Shinkai series should stay for a while I think, but from what I observed single roles may change, but I think the majority will stay, only of course Chizuru will change everytime.

Comeback

We've seen several comebacks by now, like Sazaki Hideyoshi after three musicals and even in a different role. Than of course Suzuki Shogo, who played the first and forth generation Kazama Chikage, has returned. For Shinkai Saito Hen second generation Saitou, Hashimoto Shohei has returned. I personally think, we can expect more old cast to return. At least to Hakumyu LIVE 3 as guests. If you're are following the official Twitter account of Hakumyu, you may have noticed, that many of the old cast expressed their feelings about Hakuouki. So it is easy to believe, that we see a few of them again.

Guests

For the 10th anniversary of Hakumyu in general and Saitou Hajime in particular, the first Hakumyu-pair Matsuda Ryo (first generation Saito Hajime) and Yoshida Hitomi (first generation Yukimura Chizuru) made a guest appearance.

As well as in LIVE3 Takasaki Shota (third generation Yamazaki Susumu), Yazaki Hiroshi (first generation Hijikata Toshizou), Kashiwagi Yuusuke (first generation Shiranui Kyo), Naya Takeru (third generation Saitou Hajime) and Matsuda Gaku (fourth generation Hijikata Toshizou) made their appearance.

Even if they don't reprise their role many of the former cast is still attached to Hakumyu and I don't think that will change so fast.

Retire

According to interviews with Taira, we don't have to fear, we even might see him till the 'end of this dream'. I believe it was the special interview between Nishida, Suzuki and Imata, where it was stated that Imata had become the soul or backbone of Hakumyu. Even though some actors might retire from Hakumyu, it creates the chance to see new actors and their interpretation of our beloved characters.

Change

Since we had a Shinkai Routes, where extra characters appeared, we likely have a changeable part of the cast. That was confirmed by an interview about the new Shinkai Souma Hen. Which means, we had Souma, Nomura and Miki. And will probably have Sakamoto, Nakaoka, Motoyama and Iba be included. Also charakters that only occur in a specific route to be important (which were already part of the show) for example: Nagumo Kaoru or Sen-Hime, other like Kimigiku and Shimada or again Inoue. Or if there will be an Uragata Play, a whole cast change??

Also there could be a writer or director or composer change, but I seriously don't know and I have nothing, which indicates that.

So about that it is confirmed that Hakumyu goes back to Mouri's hands for a while. As he said in this interview, 'there's no case like Hakumyu'.

Conclusion

For the Future of Hakumyu is many hope, I think, although there are many uncertain things, so maybe it's impossible to wether it will be 10 years or only 5 years lying ahead. But there is a tomorrow, and that is important. As long Hakumyu will stay in our hearts, it will be fine, whatever happens.

If you have any other ideas, feel free to write them in the comments. (Also thank you for reaching the bottom)

[liliththunder]

Hakuouki Tag

Wanted to do that awhile longer, but recently got reminded by @legendary-girl-a

1. Which musical was the first that you have watched? Your impressions on the overall production?

I don't which was exactly the first whole production, I think it is Live the first, since it existed on YouTube.

But my first contact with Hakumyu was definitely "Ryūgi ~ Don't forget my style", and the first thing I thought was "mn, I don't like it...." That was over eight years ago.........

2. Which musical is your favourite in terms of the song performances and why?

Definitely Kazama Hen, I just love the tension between the two leads, the unspoken romance and the always lingering fear.

Also Kazama Hen is quite dark and it fits it so well. After watching Kazama Hen for nth time I thought a Hakuouki themed chocolate would be dark bittersweet chocolate with salty crystals and sugared cherry blossoms.

3. Which musical is your favourite in terms of the storyline and why?

Hard to say, seriously.... Beginning with Okita Hen till Harada Hen (except Reimeiroku I haven't watched), they all have their strength in storytelling.

I exclude Hijikata Shitan since it's the same story as Hijikata Hen. Although I am quite fond of Kazama Shitan, in point of storytelling I love the end of the original more.

4. Which musical is your least favourite in terms of the song performances and why?

I think that goes definitely to Souma Hen, not that the actors sing bad, but the music is to much focused on all characters on the same time and don't really tells the main characters story. (That doesn't imply I don't like the music, it's just out of place sometimes)

5. Which musical is your least favourite in terms of the storyline and why?

Definitely Souma Hen, first his world view and that of his opponent are not really explained, second why having a Hijikata/Kazama centered ending? Hijikata doesn't even become a rasetsu in the game.

Also Souma and Chizuru trying to tell the story, which leads to some confusion in timelining or perspective of when the story is told.

And the romance is what it is. (For further reading see my post on the review of Souma Hen)

6. The musical that you didn’t initially love, but has/have grown on you?

Hahahaha also Souma Hen, though it has its weaknesses, the songs and the real main "enemy couple" are great.

7. Original or latest casts?

That's not hard to answer... I like all of the old cast, but have some bias in the recent casts as well.

To be honest that should be questions, because I think we should be grateful, that this legacy is spread to new generations and new actors, because it means even in a far future we may be able to see new productions

8. Live 1 or Live 2?

Hard to say, can I say both? Both have good songs and quite enjoyable comedy.

9. Favourite actors/characters?

OK..... In no particular order

Ono Kento -Harada

Ikeda Junya, Hiiguchi Yuta - Heisuke

Suzuki Shogo -Kazama

Mikata Ryousuke -Sannan

Tomita Maho, Yamamoto Sayaka, Yoshida Hitomi, Tanoue Marina -Chizuru

Miyazaki Shuuto, Koike Ryousuke - Shinpatsan

Imata Taira -Kondo

Hirose Daisuke, Yamazaki Shogo - Souji

Matsuda Ryo, Naya Takeru, A. Tomoru - Saito

10. Actor/actress whom you think has the best vocal skills?

Definitely alot of Chizurus, maybe even all. Among them Tomita Maho, Makiura Itsuki and Matsuzaki Risa are top tier, although the latter is let down by her lack of acting skills (which are nesassary for a complicated character as Chizuru)

Suzuki Shogo goes without saying, Teruma, Mikata, Nakagauchi, Piroshi....

And I don't know if they are considered good singers, but I enjoy Matsuda Ryo and Hirose Daisuke quite a lot

11. Actor/actress whom you think did the best in bringing out the character into life

All of the original cast, additional Tomita Maho and Tanoue Marina. I know the other actors do their best, but the generation direct after them seemed to catch their shadows and didn't really think of the character themselves. Also I know there have been a lot good Hijikata actors after Piroshi, but for me no one catches the complexity of his character so accurate as him.

12. Hijikata,Souji,Saito or Harada,Shinpachi,Heisuke?

Definitely San baka, although Harada is my least favourite character in the whole Hakuouki universe

13. Favourite minor character?

Nagumo Kaoru, Miki Saburo

14. Favourite Shinsengumi member?

All? I am not really the type who is set on one character, the thing I like the most about them are their interactions and relationships?

15. Favourite demon character?

Chizuru and Kazama

16. Favourite Chizuru?

Tomita Maho (I know it was oblivious), after that all first gen Chizurus till Heisuke (for the rest they are all on the same level, although Karin Isobe might be put above those)

17. The actors/characters that you didn’t initially love, but has/have grown on you?

Chizuru -surprise! After seeing the anime, I thought, what a useless character, but in the musicals each Chizuru has her own colours and makes her own decisions and also because she is played by real human, it makes her more 3D as character and gives her character's depth.

18. Least favourite actors/characters? Why?

Second gen Koudou, I cought myself, rewatching old plays and suddenly thought: "Wow, Kodo used to be fun, where'd he'd go?" Or even think of him as an ensemble member, I am sorry to him...... 🙇🏼‍♀️

19. Favourite solo song?

Shin'nen, Sadame (as replay in Hijikata Hen), Kawaranai mono (also HH), Yoiyami no machi/Mune no soko ni aru, watashi ha oni, Mayoiko (definitely love that one), Yamazakis Solo in Hijikata Hen, etc., Aware na mouja (Mikata/Teruma), Kuroi Neko (Saito Shinkai), and Shinkais equivalent of Aware na mouja

20. Favourite duet?

Bushite toshite ikiru (Kazama and Saitou's last song), Love medley (in brevity of the songs it's contains), Inishie Oni, Final battle of Okita Hen (Kaoru and Okita), Final battle of Hijikata Hen (Kazama and Hijikata), final part of Kazama Hen (Chizuru and Kazama; definitely one of my most favourite), Oretachi wo shinjiro, (I don't if this count the Sannan Heisuke duett in between of Yaisa), the dialogue between Chizuru and Hijikata before the blood sucking scene, Shojo no omoi

21. Favourite group song?

Ikiro, Ano no hi no chikai, Bushido, Itsuka makoto ni, Kakugo wo kimeru (recently into this), the last song of the first half of Shinsengumi Kitan, Moonlight of Wolf, Samurai Future

22. Which Yaisa! is the best?

Either Kazama or Heisuke, because they really are adapted to the characters theme. Or Live.... I don't know, I love every version....

23. The songs that you didn’t initially love, but has/have grown on you?

Yaisa Yaisa, I thought of it as annoying, didn't listen to it for a while and after a long term it suddenly hit home..... It is a song that makes me happy and sad at the same time 😂

24. Which production are you most looking forward to?

I guess I got infected by everyone else, with wanting a Sannan Hen. (Because what is the use of an individual preference, when it comes to decision so we should unify our wishes and maybe we get what we hope for)

After that probably Nagakura Shimpachi Hen...

25. What does Hakumyu means to you?

My life........ Literally