#sienne: ayakaze sakina

[zukalations]

Since Saki's first retirement ceremony is today, here is a feature where she presents a few of her early foundational roles.

(Also I know I messed up one of the titles this is what I get for formatting things at 3am so I will fix it after the livestream)

[yuzukahibiscus]

Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe Top Star Serika Toa's Retirement Conference

(Source from Sponichi | Before you read – this translation mentioned the incident of the deceased sienne in Cosmos Troupe)

Serika Toa had her retirement press conference on the 3rd in Osaka after announcing that she will be retiring from Takarazuka in April 27 2025.

She appeared in a pearl white suit and didn't cry, but remained a cheerful expression from start to end. The Revue emphasised the importance of "keeping the conference with questions limited to the retirement only"

Serika's message

Every day I continue to learn as I spend my days at Takarazuka that I love so much. This is all thanks to all the supporting fans that I am able to face the stage and myself, so I'm sincerely grateful. I was so happy to find something that I dived into and enjoyed so much. Before the day of my graduation and to repay this gratitude to everyone who's supported me, I want to keep growing as much as I can. Please continue to support me.

Regarding the timing of your retirement, was this affected by the incident of the deceased sienne last September?

I believe retirement is what one would always consider when they have passed a certain year of being in the revue. Everyone, it wasn't really about having a specific goal on my path to pursue the performing arts. Yet it was my goal when I was appointed as a Top Star that I wanted to be the leading role of 3 performances. I have already decided on just doing 3 lead performance when I was appointed a Top Star so there's no direct relation (to the sienne's death).

How did the troupe members react to your retirement news?

There was a little break between the closing day of "Le Grande Escalier" which was a few days ago, and the next performance, so I announced the news to the Cosmos Troupe members via LINE message. I'm not too sure how they react yet, but because we're splitting in two teams of rehearsals, I'd like to meet them directly and respectively on the first day of rehearsals.

What did you learn in the long time of supporting Top Stars?

About the things I've learnt in Takarazuka? I spent half my life there, and (Takarazuka) in terms of shaping me as a person, I'd say that I've learnt almost everything there. The greatest thing I've learnt is to be honest and sincere to myself.

So you wrote a LINE message your troupe members. How did you tell the Top Musumeyaku Haruno Sakura?

I told her at an appropriate time during the "Le Grand Escalier" performances earlier when we met each other directly. I can't say her reaction without her permission...

Message to fans

It's because I have my fans, it's because everyone is here, that I was able to overcome (setbacks). I think I can never repay these (sentiments) no matter how hard I tried. It really was a grand love (from them). But in my remaining Takarazuka life, I will try my best to repay the best I can and to repay even the least, I want to deliver the most amazing stages. Please look forward.

You also told your classmate (Snow Troupe Top Star) Ayakaze Sakina about your retirement news?

Of course, I contacted her. Even though it was a LINE message only. Because of the pandemic, there wasn’t much communication as us classmates or for our troupes (Cosmos Troupe and Snow Troupe). That was truly regretful, because had there been more interactions, I would have learnt more about various things. But she’s a classmate I really cherish. I never dream that I would be staying the longest ever since entering Takarazuka Music School and the Revue, but that’s how it turned out.

What is your future ahead after graduating?

I still haven’t had a complete vision of it. Before April 27, I want to stay completely focused in this world, and beyond that, I hope to be able to find things that make me excited and thrilled.

What did your mother – who was also a Takarasienne – say?

My mother also said, "Do your best"

What are your memories for your 18 years of your Takarazuka life?

There was really a lot. But what changed my conscious, or the turning point for me was the Takarazuka Revue 100th anniversary. At that time, I felt it’s because of the weight of history, and how the seniors have so much love, that this Revue could continue on (its business). And that’s what caused the media to pay attention even more, that it’d be great for Takarazuka Revue to continue developing even further. And to do that, it means I have to enhance my performance, that really change of my conscious (of performing).

What do you hope to leave for the juniors?

What should I say.. Something to leave for them, I’d rather say that I’m looking forward to seeing their future activities!

How was your 18 years of Takarazuka life?

It was a very exciting Takrazuka life.

How did you feel performing again after standing on the stage of the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in the show with the meaning of "the grand staircase"?

I was really nervous on the opening day. I remember only being so nervous, but then I heard the wam applause. The "Le Grand Escalier" had the happiest, and warmest ambience I have felt for the past 18 years."

What kind of troupe do you want Cosmos Troupe to be?

I hope everyone is healthy, and sincerely wish them to be happy.

Her graduation performance will be "110 Love Songs" "Razzle Dazzle" that will be performed in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre from 2025/1/1 to 2/2 and in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, from 2025/3/15~4/27.

[raphaelly]

End of Year Zuka Tag 2023 Part 2

3. Never Say Goodbye: Which taidansha did you find the hardest for you to say goodbye to this year? 

Timewise, the first one has to be Kazumi Shou's taidan... she was one of hanagumi's best singers, both mature and cool on stage, and she brought something truly special by her presence alone. Her taidan role in Singing Loverbirds was perfect though and her funny and touching dynamic with Hoshikaze Madoka was imo the highlight of the show!

The second one was Arisa Hitomi's, I was wishing she'd stay forever 😭 Unparalleled voice, amazing acting, and a genuinely sweet personality, it's just impossible not to love Kuracchi. She was one of those non top musumes the company allowed to shine and she truly felt like a star. To hear her sing that solo as Marie Antoinette in 1789 made me a tear up for real...

4. Material Girl: Favourite piece of merch (most treasured Takarazuka thing you have bought yourself this year, OR if you didn’t buy anything this year, a piece of merch that is on your wish list)

I have very little merch dfjhv but this year was the first year I bought stills and bromides from QR! It took more than 2 months to arrive lmao but I'm still so happy to have all these high quality pics of my faves. And for christmas I treated myself to Madoka's photobook, it should hopefully be on its way now 👀

5. Mon Paris: Did you discover a new fav show that was not from this year? (This can be any fav show that you saw for the first time this year that was released before 2022)

I must have discovered a bunch of older shows but the one that stood out to me the most was Never Say Goodbye (2006). The Spanish Civil War and fascism at large are difficult topics, especially for a company like Takarazuka that doesn't have the best track record when it comes to handling these issues with care when so much revolves around making siennes look cool, no matter what they play. But NSG felt spot on for me. Without making any sienne play any fascist, it managed to portray the importance of resistance against fascism while still showing the difficulties of organising armed resistance without (too much) infighting. Also Wildhorn has never not made a banger, all the songs slap.

6. Wings of the Heart: Favourite fandom memory (this could be a fun stream experience, going to the theatre with friends, all collectively freaking out about something together, anything really!)

Most probably the first (and only so far) international-friendly livestream we've had on BeyondLive for James Bond. The excitment was palpable lol and personally I was so happy to have any "official" subs at all, even if of so-so quality. They gave us some top tier memes and memories, plus the general emotions of seing Makaze Suzuho and Jun Hana taidan (my first top combi taidan!), I was happy to be a fan that day and to have this community.

7. The Final Dance (Saigo no Dansu): What was your favourite duedan of the year?

Frozen Holiday, hands down. Ayakaze Sakina and Yumeshiro Aya, and other pairs, dancing while Howl's Moving Castle's theme plays in the background, it feels magical. And with the news of saki taidanning on the next GT, it's now even more important to me.

[kaynstein]

Koike Shūichirō “Once Upon A Time In America” interview, part 2

Here’s the second part of Koike’s interview. He talks about the different main characters of the musical and the siennes, who play them. Some parts sound a bit wonky because I couldn’t figure out a better way to translate it into english. If you have any advice, feel free to tell me.

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About Yukigumi Topstar Nozomi Fūto playing Noodles

Nozomi has accumulated an impeccable career and is a renowned topstar, who possesses both strengh and charm. There are many different ways in which stage performers can shine, but this time we don't want a diamond-like radiant light from her, but a thick brilliance like oxidized silver. I think that, if it's Nozomi, this will come through, also the script and direction are all done assuming that she can emit such a light.

Nozomi already played a member of the mafia as Al Capone in ''Al Capone – The Hidden Truth of Scarface'' (Yukigumi 2015). Compared to the extraordinary mafia boss Al Capone he's a ficional person, but I would still say that Noodles has a more realistic feeling to him. It's a contest, so to speak, to see if she can make the dark chocolate like bitter taste of ''lower middle class'' Noodles appear sweet to the audience. We look forward to finding ways to present the sorrow of life and see how much the audience will sympathize.

About Yukigumi Top musumeyaku Maaya Kiho playing Deborah

Deborah is a successful women, who wants to become an actress, but in the movie she appears only scarcely and we can only speculate about her life. However, since it is already established that she wants to become a broadway star and play an active part in Hollywood, we expanded on that part. We also created a spectacular revue scene from the Broadway of that time, so please look forward to it.

Maaya herself has a healthy light about her and fits the image of a modern heroine well. Deborah is a very theoretical woman with a firm heart, who steadily works towards her goal. But she also treads a very complicated path in life, so I want to combine Maaya's glamour with something like humidity and emotiveness to show a feminine strength.

About Ayakaze Sakina playing Max

Max is a so to speak evil, but intelligent man. He craves to survive and sometimes doesn't choose the means, but in fact is very calculating. In other words he isn't just a bad guy or a smart guy. In addition, there's also a desperate side in regards to love, that might feel like a split personality at first glance, but I want to express the various facets that there are to a person.

Seeing how acting star* Ayakaze would perform this difficult role was one of the things I was  looking forward to with this production; the other one is the struggle between two evenly matched oppositions with Nozomi, who plays Noodles, a friend and also kind of a rival on stage.

(*he uses 演技派 (engiha), which describes a talented actor, who relies more on skill than good looks)

About Ayanagi Shō playing Jimmy

Ayanagi plays an extremely difficult role, who's position changes over time. She was given a lot of delicate Bishōnen roles in the past, but I think she isn't just visual and due to her being highly skilled, can take on the trickster-like role, that you could say moves this story forward. Playing Jimmy, a role with a distinctive deep colour, could bring out her own charm even more, I think.

About Asami Jun playing Carol

We changed the setting a little from the movie and called the prohibition era ''Speakeasy''; she is a diva at an unregistered bar, who illegally sells alcohol. She's also a lover of Max, played by Ayakaze, but she takes things too far out of love for him, which greatly changes her life. Since Asami is an otokoyaku, I expect she will be able to skillfully perform the changes after the brilliantly shining diva times. Also, I want her to have sex appeal equal to that of the Carol in the movie.

Your impression of current Yukigumi

I think they're a very solid troupe with extraordinary power. The recent topstars Sō Kazuho-san, Sagiri Seina-san and Nozomi Fūto-san were all ''fighter''. (lol) They are all very positive and have a shared honesty. Yukigumi gives off the impression that they can do everything from ordinary to extraordinary by how hard they work on their roles, as well as how things are during rehearsals, so I think that they will give a passionate and elaborate stage performance. Also, they are not only reliable, but give off a sense of substantiality as well because of their lively and open-hearted atmosphere.

On a final note, a message to the audience

This upcoming Takarazuka production may be a little different. However, the protagonist of this work being played by the mature otokoyaku Nozomi Fūto is what makes it significant for Takarazuka. In that respect it will be a production, that's very dependent on Nozomi, but current Yukigumi has enough strength to support that, so I think they will be able to show a meaningful and profound performance.

Although this production has a bitter taste for a New Year's performance at the Takarazuka Grand Stage, I am confident, that you will be able to feel the new charm of Yukigumi and the otokoyaku, led by Nozomi. Since it is a cold season, if you keep chewing, you will get an even greater taste, so like a nourishing and strong hot pot, I hope you will enjoy this thoroughly and deeply.

[zukazukazuka]

❤✂ ★🌙 🌸 ヽ(・∀・)ノ

Woo TY!  Here we go:

♡  - If you could dance with any sienne, who would you choose?  Kiki, because I love her, and also Maa because not only is she a good dancer but also a good pair dancer I think.  Help.

What dance scene is your favorite? Ohh this is hard - top three is the kuroenbi in Hanagumi’s Fantasia, the garden scene in Hoshigumi’s Romance!!, and the jungle cat (??) scene from Soragumi’s HOT EYES!  I really like scenes that tell a story primarily through dance and no singing.Also the entirety of Sekkashou because there is not a bad moment of that revue.

If you could see more of one particular dance style in Takarazuka, what would it be? *bangs fists on table* TAP DANCE.

✂: If you could have any Takarazuka character’s wardrobe, who would you choose? Oh man, hands down Kano-chan’s wardrobe in Golden Desert.  All of the costumes in that show were so beautiful, but I just loved the colors of hers.  She was so gorgeous in everything, aahhh.

What Takarazuka costume is your favorite? Singular costume is difficult, but I love all of the traditional costumes they use in nihonmono, they’re just so beautiful and colorful and all of them together on stage is so amazing. 

What type of costumes would you like to see more of? The kind they used in I Love Einstein - it was very steam-punky but the designs were SO CUTE AND COOL.

★: What show would you love to see restaged? My dream is RomiJuri for Kikigumi whenever that day comes.  I also someday hope to see either Oscar or Oscar and Andre versions of BeruBara but I’m not in any hurry ahaha.

What would you most like to see a Takarazuka adaption of? SERIKA TOA IN A MOULIN ROUGE ADAPTATION SO SHE CAN BREAK MY HEART MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.

What do you hope there is never a Takarazuka adaption of? @ Hankyu please just leave US history alone.  We can’t handle it ourselves so just...plz no more in any form or fashion.

☾: Do you prefer otokoyaku fashion or musumeyaku fashion? I think I slightly prefer otokoyaku fashion if only because I tend to wear more pants myself, but I’ve seen a lot of things I like on both otokoyaku and musumeyaku!  Also some fans can be quite fashionable too, haha.

If you could put any five otokoyaku in a boy band together, who would you choose? 93rds just because I can: Serika Toa, Aizuki Hikaru, Ayakaze Sakina, Toa Reiya, and Sorahane Riku.

Who are your three favorite musumeyaku? Senna Ayase, Ousaki Ayaka, Hanano Juria (actually literally every musumeyaku in Hanagumi ok)

✿ : Which top combi is your favorite, including OGs? This might sound weird, but I don’t feel like I have a favorite-favorite top combi?  I have ones that I like - Ranju Tomu and Ranno Hana, ChigiMiyu, MaaMiri, MiriKano, but I don’t have a combi I really love yet.

What’s your favorite duet? idk man there are so many

Which pair dance is your favorite? RAN RAN FROM Mr. SWING.

[zukalations]

The third recap feature.

[zukalations]

An assortment of siennes talking about their offstage wear, including Kurenai Yuzuru, Ayakaze Sakina, Yuzuka Rei, and Seo Yuria.

[zukalations]

Snow Troupe star Ayakaze Sakina tearfully thanks fans on opening day of lead show

I haven’t been posting much lately, but since there is actual news I figured I should make sure you’re updated.

This article was originally published on August 29 in Nikkan Sports (there is no author credit, but I think it was probably Murakami Kumiko). Please click through to see photos.

Note: I am sure there are different opinions on how Takarazuka has been handling the coronavirus situation. If you have criticisms please reserve them for the company, and not any of the performers.

Snow Troupe star Ayakaze Sakina tearfully thanks fans on opening day of lead show

After being twice rescheduled due to the effects of the novel coronavirus, Snow Troupe star Ayakaze Sakina's lead show, Fiery Bolero/Music Revolution! New Spirit, opened on the 29th in the Umeda Arts Theatre, Osaka. It plays until September 6th.

Ayakaze and the rest of the cast spent the two days before opening in dress rehearsal, putting the finishing touches on their performance. At the end of the final rehearsal, the night before opening day, Ayakaze tearfully voiced her gratitude to the staff and the fans waiting for the performance, saying "Thank you so much, everyone [that we are able to open despite the coronavirus]".

This performance was originally scheduled as a national tour lead for Ayakaze, one of the major stars of Snow Troupe, after Top Star Nozomi Fuuto announced she would be retiring, and was planned to open in May. In March, the 35 cast members gathered and began rehearsals, but in April a state of emergency was announced and rehearsals were put on hold. The national tour was cancelled before it could open.

According to someone connected to the company, "there were performers crying" when the cancellation was announced. Afterwards, the theatre changed performance schedules. The production began preparing for performances in the Umeda Arts Theatre in Osaka from August 17-25, and in July rehearsals resumed after a 3 month gap.

However, the situation was still crowded, and rehearsals were once again stopped after one of the scheduled cast members registered a positive result on a PCR test. Opening was postponed. After getting over these two delays, the show finally opened almost 4 months after it was originally scheduled.

The play, Fiery Bolero, is an original work written by the late Shibata Yukihiro, premiering in 1988, when it starred Star Troupe Top Star Hyuuga Kaoru. For this revival, the show is directed by Nakamura Satoru. It is set in 1860s Mexico, at the time when it was under French dominion. The play tells the story of a young nobleman who, after losing his family and estate to a failed rebellion attempt, decides to rise up and take back his country.

Ayakaze, in the lead, plays young nobleman Alberto. Alberto falls in a fateful love with Jun Hana's character, the daughter of one of his enemies. Popular star Asami Jun gave a great performance as a captain in French intelligence who is hunting Alberto.

As it was originally scheduled to be a national tour, it is a double feature production featuring a revue show*. The revue, created and directed by Nakamura Kazunori, is a renewal of a revue that toured in 2019, themed after all different kinds of 'music'—jazz, rock, Latin, pop, classical... Ayakaze, who uses her long legs and ideal proportions to her advantage, charmed the fans with the ease in dance that she is known for.

* I am not quite sure why this is being stated as a logical equivalence; there have been single-feature plays as national tours, and double features have played in Umeda (though this is slightly rare).

[zukalations]

GREATEST HITS!!: GREATEST HITS!! lyrics

A few more songs will follow but my program is from the slightly different Nagoya production so I’m still trying to sort out the changes.

This is the immediate opening of GREATEST HITS!! (starting after Towaki Sea turns on the jukebox, I believe).

Sagiri Seina: Even if it's laughed off as nothing but a castle in the air I've got a dream I just can't discard Do you mind if I tell you about it today? It's a huge, unbelievable dream Like saying 'I want to be an astronaut' as a kid My dream's that someday, people all over the world Will stand together and smile, sharing all their joy and sorrow That kind of dream: I know it can't happen right away, but someday... I don't want it to end up as nothing but a dream! When that day comes, I want to sing across language barriers I know it seems like just a fairy tale, but...

Chorus (Sagiri Seina): Greatest HITS! (If we don't give up) Greatest HITS! (If we keep believing) Greatest HITS! (It's sure to come true one day!)

Nozomi Fuuto and Sagiri Seina: If we want to bring the world together, it'll take your song and my voice Put them together and embrace each other, be Happy!

Nozomi Fuuto: Somebody taught me this delightful song once I can't forget that melody; if we really care for one another Even if the world is wrapped up in hatred now Even if we're in the middle of a war nobody wanted

Nozomi Fuuto and Ayakaze Sakina: If we don't forget that song

Ayakaze Sakina: Someday, surely, we'll make it to a bright new day All our concerns and everything will melt away

Ayanagi Shou: And everyone all over the world can join in the song Anyone and everyone coming together as one

Sakihi Miyu: Maybe taking shelter from the rain in a streetside cafe, or listening to the car radio You'll end up hearing that old song by chance And those tucked away, forgotten memories will come back to life

[dance break]

Ensemble: Night fever, night fever We know how to do it Gimme that night fever, night fever We know how to show it [excerpt from 'Night Fever' by the Bee Gees]

Think about the people you miss and open up the album The never-changing smiles are waiting for you The song you sang that day: Greatest HITS! Is a song that will never fade: Greatest HITS! It holds together past, present, and future, holds together the world

Chorus (Sagiri Seina): Greatest HITS! (A song that brings us together) Greatest HITS! (A sparkling song) Greatest HITS! (Let's sing together!) Greatest HITS! (No matter when) Greatest HITS! (It'll bring us happiness) Greatest HITS! (A rainbow of) Greatest HITS!

[zukazukazuka]

Serika Toa, Ayakaze Sakina, Ousaki Ayaka!

OH MAN A CHANCE TO GUSH ABOUT 93rds HECK YEAH THANKS!!

Serika ToaWhat I first noticed about herHER CUTE SMILE.  Legit I first noticed her when we went to see 2014 Elisabeth and I didn’t know anything about anyone and I just kept seeing her Rudolf photo in Quatre Reves like “who is that blonde actress with the cute smile omg??”  And then she was on the DVD and I’ve been in love ever since (I also think it’s her fault I have a thing generally for siennes being blonde??).  I was so so happy when she became nibante but I feel like she just deserves more love [from western fans!].  I can’t wait for her to be top star but she’s got a ways to go yet.

My favorite thing about herEVERYTHING?  Ok but no actually I love her smile, her voice, and how pure and adorable she is offstage (like how she was so excited about seeing Capybaras at zoos on her Cafe Break this past summer).  Also that she’s a huge Harry Potter nerd. 

What I think she needs to work onHer dancing - she’s a solid dancer but a lot of the time I notice she’s slightly behind the beat…also if Yuzuka Rei is going to be her nibante she just needs to up her game a bit lmao (but then Rei can outdance literally anyone in the company currently so don’t feel too bad, Kiki).My dream role for herVILLAIN.  I want her to play an actual villain, or a character that’s a little more…idk - conflicted? Sulky?  Someone who just isn’t straight CUTE.  Kiki does cute and pure so well but I want her to be able to stretch herself a bit.  She was the ‘antagonist’ (sort of) in Calista but the role felt pretty flat for me, so I hope she gets to step out of her zone soon (aka stop cleaning up after Mirio’s character) and expand her range.I also really want her to do more little shit roles a la Algernon from Ernest because she was absolute gold in that.Ayakaze Sakina

What I first noticed about herSaki was one of those actresses whose name I kept hearing floating around for a while before it solidified in my head who she actually was.  She didn’t really WOW me until I finally got around to seeing Don Juan (she was good in Kenshin but I didn’t really pay her that close attention because I was initially there for the ChigiMiyuDaimon and everyone else was gravy at that point), and as a result I’m beginning to think Daimon-gumi is going to become Problem-gumi because between her, Daimon, and Towaki Sea I just might turn into a sobbing puddle.My favorite thing about herShe seems to be a pretty versatile actress!  I’m still getting to know her, but she’s also got a great voice.  And she’s a 93rd so she automatically gets bonus points for me.

What I think she needs to work onNot sure!  Maybe pushing herself a bit?  I get the feeling she still is working on coming out of her shell in some ways, but again I haven’t spent a whole lot of time watching her, so I dunno.

My dream role for her Maybe a bit random but I feel like she would make a great Andre.  It probably won’t happen though but I bet they won’t give Daimon a berubara so ahahaha oh well.Ousaki Ayaka

What I first noticed about her Beichaaannn

My favorite thing about herShe’s got a really sweet, solid voice and can really pull off a variety of role types.  She can be sweet and warm, but I also loved her hardass Maria in MeMy.  I also love that she and Kiki seem to be pretty close, and the shoot they did for Kiki’s photobook is SO CUTE.  She also can either cry on command, or can really get into her roles - when we saw her in Einstein there was one point where she was visibly crying, and it just really added to the emotional intensity of the scene.What I think she needs to work onShe’s got a solid singing voice, but maybe putting a bit more power behind it?  But really she’s a strong musumeyaku and I hope she sticks around in Hanagumi for a long time.

My dream role for herPlaying something opposite Kiki because I bet they would be great together

[zukalations]

Captain Nemo director roundtable talk

This interview with Tani Masazumi, director of Captain Nemo, and star Ayakaze Sakina, was published in the August 2017 issue of Kageki.

Captain Nemo director roundtable talk

Participants: Tani Masazumi (director), Ayakaze Sakina

Tani: Recently, Snow Troupe has been performing many shows based on manga, as well as comedies, so I felt like writing a more profound work. Was your previous lead The Charterhouse of Parma?

Ayakaze: Yes. The Bow Hall show.

Tani: So I also felt it would be good to do something different to that as well, and I thought of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which I've always liked.

Ayakaze: When I first heart I would have a lead show in the Nippon Seinenkan Hall and Theatre Drama City, I was really honored. And on top of that, a show written by Director Tani, who has done so much for me ever since I was still in the Takarazuka Music School...I still remember how furious you were with me during the rehearsals for my Culture Festival (laughs).

Tani: Hahaha (laughs)

Ayakaze: 'Your acting is only getting in the way!' you said (laughs). But through that I was able to learn how to carry myself onstage. I'm very happy to have Director Tani overseeing this show as well.

Tani: Well, you wouldn't be able to say you were upset, would you (laughs)

Ayakaze: I'm happy! I'm really happy! (laughs) I'm ashamed to admit that when it comes to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I only know the Disneyland attraction (laughs). When I was given this show, I started out by watching the film, which is an exciting adventure story, but then I heard the show would also incorporate elements of a love story and other things. As I am Ken-11 now, I am quite enthusiastic for this show and hope to play a dignified otokoyaku role.

Tani: While in the novel and film Captain Nemo is written to be of Indian descent, it seems that the author, Jules Verne, originally wished to make him a Polish nobleman fighting against the Russians. Since at the time he had many Russian readers of his serials, his editor refused to allow this, so it is said he changed the character to an Indian. "A Polish nobleman resisting the Russian oppressors" is a scenario that suits Takarazuka well, so I decided to write an original story featuring 'Captain Nemo' and 'the Nautilus'.

Ayakaze: So that's it. In the film, they spent basically the whole story in the submarine...I was thinking 'what kind of show will this turn out to be?'

Tani: You were asking me things like 'so is there going to be a giant squid too?' (laughs)

Ayakaze: One of the junior actresses was wondering 'am I going to play a seal?' too (laughs).

Tani: It's very difficult to portray an underwater setting on stage, but I thought we might use projections to show the deep sea outside the windows of the submarine.

Ayakaze: Personally I really like fantasy and science fiction, so I'm hoping to share that excitement with the audience.

Tani: This story is set in the latter half of the 19th century, during the age of empires. Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, et cetera, were all ruled by various empires - Nemo rules an island inhabited by various victims of those wars who he has saved, an island that is also the home port of the Nautilus...that is the situation I imagined. I want to portray the varied aesthetics of Captain Nemo as he fights against a massive empire together with his comrades.

Ayakaze: I was also raised on an island, in Shikoku (laughs). There are so many scattered islands, and the people who live there are really warm, I want to say...

Tani: Warm, yes, but also, they have to cooperate in order to survive (laughs).

Ayakaze: That's right - I really understand that feeling of unity (laughs).

Tani: While Nemo is a nobleman, he's also a brilliant scientist. He does not stand ahead of everyone and advance fiercely, but wherever Nemo goes, everyone else naturally follows; that is the sort of person he is. He's very silent, so even when everyone else is very stirred up, he will be off by himself playing the pipe organ and expressing his feelings through music, that sort of thing...

Ayakaze: Pipe organ!?

Tani: Indeed - it is in the original work as well, but why on earth would there be a pipe organ in a submarine? It seems that even on the ship he maintains a noble lifestyle, and it his policy to at least try to keep up appearances. I want to convey the idea that under normal circumstances he would be wearing a sharp tailcoat or something like that.

Ayakaze: Eeeeh? Tails! (laughs)

Tani: Though he's very calm, he's a very strong-willed sort of person who won't lose to anything. His own parents were killed by the imperial forces, and along with losing his homeland he himself was abducted, although he was eventually able to escape. Even though he has this terrible past, he doesn't let any of it show. The people aboard the Nautilus are all brilliant scientists who were brought from all over the world, whatever Nemo says they will follow without any contradiction - I wanted them to be people he could really rely on.

Ayakaze: Amazing... It seems like a role with really high barriers to success. Last time, in The Charterhouse of Parma, if anything my character kept being aided by the people around him. As it was my first lead show, I really was only able to do it with the help of so many people I received strength from. In this I have an entirely different character, and I want to show what I can do now that I've been with the company this long in portraying Nemo's strength and other character aspects.

Tani: You're at the point where you can't just go for it with all your energy, but you have to have the ability to display your atmosphere as an otokoyaku even by just standing without doing anything. I want you to aim to be a solitary figure among all the more energetic junior actresses. All the junior actresses in the cast look as if they'll perform really vigorously, right? (laughs)

Ayakaze: Yes (laughs). Aasa (Asami) has transferred from Moon Troupe, and everyone has done so much in shinjin kouen performances. I wonder what sort of energy will spring from this group... (laughs) I feel like in contrast to their sparkle, I need to show a sharper, more dazzling atmosphere.

Tani: You need to be able to spread your will to the rest of the group, and have the power to lead them. Isn't that the root of Captain Nemo's character?

Ayakaze: Yes! That's really it.

Tani: I hope you'll be able to enjoy yourself in all sorts of ways. I also plan to incorporate a finale with this show. I know you are very skilled at dance, but I have the image of you being quite a gentle dancer. Therefore I want to make a different atmosphere here. I want to use music by Chopin, who composed at around the same time 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was being written.

Ayakaze: I'm very happy to hear there will be a finale. Of course I like drama, but after all I love it best when there's a finale at the very end.

Tani: At the poster photoshoot, I thought 'she couldn't possibly dance in all those clothes' (laughs). So I decided that costume would be used in the play, and put on a separate section for you to show off your dancing.

Ayakaze: Thank you so much! Talking to you like this today, I've had a lot of thoughts about how I want to do things going into rehearsals. I'm really happy about the timing of being given this lead role, as it comes at the start of a new Snow Troupe under Nozomi-san. This is an opportunity to find a new 'otokoyaku ideal' for myself. I'm sure that audience members who have read this interview will be very excited to see the show.

Tani: As you said, as Snow Troupe will be newly reformed with the next Grand Theatre show, everyone in the two separate productions will be working towards advancement, so in this time of transformation it makes one want to scheme a bit. I am hoping this show will provide an opportunity for you to discover new appeal.

Ayakaze: Thank you very much!

Tani: So now it is a matter of how fun and interesting the story is. No matter how good the lead is it'd be a poty if the story wasn't attention-grabbing. (laughs)

Ayakaze: (laughs)

Tani: With the support of the script it'll turn out quite interesting (laughs).

Ayakaze: I'm looking forward to it! I want to borrow the strength of Yuu-chan (Natori Rei), Mitsuru-san (Hanagata Hikaru), and everyone in the troupe as I do my best to put on a good show.