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keepthisholykiss · 4 years ago

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Hoshigumi’s “Romeo and Juliet” Roundtable Discussion (2021) - Kageki March 2021

While I normally just post a bunch of musumeyaku content I wanted to share something I thought was really fun! As the livestream for RETJ B Cast has passed this month and the A Cast stream is tomorrow. I decided it would be fun to share this roundtable discussion with the cast and directors! I absolutely (from a very biased perspective) adored B Cast and am looking forward to seeing A Cast. The insights from the cast are so wonderful and everyone has clearly thought through these roles thoroughly. It brings me a lot of joy to see what everyone thinks of a show and characters I hold so near and dear to my own heart. I hope that you enjoy these words as much as I have. ✨Note: This translation is entirely for fun!! It was not done in painstaking detail and if things are not perfect then that is okay by me. I mostly just want people to enjoy the general idea or sentiment of what is here. And, while most if it should be a decent translation, I don’t hold myself to a professional standard as this is just a thing I do sometimes. Also please do not steal this translation and pass it off as your own, it is mine, thanks!

Participants (Adaptation and Direction) Koike Shuuichirou (Direction) Inaba Daichi (Production) Takeuchi Jun [TL note: this isn’t a staff member I was familiar or could easily find the accurate name translation of so I went with this] (Senka) Ema Naoki (Hoshigumi) Miki Chigusa, Shirotae Natsu, Tenju Mitsuki, Yumeki Anru, Aizuki Hikaru, Rei Makoto, Seo Yuria, Ayaki Hikari, Arisa Hitomi, Amahana Ema, Kiwami Shin, Maisora Hitomi

Production Staff: Hoshigumi’s performance at Takarazuka Grand Theatre until March 29 will be the musical presented by Sumitomo Mitsui VISA Card, “Romeo and Juliet.” And it is directed and adapted by Koike Shuuichirou and co-directed by Inaba Daichi. This is an adaptation of Gérard Presgurvic’s musical which is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It was first performed in 2010 with Koike-sensei’s adaptation and direction. Rei Makoto, who played Romeo in the shinjin kouen in 2013, will play Romeo again as the top star of Hoshigumi. Additionally, Ema Naoki who has played the role of Father Laurence three times before (including the first performance) will appear again from Senka.

Everyone: Thank you very much.

Production Staff: We are looking forward to working together with all the performers so that you can feel the passion of the new Hoshigumi, including all of the new members.

Koike: “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed in Takarazuka for the first time in 8 years. The reason for performing it with Hoshigumi again is of course because so many people want to see Rei Makoto’s Romeo. And there are many people who have been in the play’s first performance as well as the second, so they have a deep understanding of the work. It is almost like jumping over a bar you have set for yourself. You want to challenge yourself again and again, to clear that bar, and show a great performance of “Romeo and Juliet” for current Hoshigumi. This time, we have Inaba Diachi as co-director and Noguchi Kousaku as assistant director. The two of them, who were young at the time of the first performance, have grown up so much since then! (laughs).

Inaba: (laughs)

Koike: Just like how Rei Makoto has grown, so have the directors. This is one of the wonderful things about Takarazuka. I feel that this is a performance that shows this off very well.

Inaba: When we are rehearsing now, I remember the crying and frustration in the rehearsal room 10 years ago. (laughs)

Koike: The agony! (laughs)

Inaba: At the time of the first performance I had watched a few versions of the “Romeo and Juliet” musical including the French, Hungarian, and Russian versions. I wondered how the work could be adapted for Takarazuka. Koike-sensei wrote lyrics for not only “Romeo and Juliet,” but also for other Shakespeare adaptations. I feel that is one of the reasons why this work can keep being performed. When I watch the rehearsals now, I see that every scene has become very elaborate in such a short period of time. This time we have a new cast as well as a change in roles, so we will keep our rehearsals fresh each day and hope to present the 2021 version of “Romeo and Juliet.”

💕- A Beautiful Love Story Returns - 💕

Koike: Now, let’s discuss the roles starting with Rei-san.

Rei: Right. When the curtain opened for the first performance, I can still vividly remember the shock of the audience at the opening and the start of the scene. I was really excited about having a rock musical because it was so fresh and the costumes and sets were so innovative. There are a lot of rock musicals, but “Romeo and Juliet” was really cool and thrilling. It was a turning point for me and a chance to work beyond my fears and challenge myself in many ways. I feel that even now it is a chance to encounter a new me again. When I played Romeo in the shinjin kouen I watched Yuzuki-san as much as I could and thought about how I could get close to her performance. So even now I find myself thinking of Chie-san’s Romeo. However, I don’t think of that as a bad thing! I think it’s because Chie-san is the one who breathed life into Romeo for the first performance and now the show has continued to be performed since then. I would like to find my own way of expressing myself and expressing my emotions for the first day of the show, while working on the details.

Koike: The powerful singing was also praised in that shinjin kouen and, in some sense, I think it was one of the best parts. But that might be the hardest thing about this new performance because now the audience is expecting it. I hope that this will be a Romeo that only the current Rei Makoto can show. When there was that first performance we had members that could have only been there, then. And now that we have the current performance we have members who are only here, now. So I think it is better not to think about it too much in the sense of putting pressure on yourself in a way that may make your vision smaller. Inaba-sensei, what do you think?

Inaba: Mako-chan (Rei) has played the roles of Ai, Benvolio, and Romeo in the shinjin kouen and really seems to be the embodiment of “Romeo and Juliet.” That’s why when I watch the rehearsals I can see so much of the previous cast members through them. If we can channel that feeling into confidence then I think Mako-chan’s Romeo can be born into a new type of Romeo on the stage.

Rei: Yes, thank you very much.

Koike: Let’s discuss the role of Juliet, played by Maisora.

Maisora: This is my first time to perform in this production and I have learned so much from each piece of advice I have received from the staff and upperclassmen who have performed in it before. I would like to learn and absorb even more! I had imagined before this that Juliet was pure, innocent, and straightforward but Koike-sensei told me that she was a person with a strong conviction and willingness to take action. I felt that I couldn’t be Juliet without strength. Usually, I think about how to express myself as a musumeyaku in the presence of otokoyaku. But this time I want to learn how to break out of my shell and expose what can come from me, and go beyond myself.

Koike: That’s right, Juliet is very independent. If she had been a passive girl, Romeo might not have come back from Mantua. The times are far more trying in this time of the story, going against your parents requires a lot of energy. She is waking up more and more to what it is that she wants. I think it is more interesting for her to gradually wake up to what she wants throughout the story, to let her world become more three-dimensional. It helps move the conversation. Maisora is very good at doing everything, a perfect student. But this could be an issue for the audience, having that perfection already. I think striving for imperfection and breaking out of your shell is a good thing.

Maisora: Yes!

Inaba: That’s right. When we think of “Romeo and Juliet” we have this image of Juliet who stands beside Romeo, but it’s not like that. Juliet is a key person who changes something with her own actions. It’s an older work but I think it still reflects the way of life for women today. I think Hitton (Maisora) has a strong core and I hope she uses this in her performance. Also I would like to see this used in Juliet’s transformation of girl to woman after her marriage to Romeo.

💙 - Thoughts of Those Living in Verona - ❤️

Koike: I’d like to start by talking with the members of the Capulet family, but we will of course speak to everyone.

Everyone: (reactions of excitement)

Koike: We can discuss your beliefs in your roles, I think that will be interesting! So let’s start with Lord Capulet.

Tenju: What is most important to me is the Capulet family, which has been around for generations, continues to thrive for years and decades and that my family can be happy. Now that my only daughter, who I have devoted my life to, is 16 years old, the question is who she should marry. When I look at my daughter (Maisora), I remember so many things about her growth, but I can never say what I am thinking. But I also feel that she is similar to me in some ways, and that is what I love about her.

Koike: Where is your daughter’s happiness?

Tenju: My daughter’s happiness is based on money and status. I believe that the strength of that status will protect her.

Koike: What about your wife?

Tenju: I love her, but I can’t express my feelings to her face to face. I feel frustrated because we haven’t had the time to spend together.

Koike: And how can you fix that?

Tenju: If we were to face each other honestly, it would be fixed. I that maybe… there is a possibility.

Koike: If you are thinking about it, then why don’t you?

Tenju: Our pride won’t allow it.

Koike: I see. What about you, Mrs. Capulet?

Yumeki: I wouldn’t want to say this in front of my husband but…

Koike: Say it as if he wasn’t here. (laughs)

Yumeki: To tell you the truth, I think that Juliet might not be the daughter of my current husband.

Koike: You think so? (laughs)

Yumeki: Yes (laughs) But I told him, “She’s our child.” I was forced into a political marriage for money and to protect my family. And then Juliet was born. But I really wanted to live my life according to my own desires and not just give up on being a woman. So I also have my nephew Tybalt and a few others. But as for my husband, I can’t say much.

Everyone: (laughs)

Yumeki: When I see my husband flirting with the maids I don’t say anything to them! (laughs)

Koike: Right. When the play was performed in Paris again, it was added in that Juliet was her mother’s illegitimate child. I felt it would be better to show her sincerity in seeking Tybalt’s help against her husband’s lack of understanding. She actually uses him as a confidant. At the end of the story, when she is with Lady Montague, she finally awakens her own love of her daughter. I think it is better to focus on the parents’ grief after the suicide because it is a difficult concept to convey for understanding. She wishes she had thought more about Juliet. But I think it’s great to have a role of a woman who truly feels that there are many arguments and demands for freedom on her own side. Now let’s look at the A Cast and start with Aizuki-san as Tybalt.

Aizuki: I have been fighting with my family each day since I was born, but I’m fighting to protect the Capulets and my beloved cousin. Even if she’s not being who she really wants to be. I am also fed up with my aunt, Juliet’s mother, who has been wooing me for years.

Everyone: (laughs)

Koike: What do you want to do now?

Aizuki: To be the person that will inherit the Capulet family.

Koike: What do you like about Juliet?

Aizuki: She is strong to her core. I think I am drawn to her because she has a strength that I do not.

Koike: I see. And what do you think of the Montagues?

Aizuki: Of course we hate each other, but we’ve been taught to hate each other since we were born, we were raised that way. So it’s natural for us to hate each other after all. But when Juliet marries Romeo, those feelings [of hatred] change.

Koike: Right. Well, let’s talk to the nurse.

Arisa: Juliet is a gift, the reason for my life, so I don’t have to think about what she wants to do. I just say, “I understand.” I can understand how she wants to become a wife to her husband, to be an adult. But I still respect the pure heart of Juliet. I am proud of her for living true to her heart.

Koike: Where is your love for Juliet?

Arisa: I did some research on the character of the nurse and learned that she herself had lost a small child. I think that she wanted to raise Juliet even at the risk of her own life. I think that Juliet’s existence itself is the source of her love. That’s why I still have regrets of not following Juliet’s wishes before her death. That’s how I can continue to grow.

Koike: In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” there are many scenes where the nurse speaks from her heart and in the musical a song takes the place of that. The reason why that scene looks how it does is because the nurse is so loving and nurturing, wanting Juliet to have a happy marriage. I think the song reflects the emotions of the nurse that are not told on stage, so I would like the focus to be on that. Since now the nurse and Juliet are close in age I think she tends to be more like a strong older sister. But in the first performance, when she was played by Reimi-san she was the same class as Nene-san and really had a sense of someone who took care of Juliet.

Inaba: It felt as though Remi-chan was supporting Nene-chan regularly!

Koike: If Juliet needed support, I think there could be many great nurses! But Maisora-san is very capable so it feels as if she doesn’t need a lot of help.

Maisora: No, no!

Koike: I think it could be good also if we could somehow turn that dynamic around somewhere!

Arisa: Yes!

Koike: Alright, we started with the Capulets, now it’s time for Count Paris.

Ayaki: Well, I have the most money in Verona. And I might be the origin of the concept of the “three highs,” - high education, high status, and high income - a concept that would become more popular in the distant future.

Everyone: (laughs)

Ayaki: When I see the Montagues and Capulets fighting every day, I wonder what they are doing wasting their time. But it is true that they rule Verona, so if I want to rule Verona as well then I must become involved with one of their sides. When I heard that there was a very pretty girl named Juliet, I thought, “I should go there.” But, I heard that there was a troublesome successor named Tybalt. However, even if he took over I could be something like a stockholder.

Everyone: (laughs)

Ayaki: I will be in charge of Verona. But, now that everyone is dead, I am wondering how I will manage Verona.

Koike: In the original story, Paris is killed by Romeo, but in this one he doesn’t get killed. So surely he would survive. I think he’d probably have his eyes on other Montague and Capulet girls as well. (laughs)

Inaba: (laughs)

Koike: That was very interesting. Now, let’s move on to the Montague family, starting with Lord Montague.

Miki: As the head of the family, my most important responsibility is to protect the Montague family. There is no doubt that Lord Montague has been at odds with the Capulets since birth. However, unlike Lord Capulet’s complicated family, Lord Montague has a deep love for his wife as well as Romeo. However, as the only Montague son, Lord Montague imposes his own ideas of how things should be onto Romeo. He is not able to be close to his feelings. Therefore, Romeo’s mother is the one that can help him best. This is why Romeo’s mother is the only place he finds comfort. It is only when Lord Montague loses his beloved son that he realizes how much he means to him.

Koike: I think part of why Romeo is able to grow up a bit more carefree is because his parent-child relationship was fairly good. It might not have been a very close relationship. But I still think that Lord Montague was an average father figure at least. Romeo was a poetic son in a way.

Rei: (laughs)

Koike: I think that he is a fun child for the times, but his father remains fairly bureaucratic. So, what about Lady Montague?

Shirotae: I have to admit that I have always wondered why the Capulets and Montagues hate each other so much, after fighting for generations. I have been trying to persuade Benvolio and Mercutio to stop fighting. I think the biggest difference between myself and Lady Capulet is that I have doubts about conflict. Romeo is the son that Lady Montague has taken good care of and raised, so when he commits suicide, she realizes her own mistakes and helplessness.

Rei: (reacts sadly)

Shirotae: I believe that I am the first one to truly take in Romeo and Juliet’s feelings. So I hope that I can lead the house of Montague to move forward without letting their deaths be in vain.

Koike: While Juliet’s mother is more pretentious, Romeo’s mother is more of a motherly type. In this, the Montagues may have hired a nurse themselves but Lady Montague may have raised Romeo on her own as well. So if we can present it correctly, the audience will understand that Romeo is a representative of his mother as well. I think that Lady Montague now has the atmosphere of a mother.

Shirotae: Yes.

Koike: Here’s Benvolio.

Seo: Romeo and I are cousins and Mercutio lives nearby, so we’ve all been playing together since we were kids. Whenever we were studying, Mercutio would always ask us to stop and leave but Romeo would always fail to do so. We’ve always been close, with all the good and bad in each other. When we’re alone we cannot do much but somehow when we’re together the three of us have a strange power that makes us invincible. Even in the midst of the war between the Montagues and the Capulets, I feel like our power is growing. When I do something bad, I always get Romeo’s attention. But when he does something wrong, Lady Montague will find out and scold Romeo for it.

Miki: (laughs)

Koike: What kind of games have you played with Romeo and Mercutio?

Seo: When we were little, I think we used to play-fight. But as we’ve gotten older it has gotten more practical.

Koike: I see. The young people of Verona are all delinquent, as in other versions. I went on a trip to Verona a long time ago with a friend of mine. She was a tall woman and as we walked together in the park, the young people around us were teasing us. (laughs) I thought of the young friends of Romeo. I think there’s even something like that in Benvolio that’s bad-natured, even if he’s pure at heart. The bad pattern may be the least present for Seo. (laughs)

Everyone: (laughs)

Seo: (smiles embarrassingly)

Koike: I think it also comes down to a question of how to display this story. I think it’s the kind of people who are born and raised in the city, who form cliques, hang out with girls, and they go to places like the local club. WEST SIDE STORY is a story about poor immigrants but it’s somewhere you can expand this story to as well.

Seo: Yes.

Koike: Here is Mercutio.

Kiwami: Yes. I was lonely because I had no one to talk to when I went home.

Koike: Oh, I didn’t know that. (laughs)

Everyone: (laughs)

Kiwami: I was very lonely and dark inside. But Romeo, Benvolio, and Lady and Lord Montague taught me what love is. When I was with Romeo and my friends, they filled the loneliness inside of me and were more than just my family, they became invaluable. I want to be the shield that can protect Romeo.

Koike: When I see Kiwami in the rehearsal room, I feel that Mercutio is not a boy who has grown up without knowing affection but rather someone who has had love all of his life. I think he is a young man who is dependent on those around him, or somewhat spoiled. Inaba-sensei, do you think this is easier to understand in “WEST SIDE STORY?”

Inaba: It’s easy to see that conflict there. The Polish immigrants come first and then the Puerto Ricans come in.

Koike: I think that the Yankee-like image of an uptight older brother gives off a “cool” image. Everyone is doing a great job creating this appearance but I think it would be good if we could act it out similarly to how you mentioned. If the characters are played by someone who fits them it will come out clearly but if they don’t fit the character, then it will be difficult to display the role. I believe that an actor’s every move can make people feel what is inside of them. For example, when a first-year student comes into the troupe, you can tell just by how they walk when they are under a lot of pressure or if they are very happy. So, I think it is better to create a way to make audiences feel “this is how this person is,” in the little things like how someone dances. How do you feel about this Inaba-sensei?

Inaba: That’s an interesting way of thinking. I think it would be interesting for me if Mercutio could see things differently. He is dependent on Romeo and Romeo’s home, right? Like how Riff lives in Tony’s house because he doesn’t have a home.

Koike: That’s right. In the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” Mercutio is portrayed in a very interesting way. The actor who plays him is not very good, but when he dies his performance does make you cry. I think it is a good example about why how you play a role matters.

Kiwami: Right.

Koike: Now, let’s go to Friar Laurence.

Ema: Yes, I’m sorry for not quite making it.

Everyone: (laughs)

Ema: He’s been around a long time, a priest serving God, and yet he still has misgivings. I’ve played Doc in “WEST SIDE STORY” so I’m familiar with the angle of being depressed by the helplessness of adults. But in the end everyone, including the adults, have hope for recovery so that is what saves me.

Koike: What about Romeo?

Ema: For Romeo, Friar Laurence was a different person than his parents. He loved Romeo so much that it was a shame to let him die.

Koike: After 8 years, what new discoveries have you made?

Ema: I have had a lot to think about since becoming a member of Senka and my role has changed. I am looking forward to appearing again!

Everyone: (laughs)

Ema: I also think it is impossible for any adult to present the right things and move the world alone.

Koike: I see. Next, is Death.

Amahana: Death is always behind each of use or waiting for us at the end of our lives so I hope I can bring that kind of atmosphere to the stage. I want to express that I felt something beautiful in Romeo’s soul and was very attracted to it. This story begins because Death wants that soul. I think this is a story with two sides to the same coin, Love and Death, and I want to express that in the end.

Koike: I hope you can continue to display that resistance to one another, between Love and Death.

Amahana: Yes.

Koike: When I was watching your Death yesterday I felt like it was Romeo’s alter ego during “Kowai.” I thought it was interesting that the creeping shadows seemed to synchronize with each other, like a phantom that sticks to you and won’t leave you. I thought it would be interesting to have them stick close to each other. Even if the choreography is the same, it won’t look the same if the performers are different, so you can color it your own way. I’m sure it’s a lot of work playing two roles. I’m sorry for that. (laughs)

Everyone: (laughs)

Koike: Let’s move to B Cast, shall we? Here’s Tybalt.

Seo: The people around him say he’s a dangerous man who will lose his temper at any moment. Some people worship him, but in reality he has no real friends. When I was a child, I had a straightforward admiration for heroes just like those I saw around me. But the Capulets suppressed that admiration. I fell in love with Juliet, the one bright spot in my life, and her presence helped me. I’ve been carrying around a lot of resentment, wondering how to get out of this situation, and these feelings come out in me towards the Montagues. But my main desire is to carry on the Capulet family.

Koike: Because he loves Juliet, he gets very upset when she is married in secret. It is nice to see that anger revealed.

Seo: Yes.

Koike: It is interesting that he gets to the point where he is willing to kill because of how he loves her. Anyway, here’s Benvolio.

Ayaki: My cousin Romeo has been like a brother to me since he was born, but he is the heir to the Montague family so we are in very different positions. It’s not something I want to be, but I am a little jealous of him. I also admire Mercutio’s recklessness, which is something I don’t have. When I’m with both of them, they show me a world that I can’t see on my own. I think that’s why I can stick by them even when we have different personalities. Although I do think Romeo himself might be unaware of this situation.

Rei: (sulking)

Everyone: (laughs)

Ayaki: This is why I think it is important for me, as the person closest to them, to teach them. I believe that when we are together, there is nothing to be afraid of, and time will last forever. I actually think ignorance is Benvolio’s biggest sin. It would have been easier if he had died along with Romeo and Mercutio. But, by surviving, he was able to realize what Mercutio realized right before he died as well as Romeo’s teachings of what it means to love. However, I became aware that I let Juliet die because I was in a hurry to tell Romeo she was dead. So the next time something happens I will think about it more carefully and do my best to lead the Montagues and make Verona a city full of love.

Koike: Well I guess either way, Verona can be yours someday. (laughs)

Everyone: (laughs)

Ayaki: Benvolio is the one who wants to make Verona everyone’s city and Paris is wondering how to make the city his. (laughs)

Koike: I see, well let’s discuss Mercutio.

Amahana: I am the nephew of the Prince, so I’ve been ostracized since I was a child. But after meeting Romeo and Benvolio, I realized there were people who would look out for me that weren’t my uncle. When I met them, I realized that there were people who could see me for who I really was. Romeo was from a good family, he was kind to everyone, and said things with a pure innocence. Things like, “we are the kings of the world,” which made me admire him more than any family or other friends. When he does something stupid, Benvolio stops him. I really love the atmosphere of being with them, I feel like I am my strongest. When I’m fighting, I feel like it is my reason to live. But sometimes I cannot admit things to myself, which is part of why I explode in the final duel. In the end, Mercutio realizes that he really wanted to stop what he was doing and that fighting was futile. In the end, he dies with the hope that his dear friend Romeo will be happy.

Koike: Right. Listening to you now, Mercutio seems like a very happy guy. It might be more likely that he is happy singing with his friends as kings of the world. Even though he is happy, I think there is a part of him that’s escaping from everyone else and it is important to see him feel that.

Amahana: Yes.

Inaba: There is a void that cannot be filled even if you are the “king of the world.” That’s why they fight for something.

Koike: That’s right. I think that quarrels and fights are an outlet for stress. So it would be interesting to learn the types of stress they are under. Now, let’s talk about Paris.

Kiwami: Paris has money and, when he looks at himself in the mirror, he sees that he is beautiful. There is nothing that he cannot have. He is surprised to find that for the first time in his life, Juliet, the woman he went out of his way to marry, avoids him. I thought I would get what I wanted but she married Romeo instead and I am stuck where I was before.

Koike: I think he probably is one of the first to get the message about Juliet’s death. He is probably thinking, ‘What’s so bad about me that she died before the ceremony tomorrow?’ (laughs) Now, let’s talk about Death.

Aizuki: Death loves to hate people. The hatred of the people in the city fills Death with a sense of love. Romeo is the one who is different from the others, I want to get into his head and turn his fate with my own hands. It’s exciting to see fate take a turn for the worse.

Rei: (looking scared with her hands on her chest)

Everyone: (laughs)

Aizuki: I would like to control the ending. Where Romeo and Juliet’s love is fulfilled by Death.

Koike: I think that can be cool and a little creepy. In the case of Ai-chan I think they are more distant so it would be good to create an overview of all that happens in the world. Piisuke on the other hand, seems to be a bit more introverted and human-like, so I think it would be good to have an image of them getting involved in people’s deaths. I think both are possible. Even if the songs are the same, the impression will change depending on how you approach it, and the audience will perceive it differently.

Aizuki and Amahana: Yes!

✨ - 2021: Hoshigumi’s New “Romeo and Juliet” - ✨

Koike: From your perspective, Ema-san, how is Rei-san’s Romeo?

Rei: (shaking head)

Ema: I’m sure everyone will say, ‘Good!’ but more than that, ‘Romeo is charming! Romeo is attractive!’

Koike: That’s right. When I worked as an assistant director for “Romeo and Juliet” 40 years ago, Mine Saori and Daichi Mao were the role of Romeo in the plays. Mine-san played the role with a sense of, ‘this is what a good lead is.’ Rei Makoto is Rei Makoto and this is the only way this Romeo can be done. I think it is better for Rei Makoto to show us something that says, ‘this is the only way this can be done!’ I think everyone will say that [Rei Makoto] has great skills but can always add more to that.

Rei: Right.

Koike: What do you think about Maisora?

Ema: The role she played in “Golden Desert” was very good, even if she didn’t have any lines. She still has a lot of room to grow, so I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of Juliet she will become.

Koike: I see, thank you very much. Lastly, why don’t you tell us about your own enthusiasm?

Maisora: Once again, I realize that Juliet involves those around her. I believe that she has a strength and straightforwardness because she grew up with a strong father, mother, and nurse who accepted her. I would like to live my life as Juliet without lying, with honesty and love for Romeo from the bottom of my heart while doing my best.

Rei: I am filled with gratitude for being able to perform in spite of the current situation. I want to take the feelings of the audience to heart and hope that they will bring home the best of that feeling for having come to the theatre. There are still many weak points for me personally and for Hoshigumi as a whole, so I want to work harder toward the first day of the show to create a performance that will impress the audience.

Inaba: I have been involved with this work for a long time, with this being the fifth time it has been performed at Takarazuka. To be honest, there was a part of me that thought I would get bored after five performances. (laughs) However, now that we are rehearsing in with a fresh mind I can feel everyone’s spirit of, ‘We must do it!’ I think the charm of “Romeo and Juliet” is its freshness. And after all this practicing, I want to be able to share this new time of Romeo and Juliet with audiences.

Koike: I am really looking forward to it because I think everyone will grow and the members will be refreshed by the rotations. I know that it is hard with a double cast but even so, I hope there will be synergy where one role can influence the perspective of the other. I believe that the enthusiasm of Hoshigumi is very much intact and I hope we can create “Romeo and Juliet” 2021 together.

#takarazuka #romeo et juliette #hoshigumi #retj #romeo and juliet #michelle does takarazuka translations #but only sometimes

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zukalations · 4 years ago

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Cosmos Troupe 'Anastasia' - Audiences charmed by Makaze's rich voice

This article on the opening of Anastasia was published by The Sankei News on November 21, 2020. The original article, written by Tadokoro Ryuuichi [estimated reading] can be found here with photos.

Cosmos Troupe 'Anastasia' - Audiences charmed by Makaze's rich voice

The Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe's production Anastasia (adapted and directed by Inaba Daichi) opened in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre, Hyogo, to great enthusiasm. As their previous production, FLYING SAPA (which played in the Umeda Arts Theatre in August) was a straight play focused on acting, Top Star Makaze Suzuho said that for the cast as well "It was like going from 0 to 100. Each day we came in feeling 'We're doing a musical, awesome!'

The production is a romantic story based on the 'legend' of Anastasia, youngest daughter of Russian Emperor Nicholas II, who was said to have been the only member of the family to escape assassination in the Russian Revolution. The story was made into an animated film in 1997. In 2017 a musical adaptation opened on Broadway and became popular.

Makaze also saw the production once in New York. "It's a fantasy story that anyone can enjoy, from little children to old people," she said.

Hoshikaze Madoka plays Anya, a girl with no memories in search of 'herself'. Makaze plays Dmitri, a con artist who turns Anya into Anastasia in hopes of obtaining the reward.

"In the rough world of Russia at the time, Dmitri had to decieve people in order to survive. But he's actually a pure and kind-hearted man. I want to focus on that real side to him, and convey his human kindness in my performance.”

The two of them go to meet Anastasia's grandmother, Dowager Empress Maria, who lives in Paris. The stage sets have been made with great attention to detail. With the background projections and the regular rotations of the stage, it conveys the trip from Russia to Paris and the flow of time.

The story is full of songs, songs, and more songs. One of the solo songs Makaze sings during the play, 'She Walks In' is a new song created specifically for Makaze by the original Broadway staff. Makaze's rich voice and Hoshikaze's clear vocals charmed the audience.

The clever casting is also something to watch for. Inaba, the director, said "For each and every actor, I am focusing on how I want them to challenge themselves."

Serika Toa plays Gleb, an operative of the new Russian government who is conflicted between his father's order to kill Anya and his own secret feelings. Sakuragi Minato shows her comedic acting skills as Dmitri's partner Vlad. Kumichou Kotobuki Tsukasa gives a stately performance as the Dowager Empress Maria. Kazuki Sora's 'onnayaku' (female role) character of the Empress' acquaintance Lily brings new attention to her impressive vocal and dance skills.

Cosmos Troupe's Anastasia will be the final performance in the Grand Theatre this year.

Reiwa 2 has been an incredibly turbulent year--the state of emergency due to the coronavirus announced in April; the sudden cancellation of performances; months of self-isolation; re-opening; a cluster of infections; more self-isolation.

Makaze looked back on it this way: "Until then we had all been pushed along by the flow of time, but then it all suddenly stopped. At first I didn't even know what to do."

She read books, watched films and cooked. After running for so long she had the time to calmly look over her life.

"I realized, 'Ah, I really do love Takarazuka'. When I met up with my colleagues again, it made me feel that people can't live alone. And also, even in a situation like this there are people who will come to see us. It all made me fully understand how grateful I am for everything," she said.

They learned 'strength' from living through the closures and self-isolation, and 'kindness' towards their fellow performers. And now that they have returned to the stage, the Takarasiennes have gained a new 'indomitability'. This turbulent year has certainly not been in vain.

Anastasia plays in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre until December 14. It then plays in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from January 8 to February 21.

#takarazuka #article translation #troupe: sora #sienne: makaze suzuho #show: anastasia

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leenaevilin · 5 years ago

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[Update] 生演奏ミュージカル「信長の野望-炎舞-」再演 (namaensou musical nobunaga no yabou -enbu- saien)

cast update under the cut^^

Cast:

Tokuyama Hidenori as Oda Nobunaga (織田信長) Washio Shuuto as Akechi Mitsuhide (明智光秀) Koizumi Moeka as Nouhime (帰蝶) Hikichi Shiho as Oichi (お市) Tsutsui Sae as Oichi (お市) Tano Yuuka as Mori Ranmaru (森蘭丸) Iwasaki Kouji as Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) Sakishima Hayato as Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) Nishi Taihei as Takechiyo (竹千代) Kurihara Akifumi Takechiyo (竹千代) Takizawa Ryouta as Shibata Katsuie (柴田勝家) Tanabe Yuusuke as Azai Nagamasa (浅��長政) GOH IRIS WATANABE as Azai Nagamasa (浅井長政) Takada Masato as Hirate Masahide (平手政秀) Takada Masato as Takeda Shingen (武田信玄) Kikuchi Masaharu as Hirate Masahide (平手政秀) Kikuchi Masaharu as Takeda Shingen (武田信玄) Shinoki Takaaki as Ashikaga Yoshiaki (足利義昭) Shouda Yuusuke as Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼) Ezoe Kouzaburou as Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼) Irukura Keishirou as Oda Nobutada (織田信忠) Sasaki Kyousuke as Oda Nobutada (織田信忠) Sono Kazuki as Oda Katsunaga (織田勝長) Uchida Daichi as Oda Katsunaga (織田勝長) Ono Kousei as Asakura Yoshikage (朝倉義景) Inamasu Yuusuke as Asakura Yoshikage (朝倉義景) Yamamoto Yuuhei as Sakuma Nobumori (佐久間信盛) Ogawa Ryouhei as Andou Morinari (安藤守就) Kusunoki Yuuki as Andou Morinari (安藤守就) Fujii Atsunari as Ujiie Naotomo (氏家直元) Maezawa Akira as Ujiie Naotomo (氏家直元) Ebihara Natsumi as Inaba Yoshimichi (稲葉良通) Yoshikawa Shouki as Inaba Yoshimichi (稲葉良通) Kanatsu Yuuya as Murai Sadakatsu (村井貞勝) Maekawa Kazuya as Hayashi Hidetada (林秀忠) Sanbongi Daisuke as Mouri Terumoto (毛利輝元) Ishi Hitomi as Kipposhi (吉法師) Tsukiyama Waka as Chacha (茶々) Amatsuka Lazuki as Chacha (茶々) Itou Erina as Hatsu (初) Ishi Yuka as Hatsu (初) Naoi Mizuki as Kou (江) Oono Megumi as Kou (江) Misaki Yuuki as Lady Tsukiyama (築山殿) Toono Ayako as Lady Tsukiyama (築山殿) Suzuki Mio as Kunoichi Shino (くノ一志乃) Makitasa Sayaka as Kunoichi Shino (くノ一志乃) Hinata Mio as Kunoichi Saya (くノ一小夜) Kawahara Yuki as Woman 1 (女性1) Shimizu Sana as Woman 1 (女性1)

homepage twitter natalie

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dorokora · 1 year ago

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Motosumi: Hey Daichi we need a favor?

Marchiosias: Do you mind watching the kids a bit?

Daichi: I'm not a daycare...

Gyobu: Then explain your guildmstes.

Quantum,Agyo,Inaba and Hanuman: :D

Diachi: Fair enough...

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queen-ofsunflowers · 2 years ago

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Will Minato get kidnapped in Arena Ultimax au with Akihiko and the others? If so, will Ryoji and Kotone fight tooth and nail to save them?

This answer contains spoilers for Monsters and Magic's version of Arena/Ultimax. This is also the reason that it will be placed under a cut. Proceed with caution!

This is also a warning for future asks. Most questions that contain major spoilers I'll refuse to answer on Tumblr. Those questions are mostly saved for the privacy of the discord server and the select few on there that I trust to talk to this about.

Akihiko and Minato are both a part of the first batch of Shadow Operatives that go to investigate Inaba. Minato's adamant about going despite being told by Mitsuru that he doesn't have to. The situation at hand not only takes place in his little cousin's hometown (which if those of you who have read Make Every Moment Last recall, Ren and Minato are rather close) but has something to do with the project that his father worked on before being transferred to the department that his mother worked in.

So Daichi will be appearing in Labrys's flashbacks, and I'm looking forward to writing that. Despite not appearing in Make Every Moment Last physically, a lot of Yuriko's personality and who she was as a person came through while not much was said of Daichi. So getting to expand on his character is going to be fun.

Anyway, as Akihiko and Minato are both a part of that group, it does mean that they get chained up. This is one major reason for Ryoji and Kotone to head to Inaba with the others, aside from the fact that their friends and the other members of their little family are a part of the kidnapped.

Surprisingly, Kotone is the more calmer of the two in the situation despite their outwardly appearances. You have to remember how dangerous Ryoji can be in battle -- especially when there are the lives of his friends and loved ones on the line. Despite the fact that he no longer has Death dwelling inside of him and amplifying his powers, he has managed to strengthen his abilities on his own in the past two years. Not at the same level they once were, but Ryoji's still a pretty strong witch.

#i might've gone a little overboard talking about this #whoops #monsters and magic au #queen answers #anonymous #akihiko sanada #minato arisato #kotone shiomi #ryoji mochizuki

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endless-season · 7 years ago

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K Birthdays

~ Capricorn ~ Jan 5 - Yatogami Kuroh (Strawberry Day) Jan 10 - Kanichi Samukawa Jan 17 - Shiotsu Gen

~ Aquarius ~ Jan 25 - Oogai Aya Feb 1 - Habari Jin Feb 12 - Gotou Ren Feb 14 -Totsuka Tatara (Valentines Day)

~ Pisces ~ Feb 22 - Neko (Cat’s Day)

Mar 1 - Minato Akito & Minato Hayato Mar 12 - Iwafune Tenkei Mar 19 - Eric Surt

~ Aries ~ Mar 22 - Yamata Daichi Mar 26 - Kamo Ryuuhou

Apr 1 - Fushimi Niki (April Fools Day) Apr 3 - Mishina Souta Apr 10 - Kusanagi Izumo Apr 13 - Kurayama Mitsuha Apr 17 - Akagi Shouhei

~Taurus ~ Apr 24 - Fujishima Kousuke Apr 30 - Enomoto Tatsuya

May 5 - Kusuhara Takeru (Children’s Day) May 11 - Hieda Tooru May 18 - Kamamoto Rikio

~ Gemini ~ Jun 1 - Isana Yashiro Jun 4 - Doumyouji Andy (Cavity Prevention Day?) Jun 14 - Chitose You

~ Cancer ~ Jun 30 - Zenjoh Gouki

Jul 7 - Hyuuga Chiho (Tanabata) Jul 20 - Yata Misaki

~ Leo ~ Aug 7 - Fushimi Kisa (... Old Tanabata...?) Aug 13 - Suoh Mikoto (Obon) Aug 15 - Inaba Sumika

~ Virgo ~ Aug 25 - Mishakuji Yukari Aug 30 - Yukizome Kukuri (I’m surprised it’s not 31st, vegetable day ._.)

Sep 1 - Awashima Seri (Disaster Prevention Day & Great Kantou Earthquake) Sep 5 - Kue Hikotarou Sep 11 - Bandou Shouhei Sep 18 - Klaudia Weismann Sep 20 - Asama Sakura

~ Libra ~ Sep 30 - Kokujouji Daikaku (unrelated? Tokaimura Nuclear Accident)

Oct 1 - Munakata Reisi (Glasses day) Oct 20 - Akiyama Himori Oct 22 - Dewa Masaomi

~ Scorpio ~ Oct 29 - Hirasaka Douhan Oct 31 - Tsurumi Touya

Nov 7 - Fushimi Saruhiko Nov 8 - Fuse Daiki Nov 11 - Hisui Nagare (K Day, said GoRA themselves)

~ Sagittarius ~ Nov 23 - Miwa Ichigen (Labor thanksgiving day)

Dec 1 - Gojou Sukuna Dec 8 - Kushina Anna Dec 12 - Hidaka Akira

~ Capricorn ~ Dec 28 - Benzai Yuujirou

#k project #k stuff #i had star signs in my list cause gora like to reference star sign stereotypes #k cast #birthday #k birthdays #k bday #stuff i post

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zukadiary · 7 years ago

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[TRANSLATION] West Side Story Special Talk

Rehearsal talk from the program of the January 2018 Tokyo International Forum production of West Side Story. Featuring: Makaze Suzuho (Tony), Hoshikaze Madoka (Maria), Serika Toa (Bernardo), Sakuragi Minato (Riff), Kazuki Sora (Anita), Joshua Bergasse (Guest Director/Choreographer), Inaba Daichi (Director)

{READ THE WHOLE THING»}

#takarazuka #west side story #soragumi #makaze suzuho #serika toa #sakuragi minato #hoshikaze madoka #kazuki sora #translations #zukadiary translations

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itsuki-minamy · 3 years ago

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How old are K characters in 2021?

• Isana Yashiro: 99

• Yatogami Kuroh: 27

• Neko: 24

• Suoh Mikoto: 33

• Kushina Anna: 20

• Kusanagi Izumo: 35

• Yata Misaki: 28

• Totsuka Tatara: 31

• Kamamoto Rikio: 29

• Akagi Shohei: 29

• Bando Saburota: 29

• Chitose Yo: 31

• Dewa Masaomi: 31

• Eric Surt: 27

• Fujishima Kousuke: 30

• Yamada Daichi: 28

• Munakata Reisi: 33

• Awashima Seri: 31

• Fushimi Saruhiko: 28

• Zenjo Gouki: 45

• Akiyama Himori: 34

• Benzai Yujiro: 34

• Kamo Ryuho: 35

• Domyoji Andy: 28

• Enomoto Tatsuya: 31

• Fuse Daiki: 32

• Goto Ren: 29

• Hidaka Akira: 31

• Kusuhara Takeru: 29

• Habari Jin: 47

• Shiotsu Gen: 55

• Minato Akito & Hayato: 34

• Hisui Nagare: 33

• Mishakuji Yukari: 38

• Gojou Sukuna: 21

• Iwafune Tenkei: 50

• Hirasaka Douhan: 36

• Hikotaro Kue: 21

• Yukizome Kukuri: 26

• Inaba Sumika: 26

• Mishina Sota: 26

• Hyuga Chiho: 27

• Asama Sakura: 25

• Kokujoji Daikaku: 104

• Miwa Ichigen: 52

• Klaudia Weismann: 101

• Fushimi Niki: 47

• Fushimi Kisa: 52

• Oogai Aya: 27

• Hieda Toru: 28

• Samukawa Kanichi: 62

• Kurayama Mitsuha: 35

• Tsurumi Toya: 40

#k #k project #k characters

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cyanwings · 7 years ago

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4. least favorite character from your favorite anime / best ending of an anime you’ve watched?? 22. any endings that you would rewrite?

@fusiera

ANIME QUESTIONS MEME- ACCEPTING;

Thanks so much for sending me more asks!! I really appreciate it a lot!!

4. least favorite character from your favorite anime

Since all the characters in “Kino’s Journey” are mostly one off characters, I’m gonna talk about another favorite series I love, “Princess Tutu.” And the least character I enjoyed was… Mytho.

Now, maybe it isn’t fair of me to choose him. After all, his whole character existence is for Princess Tutu / Ahiru to try to achieve his heart shards back to him in order to feel his emotions again that the Raven shattered and sealed away. I can understand that he’s emotionless and probably has some memory loss in the process of it and that’s fine. What I’m not fine with is making him not suitable in his every day life. He’s met Fakir and Rue since they were little kids so I’m sure they would’ve taught him the facts of life in order to live in their society. But, once we get to their teen years, Mytho is so dependable on them it’s ridiculous.

It just seems like he also lost shards of his mind to gain information in order to learn new things from people. He couldn’t even put on his pants in a few scenes when he was next to his window. Even his common sense of being careful of the dangers around him weren’t making him aware of his surroundings either. It just felt like Fakir and Rue were taking care of a child than someone their own age. Maybe I wasn’t aware on the side effects of the curse on him but it just irritating on how he was acting in the series. I also wasn’t too pleased on how Mytho is probably much older than Rue since she was a child when they first met and he apparently doesn’t “age” but it still makes it creepy age gap. Or any of the pairings involving with him. And it’s a shame cause the focus is on him getting his heart back and he’s the most boring and forgettable character in the show.

Not to say I HATE Mytho. It’s not like that all. In fact, the way he grows towards the end is really quite fascinating. We see him change over time, especially in the second act of the series, and get his emotions back so he could return to being the valiant prince he was. Just because he’s the least character I enjoyed doesn’t mean I despise him. If anyone enjoys him, that’s cool! Keep enjoying his character cause this is my silly opinion and I still want people to enjoy the series for what it is.

4. best ending of an anime you’ve watched

I know I haven’t mentioned this series in my previous posts but it is one of my favorite animes ever. In fact, it was actually the first series Rumiko Takahashi ( creator of the famous series “Ranma ½” & “Inuyasha” ) had created at the age of 21 and that series is called “Urusei Yatsura.” And I choose it’s amazing series end for my choice as the best ending and also known as the fifth film,“Urusei Yatsura: The Final Chapter!”

I’m not sure if the finale includes in it’s films series but I’m counting it anyways! This ending had me over joyed of how well done it was! If you don’t know the main storyline it goes like this:

An alien race known as the Oni arrive on Earth to invade the planet. Instead of taking over the planet by force, the Oni give humans a chance to fight for the rights to the planet by taking part in a competition. The competition is a variant of the game of tag (literally “the game of the Oni” in Japanese), in which the human player must touch the horns on the head of the Oni player within one week. The computer-selected human player is Ataru Moroboshi, a lecherous, unlucky and stupid high school student from the Japanese city of Tomobiki, and the Oni player is Princess Lum, daughter of the leader of the Invasion force.

Despite his initial reluctance to take part in the competition, Ataru becomes interested in the game when he meets Lum. When the competition begins, Lum surprises everyone by flying away and Ataru finds himself unable to catch her. Before the last day of the competition, Ataru’s girlfriend Shinobu Miyake encourages Ataru by pledging to marry him if he wins. On the final day of the competition, Ataru wins the game by stealing Lum’s bikini top, which prevents her from protecting her horns in favor of protecting her modesty. In celebrating his victory, Ataru expresses his joy at being able to get married; however, Lum misinterprets this as a proposal from Ataru and accepts on live television. Despite the misunderstanding, Lum falls in love with Ataru and moves into his house.

It’s one insane series but it’s why I love it. There isn’t a main plot other than Lum and Ataru’s relationship from time to time but it’s such a fun series that I couldn’t possibly spoil any of the enjoyment. With that being said, the fifth film aka “THE FINAL CHAPTER” is completely adapted from the manga and it’s animated so well!

* SPOILERS*

Lupa, yet another one of Lum’s fiancés, arrives on the scene, and Lum and Ataru must repeat the game of tag played out from the first episode of the television series, or the Earth will be infested with mushrooms larger than buildings.

Further, should Ataru lose, Lum will leave forever and everyone’s memories will be changed so that they don’t remember she, or her friends, were ever there. Finally, Lum refuses to allow Ataru to win unless he says to her those three words, “I love you”, that he has steadfastly refused to say over the entire series.

In the beginning, Ataru’s cold-hearted towards Lum and sees her as a nuisance preventing him from girl hunting. Thought he may not seem to really care for her, it’s crystal clear Lum is the only one he truly shows sincere feelings for. And when faced with the prospect of losing Lum, Ataru goes all-out to try to prevent it from happening, even at the expense of his own health.

Near the end of the series, in the story introducing Inaba and from the OVA “Inaba the Dreammaker,” he decides to protect the future where he and Lum get married after he sees how happy she is in this future. In Ataru’s own ideal future, he had a harem containing every female in the cast but he decided to abandon it after he learned Lum would not be with him, further signifying the love he has for her. The fact that he sacrifices to rescue Lum is enough to prove he truly cares. Also, when she leaves for an extended period of time, he becomes very depressed and lonely in her absences.

In the “Final Chapter”, when he’s faced of the prospective of losing Lum and all of his memories of her, he refuses to give in to her request of a proper love declaration, only because he wants to say it properly without being forced into it so there’s more sincerity to how he feels about her. But, the fact that * SPOILERS * Ataru saved her former horns in his hand before time runs out, proves to Lum his love for her without words.

This film is just fantastic in every way possible. Mostly if you become a big fan of the series and just the great out come this will bring out. I honestly didn’t expect such a well made movie for this type of series but it blew my expectations!! As I recommended you many other series, I highly recommend you watch the series “Urusei Yatsura.” I know it has such a long run of episodes, OVAs. and films but the pay off is very much worth it!

22. any endings that you would rewrite:

There’s one ending that I would rewrite and that is “Fruits Basket.”

If you don’t know what “Fruits Basket” is, let me explain the plot:

After the accident in which she lost her mother, Tohru decides to live with her grandfather. Renovations on the house and uncooperative and unkind family members cause her to move out of her grandfather’s house and becomes homeless. Tohru begins living in a tent and starts supporting herself. That is, until she finds a home inhabited by her popular classmate Yuki Sohma and his cousin Shigure. After being invited to stay with them, Tohru discovers something big about the Sohmas.

The Sohmas live with a curse. Twelve members of the family are possessed by spirits of the Chinese zodiac and turn into their zodiac animal when they are weak, under stress, embarrassed, or when hugged by someone of the opposite sex.

When Tohru discovers the Sohmas’ secret, she promises to keep it a secret and is allowed to continue on living with them. Although the Sohmas’ curse is deeper and darker than Tohru realized, her presence and her acceptance of them soon becomes a large, positive influence on those possessed by the zodiac. She sets out to break the curse and, on the way, meets and discovers each member of the Sohma family. Each has a different personality, just like the animals in the Chinese zodiac. One by one, Tohru’s existence changes the Sohma clan’s lives forever.

Onto to the ending, and I’m gonna put a spoiler warning in case no one’s seen this anime:

*SPOILERS:*

After Tohru asks Shigure permission to speak with Akito, the head of the family, he talks to her privately, mentioning that Akito bears the core of the curse and does not have very long to live. Yuki, Shigure, and Hatori accompany Tohru to the Sohma main residence to see Akito. After an initially tame exchange, Akito attacks her as he grabs her hair in a rage after Tohru is unable to say why she came, but Yuki and Shigure restrain him from hurting her further. However, she begins to feel sympathetic, explaining that he still has a life to live. Releasing his grip on her, Akito eventually realizes that Tohru accepts the Sohma family curse. The series ends on a bright future with Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo back at the residence where they live.

Now the reason why I would change this, or possibly more aspects of the series, is to match up what the creator had intended. The anime adaptation was produced while Takaya (creator) injured her wrist, since she was heavily involved in the adaptation. But, she would clash with director Akitaro Daichi over every little detail. Studio Deen decided to reject Takaya’s feedback, and in turn, she has blocked all attempts at a second season or a remake.

It’s a shame that we never got a second season cause this is such a heartwarming series that I cherish greatly. And while looking back on it now that I’ve read the manga, it did stray away from it’s manga counterparts. Several changes were made such as Tohru’s first meeting with Momiji and all references to Tohru’s baseball cap, never happen. The anime makes no mention that Yuki or Kyo have met Tohru’s mother or that Kyo blames himself for her death.

While the anime faithfully adapts most of the characters from the manga series, it does make some changes. In the manga, Momiji is half-German and half-Japanese and regularly speaks German, particularly when he first meets Tohru. In the anime, no German is spoken at all towards her. Shigure’s darker side is toned down in the anime as he makes in the manga that hint at a hidden agenda are left out, along with most of his early scenes with Akito.

In the anime, Akito is biologically male and will die at a young age because of the curse, while in the manga, *SPOILERS* Akito is biologically female but brought up as male and is not dying. This served as a shocking plot twist in the manga, since almost everybody thought that Akito was male. Additionally, Isuzu “Rin” Sohma, the Horse, and Kureno Sohma, the Rooster, are never mentioned or shown in the anime. Finally, the curse is not lifted in the anime because it only covers the first third of the manga, at the most, and the happy ending does not occur until the series is finished.

If it could be rewritten, I would have it connect more towards the main source material than a “Anime only ending” that most studios did at the time or even now as well. Again, it’s unfortunate that it didn’t end on good terms with the creator cause I LOVE this series and I hope maybe in the future we’ll get that second season or a possible reboot. It’s just too amazing not to adapt into anime.

I also highly recommend you check out this series as well. Especially with the English dub cause it’s just OUTSTANDING! It was one of the first series when I got into anime and I’m so glad it influenced me the way I look at life and people around me. It’s very sincere and compassionate. Not to mention it can be funny as heck as well. But, give it a shot if it’s your type of show! You won’t be disappointed!!

#fusiera #princess tutu #urusei yatsura #lum invader #ataru moroboshi #fruits basket #tohru honda #yuki sohma #kyo sohma #shigure sohma #chinese zodiac #anime

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zukalations · 6 years ago

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Flower Troupe Top Star Asumi Rio’s retirement press conference

So you know how I said I wasn’t going to post on Fridays for a while unless there was a major news event...

This article was published on Sankei West on March 13, 2019. Check the original article for photos.

Flower Troupe Top Star Asumi Rio’s retirement press conference

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Asumi Rio, who announced that she would be retiring as of November 24, held a press conference in Osaka on the 13th. Asumi declared “I’ve come to love Takarazuka even more. Until the very end, I want to continue to develop as the otokoyaku I always yearned to be, and give everything I have onstage to make Flower Troupe an even better troupe.” During the press conference, despite tearing up many times, she looked forward with determination.

Asumi, who was wearing a pure white pants suit, was in tears from her first greeting. “Thank you so much for coming today, everyone,” she said, her voice shaking.

She is retiring after a long 5 and a half year period as Top Star. She said that the truth was “the junior actresses are all giving their all, too. I felt from early on that if I stayed there forever it might make everyone feel a bit awkward.”

Around that time, she was able to have her greatest experience as an actor with her highly acclaimed role in last year’s The Poe Family. “I just gave myself over to the role, and somehow naturally it felt like the whole troupe was moving forward together. I feel like [my character of] Edgar might have miraculously let me calm down and look at the rest of the troupe. I thought ‘They’ll be okay even if I’m not here’,” she said.

At the same time, her performance partner, Senna Ayase, who will be retiring as of April 28th, informed her of her intentions to retire. Therefore, she determined to see Senna off before her own retirement. “I think there are fans who would have wanted the two of us to retire together. But since she really did so much for me--” her voice became choked with tears. “Like the other musumeyaku who have been by my side supporting me until now, I wanted her to be the star and sparkle in her farewell show, and I wanted to send her off like a princess. I was so happy to see her like that.”

She informed her comrades in the troupe on March 10th, the day before the final [Takarazuka Grand Theatre] performance of CASANOVA. Since she had been in the position for so long, “I’m sure everyone felt like it was coming sooner or later, so most likely it didn’t come as that much of a surprise, but when I told them everyone cried…” she said, starting to cry again as she remembered. “It made me happy that they would cry so much for me. I felt so much love for them I could hardly bear it.”

She revealed her plans to her classmate and Top Star of Snow Troupe, Nozomi Fuuto, at the time of last year’s Takarazuka Special in December. “[I told her] since it was a dressing room for just the two of us. I started crying…” she said, thinking back.

Director of the Takarazuka Revue, Ogawa Yuuji, who joined Asumi at the press conference, said “She has such grace, and personality, and such an ability to attract customers. As Top Star, she had her 9 shows in the Grand Theatre over 100% audience capacity, which is unprecedented in the history of Takarazuka. We are very grateful to her for working so hard in such a dainty body,” he said, praising her as the Top Star who promoted ‘the Takarazuka of the New Century’. Asumi smiled, saying “It’s not just because of my efforts. I’ll pass that message on to the rest of the girls in the troupe.”

Asumi is from Shizuoka. She had her debut in the 15th year of Heisei [2003], and was assigned to Moon Troupe. She quickly attracted attention due to her handsome appearance and high vocal skills, and had her first Bow Hall lead role and junior performance lead role in Heisei 20 [2008]. In Heisei 24 [2012], when her classmate Ryuu Masaki was appointed Top Star, she became ‘demi-Top Star’. She exchanged lead roles in the Grand Theatre with Ryuu during performances.

In Heisei 25 [2013] she was transferred to Flower Troupe. In Heisei 26 [2014] she became Top Star of Flower Troupe. She evolved even further as an otokoyaku. Possessing both a unique dainty, fairylike beauty, as well as the traditional manliness of Flower Troupe, she created a new model for the Takarazuka otokoyaku. In Heisei 27 [2015] she starred in the Revue’s second tour of Taiwan, and last year [2018] the first stage adaptation of The Poe Family was a great success. Soon, in June of this year, she will star in the Revue’s first production in the Yokahama Arena.

As Top Star of Flower Troupe, she declared that the ‘little hard things’ she had experienced “all became put towards the future performances, and helped me become who I am now.” A huge turning point for her was her transfer in Heisei 25. “Leaving Moon Troupe, where I was raised, was really painful,” she said, her voice shaking as tears began to fall. However, immediately afterwards, “when I came to Flower Troupe, and became a Flower Troupe Otokoyaku, being able to work hard since I thought ‘I need to become a performer who isn’t an embarrassment as Top Star of Flower Troupe’...” She wiped her tears again and looked upwards. “I think that was the happiest thing in my Takarazuka life,” she said.

During her time as ‘demi-Top’ of Moon Troupe, she performed alternate lead roles in the Grand Theatre. “I was able to approach the same show from multiple angles. And since I worked so hard then, I gained the inner strength to be able to feel like any little thing was alright,” she said. She said she also was able to experience how great then-Moon Troupe Top Star Ryuu was. “I’m really grateful to her,” she said.

After her retirement, she said “I will have to look for a job. Since otherwise I won’t be able live,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t have a license, so I would like to go to driving school,” she said with a smile. Upon being asked the customary question about whether she had plans to marry, she burst into a smile. “I don’t have any knowledge on that front yet.”

It turns out that some time ago, she had a palm reading done in Taiwan. “They told me that I had a lot of marriage lines. But I think that since I had so many wives [performance partners] in Takarazuka, I must have used them all up.” She smiled thinking back on the 4 performance partners she has had in her time as Top Star: Ranno Hana, Kano Maria, Senna, and Hana Yuuki.

Finally, she addressed her fans, saying “Since all of you were there, I was able to do my best to become a wonderful otokoyaku and try to show you different sides of myself. I’m full of gratitude.”

Her retirement performance will be A Fairy Tale—Spirit of the Blue Rose (writer/director: Ueda Keiko) / CHARME! (creator/director: Inaba Daichi). The performance will run in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre from August 23 to September 30, and in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from October 18 to November 24.

#takarazuka #article translation #troupe: hana #sienne: asumi rio

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