#sienne: asaka manato

[zungumi]

WIP Translations

or, keeping myself honest so i actually finish something else this year

EDIT since apparently there are more people who do not remember old tumblr layouts than i expected: my subs are located at zungumi dot tumblr dot com slash shows, stop asking me where i'm hiding them LMFAO

(if it isn't obvious, my biases lean towards 💜 sakuragi minato 💜, asaka manato, makaze suzuho, kurenai yuzuru, and ayabuki mao. there are a trillion other siennes i adore but these are currently the ones that make the brain go brrr enough to crack open subtitle edit.)

already in progress:

• utakata no koi (hoshi, 2018)

• partial time travel (sora, 2017)

have script/cc/lyrics:

• miroirs (yuki, 2008)

• shakespeare (sora, 2016)

• portrait of the heir (sora, 2015)

• viva! festa! (sora, 2017)

• classical bijoux (sora, 2017)

• nice guy!! (sora, 2019)

• celebrity (hoshi, 2012)

• capricciosa!! (sora, 2022)

• 1789 (tsuki, 2015)

• bow hall shakespeare series (1999)

script wishlist under the cut

"some of these are already translated," you may be saying! i know, but the autism demands i tl my faves myself so i can dissect them thoroughly. forgive me, i just won't post those unless people specifically request them.

looking for script/cc/lyrics:

• the eagle with two heads (sora, 2016)

• toward a day in the sun (hoshi, 2013)

• golden desert (hana, 2017)

• je t'aime (yuki, 2008)

• the seven of the house of god (senka/tsuki, 2017)

• don juan (yuki, 2016)

• amour de 99! (sora, 2013)

• jean louis fargeon (hoshi, 2012)

there are no scripts for these but i will keep dreaming:

• silver rose chronicle (yuki, 2007)

• lancelot (hoshi, 2011)

• cult wine (sora, 2022)

• pale kiss (hana, 2008)

• code hero (hana, 2010)

• bund/neon (hana, 2010)

[zukalations]

88th Class Ties

This round-robin style talk with all the 92nd class members was published in the May 2017 issue of GRAPH, as part of a series on the more senior classes (those who have been in the company 10 years of more).

In case the tags don’t cooperate, the participants are: Kouzuki Ruu, Asaka Manato, Kagetsu Miyako, Sahana Mako, Kurenai Yuzuru, Hoshou Dai, Yugiri Rai

Kozuki Ruu, Kagetsu Miyako, and Sahana Mako are the only participants still current at time of posting, and Sahana will retire at the conclusion of Snow Troupe’s 2020 show Once Upon A Time In America.

88th Class Ties

Start!

Moon Troupe, Kozuki Ruu

“Alright, I’ll start this off~! Oh, I got Maa-kun (Asaka)!”

Asaka Manato is…

Calm and collected, yet flexible Ever since we were Lower Students she’s been calm and collected, and I’ve never seen her mess up, or seen her cry. But, when we all would get together to goof around, she’d join in, that kind of feeling. In any case, she’s really clever. Also, although she’s the younger one, she has an older-brotherly feeling of ‘Everything will be okay!’, and she’s a really reliable person.

A big eater Although her appearance hasn’t changed at all up to now, I seem to have an image of her eating a lot more in the past… I remember that she wouldn’t be affected by whatever went on around her at all and just steadily kept eating at her own pace… (laughs).

So fast at remembering choreography! Ever since she was a lower student she’s been able to memorize the choreography so quickly! It was the same way in things like Takarazuka Special, and recently when I asked her ‘So how do you learn the choreography?’ she told me ‘I don’t know, I just kind of look at the choreographer and my body moves’, so I wasn’t able to comprehend it at all (laughs). I think she comes by it naturally!

Cosmos Troupe, Asaka Manato

“Ahaha! (laughs) Did I say that about the choreography? I’m terrible, aren’t I! As for being a big eater, I must have been going through my growth spurt back then~ Also, saying I’m clever is going too far! But, Ruu-chan (Kouzuki), thank you!”

Kagetsu Miyako is…

Unchangingly a cute little creature She’s always been just like a little squirrel. Even as her seniority has increased that hasn’t changed at all, so no matter when I look at her I think ‘She’s so cute~’. As for her personality, she’s really laid-back but also has a bit of a mysterious side to her. I want to have a mysterious side, so I’m jealous of that part (laughs).

Sleeps with her eyes open When we were in TMS, she would really sleep a lot. But she wouldn’t close her eyes properly when she slept, so you could never tell if she was asleep or not (laughs). Nacchan (Kagetsu), do you still sleep with your eyes open~?

Suddenly turned into a great actress She’s such a great performer! What an actress! I was so moved by her in Grand Hotel, and her role of the grandmother in Spring Snow was so powerful! I was thinking ‘and that’s Nacchan…?’ I was able to talk to her in the dressing room about performing the other day, and as a senior actress she has such an amazing way of thinking about things, and she has really sharp perception. I’m so happy that the little creature from TMS became able to have such deep conversations! (laughs)

“Nacchan is so cute 💖 ”

Moon Troupe, Kagetsu Miyako

“This is really info you could only get from a classmate (laughs). But...I know I still sleep with my eyes open (laughs). I’ve always had people tell me I’m like a little animal… Maybe it’s because when I get flustered I’ll be like ‘Wa~h!’? (laughs) Being able to talk with Maa-kun after so long, we were each able to learn from each others’ experiences, so that was interesting. Above all, I’m so happy that she became Top Star!

Sahana Mako is…

Able to see things in such an incisive way She’s always been like this, but she sees things in just slightly different ways from other people. Ever since we were in the music school, I picture Kyabii as looking at things from her own point of view and laughing (laughs). Of course it wasn’t in a bad way at all. As we’ve been in the company longer we’ve gotten so close, so as we’re talking about different things, often I’ll realize ‘Oh, she must have been looking at things this way!’ and being surprised. She’s so fun!

Such a skilled actor I love Kyabii’s acting. Perhaps this is related to her unique way of looking at things, but when we were doing the Culture Festival, all she was doing was drinking something and scowling but she had a totally different atmosphere to everyone else. And now that she is bringing that to her current performances, so I really love that sense she has.

Feminine and kind I think she has an image as a really intelligent person, but she is also such a gentle and feminine person. I like that part of her too (laughs). She’s so considerate, like a really reliable older sister, and she’s also so kind, and always sees the good points in people. Basically I just love Kyabii (laughs).

Snow Troupe, Sahana Mako

“I think Natsuko (Kagetsu) is a really unique musumeyaku, so I’m really honored to hear this from her! As our seniority has increased we have gotten into the habit of talking about all kinds of things, and I wish I had something like Natsuko’s totally unique aspects that nobody else can replicate. But that spacey side of her is really healing too. We talk about anything and everything on or offstage, so our relationship has surpassed that of classmates.”

Kurenai Yuzuru is…

She has an odd way of looking at things When we were asked our reasons for deciding to try out for Takarazuka, she said “I want to paint the seats of the Grand Theatre red”. But...they’re red already.

Loves Takarazuka She’s a dyed-in-the-wool traditional Takarazuka fan. Back then [in TMS] she went and wrote in my performance notebook, where I would pour out my passion, that she loved Asazumi Kei-san. But, even though she said she really liked her, she wrote her nickname of Kayoko-san as ‘Kakoyo-san’.

Stoic in her own way Ever since she was a lower student, she would diligently practice the things she was struggling with. But since she was seeing her goal in a slightly different way to other people, it would have the opposite effect, she would end up running away with herself even further. As a result, to come all the way around she would put in even more steady work than anyone else.

Star Troupe, Kurenai Yuzuru

“Actually, at the beginning what I wanted to say was ‘I want to paint the seats scarlet [T/N: ‘kurenai’]’ but she came back at me ‘That means empty seats!’ (laughs). Running away with myself in the opposite direction… (laughs). That’s totally true! I never see what’s close to me. But, I think maybe it’s good that I’m that way (laughs). I’ve been good friends with Sahana Mako ever since we were in TMS. We would pretend we were in Masked Romanesque together and stuff (laughs).”

“Who will I get…”

Hoshou Dai is…

The top dummy of the 88th class! Our classmates always say that me and Dai-chan (Houshou) were about even in terms of being common-sense challenged, but they all say “If we had to choose, Dai-chan was the worst!” so just give up and admit it! (laughs) You’re number one!!

The calm before the storm... This was the day before a holiday, when we were Lower Students. One of the screws in her head must have come loose. She was goofing around on the train station platform, waving her hat around and cheering ‘Ya~y!’ Of course she was promptly spotted in that state by an upper student, and I’ll never forget watching her be scolded like nothing else (laughs).

More of an older sister type in TMS She was talented in Japanese Dance, so she would help you get your kimono on and look after you and such, but once we all entered the company her character totally changed. What’s with that? (laughs)

Snow Troupe, Hoshou Dai

“I don’t want to hear that from Kurenai Yuzuru! We’re equal, aren’t we? Equal! And then, that memory from TMS (laughs). That did happen, didn’t it! Why on earth did I do that, I wonder. Doing a rockette dance while twirling my hat around… Because of me, the commuter students all got horribly scolded...I’m really sorry about that!”

Yuugiri Rai is…

One of the 88th class band of goofballs Ever since we were lower students, Rai-chan (Yuugiri) and Kurenai and I would be the group goofing around (laughs). Although she has a diligent side too, she also has a lot of surprising aspects (laughs). The thing that left the biggest impression with me was when we were taking the entrance exam. During the ‘creative dance’ portion of the exam, she—she was in a volleyball club, you know—next to me she was doing a twirling serve receive (laughs).

So multi-talented! & she loves cute things! She’s so good at drawing, and really skilled at making things. When she was a junior actress she made slippers for a senior actress. She didn’t just put a simple picture on them, but she was so dedicated to making the design! That creative side of her is so cute, and it made me think she had a surprisingly feminine side to her too.

Her voice is the best!!! Ever since we were in TMS she’s had an amazing voice and such good singing skills! She did well in our classical voice class of course, but especially in popular music, her sense of rhythm was really impressive. “So that must be what it’s like to have natural talent~” I thought; it made me jealous.

Flower Troupe, Yuugiri Rai

“I did do that twirling recieve, didn’t I (laughs). Dai-chan, you see me from all different angles, don’t you. Even if you struggle at it, helping other people gives you energy, so I think picturing the other person’s happiness helped me do my best. I’ve always loved singing, so I listened to all different genres of music and learned them by ear. Daichan, do your best! I hope you will continue performing to the end with nothing to regret!!

Kouzuki Ruu is…

A star student! Ever since she was in TMS she had the top grades, and she’s the leader of all of us. Ruu-chan is so reliable, just having her there lets me feel comfortable! No matter what happens, she’ll calmly be able to handle it, and she gives off such a grown-up aura.

She’s just really nice I’ve never seen her being really grumpy or irritable. My strongest image of her is her smiling gently. Ruu-chan is so nice that I’m always ending up relying on her 💖

She loves Takarazuka 💖 She’s always loved Takarazuka, and she knows so much about it, so whenever we asked her about old times she would have an answer—she’s our Professor Takarazuka! I only had superficial knowledge, so she seemed to me like she was really my senior, a powerful individual who even back then had the otokoyaku aesthetics down and a real presence as a Takarasienne (laughs).

Back to Kouzuki Ruu…

Goal!

“I’m not that nice, though~ I have really major emotional swings (laughs). I hated being called a star student ever since I was a junior actress, and I really struggled to break out of that framework… Also, I don’t know about the whole history of Takarazuka (laughs). I probably just said things based on what I knew from when I started watching Takarazuka  (laughs). But, the otokoyaku style and aesthetic hasn’t ever changed! I think Rai-chan’s strongest idea of me is from TMS, so if you looked at me now it might shatter the picture you have of me… (laughs). Thank you for saying I’m grown-up and a star student ✨ Please don’t be disillusioned by the current me either!

[arysavignaniacchan]

Could Ayaka’s last duet dance be more epic than this? No.

A classic,an eternal piece sculpted in the memory of this zuka.

This is Hoshigumi Elisabeth’s final duet dance. The farewell of what many consider one of the greatest musumeyakus of all time.

They opted for red velvet,as a big contrast to the white of their first duet dance in A MAP WITHOUT BORDERS,and as music the choice went on a very incredible tango.

Here you can really see the experience matured by both those sienne reaching something that could rarely be topped.

This exact duet dance has been hommaged in 2016 by Asaka Manato and Misaki Rion.

[yugiri315]

Interview from Serika Toa’s Photo Book [Amazon][CDJapan]

Disclaimers - Japanese is not my first language & a WIP so there’s probably mistakes, constructive criticism & corrections welcome - will be uploaded in segments to milk daimondaimondai mondays due to length - Why is the pic badly cropped & edited?  Well if you want to see the full thing and all the other cute pics below the crop, you can find it in the mook! - Please support our beloved Siennes by buying their products - What the #$!?% is up with all these long-ass disclaimers!?  A carry-over habit from my underground translation days ^^; It could be worse.

A bond born from work and play...[1/3]

Nozomi:  Kiki and I know each other from Hanagumi but truth is we actually met before then.  When Kiki was still an underclassman at Hoshigumi, we met in the same class (outside lessons). Serika:  Oh, that’s right!  I was Ken-2 or 3… Nozomi:  You were so cute and squishy! (lol) I barely recognized you when I saw you again. Serika:  I was so shy back then.  Now I’m a total rebel!! Nozomi:  Haha, you had an underclassman vibe then.  But my biggest impression of you was that you’re cheerful no matter what.  So when you finally showed up in Hanagumi, I immediately went, “It’s that girl from that one place back then!!” Serika:  (laughs) Nozomi:  But now you’re totally different.  When we first met, you were always hard at work… Serika:  Hey, I’m still giving it my all! Nozomi:  When I heard you were transferring into Hanagumi, I thought “That Kiki-chan will be coming here?  Wonder if she’ll be alright…” Serika:  As it turned out, I was not alright on my first day. Nozomi:  You did get transferred suddenly. Serika:  But since I was constantly at voice lessons, practicing my solo for the National Tour show Canon, my resentment quickly dissipated. Nozomi:  Right.  The troupe already performed Canon at a Takarazuka and Tokyo show* so the rest of us in the troupe were already used to singing together.  But Kiki joined us in the middle of the road and was having trouble all the way up to the day before the performance… Serika:  I just came out of REON!! Nozomi:  That’s right, you were in there. Serika:  The fact I was so awkward didn’t help either.  Even now, I have trouble talking with new people… Nozomi:  And thus the term “Kiki’s Crisis Report” was born lol Serika:  So you** and Maa-sama (Asaka Manato) went and took me into an empty practice room… Nozomi:  We were like “Come with us for a bit.”  Then [when we were alone] we were like “About that song…” Erika:  But then you guys graciously coached me. Nozomi:  Yup! Hey, what’s with the “Nozomi-san” thing**?  That’s what everyone else usually uses. Serika:  Doesn’t everyone call you “Fuuto-chan?” Nozomi:  No they don’t! (lol) Only you. Serika:  They don’t!? Oh!  Only I do that? Nozomi:  Well anyways, I’m used to “Fuuto-chan.”  It does have a dignified ring to it.  At least I think so. Serika:  (laughs) Nozomi:  Now we went and ate together during that National Tour. Serika:  We sure did. Nozomi:  Maa-sama and Riona (Saebana Riona) were there too.  Maa-sama also knew Kiki from before Hanagumi.  The two of us were worried about you so we took you out to eat. Though we bossed you around a bit with that “Now eat up!” you were able to sit with us just fine. Serika:  (laughs)

*Canon ~Our Melody~ was a revue used in a previous Hanagumi performance (Resurrection)  **Kiki refers to Daimon as “Nozomi-san” during her story and Daimon is wondering why she’s suddenly so formal.

[zukalations]

ON THE RISE - On and Off (Asaka Manato)

ON THE RISE was a 2008 Kageki feature for up-and-coming young stars, asking them various questions about their on- and off-stage life. Asaka’s was published in the May issue. (Please note that she was still a Flower Troupe member at the time.)

ON THE RISE - On and Off 

Asaka Manato - Flower Troupe Debut performance - 2002 Prague Spring Height - 172 cm Birthday - September 15 Hometown - Saga City, Saga Prefecture Nickname - Maa, Manato

ON

The first Takarazuka show you saw: The Moon Troupe National Tour ‘Cesare Borgia’

Your motivation to join Takarazuka: When I saw the Moon Troupe National Tour ‘Ephemeral Love’ I began longing to be an otokoyaku

A memory of the Takarazuka Music School entrance exam: I met Yumeno-san, who is from the same place as me, and I was so happy! *

Your favorite subjects in the Takarazuka Music School: Dance, piano

Your favorite Takarazuka songs: The songs from Elisabeth

When do you memorize your scripts? When I’m at home, and before I go to sleep.

What do you do to stave off nervousness? I take deep breaths and try to relax my whole body

A mistake you’ve made onstage: In the ‘My Dear Aranjuez’ scene of ‘Enter the Revue’, I wasn’t used to the skirt I was wearing, so I stepped on the hem and fell flat on my face.

How long does it take you to put on your stage makeup? Around 30 to 40 minutes

A must-have for stage performance: Water

How you spend the night before an opening: I go to sleep early while doing visualizations.

Something you focus on as an otokoyaku: How I use my hands, wearing the costumes properly, my eyes

A show that left a big impression on you: There are a lot of them, but in particular, Binbougami from ‘Kurawanka’

Moments that make you happy onstage: When I get applause from the audience

OFF

Times when you’re happiest: When we’re all talking together

Your favorite music genre: I like everything, from hip-hop to classical

Your favorite fashion style: I go back and forth between different things, but I always like denim

Colors you think suit you: Blue, black

Something you cried over recently: I cried at the cast party for ‘Pale Kiss’

Something you laughed about recently: All the time in rehearsals

Do you have a pet? I don’t

The first thing you do in the mornings: Turn off the alarm clock that’s been going off over and over (laughs)

Something you do to keep up your health: Get plenty of sleep

What kind of child were you? I was an energetic kid

Past skills you’ve acquired: Piano, ballet, calligraphy, English, etc.

Something you recommend from your home region: Marubouro ** and squid from Yobuko ***!

Someone you’d like to meet: Ichiro Suzuki

Something you couldn’t live without: The people who are important to me

* This seems to be Yumeno Seika, who is also from Saga.

** Famous regional sweets from Saga.

*** A coastal town in Saga Prefecture which is famous for its squid.

[zukalations]

THE Otokoyaku: Cosmos Troupe Edition

THE Otokoyaku was a Kageki feature from 2016 featuring Top Stars talking to younger up-and-coming otokoyaku in their troupes. The Cosmos Troupe interview was published in October and features Asaka Manato and Sakuragi Minato.

This talk seems to have been recorded early in performances for the 2016 Cosmos Troupe production of Elisabeth, so there is considerable discussion of their roles in that show.

THE Otokoyaku: Cosmos Troupe Edition (Asaka Manato and Sakuragi Minato)

Asaka: I think that Zun-chan (Sakuragi) is the person I've had the deepest connection with since transferring to Cosmos Troupe.

Sakuragi: Same here. Maa-sama (Asaka) is the senior actress I'm closest to. (Making a deep bow)

Asaka: You're bowing so deeply! (laughs) You often had my roles in junior performances, so of course I would take an interest in you.

Sakuragi: I had [your] role of Kirchheiss in the first junior performance after you moved troupes, for Legend of the Galactic Heroes @ TAKARAZUKA, and ever since then you've done so much for me. I was ken-4 at the time, and it was my first time being given a large role, so it was all stuff I didn't understand at all. And then, even when Maa-sama would talk to me, I would get so nervous that I'd stutter. But even so you would listen to me so kindly, and also you went so far as to tell me about how you got into character so thoroughly.

Asaka: I remember that. It was my first time performing with Cosmos Troupe as well, so all kinds of things were really new to me, and I wasn't sure what everyone on Cosmos Troupe would think of me, so I was like "This is me!" and putting myself out there fearlessly. At that time, Zun-chan was the one closest to me and helping me out, too.

Sakuragi: Yes.

Asaka: My first impression of Zun-chan is that you were a really cute kid. You have a cute face, and you were so diligent and earnest...although you did stutter a little (laughs), I was sure you would have a lot of progress. And now it's a sort of strange feeling to think that I'm performing together with that kid as Der Tod and Rudolf in Elisabeth. But even though it's a bit strange, I had always been thinking that things would end up like this someday, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable at all. And when I see you and the senior actresses in the role switch* mutually encouraging each other to improve, it makes me feel like you've become a really reliable person, so that makes me very happy.

Sakuragi: Thank you so much. But it's also because Maa-sama taught me so much that I was able to come this far.

Asaka: You're saying such nice things... Is there something you're after? (laughs)

Sakuragi: No way, no way (laughs). While you always tell me such valuable things during each and every performance, and I have a lot of memories of that, the thing that sticks with me the most is from the rehearsals of Gone With the Wind. I was allowed to be in the Finale "Saint Louis Blues" number, but I couldn't manage to do the dance stylishly enough, so the director got angry and was calling me out by name. I stayed behind all by myself to rehearse afterwards, and Maa-sama told me "As long as you're doing your best, there's definitely someone who will see you," and totally boosted my spirits.

Asaka: I don't remember that! (laughs)

Sakuragi: (laughs) Ever since then, when you would reach out to me it would make me so happy, and it made me feel like I needed to meet those expectations, so I really wanted to grow and become someone who could be a support for the rest of the troupe.

Asaka: Wow, hearing that makes me so happy. I've had my eye on you since Galactic, and in junior performances you had my roles one after the other, like Ashley and Giroudelle.

Sakuragi: That's right.

Asaka: In Gustav III, you were able to experience a junior performance lead, and when you played Radames I thought "Oh! She's sparkling so much, this is great!" After that, in the Hakata-za performance of A Song For Kingdoms, I felt like you seemed a bit different. When you were given a Bow Hall lead**, I felt like you had really developed a sense of responsibility.

Sakuragi: I just dived into it heart and soul. In this show, that finale number where I can dance wearing a black tailcoat opposite Maasama, that number is like a dream come true, I always feel like I have to do it right so I always put more focus into it.

Asaka: Since the production has begun, it seems like you're putting out more and more in that number, so as we're dancing together I can really tell that you've absorbed a lot and gained more confidence. Even in the rehearsals, out of the three of you, you were the most junior but since you were in a central role, I felt like you needed a huge level of determination. And within that, you were able to take how you wanted to perform and make it happen. That level of expression and amount of energy...I feel like you came to understand that if you 100% fill yourself with that and then release it, even if you're not doing something gradiose you'll still be able to communicate to the audience.

Sakuragi: I still can't really tell whether or not I'm coming across to the audience, though... During the rehearsals as Rudolf, you told me that I couldn't just say the lines if I wasn't totally overflowing with emotion. You said "I thought you had a bigger range of emotions than that," and all kinds of things to make me improve myself. I think it's because you really understand me that there is that progress and reaction.

Asaka: Progress...reaction...it's like you're studying for the entrance exam (laughs).

Sakuragi: (laughs) In rehearsals, you weren't just playing Der Tod, but also Sisi and Franz.

Asaka: In order to help you create Rudolf's inner self, I had you do his role starting with child Rudolf***. In Elisabeth, the drama and the songs are fixed--it might not be 100% exact but in general it's the same. But if you don't do it with your own feelings, it starts to feel like you've borrowed what someone else is doing. Acting is lying, but it's how genuine you can make that lie look that's where the fun comes from.

Sakuragi: Yes.

Asaka: Day by day your performance has become deeper and more intense. It's fun to see and it's also helped to bring out new emotions in my performance as well. You smile so nicely in the 'Dance of death' scene. I wish I could show the audience.

Sakuragi: What!? I smiled?

Asaka: Yes. You know, I think that helped me understand that Rudolf had no regrets, and he had put everything he had into his life.

Sakuragi: Thank you so much. In this show, when I was playing Rudolf, his instability and other aspects were really different from me personally. This made putting the character together difficult and I really struggled with it. Maa-sama, how do you handle creating your character when you're playing someone really different from yourself?

Asaka: First of all, I don't focus on a role being different from me. I go from what is written in the script, and try to dig into what is between the scenes. Even if I think they're different from me, as I get closer to the role, I try to become more like that myself. In order to find those feelings, I try to go further in my imagination that even just finding things I can relate to in the character. Of course, it's important to find those points that I can relate to, but what is there to relate to in the god of death? (laughs) But, he loves, and even though she does't look back at him, he spends decades thinking "I want the living you to love me"; that, I feel that I can understand in a way. So I do it like that, I don't reject anything, I just accept everything and try to become the character, I suppose.

Sakuragi: I see...

Asaka: If you start out thinking it's different, it's hard to make up ground from there, right?

Sakuragi: It is. "I don't like this", "That's not it", "I don't get it"; that becomes a chokepoint and makes it take a long time to get things started.

Asaka: If you think about it like that you're going to waste a lot of time, don't you think. But it's okay! You really made Rudolf your own.

Sakuragi: Yes, thank you so much.

~~~~~~

Asaka: You're a big unusual, aren't you, Zun-chan. One would think you were a really naturally chipper person but you're actually a bit moody, aren't you?

Sakuragi: Wah~ you know everything (laughs).

Asaka: So you'll show your dark side when people would be expecting you to be sunny all the time. But then you can turn on your sunny side, like when you played Radames, or like in Sky Stage programs, there are times you show a silly side too.

Sakuragi: (laughs)

Asaka: Having Yin and Yang, possessing those two sides, is a really interesting thing for an actor to have, so I want you to make sure you don't lose that and learn to control it.

Sakuragi: Yes. I've always thought of Maa-sama as the sun, and when you were playing Radames I felt like you were a sun god. Everything around you had such a bright atmosphere, and everyone in the troupe was smiling too. And this time around you're playing Der Tod—the incongruity of that person I saw as the sun playing the darkness really made me think how amazing the breadth of your acting abilities must be. In Der Letzte Tanz, I was singing an off-stage solo****, so I was trying to become more attuned to how Der Tod felt, and I started to see so many new sides to Maa-sama, and felt like those things were part of your appeal too. I hope I can also come to control those dark and light elements like you do.

Asaka: Zun-chan's grown in the four years since I've come to Cosmos Troupe has been amazing. Not just your skill and abilities as a performer, but your inner self has grown as well, which is helping your onstage performances improve. As you carefully pile up all of these things, you find new barriers. Then you put in the effort that it takes to get over that barrier, which brings you to the next thing, and you engage with that just as carefully; I think that aspect of you is amazing.

Sakuragi: It's what I've been given to do, so...

Asaka: After you clear one thing nicely, then the next thing comes along. This might be taking liberties, but I think that in terms of personality you resemble me, Zun-chan. So I understand how you're feeling and I'll think "Do your best!"

Sakuragi: Thank you so much! Is it alright if I ask you a few things about your offstage life?

Asaka: Go ahead!

Sakuragi: What time each day do you feel the most relaxed?

Asaka: When I get in the bath after the last performance ends, maybe.

Sakuragi: Ah, I get that!

Asaka: Especially in the summer, it's still light outside so it feels really luxurious. You still haven't been in the Uni Baths*****, right?

Sakuragi: Yes. I'll do my best so I can make it into that world quickly!

Asaka: Well, in this one case you'll be stopped by your year level, and that's a barrier you can't get over (laughs).

Sakuragi: (laughs) Also, in your own residence, is there something you're focusing on in your interior decorating?

Asaka: Right now, I'm into a West coast beachy style, so I'm working on organizing my room so I can redecorate. I love this painting I bought recently based on a photo of the ocean, and I have it sitting on a white wood shelf. You can come over to hang out if you want.

Sakuragi: That would be great, I'd love to!

Asaka: Come over, come over~ (laughs).

Sakuragi: I'm so happy I could ask you so many different things today. Besides obviously everything you've said and taught me, I've stolen everything I can from you by watching and learning from you onstage. Although I'm on the smaller side, I came to want to have such a big presence, like you have, that I can change the atmosphere of the stage and make people not notice my size.

Asaka: That makes me really happy to hear. But, your physical size doesn't have anything to do with it. Thinking back on it now, when I was a junior actress I was just tall, I didn't have any substance. It was after learning from experience and accumulating that learning that I was able to perform confidently onstage, I think. I think it was watching the senior actresses onstage that I learned the most from, so hearing that you were studying that way makes me really happy. Of course if I notice something I'll say it, and I think there are things you can notice from people telling you, I think the very best thing is to watch on your own and learn from that. Zun-chan, you already have a good sense of that, so I look forward to see more from you. Please continue to grow more and more as someone who supports Cosmos Troupe.

Sakuragi: Yes, thank you so much!

* Sakuragi Minato was the youngest of three performers sharing the role of Rudolf. The other two performers were Sumiki Sayato and Sorahane Riku.

** The 2015 show Portrait of the Heir.

*** Rudolf is played by two separate actresses in Elisabeth.

**** There are a few lines in one section of Der Letzte Tanz that are from Der Tod’s perspective, but performed by an off-stage singer.

***** There are multiple bathing areas for performers in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre complex. They are divided by seniority, with the Uni Baths being restricted to the most senior performers.

[zukalations]

Asaka Manato’s #1! - Part 2

In this GRAPH feature from 2016, troupe members were asked to vote on their favorite on- and offstage things about their top stars. Asaka’s was published in the November issue.

This is the second half of the feature that I began posting last time. In part 2, the troupe members vote on their favorite things about her personality off-stage and things she does while performing.

Note: Like Part 1, Asaka’s comments are in italics.

Asaka Manato’s #1 - Part 2

We love this about her in rehearsals!

#1 - How she notices each and every member of the troupe (33 votes)

“When I’m struggling with a role or something like that, she gives such valuable advice!” - Rinjou Kira

No, no, I keep consulting you for all kinds of things!

“She gives advice to each and every junior actress and takes them out for yakiniku 💖” - Fuuma Kakeru

Ahaha! (laughs) Well~ If we go out to eat or something, I can learn more about everyone, and it makes it easier to give advice, that’s all. I went out with the Black Angels, too. An underworld rally! (laughs)

#2 Her eye power (10 votes)

#2 How she always greets people with a smile (10 votes)

#4 The difference between her on- and off-stage personas (9 votes)

“With her nails she can’t open a can of juice… 💖 (It’s too cute, the gap is too cute!!)” - Makaze Suzuho

I couldn’t open anything with Der Tod’s nails. So, I went to Yurika (Makaze) who was nearby like ‘Open it for me~’ (laughs).

Other:

“The way she’ll fire off a wink when our eyes meet 💖 It’s just so cool 💖 💖″ - Hoshibuki Ayato

I only do this with Monchi (Hoshibuki)! Since during TOP HAT it made her blush so much and I thought it was funny (laughs). It’s not that I’m flirting with everybody! (laughs)

From Misaki Rion

“Her ability to focus! The way she changes is so impressive to me!!”

Although I’m scatterbrained by nature, I’ve realized that being able to focus is really important so I’ve learned how as I went along.

We want her to do this! From musumeyaku

#1 - Wink (8 votes)

“I want her to 💖 wink 💖 at me with those bewitching Hot Eyes!! 👁” - Mikaze Maira

I’ll do it whenever you like!

#2 - Hug (7 votes)

“I want her to pull me in with one arm! With a line like “Oh, be careful!!”. With those big hands 💖 💖” - Risaki Shigure

Ahaha (laughs)

#3 - From Elisabeth, Der Tod’s… (4 votes)

“The scene where Der Tod tries to seduce Elisabeth in her bedroom is so alluring, so I want her to try that with me.” - Mizune Shiho

The movements in that scene were things I thought of that they incorporated into the show. That’s great if it had an impression on you!

#4 - Dance (3 votes)

“I want her to be my escort for a duet dance.” - Junya Chitose

Eh~ I’d definitely end up laughing! (laughs) But I’ll do it!

From Misaki Rion

“I want her to pat my head while gazing into my eyes (laughs) 💖 💖″

“I want to exchange cheek kisses with her like in TOP HAT!! It’s so heart-pounding!!”

This is the most variety you’ve had yet! So extravagant! (laughs)

We want to emulate this! From otokoyaku

#1  - The way she uses her hands and arms (11 votes)

Oh~ I’m happy!

“My hands are small, and I have a real complex about it...Asaka-san also apparently has small hands (although they don’t look that way at all), so I want to learn more about how to gesture so my hands look bigger.” - Aizuki Hikaru

“The way she moves her long hands.” - Rukaze Hikaru

My arms are long so I used to be self-conscious about that, so if I am seen this way as an otokoyaku...It’s nice~

#2 - Dance (6 votes)

“For TOP HAT, she studied Fred Astaire’s movement so much. It was so impressive that as soon as I went to see it the first time I was so excited that I rushed to get a standing ticket for the second show (laughs).” - Matsukaze Akira

Right, right! Isn’t that cu~te? Cosmos Troupe is full of people who are so intent on research. Cosmos Troupe rules! (laughs)

#3 - The way she uses her eyes (4 votes)

#3 - From Elisabeth, Der Tod’s… (4 votes)

“All her gestures in the scene where she creeps into Elisabeth’s bedroom were so sexy. I want to be able to emulate them!” - Rui Makise

But don’t you think that’s a little too outside of normal situations to be useful!? (laughs)

Other:

“The way she wears suits 💖 So wonderfully sharp.” - Makaze Suzuho

Eh~! I have no idea! (laughs) Oh, but when I put on a suit, it really makes me remember how Osa-san (Haruno Sumire) would move.

“The way she embraces the musumeyaku! I can feel how much affection she has!! I would love to emulate that.” - Mirei Jun

Do it~!! I want to see Yuichii (Mirei) do that! (laughs)

Final comments

Ah~ having everyone praise me makes me feel so nice somehow~ (laughs). It makes me so happy to know that this is what people thing. It makes me feel like I should work even harder. Thank you so much, everyone! Let’s keep doing our best together!!

[zukalations]

Asaka Manato’s #1! - Part 1

In this GRAPH feature from 2016, troupe members were asked to vote on their favorite on- and offstage things about their top stars. Asaka’s was published in the November issue.

Since this is a long feature it is being posted in 2 parts to make formatting easier and more readable. Part 1 contains the troupe’s ranking of their favorite roles and revue scenes that Asaka has performed.

Note: Asaka’s commentary on the results is in italics.

Asaka Manato’s #1  - Part 1

What is your favorite of her onstage roles?

#1 - Jerry Travers, TOP HAT (23 votes) Eh~! I’m surprised!

“It was a role that let Maa-sama utilize her natural brightness and flirtiness 💖 (I was so happy to be able to play Jerry’s shadow ✨ Her tap dance and moves with the cane were also perfect 💖” - Hoshizaki Rio Hoshizaki-senpai! I wouldn’t have been able to do tap at all if it wasn’t for you!

“Maa-sama’s sunny aura made me so happy just being on stage with her!” - Kazuki Sora I liked Jerry too~ Although I didn’t know I’d have to do so much tap (laughs). But it looks like everyone was watching me take on the challenge, so that makes me happy!

#2 - Johannes Brahms, People Who Have Wings (13 votes)

“Maa-sama’s beauty and sensitive heart...I was really moved to watch her.” - Sorahane Riku I’m so happy!

“When I went to see it, my heart ached so much that I couldn’t get up right away…” - Akina Rui For real… (laughs)

This was another turning point role, like Jerry. The script, the direction, the cast, everything fit together perfectly...I really love this show, and I keep thinking I’d like to do something to surpass it.

#2 - Radames, A Song for Kingdoms (13 votes)

“She was glittering like the sun, and there were a lot of things about Asaka-san that were reflected in the character” - Yuuki Shion

It’s not often that you can play the same role a second time after a year, like with the Grand Theatre and Hakata productions, so it was a lot of fun!

#4 - Der Tod, Elisabeth: The Rondo of Love and Death (8 votes)

“I’d happily go to the underworld with him.” - Setohana Mari

That’s not right! (laughs)

#5 - William Shakespeare, Shakespeare: The Sky is Full of Endless Words (5 votes)

Other: Daniel, Melancholic Gigolo

“1) She was able to show off how she looked in a suit 2) That ‘tsundere’ feeling 💖 3) Even though he’s a gigolo, he’s actually earnest and reliable - It was perfect for Maa-sama 💖 💖 💖”

So funny~! (laughs) Stan (Makaze), you really love Daniel, don’t you (laughs).

From Misaki Rion

Jerry Travers, Top Hat I like all of them, but this one especially. Her wonderful dancing and her charming acting would make me so happy to watch her; was Maa-sama Jerry, or was Jerry Maa-sama! I love it.

Ah~ Mirion (Misaki) would pick Jerry, wouldn’t you! Yes, yes. It was such a fun show!

What is a memorable revue scene of hers?

#1 - HOT EYES!! scene 18, Forever EYES - EYE (FOREVER) (18 votes) I love it too!

“Her dancing by herself accompanied by the Chopin piano piece was so subtle and wonderful.” - Reimi Urara

It was difficult, but fun! The more I did it, the more I felt like I wanted to do things a certain way, so that was fun. Please look forward to the national tour starting in November as well!

#2 - Amour de 99!! - 99 Years of Love scene 15, The Passi Mansion - Gentleman Thief (13 votes)

“The tails of Maa-sama’s tuxedo moved so beautifully, and as she was smoothly dancing there she had the otokoyaku core and also a playful aspect, so it was the best.” - Sakuragi Minato

“THE PERFECT MIRACLE FLIRTY GENTLEMAN ✨” - Koharuno Sayo

Ahaha! What an amazing nickname I’ve earned! Thank you (laughs).

#3 - HOT EYES!! scene 15, Mysterious EYES - EYE (Mysterious) (7 votes)

The jaguar! I totally didn’t expect that!

“That beastly aspect was wonderful in a different way than usual 💖” - Mizuka Ichi

#4 - PHOENIX TAKARAZUKA!!: Love Reborn scene 9, Salamander - Salamander S (6 votes)

#4 - HOT EYES scene 12, Stylish EYES - EYE (MANATO) (6 votes)

“When she was coming back from the audience, the way she came up the stairs with those too-long legs left quite an impression.” - Hanayuki Rira

As for that, I actually got super into it… (laughs). At first I would just be standing on the stairs, but I felt like ‘that isn’t enough!’ and went all the way up onto the silver bridge, which ended up becoming a big conversation topic (laughs).

Other:

“There are too many, I can’t choose...Hm~m, Forever EYES, Energy For Tomorrow (from Citrus Breeze III), Salamander. I managed to narrow it down to 3… (laughs) 💖” - Makaze Suzuho

Ahaha, that’s so cute! (laughs)

From Misaki Rion

HOT EYES!! scene 18, Forever EYES

“So beautiful I would get totally caught up in it!! Her dancing… I loved watching her dancing peacefully in that large space.”

She keeps picking the #1 choice (laughs). What kind of fangirl stuff are you saying! (laughs)

[zukalations]

Talk DX - Elisabeth (Asaka Manato and Makaze Suzuho)

Talk DX is a GRAPH talk feature with the otokoyaku leads of a recent Grand Theatre show. This one, which was recorded towards the end of the Takarazuka run of Elisabeth, was published in the October 2016 issue, when the show was being performed in Tokyo.

Talk DX - Elisabeth (Asaka Manato and Makaze Suzuho)

Asaka: The production is already half over but...wahh~ Everyday I still feel, 'Wow, I'm really in Elisabeth!' Even though there have been some incidents - recently, there was some trouble with one of the stage mechanisms, so the show had to be paused for a bit in the middle.

Makaze: Right, just after 'Die Schatten Werden Langer'.

Asaka: That's it. Things had been going so well that day, so I stepped out on the Silver Bridge beaming triumphantly, feeling on top of the world, but then everything just faded out (laughs). I didn't understand what was going on so I was like 'what the heck~' until a technician guided me offstage.

Makaze: I saw that whole incident from the wings (laughs). But then the next day, I also had an incident - during the coronation, my cloak got caught in the life so I couldn't move forward...sorry about causing you such an issue there.

Asaka: No worries! I really wanted to help you, but my priest's mitre wasn't fastened securely, so it was going to fall if I looked down.

Makaze: While Maa-sama (Asaka) was singing, right behind you I was struggling with the cloak.

Asaka: It's not often you can see His Majesty so flustered (laughs). Well, even though there were so many incidents (laughs), when you go on stage you can really get a feeling of the world the characters live in, more than you can in the rehearsal space. Every day new notions pop into my head - 'I'd like to do it this way, I'd like to try it that way...' Yurika's (Makaze's) Franz is so refreshing! Such a good person!

Makaze: Really? Franz is a role that really shows the weight of the years, so I want to leave the impression of the passage of time. I don't want to just be a pure young man, and then an elderly monarch, but demonstrate scene by scene the life I've been living.

Asaka: I can really feel the progress of time. Those aspects where you're not just thinking 'and here I'll do it this way' are really amazing. During 'Nicht ist Schwer', I'm listening from the orchestra pit, and the feeling of a young man's pure first love kept increasing until I was like 'Mufufufufu (muffled giggling)' (laughs). There! That's what I really like about your performance!!

Makaze: It would be that (laughs).

Asaka: Right after Franz gives Sisi (Misaki) the necklace...come on, do it! (Asaka shifts character into Sisi and gestures as if she's touching a necklace) 🎵 It's so heavy~ 🎵

Makaze: (Takes Asaka's hand)

Both: 🎵 No matter what mountains we face~ 🎵

Asaka: Yes! That bit 💖 When he takes the hand she touches the necklace with like that!

Makaze: (Takes Asaka's hand once again)

Asaka: Squee~ Elisabeth thinks he's upset that she reacts to how heavy the necklace is, but he's not! He just gently makes a connection with her! I watched that scene from the orchestra pit, by the shadow that the spotlight cast (laughs).

Makaze: A shadow show! (laughs)

Asaka: I actually watch most of the end of Act I from the orchestra pit - it's really clear how you begin living fully as the emperor. Yurika's voice is so nice~

Makaze: Iida-sensei, the singing instructor, taught me new vocal methods. Although I still have a lot of issues...

Asaka: That sort-of Classical vocal style is so perfect for Franz, I think. the way you sing 🎵 Anything~ that you desire~ 🎵 Is awesome! I love it!

Makaze: Ahhhh! Maa-sama, your voice sounded so amazing just now! I should have taken a video~!

Asaka: (laughs) Der Tod, though, is thinking 'fool, nothing you do will be any good' as he's listening.

Makaze: Oh~!

Asaka: At first, Der Tod sees Franz as just his opponent in love, or his rival for Elisabeth, but as he begins putting bigger things into motion he realizes that Franz is far more significant than that. Therefore recently I've felt that the line 'I'm not the one whose aims will be destroyed' is quite fitting (laughs).

Makaze: I see...

Asaka: But, in their final confrontation, Franz hits the mark precisely and when he says 'You're wrong~!' Der Tod is truly shaken (laughs).

Makaze: In the prologue, Maa-sama is sparkling in the white light - it's too little to just say that you look divine!

Asaka: Yeah, all I can see is white, too (laughs).

Makaze: (laughs) I'm busily being a ghost, but when I look back and see Der Tod in the light I'm like 'Whoa!'

Asaka: For that entrance, I'm on a crane, and honestly I feel like I might lose out to the intense lighting. Before going on I work to construct the scenario in my head. Director Koike gave me the guidelines 'since the spirits are causing a commotion, the Lord of the Underworld arrives'. So Der Tod is like 'what are they making such a fuss about...worthless spirits...' While everyone is getting more enthusiastic, singing 🎵 No-one knows~ the real Elisabeth~ 🎵 I come in thinking 'What's all this racket!' (laughs)

Makaze: (laughs) Also, that one scene was so good! The scene with the red cloak!

Asaka: Oh, Doktor Zeburger (laughs). It's so rare to see a cloak with such a deep red lining. Originally the flame design was silver, but it was changed to black, and that really makes it feel like the flames of passion are rising.

Makaze: Gosh, that moment where you get up on the chair, I'm watching from the side entrance like 'Here it is~! This is the best~!' (laughs) It's like having Super-SS seats for that scene...

Asaka: (laughs)

Makaze: That first bit, where Der Tod is like 'I'll give you back your life, Sisi, and when you call me I'll come for you...but I'm leaving for now' - once, I was trying too hard to see you so I ended up in the field of one of the lights a little bit, so that must have been a bother...

Asaka: It wasn't any bother, I was just like 'Huh, there's a blue person...oh, it's Franz.' (laughs)

Makaze: No, that was terrible! I'm really sorry! From now on I'll make sure I stay in the shadow of the lighting column! But like, you were so Virtual there!

Asaka: You keep saying that, 'Virtual' (laughs).

Makaze: I think that might be the scene where the sense of you being a death god is strongest. While after that Der Tod is gradually more moved by Sisi, that scene was totally Virtual!! You were out of this world! When you were leaving, still with conflicted feelings for Sisi, I was just watching like (mouth gaping) that.

Asaka: Aw, that's so cute (laughs)

Asaka: The timing of the show never really has us together in the wings, does it. Even though we start out on stage together at the beginning of Act II.

Makaze: That's right. All I can do is catch a glimpse of Maa-sama passing by as I do my super-quick changes (laughs) During the section like 🎵 My mother is gone, please come back~ 🎵 I'm really, really!! having a struggle.

Asaka: On the other hand, I have some free time in here so I'll wander around a bit.

Makaze: Now that you mention it, I do remember Maa-sama appearing in my field of view sometimes...

Asaka: Ahahahaha~ (laughs)

Makaze: I'm determined not to get distracted during that bit! (laughs) So I really can't pay attention to Maa-sama at all.

Asaka: I know! I know, but I still really want to say something...I'm always holding in the urge to be like 'Ya~y!' and go hug you!

Makaze: I do really get that impression when I see you from the corner of my eye...it's like you're passing by while really working to keep under control.

Both: (burst out laughing)

Asaka: I'm really sorry. I know Franz has to grow up so I'll endure.

Makaze: Sorry I can't play with you there (laughs).

Asaka: We're always appearing in the same scenes so I can't see them, but I feel like my shadow doubles, the Black Angels, have really gotten to an amazing level lately.

Makaze: They definitely have!

Asaka: Even though I'm not looking at them I can tell by the feeling of being synced up. Like during 'Der Letzte Tanz' when I'm singing the high part they're all dancing in unison and they never get out of time! It's so impressive!

Makaze: Even though they had a lot of trouble with the wigs at first.

Asaka: Right, they did. The long hair would get so messed up during the dancing (laughs). But it seems like they're finally used to it now. I'm sure dancing in those boots must be really hard as well, but they're all lifting their feet up so you can't tell at all. Especially in 'Die Schatten Werden Langer!'

Makaze: I have so much respect for them in that scene.

Asaka: Oh! By the way, in the Hapsburg court, Madame Sophie is seriously scary!

Makaze: I...can't really confront her, for sure. But I'd describe Franz as overly attached to his mother without much independent identity (laughs), so that's certainly not a normal parent-child relationship. And as she's running the country, she's certainly an intense personality. She tries to take on Sisi's training but...from Sisi's point of view, this would certainly be frightening (laughs).

Asaka: 'Wash your face!' she says. That was so scary today~

Makaze: Although I certainly would never get so upset about it, thinking as Franz, or even as Makaze Suzuho, I might be like 'well, perhaps it would be better if you washed your face...perhaps it would be better if you brushed your teeth.'

Asaka: That's true. It depends on the person (laughs).

Makaze: I start out the finale singing a solo on the Silver Bridge, but I also get the leftovers of the dry ice from the last scene (laughs). Rather than the lights coming up suddenly, with no regard for the show, it feels more like 'excuse me, everyone, but I think you've noticed that the main show has ended. Shall we proceed to the finale?' I try to be sensitive to the emotions of everyone in the audience.

Asaka: That's such a funny way of putting it...ah, my stomach hurts (laughs).

Makaze: I'm working hard to be a good partner for you (laughs).

Asaka: There, you're so reliable! The otokoyaku dance is so cool, right? (waving her fist) I'm so happy about this choreography.

Makaze: It's really great!

Asaka: I leave while it's still going, and since I was told I could do whatever I liked there, I throw a kiss like 'I'll let you take over now!'

Makaze: Ahhhh~!

Asaka: (laughs) The choreography is pretty vigorous, isn't it?

Makaze: That's right - it's quite vigorous and also lengthy so it's really tough, but even so it's really fun.

Asaka: The duuet dance is a revival of the one Asaji Saki-san and Shiraki Ayaka-san performed. It's not as if it's terribly difficult choreography, but getting the right atmosphere is quite hard.

Makaze: The color of the costumes is also very different from the main show - it's like a soft red? I think the antique hue is very lovely.

Asaka: At the start, due to the significance of Elisabeth and the fact it was the 20th anniversary, we were really determined. 'We'd better not dishonor this play!' we thought.

Makaze: Right...

Asaka: But then when it came to opening day, the atmosphere from the audience was simply amazing!

Makaze: There was so much tension - I was like 'maybe you could all try to relax a bit and just watch?' (laughs)

Asaka: Yeah, exactly (laughs). And besides that, sometime during the beginning song, 'Rondo of Love and Death', I realized something! 'Hang on - is there no space for applause in my scenes until the end of 'Der Letzte Tanz'!?' (laughs) You know how when you get applause the first time, it really helps you loosen up?

Makaze: I get it (laughs).

Asaka: So once I noticed that I was like 'I'd better just go for it!' and put in even more enthusiasm (laughs). But after the opening performance, I felt such an atmosphere of acceptance, which has given me confidence for every performance since.

Makaze: I can still hardly believe I'm performing in such a masterpiece, and in the role of Franz, even! I'm so happy and I hope I'm improving with each performance, even if it's just a little bit.

Asaka: You are!

Makaze: (laughs)

Asaka: I'm so happy we're able to spend our days with such a degree of fulfillment. The passion from the audience is so impressive, and I'm so thankful for Elisabeth. I hope to put on a show that only our current Cosmos Troupe could do, so I would be so happy if anyone who sees it thinks 'I'd like to see Cosmos Troupe again!'

[zukalations]

That's RanKING - May 2017

In That’s RanKING!, the Kageki Top Star Q&A feature, the Top Stars rank each other based on questions from readers. This month’s question: Who would be best at leading a boy or girl scout troop?

Who would be best at leading a boy or girl scout troop? (Question from Outdoors Person)

1. Asaka Manato - 40 points 2. Tamaki Ryou - 21 points 3. Sagiri Seina - 18 points

Asaka Manato, Cosmos Troupe Chigi is #1 for sure! I think she'd be really passionate and get everyone into it. #2 is Ryou-chan (Tamaki). She seems good at working according to a plan, so I think she'd make a good leader. #3 is Sayumi-chan (Kurenai). In Sayumi-chan's case though, I think she'd entertain everyone with her conversational skills, so it would start out really well. But then the conversation would get out of control and in the end it would delay the whole expedition (laughs). Mirio (Asumi) I don't really see being good at this, and while I enjoy nature I'm also prone to spacing out so I don't think I should be a leader (laughs).

Tamaki Ryou, Moon Troupe Who would make the best leader, huh... In that case, I think Maa-sama would be #1. I feel like she's really smart, so she'd be able to give the kids clear instructions and keep everyone moving briskly. I think I'll sneak in at #2 (laughs). I like playing around with kids, and while I couldn't exactly keep things moving 'briskly' I could definitely manage like 'this way, kids!' #3 would be either Chigi-san or Sayumi-san...they both seem like they would have tons of fun with the kids...Chigi-san! I think Asumi-san would just be like 'have fun, guys' and watch from the sidelines.

Sagiri Seina, Snow Troupe Maa-kun I think would lead everyone really cheerfully, so she's first. While this goes for me too, since she's from a really rural area (laughs) she'd soon adjust to the environment and wouldn't mind being outdoors for a long time. 'Fresh' Tamakichi-kun (Tamaki) is in second place. Since she's young I think she'd make an energetic leader. I'm third. Though to be honest I'd rather have somebody else lead me, I like the outdoors and I think I'd find a lot of fun in it so I'd probably be okay. Kurenai-kun would probably prfer having someone else lead so she could relax and enjoy herself, and Mirio-chan would probably end up wanting to join my troop (laughs).

Kurenai Yuzuru, Star Troupe Maa-kun is #1. When she explains something she takes care to make the important points clear and organizes it all neatly, so I think she'd make a good leader. Tamakittsan (Tamaki) is #2. I think she'd really be able to make the kids understand how it felt to be surrounded by nature. #3, Chigi-san, I feel would be more like a pushy salesman trying to impress on the kids how amazing nature is, rather than a leader. As for me, when I go outside I'd rather have someone to follow, so I wouldn't be able to lead I think (laughs).

Asumi Rio, Flower Troupe For #1... I'm going to put in a vote for Maa-sama here. As for why, I think a boy scout outfit would really suit her! And then #2 is Chigi-san. She has a refreshing and enthusiastic personality, so I think she'd be good at getting everyone involved. #3 is maybe Ryou-chan. She's very earnest and fits perfectly into my mental image of a 'scout leader'. Kurenai-san doesn't really seem the boy scout type...as for me, obviously if someone told me to I'd try my best but I would most likely fail anyway (laughs).

[zukalations]

That's Ranking - February 2017

In That’s RanKING!, the Kageki Top Star Q&A feature, the Top Stars rank each other based on questions from readers. This month’s question: Who would be best at building a snowman?

That’s RanKING - Who’s in first place?

For 2017’s monthly corner, we use questions sent in from readers and ask each Top Star to rank who most matches each month’s theme by sharing their impressions and anecdotes. The votes are calculated with First Place as 10 points, Second Place as 5 points, and Third Place as 3 points. Please enjoy the 5 Top Stars’ variety of answers and stories!

This month's question: Who would be best at building a snowman? [Question from 'Cocoron']

1. Sagiri Seina - 35 points 2. Tamaki Ryou - 22 points 3. Asumi Rio and Asaka Manato - 11 points

Sagiri Seina, Snow Troupe Since it's a 'Snow'man, not Flower, Moon, Star, or Cosmos, but a 'Snow'man, I won't give up this one (laughs). I don't really remember having made snowmen before, but I've played a little kid with a face like a snowman. Second place is Tamakichi (Tamaki). Since she's at a stage where she's closer to childhood (laughs), I think she might be good at active things like that. Since Maakun can do any task skillfully, she's third. She's make a cute, orthodox snowman that could win a popularity contest. Kurenai-kun would start talking about something funny and in the meantime the show would melt, so she's fourth. I think Mirio-chan would be like 'Ah, the snow...' and just enjoy herself looking at the snowy landscape.

Tamaki Ryou, Moon Troupe #1 is Mirio-san. I think she would carefully plan and make one with her own personal flair, so I'm sure she would end up with a really pretty snowman. #2 is Maa-sama. She can do anything smartly, it seems, so I'm sure she would briskly and smartly construct a snowman. As for Chigi-san and Kurenai-san, this is obviously my own personal opinion here, but I think that since they're both really hot-blooded, they'd be like 'Alright! Snowman time!' and get too into it so they'd accidentally mess everything up in the end (laughs). Therefore, though I've not had a chance to try myself at making a nice snowman, I'll take the liberty of putting myself at #3.

Asumi Rio, Flower Troupe: Ryou-chan (Tamakichi) might be #1. Since she seems really strong (laughs). I think she'd build a really huge one. #2 is Chigi-san. I think she'd get really into it and bring gloves to decorate it and buckets and stuff. I feel like Maa-sama (Asaka) would think it was too cold to manage and Kurenai-san would just make a tiny one and then be like 'Enough, I'm going for lunch' (laughs), so I'll put myself right in the middle. Even though I'm not great with cold, to be honest...

Asaka Manato, Cosmos Troupe Who would be best able to make one, right? Chigi-san is #1, I think. She'd have tons of fun just playing in the snow, so she'd put that excitement into making it. #2 is Ryou-chan. She seems skillful, and I think she'd take a lot of care to get a smooth surface and such. Probably she'd keep working away till it was totally smooth. Gecko-kun* (Kurenai) would make one if she felt like it so she's #3. But if she didn't feel like it she'd just be like 'bo~ring' and go to sleep (laughs). Mirio would just take ages about it (laughs). I definitely! Coulen't make one. Too cold.

Kurenai Yuzuru, Star Troupe Chigi-san is first. She's so playful that I'm sure she could make a good snowman. Maa-kun is second since she seems like she'd be good at making and working from a plan. Tamaki-san is #3; she'd be running around and full of energy, but before you knew it there'd be a completed snowman. I'd start out wanting to make a really large snowman, but I'd get tired of it in the middle (laughs) and just make a few little ones, like 'this is good enough, right?' I'd ultimately decide that was a better idea than having a really large one and be satisfied with that, I think (laughs).

* I think this is a Maasama-only nickname for Beni; the Japanese is ‘Herao-kun’ but I thought it would be funnier to use the translation.

[zukalations]

Asaka Manato throws kisses in farewell to Takarazuka home theatre: 'I'm so happy'

This is a longer and more detailed article about Maa-sama’s retirement in Takarazuka.

It was originally published by Nikkan Sports on September 25th. The original article (with a few photos) can be seen here.

Asaka Manato throws kisses in farewell to Takarazuka home theatre: 'I'm so happy'

Land of the Gods/Classical Bijoux, the retirement performance for the Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe's Top Star Asaka Manato, reached the end of its run at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo on the 25th, and Asaka bid farewell to her home territory with thrown kisses. Asaka entered the company in 2002 and was raised in Flower Troupe, before transferring to Cosmos Troupe in 2012 and becoming top of Cosmos in February 2015. Due to her foundation as a Flower Troupe otokoyaku (those with the longest history in the company), her choice for her final descent of the Grand Stairs was a black tuxedo, the symbol of an otokoyaku. With this sharp and stylish outfit, and the smile that won her the nickname 'Sun of Cosmos Troupe', the fans were dazzled. After the curtain first fell there were 5 curtain calls. And during the 5th one... 'Someone told me that [if I threw kisses] everyone would get really excited, and when I did it it was almost as if they'd been waiting for just that,' Asaka said [later]. She threw kisses three times, left, right, and center. After that, she appeared in front of the curtain to throw kisses again - 'here's another round!' 'I'm so happy that everyone - the other members of the troupe as well as the fans - met me with smiles today. Even though there were times when I was full of emotion, since I was surrounded by smiles I also was able to smile naturally.' It was a farewell full of smiles: a picture perfect, ideal 'graduation ceremony'. In order to make everyone smile, the festival number 'YOSAKOI Soran', first performed in the revue which ran in Takarazuka in February, was included in the 'Sayonara Show', which is organized according to the Top Star's desires. For this joyful farewell, the festival song, where the audience joins in to shout 'Soran Soragumi! [Cosmos Troupe]', was 'completely indispensible, I thought', Asaka said looking back on it afterwards. 'I was able to see everyone's happy faces. Everyone smiled for me.' She was reassured and thanked her fans: 'I'm sorry that all I can think of is everyday words but I'm really so happy,' she said. 'Until [the Tokyo final performance on] November 19th, I want to treasure these days of living as an otokoyaku', she said, promising to give her all until the day of her ultimate retirement. 'When I was a junior actress, I saw one of my seniors' retirements and thought she looked so cool' - charmed by that image, Asaka decided to pair red roses with her black tuxedo for her last farewells. And true to that, she left the stage of the Takarazuka Grand Theatre bearing red roses given to her by her classmate and Star Troupe Top Star Kurenai Yuzuru, as well as the other members of Cosmos Troupe. Also, Reimi Urara, who was Asaka's acting partner and heroine in this production and has held the position of 'Senshu Ikeda Bank Image Girl', and 4 other musumeyaku will retire together with Asaka on November 19th.

[zukalations]

That’s RanKING - April 2017

The 2017 Top Star Q&A feature from Kageki continues the format of 2016. This month: Who would be best able to deal with aliens if they appeared?

That's RanKING - Who's in first place?

For 2017’s monthly corner, we use questions sent in from readers and ask each Top Star to rank who most matches each month’s theme by sharing their impressions and anecdotes. The votes are calculated with First Place as 10 points, Second Place as 5 points, and Third Place as 3 points. Please enjoy the 5 Top Stars’ variety of answers and stories!

This month's question: Who would be best able to deal with aliens if they appeared? (Question from 'Miller') 1. Kurenai Yuzuru (40 points) 2. Sagiri Seina (21 points) 3. Tamaki Ryou (12 points)

Star Troupe - Kurenai Yuzuru I think #1 might be Tamakittsan. I feel like she would start talking with the aliens and even if they couldn’t understand each other she'd carry on like it was a normal conversation - but afterwards she'd laugh and say "I didn't get a word of that!" Mirio-chan is #2, because I think she could get along smoothly just by exchanging smiles. #3...maybe Chigi-san? I think both Chigi-san and Maa-kun would run if they thought they were in danger. But Chigi-san has a strong sense of justice, so I'm sure she'd try too protect everyone by attacking with karate chops and such. ...I'd just bail and run (laughs)

Snow Troupe - Sagiri Seina #1 is Kurenai-kun, no contest. She likes talking and she's so good at it that if an alien turned up in front of her she'd be able to handle it easily. #2 could be me...the thing is, I'm kind of introverted when I'm off work. If I was 'on duty' I could manage pretty well though (laughs). And even if I didn't want to deal with people at the time, if the alien was in the way of something I wanted I'd talk to it to get to my goal, I think. I feel like Maa-kun would be the same way, so she's #3. I don't think Mirio-chan or Tamaki-kun would want to deal with them face to face; they'd find some other way of handling the problem.

Moon Troupe - Tamaki Ryou #1 definitely has to be Kurenai-san! I think she could get through to them with her natural brightness and high communication skills even if they didn't understand each other's language. #2 is Chigi-san. I feel like the aliens would just be overwhelmed by her passionate feelings... #3 is Maa-sama. I think even if she was talking to aliens she wouldn’t be at all disturbed and just keep the conversation going smoothly. I think that Asumi-san wouldn't be very good at this, and I think aliens would be to much for me so I'd definitely be no good by myself...I know I did this once before but I'm going to take the liberty of putting myself together with her this month as well.

Cosmos Troupe - Asaka Manato Sayumi-san [Kurenai] is #1! Her communication skills are so incredible I think she could even get through to aliens. Chigi-san is #2, but just barely. I think she'd be able to communicate well through body language. Her reaction would be like "what, you're an alien? You'd be in danger if you were discovered so I'll hide you." (laughs) #3 is Ryou-chan. It seems like she'd handle the whole thing coolly by contacting someone and saying "I've discovered an alien." I'd just ignore aliens even if I ran into them...rather, I'd pretend I hadn't seen them. (laughs) Mirio I think is the type to only notice "oh...that was an alien" afterwards. (laughs)

Flower Troupe - Asumi Rio For #1, Kurenai-san and Chigi-san are really close...Kurenai-san! With her level of speaking skill, I think she could even deal with aliens really well. I think Chigi would get really into it and start asking all kinds of questions, like "are you really an alien!?" #3 is Ryou-chan. She's quick to grasp a situation, so as soon as she realized "it's aliens!" she'd choose not to encounter them at all and flee. (laughs) Maa-sama, if I had to say, I think is more the  type who'd be really interested in the aliens. (laughs) I would just give up on everything and play dead. I don't even know if they'd think of me as worth dealing with. (laughs)

[zukalations]

Asaka Manato - ‘Anything’ (part 1)

This was published in the May issue of GRAPH. As usual for this feature, it is being posted in 2 parts. In the first part, Maa-sama lists several of her likes and dislikes. 

The second part will follow on Monday.

Asaka Manato - 'Anything'

Likes

Driving When it's sunset and I'm on the expressway driving from Nishinomiya to Kobe, the light of the setting sun is right ahead and it's dazzlingly bright but so pretty!! I also like when I'm on Hanshin Expressway 11 and an airplane headed towards Itami Airport passes right overhead. I'm like 'oh boy, here it comes~!!' (laughs)

When I first set foot in Hawaii! ...and since that's the airport, the moment I arrive in Waikiki! The air in Hawaii is so fresh and it feels so free - I never get tired of going there.

During rehearsals when even though it's a drag everyone keeps working along and gradually I can see it coming together until Bam! There's a moment when it all makes sense. I never get tired of that feeling - 'We're all putting this show together!'

After the show when we're chatting in the Leaders' Room* We had tons of laughs during the last show, Chateau de la Reine. We'd talk about the goings-on of that day's show and just take off from there. I enjoy those times that are just silly.

When I get something dealt with skillfully I consider how I can get whatever it is done with the least wasted energy. Even if something totally unexpected comes up I'll think of a spur-of-the-moment idea for what's best to do in the current situation.

During the parade when I finish crossing the Silver Bridge and manage to gracefully switch directions on the intersection with the secondary Silver Bridge** I like the moment when I have to change directions while wearing the feathers, with the orchestra pit in front of me and the junior actresses lined up behind me. Up until HOT EYES I would be show-offy about it, but in VIVA! FESTA! I had an adult composure about it at last (laughs) so I did it a lot more smoothly.

Going shopping in Kobe Usually it's for clothes. It's fun just looking~

Dislikes

Waiting in the wings for the curtain to rise in the winter I'm really bad with cold temperatures...

Cinnamon Cinnamon isn't something you really have many chances to try as a kid, right? But then I grew up and joined Takarazuka, and when I encountered a cinnamon roll for the first time I was like 'what is this flavor?!?!'. It was as if my senses were being assaulted... I'm not a fan of intense flavors, so I don't like cilantro much either...

Once it's past 6pm on a day off Once I think 'oh, the holiday's over' I miss it a lot right away.

Dryness It's the arch-enemy of my throat so I really hate it. Therefore I always have to have a humidifier. If I feel like I'm not getting enough moisture then every time it turns on (laughs) I'll be like 'sniff-sniff-sniff'!

My costume room at home, where no matter how I clean and clean it never gets straightened up I enjoy organizing, and I get rid of things according to a schedule, but I can never really catch up.

When there's unforecasted traffic congestion When I think it's going to be clear but then I get on the road and it's crowded. No matter my plans there's nothing I can do about it...

Unpacking after I get back from Tokyo or National Tour performances When I'm packing, I'm thinking 'Oh, why don't I take this, why don't I take that' so it's pretty fun, but when it's all over and I have to unpack there's nothing to look forward to (laughs). At times when I get back from Tokyo and the next show is a national tour or whatever, I'll just leave the luggage as is.

* A special dressing room reserved for the most senior members of the troupe.

** I think the ‘secondary Silver Bridge’ is the parts leading off to the side exits; this certainly matches her description but it’s not a term I have encountered elsewhere.

[zukalations]

That's RanKING! - October 2016

In That’s RanKING!, the Kageki Top Star Q&A feature, the Top Stars rank each other based on questions from readers. This month’s question: Who would be the first to make it out of a giant maze?

That’s RanKING - Who’s in first place?

For 2016’s monthly corner, we use questions sent in from readers and ask each Top Star to rank who most matches each month’s theme by sharing their impressions and anecdotes. The votes are calculated with First Place as 10 points, Second Place as 5 points, and Third Place as 3 points. Please enjoy the 5 Top Stars’ variety of answers and stories!

This month’s question: Who would be the first to make it out of a giant maze? [Question from 'Snow Blue']

1. Sagiri Seina - 40 points 2. Asaka Manato - 21 points 3. Hokushou Kairi - 11 points

Snow Troupe - Sagiri Seina I'm #1 for this. I think I would get a bit lost, but I have a good sense of direction so I'm sure I can do it! I think Tamaki-chan would also be quick, but I won't give up first place...sorry (laughs). #2 is Maa-kun, since she can do anything flawlessly. Tamaki-kun is third, because of her youth and energy. Michiko-san (Hokushou) would reach the goal in the end, I think, but if she got lost she might get caught up in thought about the meaning of the game. I feel like Mirio is #5 because of my image of who she is as a person.

Cosmos Troupe - Asaka Manato Chigi-san is first! She's really athletic so even if a wall blocked the way she could climb over it, I think. A mere wall can't defeat Chigi...for sure (laughs). #2 might be Hokushou-san; she'd take the intellectual approach. She seems like she'd figure out 'must be this way' as soon as she entered and solve it all immediately. #3 is Ryou-san (Tamaki). Ryou-san seems athletic, right? I wouldn't go to a maze in the first place. I'd get too wiped out.  Mirio (Asami) I think would end up spacing out and wanting someone to guide her to the exit (laughs).

Star Troupe - Hokushou Kairi #1 is Chigi-san! She's a private detective, after all* (laughs). Chigi seems athletic, so she could run around as much as it took. I feel like Tamaki-san would be able to clear it with her natural energy. Maa-san seems like she would advance very calmly. I'd be no good at this. I think I'd get exhausted (laughs). I'd probably cheat and climb up one of the walls so I could look over the whole maze to find out where the goal was (laughs).

Moon Troupe - Tamaki Ryou Chigi-san is #1! She's very intuitive, so she'd figure out right away 'it's over here!' Maa-sama is second. While Chigi-san would be like 'Woosh!' I think Maa-sama would advance steadily, step-by-step. And then Hokushou-san would be #3. She seems like someone who would elegantly analyze precisely how to get out.  I feel like Sayumi-san (Asumi) would end up getting lost somehow...but I'd also definitely get lost if I was by myself, so perhaps I could go together with Sayumi-san. With two we might be able to find our way out a bit faster...

Flower Troupe - Asumi Rio Maa-sama is #1. She has good intuition, so I think she could make it through really smoothly. #2...Hokushou-san, maybe. She would consider the whole maze and then decide 'it must be this way'; she's good at analytical things like that. Since Ryou-chan is fast, she'll be third. Chigi-san would take it on really enthusiastically, but I think she'd end up in the same spot over and over, so she's #4. Sorry to do that to someone who's my senior! (laughs) I don't see the point of getting lost on purpose, so I'll just wait at the exit!

* This is a reference to the Sky Stage program Brilliant Dreams +NEXT, where Sagiri did skits set in a private detective agency.

[zukalations]

Asaka Manato - ‘Anything’ (part 2)

In the continuation of this feature, Maa-sama answers questions from GRAPH readers as well as questions inspired by her upcoming show (at the time), A-Motion.

Questions from readers

Maa-sama, what is your favorite food from Kyuushu? Mine is tonkotsu ramen! (Umeko) I like ramen too! Everything's tasty in Kyuushu, isn't it. Now that I'm an adult, I've really started to love 'sesame mackerel'; it's mackerel served in a sesame sauce. It's super delicious!

Please let us know if there's anything where you think 'I've just got to have this' when spending time at home. (1+1=Synergy) I record dramas to watch later. Right now I'm watching Quartet[1]! It has Mitsushima Hikari-chan and Matsu Takako-chan, and the whole cast is really good at acting. I also like how the script feels like it's not just following one plotline.

Starting in April I'll be going to a music conservatory, but I wanted to ask: do you have set songs you listen to, like 'in this situation it's this song'? (Wata) Wo~w! A conservatory, that's so cool!! It's like the world of Nodame[2]!! I'm jealous~ So...what was the question!? (laughs) Music I listen to a lot, right? Right now for Kitashirakawa Ukyou in Chateau de la Reine I listen to a lot of songs with a good beat to get my energy up. Before the curtain rises I'll listen to '24K Magic' by Bruno Mars [3] and dance along (laughs). But not just before the show, I'll listen to it all the time while driving along in my car.

You've had dance scenes with Makaze-san in previous performances, but if Makaze-san was a musumeyaku, what sort of situation would you like to dance with her in? (Mame Daifuku) (bursts out laughing) I can't even... (laughs) In the first place, wouldn't it make more sense to picture me as the lady? (laughs) But it's for the sake of the question, I guess. What do I do... Makaze-san would be a barefoot woman...she has really good style, so she might look really pretty in a long flowing dress or something. And then we'd come down the Grand Stairs...no, that would be dangerous in bare feet, wouldn't it. In that case, the lake scene  from Red Hot Sea[4]!! Makaze and I barefoot on the beach, splashing water at each other and frolicking around. 'Splash!' 'Splash!' 'Ah, that's cold!' 'Haha, got you~ <3', and all that (laughs)

When I'm watching Takarazuka Sky Stage, seeing you talking and getting along with everyone has a big impresison on me. What is the communication secret behind how you can get away with being such a joker with everyone? (I Love Otters) Basically, I like to enjoy myself, so if I'm going to do something, I think I might as well have fun while I'm at it. If I'm working on something with other people it's no time to be shy. So I take it as a compliment when people call me a 'good-time guy'. Even Coach Hara, head coach of Aoyama Gakuin University's track and field club [5], said 'being called a joker is the highest possible praise'! (laughs). I feel like whatever you're doing, it'll work better if you can be at ease and have fun with it.

Maa-sama, tell us what your top 3 favorite sweets are. (I'm putting on my eggs [6]) #1 is shortcake, #2 is cream puffs, and #3 is pudding...I think. For creampuffs, I like the ones with double custard and whipped-cream filling the best. I'm not really picky about food, so I'll like it whether it's really high quality or just what they sell at the convenience store (laughs).

Questions inspired by the Umeda Arts Theatre show, Asaka Manato Amazing Stage 'A [Ace]-Motion'

What makes Asaka Manato think 'this is ace-level!'? My 'ace' right now (laughs) is my MacBook Air! When the computer I'd been using until recently broke I bought a Mac. Since I already use an iPhone, if I sync them up with the WiFi it'll import all my music, photos, and memos, so I was blown away by how convenient it is! I used to have to put all the backing track CDs they give me for rehearsal into iTunes, but now I don't need to any more. It's so thin and light, totally ace! ...even though I don't use it for much more than music, photos, and memos (laughs).

A=the beginning of everything. Is there something you think you'd like to start? Sometime, and I really mean sometime far off here, I'd like to try playing the cello! That's all due to the effect of Quartet (laughs). I've had experience with wind instruments and piano before, but I've never played a string instrument. Cello appeals to be more than violin or viola. The tone is so wonderful.

What's something you've thought was 'amazing!' lately? When I'm playing Ukyou-chan and I think 'how about if I do the delivery and timing of the lines like this' and then it totally makes a hit with the audience I'm like 'Amazing!' (laughs) I change it up by the day, so when I think 'for today's audience maybe this timing would work', and then my hunch pays off, it's like 'Gosh! Am I a genius!?' that's how amazing that feeling is. I'm like 'I did it, I did it!' (laughs)

Tell us what your 'motions' are from getting up to going to bed. That's behing a veil of secrecy (laughs)... It's really ordinary. I get up, take a back, and drink coffee while watching TV. I eat my meals at the theatre. Even in the morning I'll stay in the hot back for 30 minutes. Once I get home, I'm already in 'off mode' after the show, so I'll dawdle around, do my laundry, straighten up a bit, and head to bed (laughs)

How do you feel about your first concert? I love how enthusiastic Director Saitou is, so I'm looking forward to see what kind of scenes he'll write for us. And since it's Cosmos Troupe's first concert in a while, I'd love it if everyone could have fun and show off their charms, and get the audience excited!

Finally, put your feelings for the new show into words using the initials 'A' and 'M'. [T/N: I promise this worked in Japanese but there's no way to keep the meaning and the letters] Wha~t? (laughs) 'Asaka seriously going for it!' Huh? It's A-M-Y that way? Then, 'Asaka, seriously going for it!' ...the trouble was how I said it?! (laughs)

1. A TBS drama from early 2017 that won many awards.

2. Nodame Cantabile, a manga set in a music school that has also been adapted into a live-action drama, anime, and films.

3. Official music video here (may be NSFW? I’m not quite sure where the line is)

4. A Flower Troupe revue Asaka appeared in in 2008.

5. Apparently he’s a well known/inspirational coach.

6. This is the question-writer’s spelling...it’s either a play on ‘putting on the ritz’ or they misheard the English line.