#sienne: nozomi fuuto

[zukalations]

Monthly Question!! June 2018

Monthly Question!! is the new Kageki Top Star feature for 2018, taking over from That’s RanKING! It’s somewhat similar to That’s RanKING! in that it asks the Top Stars what they think the others would do in a particular situation, but without the points competition element.

An outtake from the back of the magazine is included.

This month’s question: If you were 10cm tall for a day, what would you do?

Monthly Question! In this situation…what would you do!?

The Top Star of each troupe answers ‘if this happened, what would you do?’ Enjoy this feature as we compare their predictions!

This month’s question: If you were 10cm tall for a day, what would you do?

Makaze Suzuho, Cosmos Troupe:

I would… I’d like to get in someone’s pocket and go see the other troupes’ rehearsal rooms. I think it would be fun to see how they deal with rehearsals and what’s popular in the other troupes.

Everyone else would… If Mirio-san (Asumi) shrank to 10cm tall she would be a fairy for real (laughs). I think Tama-chan would ride around on a golden retriever, since she loves them. Daimon-san would be really shocked and be like “What do I do!! Someone help!” and go to someone else for advice, maybe (laughs). But at 10cm tall using her smartphone would be a struggle too (laughs). Maybe Sayumi-san (Kurenai) could try riding across a river on a flower petal, like on the poster for ANOTHER WORLD (laughs).

Nozomi Fuuto, Snow Troupe

I would… I might like to try riding in somebody’s pocket. Also, I might like to try pranking people like “Where’s that voice coming from!” or “There’s a tiny person in this photo!” but...I’d probably get tired of it after around an hour…

Everyone else would… Mirio would make herself a hammock and things, and turn a corner of her house into Hawaii so she could spend the time relaxing. Tamakichi (Tamaki) would try to calmly fulfill her duties just as she would every day, I think...I have trouble picturing that for her, though (laughs). Sayumi-san would have people carry her around places and just try to enjoy herself. I have trouble picturing Makyaze (Makaze) like this, but she seems like she might enjoy riding on someone’s shoulder.

Asumi Rio, Flower Troupe

I would… I’d spend the time inside some food. Like trying to sleep inside a bread roll! It would smell nice, and it would be so soft… It would be really hard to try and go anywhere, so I’d just sleep in the bread roll the whole time.

Everyone else would… I think Ryou-chan (Tamaki) would be determined to challenge herself somehow, like climbing up on the sofa, or carrying the remote control or something. Even if Aya-chan (Nozomi) shrank, I think she’d still read her scripts and sheet music. She’d be working hard to try and turn the pages thinking “maybe looking at this while I’m smaller, I’ll make some new discovery.” Kurenai-san would ride on one of the troupe members’ shoulders, or in her pocket, and go out somewhere. I can’t picture a small Yurika-chan, so I’d like to meet her and play with her.

Tamaki Ryou, Moon Troupe

I would… If I was 10cm tall, I could go into even the tiniest holes, but...if there was a mouse that would be a big problem, and if I ran into a cat or a dog I might get carried off...ahhh, it’s so dangerous! I think I’d have someone let me ride on their shoulder so I could get around safely.

Everyone else would… I think the 10cm Asumi-san might enjoy challenging herself by seeing how far she could walk. Nozo-san (Nozomi) would be really excited about being 10cm tall and spend the whole time really actively. Kurenai-san would be like “Alright!” and spend the whole time startling people by calling out ‘Here I am!’ or setting up practical jokes. I also have an image of Yurika-san as someone who likes pranks, but I think she would try to silently startle people by moving things and such (laughs).

Kurenai Yuzuru, Star Troupe

I would… Eh~? Well, in the first place, it would be really dangerous outside, so I wouldn’t go out. I’d spend the whole time very quietly at home. I wouldn’t want to do anything risky! That’s so scary!

Everyone else would… I wonder if our phones would shrink too. If so, I think Yurika would take really cool pictures. If not I think she’d just sleep (laughs). Daimon would...maybe she would get in someone’s pocket? And then she would survey the landscape from inside their pocket. I feel like Tamakichi would spend the time studying the electrical system or something (laughs). Mirio-chan might go climb up on a flower. And me, I’d be at home sleeping (laughs).

Outtakes:

Whose pocket would be best to ride in… Makaze: “Someone kind would be best. Tama-chan (Tamaki) seems like she’d take really good care of me. I’m her senior, after all (laughs). Mirio-san (Asumi) also seems like she’d be really careful with me. Sayumi-san and Daimon-san might not be the best idea (laughs). Daimon might make a sudden move and accidentally throw me out of her pocket, and Sayumi-san might forget I was in her pocket and end up hitting me, Bam! (laughs) Nope, nope, nope.”

[derseikatsu]

Takarazuka sure gave me a lot of culture shock despite being a jpop fan, i thought things might be a lot similar (specially when it comes to copyright) but it seems more deeper than that, but i really enjoy them so i guess i'll stick for the mean time

Anyway here's the picture from takawiki that got me hooked with Daimon, still gets me everytime

[gracemyhearto]

Thank youuu~~~

6: Post your favourite Zuka gif.

Help me, it's my girl

Literally that's me everytime I see a hot guy checkin' him out..or at least it would if I ever saw a hot guy xP

13: Which show would you choose to show somebody who had never heard of Takarazuka and was experiencing it for the very first time? Why?

I once introduced one of my friends in Takarazuka with 1789 basically because we both study history, she was interested in the story and I think I also had shown her some songs before. She didn't became a Takarazuka fan but she is open to anything musical-ish and thought it was pretty cool. So, I think musicals with catchy songs are the best choice.

23: If you could be in charge of casting for a production of Elisabeth and could cast any sienne past or present, what would your cast-list be?

Okay get a cup of tea, sit down and listen:

We'd have an a,b,c -cast. At least for some characters.

Tod:

- a: Mizu Natsuki

- b: Sena Jun

- c: Asumi Rio

Elisabeth:

- a: Ryuu Masaki (MASAO is a QUEEN)

- b: Nagina Ruumi (CUZ SHE'S THE VERY BEST ELISABETH EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER!

- c: Senna Ayase (Cuz who could be better for Mirio?!)

Franz Joseph (a.k.a. the role I don't care about at all so I have to take my biases):

- a: Hokushou Kairi (cuz her voice with Mizu's arrrwwww)

- b: Seijou Kaito (Cuz she CAN)

- c: Serika Toa (Cuz I believe she could do well!)

Lucheni:

- a: Sena Jun (luv her sm in that role)

- b: Otozuki Kei (BEST Lucheni ever fight me)

- c: Nozomi Fuuto (Cuz no Kiki without Daimon)

Rudolph:

- a: Ouki Kaname (cuz she's a QUEEN and the best Rudolph ever. Ohhhh and her hell long legs look awsome in that costume!)

- b: Asumi Rio (cuz her moments with Asa are precious)

- b alternate: Makaze Suzuho (in case you say Mirio mustn't do two roles, and because I need her as Rudolph😍😍)

- c: Yuzuka Rei (cuz Karei and Mirio are precious together especially when they touch each other)

Kay kay, so I would buy any single of these productions. And if I could, I'd add a d-cast version with Osa but I won't overdo it here xD.

[arysavignaniacchan]

2016/2017 zuka WTF?

In 2006/2007 We saw the taidan of some of the most incredible siennes ever:Tanako Wao Yoka,Osa Haruno Sumire,Komu Asami Hikaru. And we all tought it was THE WORST YEAR IN ZUKA HISTORY. WORSE THAN 1998 WHEN MARIKO ASAJI SAKI,MAYA MIKI AND ZUNKO SHIZUKI ASATO decoder to taidan. 

Well ya were ALL WRONG. Masao Ryuu Masaki,Hokushou Kairi,Kano Maria,Maakun Asaka Manato,Mirion Misaki Rion,Chigi Sagiri Seina,Miyu Sakihi Miyu ALL decided to taidan now. YA BITCH HANKYU BETTER PUT AN END TO ALL THOSE DRAMA UH! Makaze Suzuho and Nozomi Fuuto for Fuuuuuck sake!

[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.

[chemicalperfume]

it’s kind of wild how if you say “Sagiri Seina Nozomi Fuuto” you’re actually mentioning 3 siennes by full stage name

[zukalations]

Monthly Question!! July 2018

Monthly Question!! is the new Kageki Top Star feature for 2018, taking over from That’s RanKING! It’s somewhat similar to That’s RanKING! in that it asks the Top Stars what they think the others would do in a particular situation, but without the points competition element.

This month’s question: What would you do if you were in the middle of a really scary haunted house and suddenly noticed that the person you came in with was gone?

Monthly Question!! In this situation…what would you do!?

This month’s question: What would you do if you were in the middle of a really scary haunted house and suddenly noticed that the person you came in with was gone?

Asumi Rio, Flower Troupe

I would… I would never want to go into a haunted house in the first place, but if I went in and then lost the other person...I’d just leave! I’d never go again with somebody who would make me go in, even though I hate it, and then get lost! (laughs). I’d just leave the haunted house and go home from the amusement park!

Everyone else would… I think Ryou-chan (Tamaki) would decide the best thing to do would be to leave and wait for the other person, so she’d make a dash for the exit. Aya-chan (Nozomi) would gradually make her exist, nervously feeling her way there, I think. Kurenai-san seems like she’d start yelling ‘WHERE ARE YOU~?’ in a really loud voice. I’d like it if Yurika-san were the same as me, so maybe she would leave too.

Kurenai Yuzuru, Star Troupe

I would… That’s the worst! First off I’d probably lose my temper and yell “Why aren’t you here!?” (laughs) Then, I’d look for the emergency exit so that I could get out in the middle of the route.

Everyone else would... I think when the monsters came out to scare Mirio-chan she would try to tell them “Hey, don’t, I’m looking for somebody. Hang on a minute!” (laughs) I feel like Tamakichi would keep repeating “I just can’t believe this. I just can’t believe this,” as she headed for the exit. I think Daimon (Nozomi) would probably turn back and retrace her path. Not because she was searching for the other person, but just because she wants to get out! Yurika I think might try asking the haunted house performers. “Did they come this way? Huh, you didn’t see them!?” and get more and more upset (laughs).

Tamaki Ryou, Moon Troupe:

I would: I hate haunted houses, so I definitely wouldn’t be able to search for somebody if I lost them. Since the the ‘ghosts’ would know the way out, I’d run back and as soon as I caught up with one of the monsters following me I’d have them guide me out.

Everyone else would… Asumi-san seems as if she’d be good at haunted houses, so while I think she’d do her best to search, if she didn’t find the other person she would head to the exit by herself. My impression of Nozo-san (Nozomi) is that she isn’t very good with haunted houses, so I think if she lost the person she came with she’d run for the exit yelling “Please don’t attack me!” Yurika-san seems as if she’d have a hard time as well, but I think if she lost the person she came with she would calmly have someone let her out of one of the other exits and call them from her cell phone. I think Kurenai-san would search for the other person and yell for them, and if she couldn’t then she would be the one scaring the monsters as she sprinted for the goal.

Nozomi Fuuto, Snow Troupe

I would… First off, I totally hate haunted houses, so I wouldn’t go in. So, while I wouldn’t want to go in, if I did go in and then lost the other person...I’m sorry, but I’d head for the goal without feeling anything at all about them.

Everyone else would… Even though Mirio (Asumi) would be scared of the monsters, when they came to scare her she’d still try to ask them “This person looks like such and such, did you pass them?” and search for the other person. I feel like Tamakichi (Tamaki) would feel such a sense of duty towards the other person that she wouldn’t even notice the monsters as she retraced her steps to look for them. I think Sayumi-san (Kurenai) would just yell “Where are you~!” as she kept heading for the goal, and Makyaze (Makaze) would get in a total panic and be too scared to go on, so she would just head back to the entrance.

Makaze Suzuho, Cosmos Troupe  

I would… That would be the worst. I’d make a dash for the emergency exit. I wouldn’t bother to search for the other person at all (laughs). I’d leave separately and meet up with them at the exit (laughs).

Everyone else would… Maybe Mirio-san is the type to be okay in haunted houses...I think she’d try to search for them a bit, but if she didn’t run into them she’d leave by herself. Tama-chan (Tamaki) seems like she’d search diligently. What about Daimon...I feel like she’d be scared and just leave by herself. Sayumi-san seems like she wouldn’t really search but she’d still end up meeting up with them again (laughs). She’d walk around like “Where is the exit!?” and then run into the person she lost and be like “Oh! Here you are!” and just end up leaving together with them normally (laughs).

[zukalations]

Monthly Question!! - April 2018

Monthly Question!! is the new Kageki Top Star feature for 2018, taking over from That’s RanKING! It’s somewhat similar to That’s RanKING! in that it asks the Top Stars what they think the others would do in a particular situation, but without the points competition element.

This month’s scenario: You are Momotaro. You are headed to Demon Island. The dog, the monkey, and the pheasant tell you ‘If you give me a millet dumpling we’ll join you’. However, if you only had one millet dumpling…

Monthly Question!! In this situation...what would you do!?

The Top Star of each troupe answers ‘if this happened, what would you do?’ Enjoy this feature as we compare their predictions!

This month’s topic: You are Momotaro. You are headed to Demon Island. The dog, the monkey, and the pheasant tell you ‘If you give me a millet dumpling we’ll join you’. However, if you only had one millet dumpling…

Flower Troupe - Asumi Rio

I would… I’d eat it myself. I can’t deal with pheasants… And the monkey and the dog might attack me, right? Therefore, I’d savor the taste of a single delicious millet dumpling and then go and do my best by myself. But probably if I were to ask Aya-chan (Nozomi), she would come along with me, I think.

Everyone else would… I think Ryou-chan (Tamaki) would get along well with the dog (laughs). I think she’d apologize to the monkey and the pheasant and then choose the dog. I think Aya-chan (Nozomi) would break the millet dumpling into three portions and ask ‘You’ll come with me this way, right?’ and convince them to go along with her. Even if Kurenai-san didn’t have any millet dumplings, she’d be able to convince them ‘This is going to be awesome, come on!’ Yurika-chan (Makaze) is pretty big, so I think she’d just pick them up and go. I feel like she’d say ‘Sorry about this...’ with a smile and scoop them all up in her arms.

Snow Troupe - Nozomi Fuuto

I would… I’d break up the millet dumpling. I’d break it up and give everyone a piece.

Everyone else would… I feel like Mirio (Asumi) would split it up too. Maybe Tamakichi (Tamaki) would be like ‘How could there only be one millet dumpling!’ and throw it to the ground, and then kneel down and tell the animals ‘Please, I need your help!’ and she would be so handsome that they would go with her. Sayumi-san (Kurenai) would use her natural communication skills on the animals and before you know it she would be great friends with all of them and they’d all join her. Makyaze (Makaze) would say ‘I don’t need allies who can be tempted with a single millet dumpling!’ and give them a thorough lecture on what a real ally is like, and after hearing that the animals would all cry and join her (laughs).

Moon Troupe - Tamaki Ryou

I would… I’d break it into three pieces and say ‘It’s only a third now, but will you come anyway?’ and get them all to come.

Everyone else would… Asumi-san would really struggle over ‘Which one should I give this too…?’ I think. And then the monkey would snatch the millet dumpling and say ‘Come on, let’s go!’ (laughs) Who would Nozo-san (Nozomi) give it to...probably the dog. She’d bring the dog along and also do her best herself. Kurenai-san would give it to the pheasant, since with the pheasant she would be able to fly away and escape. I think she’d be the type to think about what to do if things went bad on Demon Island as well. I think Yurika-san would make two more millet dumplings herself and get them all to come with her.

Cosmos Troupe - Makaze Suzuho

I would… I’d have them all talk among themselves as to who would come with me, and if they couldn’t decide I’d have them play rock-paper-scissors. If I didn’t make sure it was all fair it would damage their relationship with each other afterwards, you see (laughs).

Everyone else would… Would Mirio-san even go to a place like Demon Island? If she did go, she definitely wouldn’t pick the pheasant since it’s a bird, and I don’t see her as caring for the monkey either (laughs), so maybe she would pick the dog. Tama-chan (Tamaki) likes dogs, so she’d go for the dog of course (laughs). Daimon-san would break the millet dumpling into three pieces (laughs) and then go defeat the forces of evil! Sayumi-san would say ‘don’t worry, when we get back there will be tons of millet dumplings!’ or something, and end up with all of them, I think (laughs).

Star Troupe - Kurenai Yuzuru

I would… I’d give a third to each of them and bring them all with me!

Everyone else would… I feel like Yurika (Makaze) would totally refuse to participate and say ‘I don’t want any part of this! I’m going by myself!’ (laughs). Daimon (Nozomi) would be like ‘Oh....What to do…’ and struggle for a bit, but then she would be like ‘I’ve got it! You can play rock-paper-scissors for it!’ I think. And then as a follow-up she’d tell the ones who lost ‘Well, you lost, I’m sorry,’ and the other two would follow her of their own volition. Tamakichi would be like ‘But I want to eat it!’ (laughs). And then...she’d probably have them play rock-paper-scissors. Either that or she’d come and ask ‘Kurenai-san, what did you do?’ (laughs). Mirio-san would be like ‘Is there something else I could give you that would work?’ and find a substitute to give them, I think.

Outtakes:

Beni: “I feel like if I was nearby, Yurika would call me over and say ‘I only have one millet dumpling, but all three of them say they want one, so what am I supposed to do?” So I’d say “Just split it into thirds,” and I think she’d end up doing that as well (laughs).

Mirio and animals: “Aren’t monkeys kind of scary too somehow? They’ll scream ‘Kii!’ and stuff… And then dogs will jump on you…”

Asumi: “In the end, the whole problem is that when I’m in such a dangerous situation, where I’m going to try and exterminate the demons, they won’t even join me unless I give them a millet dumpling! I think I’d just be like ‘Huh? Well, who needs you!’ (laughs)”

[zukalations]

Especial Time: Yuzuka Rei and Nozomi Fuuto

An invitation talk feature from the September 2017 Graph, where Yuzuka Rei chose to do an interview with former Flower Troupe member Nozomi Fuuto.

Especial Time: Yuzuka Rei and Nozomi Fuuto

Yuzuka: While you were in Flower Troupe, Nozomi-san, you really did so much to help me out...wait, ah...is it okay if I'm the one to start talking, though. Nozomi: Sure (laughs) Yuzuka: I didn't have any 'fan era' before entering Takarazuka, so I really learned a lot about otokoyaku and Flower Troupe by looking at you. Since you transferred to Snow Troupe I didn't have many opportunities to talk to you, so I took this chance to invite you today! Nozomi: Thank you so much! Wah~ I checked back with them so many times, like, 'what? Yuzuka Rei-san really invited me!?' (laughs) Yuzuka: Ah, what am I supposed to do now...I'm so nervous I'm sweating (laughs). When I looked back on my experiences since I first entered the company, I thought 'obviously it has to be Nozomi-san' Nozomi: You performed my roles three times in the shinjin kouen, right? Yuzuka: That's right. I also have a lot of feelings about Nozomi-san's Bow Hall, 'Victorian Jazz', so I was thinking if I wanted to look back at that I need Nozomi-san! Or that sort of...thing... Sorry, I must have been such a bother... Nozomi: (laughs) When Rei (Yuzuka) was assigned to Flower Troupe as a ken-1 it was when we were doing "Rose of Versailles Side Story: Andre Edition", and everyone from my year was in our last year of shinjin kouens, but you must have had such a hard time. Influenza was going around during the performance and people kept being pulled out, so in the Tokyo shinjin kouen Rei and Maittii (Minami) ended up filling in the Gardes Francaises and saying lines, yes? Yuzuka: That's what happened. It was the kind of situation where I felt, well, I don't have any idea what's going on but I'd better just go for it! Nozomi: It must have been really difficult doing understudy roles with lines as a ken-1, but the two of you weren't at all timid and took it on enthusiastically. 'These two kids will definitely be a big part of the future of Flower Troupe,' I thought. Yuzuka: Wait a second, you're embellishing that a bit! (laughs) Nozomi: I'm not, I'm not! (laughs) I thought that if such passionate kids had joined our troupe we could really trust them to do a good job. But, well...things were a bit rough. Both: (burst out laughing) Yuzuka: You got angry with me a lot (laughs) Nozomi: The first time you did my role in a shinjin kouen was Frank in 'Sabrina'. I told you 'If there is anything you're not sure about, go ahead and ask me!' so then I seem to remember you were corrected about how you were moving your hands in the independent rehearsal, so you came and asked 'um...about my hands...what ought I to be doing with them...?' It was such a vague question and you were way too nervous (laughs) You were adorable (laughs) Yuzuka: Sorry about that... But honestly, I don't remember a thing about asking you that (laughs) Nozomi: Of course not! (laughs) Yuzuka: I still love the way you use your hands! Nozomi: You said that on Takarazuka Sky Stage once, didn't you. I've felt a lot of pressure since that broadcast!! Yuzuka: [speaking to the recording machine] You know, I really love the way Nozomi-san uses her hands! Therefore, you should all make sure to watch closely too! (laughs) Nozomi: Keep an eye on Yuzuka-san's hands too, since she inherited that from me! Yuzuka: On the day of the "Sabrina" shinjin kouen you gave me a flower-shaped postcard, rather. You'd written 'Good luck! To little Frank, from big Frank'... Nozomi: Do you still have that? Yuzuka: I do! Nozomi: Wha~t? You should throw that out~ (laughs) Yuzuka: What, why!? It made me so happy! Nozomi: I feel like the only other people who really understand the parts I'm playing are the directors and the kid playing my role in the shinko, so I really like having the chance to talk about my role. I learn a lot from the junior actresses too; things like "what does this person think of this role". Yuzuka: If I was able to do something like a shinko again I'd like to say I'd make sure to talk about the role a bit more thoroughly... But I do still get so nervous and careful about my words that I end up saying things even I don't understand... Nozomi: Yes, you do that (laughs) Yuzuka: I would want to talk about something, but then I would think 'this is a senior actress' and start overthinking everything so the words wouldn't come out. My head would start spinning. Nozomi: And then you would end up like 'THAT'S what I ended up saying? That's not it at all!' (laughs) Yuzuka: I would get so shaken up by that that I'd say the wrong thing again, and then I would lose my concentration altogether... Nozomi: I saw that same pattern over and over (laughs) In the next shinjin kouen, for "Saint-Exupery", you played my role again. I don't know if you got too into the role of Horst or if you were too worried about it,  but I felt such an aura of madness from you I began to think you might throw yourself into the Muko River (laughs) Yuzuka: I'm sorry (laughs) I do remember worrying about it. Nozomi: On top of that, you had a long speech, and when you get emotional you start talking faster, so I would be like 'slower! calm down!' (laughs) Yuzuka: That's right...I would end up like I was on fast forward. Nozomi: But I felt that your energy as you took on the role was impressive. Yuzuka: Oh come on...you're making me blush~ What a nice followup statement! (laughs) Nozomi: (laughs) So after that was... Both: "Ocean's 11"!! Yuzuka: I was given Nozomi-san's role again with Benedict. Nozomi: Because you had had those 2 shinjin kouen roles of mine before then, I already understood well what kind of person you were, so that was very good for "Ocean's". Yuzuka: I'm so glad that wasn't my first time [with Nozomi's role]. I feel like if it had been the first time, I would have been terribly bewildered and not known how to behave at all... (laughs) But when I went to see the original production by star troupe I thought Benedict was really cool, so when the casting board for the shinjin kouen was posted I was terribly happy and started shouting...though I made sure first nobody outside the room would hear. Nozomi: If I had to choose, I thought Rei was more suited for the prince on a white horse type of roles, but then you got surprisingly into Benedict's type as well and when I saw how much you were enjoying it, I thought 'she'll be able to do all kinds of roles'. Yuzuka: No, no, technically it was a big challenge in a lot of ways, but I did enjoy it. That's why I sang his song in "Bow Singing Workshop - Flower". Nozomi: I never thought you would pick that! You were terribly nervous, weren't you! (laughs) Yuzuka: I got really excited and picked a song I'd done in a shinjin kouen, but then Nozomi-san was there...! Nozomi: Your singing has imrproved a lot~!! Yuzuka: I'm really sorry about that... Nozomi: No, no...I don't know if I'm in any place to talk, really. But you used to have a huge complex about singing. Yuzuka: I did. At the very beginning I was really scared of using my voice in front of other people. "What? Me? Sing?" kind of feeling. Nozomi: Whyyyyy did you come to Takarazuka? (laughs) Yuzuka: (laughs) I kind of got swept in... Nozomi: In "Victorian Jazz", you were central in that really cool cigar number! I thought you would be the type to just be like 'Okay! Let's do this!' but then but then, to my surprise, you were like 'I can't even speak...I can't believe I have to sing too", and you were shaking quite a bit. Yuzuka: I really was (laughs) I was so aware it was a cool number, but... Someday I want to do it right and get my revenge! Nozomi: That would be great! Yuzuka: I have a ton of different memories about "Victorian Jazz", but of course it's the rehearsals that stand out. Nozomi: We would all practice the numbers together over and over until we all collapsed and were like 'no more!'. Back then I was working so hard I didn't realize it, but looking back I think it was a really happy time for me. Yuzuka: I was really happy, too. But I keep thinking 'if only I'd been able to do more', 'if it was me now I could have...', that kind of thing. Nozomi: I do that sort of thing too. But actually, I think when I was in Flower Troupe I really spoiled you (laughs) Yuzuka: I think you did! Nozomi: We only did one shinjin kouen together, but when I as someone from the oldest class saw how hard the very youngest of the junior actresses was working I thought that was really sweet. I would take you out to eat and such. Speaking of that, all of your class eats a ton! (laughs) Yuzuka: (laughs) Nozomi: But see, it felt really good watching you eat to your heart's content so I would be like 'eat up now!'(laughs) I think you're all really earnest people too. If there's something you can't do, you think over it really seriously, and if you can't solve it that way you have such serious arguments with your classmates (laughs) Yuzuka: You were watching!! (laughs)

Nozomi: Recently, I had a chance to watch the dress rehearsal for "Exciter!! 2017" from the front row. It was that otokoyaku trio [Azumi, Seto, Yuzuka] number right after the chuuzume. Yuzuka: The sighing song (Scene 16). Nozomi: Right, the sighing song (laughs). Anyway, you came into the audience and I was like 'Ah~ Mirio's doing Exciter~ Akira (Seto) has really taken over in Flower Troupe~' but then at the end...you were trying to reel me in with fanservice! (laughs) Yuzuka: (laughs) Nozomi: I never thought Yuzuka Rei would fanservice me like this! I was so moved!! Yuzuka: You just got carried away. Nozomi: No, I was really moved. Remember, in the first production, you were one of the little birds!! Yuzuka: That's right. I was so happy for the restage; I'd never been more excited to try on the costumes. Nozomi: And then there was "Marine's Jr. Company". I was like "the little chirping bird was actually a corporate heir!?" (laughs) I've always been following Rei's progress, but when I see you doing the same show again after so many years it makes it so clear so that was really interesting. I realized you have become a fine otokoyaku. The bird became human (laughs) Yuzuka: (laughs) It was really fun! Nozomi: Wah~ That's my most recent memory of you. I really got hooked (laughs) Yuzuka: Sorry...But here and now I can't believe that really happened. Nozomi: I get it (laughs). It takes the makeup, and costumes, and being onstage with that music to get the full effect. Actually though, even though I thought Rei was the type to have zero inhibitions and not hold back at all, but when I got to know what you were really like I realized that you were surprisingly naive. Since you give off such a strong impression on a first glance it's easy to misunderstand you, maybe. Yuzuka: Kirari-san [Kayou Kirari] and Nozomi-san would always be so concerned for me... Nozomi: Yes, yes, we really did worry. Yuzuka: Even when Nozomi-san had the lead role so obviously you were having the hardest time, you would be so thoughtful about everyone else and give us so much guidance. Recently I've been reminded once again that I have that kind of duty as well. If I am so grateful for what has been done for me, I should do just as much for other people, I think. Nozomi: Ah...you are at that age, aren't you! By all means, do that! Yuzuka: When you transferred to Snow Troupe I missed you, and I was sad we wouldn't be able to be on stage together any more, but I still felt sure that you would go on to be even more sparkling... Recently I was fortunate enough to be able to see one of your shows, and Nozomi-san's powerful energy and aura was so strong I felt like it was filling the entire stage. The very moment you entered it hit me like 'bang!' so I was like 'whoa!!' Nozomi: That's certainly going to look interesting when they write this down (laughs) Yuzuka: But it's just how it feels! (laughs) Nozomi: While we working on shows together, I showed you different aspects of myself and I was also able to see many different sides of Rei, so now when I go to see Flower Troupe shows and see how hard you are working I think I have to work harder as well. And when I see your progress I'm like 'good for her!' Even if we are in different troupes, the fact that I feel for you like I would, well, a little brother, that won't change. No matter when I'll be passionately watching over you, and if something happens I feel like I can come back at you with 'what do you think you're doing!' since I know you'll accept it in good faith. I think that if you keep that aspect of yourself unchanged, and keep growing, and enjoying yourself as an otokoyaku, it would be good to show those things to the junior actresses. I have big expectations for you!! (laughs) Yuzuka: Thank you so much. I feel like the pressure has suddenly increased at the end... (laughs) It's really true that in people's childhood... Nozomi: 'childhood' (laughs) Yuzuka: ...in people's childhood, what kind of environment they're raised in and what kind of words people use with them directly influences how they turn out. I'm very grateful for what Nozomi-san said to me and the examples I was able to see in Nozomi-san in my 'otokoyaku childhood' you could say, the time when I was still putting together my foundations as an otokoyaku and a stage performer. I'm going to continue pursuing the ideal I see in the powered-up Nozomi-san: doing everything required of me thoroughly and working hard to continue the traditions of Flower Troupe. Nozomi: Go for it!! (laughs)

[zukalations]

Sparkling TIME - Nozomi Fuuto and Seto Kazuya

This talk is from the June 2017 issue of Kageki.

Sparkling TIME: Nozomi Fuuto and Seto Kazuya

Nozomi: I was so happy when I heard I'd be doing a photoshoot with Akira (Seto) who I was together with during my time in Flower Troupe, so I was really looking forward to this, and I put more spirit into it than I usually do. I had to since Akira is so handsome (laughs). Seto: I got so excited the moment they told me, I was like 'Thank you so much!!!' (laughs) However, once the photoshoot started I was a bit nervous... Nozomi: Definitely. At the start they were taking pictures where our faces were really close so it was a bit heart-pounding. Seto: In real life we were even closer than we look in the photos, so I'm still trying to hide how much my heart's pounding (laughs). Nozomi: But of course you would ace it, Akira. Seto: What? Me? No, since Nozo (Nozomi)...if you don't mind me calling you that (laughs), since Nozo was making such cool faces I kept watching from the corner of my eye (laughs). I had been debating whether to have my collar unbuttoned or not, but then Nozo was looking so stylish I was like 'better open it up!' (laughs) Nozomi: I was thinking 'If I don't make a direct attack there's no way I can compete with Akira,' so that's why I came like this, Senpai*. Seto: Now, now... (laughs)

Nozomi: When I was a Honkasei at TMS, you were a Yokasei as well as a student council member, so at the start I was a bit strict and often got angry with you. When I was graduating you gave me a letter: 'at first you were really scary' you wrote (laughs). Seto: (laughs) You must have been like 'that's too honest!' (laughs) But Nozo was so pretty that even when you would scold me and I'd lower my head to apologize, when I'd look up again I'd think 'Wow~ She's so pretty~' (laughs) Nozomi: (laughs) I've treasured that letter and the towel you gave me with my stage name embroidered into it ever since. And then when you were transferred to Flower Troupe I was so happy. 'There's going to be someone so cool under me' I thought. Seto: That's too much... Despite the crowd of senior actresses, you were able to appear in a lot of different scenes even as a very junior actress. While I'd been watching and looking up to you as a Honkasei, after spending a year in the Revue proper you seemed a much different, much bigger person. Nozo taught me so much about being an otokoyaku and being a person, and it's my goal to be like you. Since there's one class difference between us you're so close and yet, so far... I'm also really happy that there was someone like you there for me. Nozomi: Ever since you were a Ken-1 you had very clear goals for what kind of otokoyaku you wanted to be and you were really cool, so I felt like I had to work harder as well. If I started relaxing I'd think 'Akira is right behind me!' (laughs) Seto: What, really? (laughs) I was striving to achieve the level you and Maa-sama (Asaka Manato), who was in Flower Troupe then, were at. Nozomi: You tend to internalize things and not show your emotions, but you do get nervous too. When I saw that concern and weakness from Akira I became really fond of you. Speaking of that, we were both in Yuu's (Matobu Sei) dinner show** together. There was an earthquake...that was really frightening. Seto: I wasn't able to sleep alone at the hotel... Nozomi: But you couldn't bring yourself to say it. Seto: That's right. Nozomi: We had all taken refuge in Yuu-san's room, but when it was all over and time for us to start going back to our own rooms, I couldn't take it any more and said 'I can't sleep by myself!' Seto: At that moment I was thinking deep inside 'It's no fair you can admit that since you're a senior actress! But I can't say anything!' I was really shakily getting ready to go back to my own room despite how scared I was, but... Nozomi: I was like 'Akira~!' Seto: You called out to me (laughs). Nozomi: We slept together with Maa-sama in her room, right? Seto: That's right! Another show that had a deep impression on me was 'New Wave! ~Flower~'. Rehearsing the choreography day after day was totally exhausting. There's a picture of me and Nozo and Kiki (Serika Toa) collapsed on the floor...I'll never forget it. Nozomi: I'm never going to forget that you cried, either. Seto: (bursts out laughing) Nozomi: That day there was a ton of hard choreography you had to work on and I was thinking 'this might be about as much as Akira can take.' And then the moment that was over you grabbed a towel and the next thing I noticed was you sitting ve~ry quietly in the corner of the rehearsal room. Seto: I think I might have gone under the piano or something (laughs). Nozomi: I thought 'Maybe it would be best to just let her cry this time.' But we all started whispering to each other 'look, Akira's crying' (laughs). Also, I'm sorry, but I ended up telling that to some of the Snow Troupe junior actresses. Since they kept saying 'This is so hard~ It's so hard~' I told them about Akira. Seto: 'Go ahead and cry'? (laughs) It was really a hard time when you transferred troupes. Nozomi: I wanted to tell all of you in the class below me myself so I called all of you together. Seto: I was so sad, but at the same time I knew there was a wonderful future waiting for you in Snow Troupe. So even though I was crying really hard I was also like 'we'll give you a good send-off!' Nozomi: Since by the time I became a senior actress all my classmates had left and I was alone in the troupe, so Akira and all the others in your class really helped me out a lot... Seto: I wasn't always able to call you 'Nozo' but it's been 10 years, so do you think it fits now? Nozomi: The distance between us has gotten a lot closer. We've always been as close as classmates so I was really sad to split up. But since we have such a deep bond, when I see everyone working hard it makes me want to work hard too. We go to see each other's shows and such a lot. Seto: Yes! (raising her hand eagerly) I went to see 'La Esmeralda' twice. (laughs) Nozomi: That's right, you did! Seto: The first time I went, during the parade in the finale, you were already on the stairs singing by the time I noticed what was going on. I thought 'I didn't get too see the whole sequence before she came down the stairs! That's no good, I have to go again!' (laughs) Nozomi: And you really did come to see it again. Seto: Around that time was when they decided I would get a Bow Hall show***, and I made sure to let you know right away. Nozomi: I was really happy, and I'm glad I was able to go see it. During the show I was caught up in the story, but when I saw Akira in the tailcoat for the finale I was like 'Is it really happening???' I kept thinking 'This is the finale of Akira's lead show that everyone rejoiced about from the bottom of their hearts, I can't react like this, it's not fair' while I was crying. Seto: You cried so much that you were exhausted and had to rest in the green room...I was so happy. I was also thrilled when it was decided that Nozo would be becoming Top. I'm looking forward to seeing all the different shows filled with your personality, and with this motivation I also want to work to become more intense as an otokoyaku--but not just intense. I want to challenge myself to become a performer suited to any scenario. Therefore I'm really happy that Nozo will be becoming top. Nozomi: Thank you. I'm honestly a bit worried about Akira. In Flower Troupe everyone is very proud of the traditions they're upholding, and you keep a close eye on what's going on below you so I'm worried you might take too much on yourself. I told you once before 'It's fine for you to just be Akira.' Seto: Yes! Nozomi: Seeing you keep taking that to heart and looking foward to the new challenges in each performance also gives me a lot of motivation. I'm also really grateful to have been together with Akira for over ten years. I'm going to continue working hard, believing in myself and refusing to change the goals I've held until now.

Notes:

* To make it clear, Seto isn’t actually Nozomi’s senpai (it’s actually the opposite), so she’s teasing here.

** Matobu Sei’s dinner show For You (2011)

*** I Love Einstein (2017)

[zukalations]

Takarazuka Snow Troupe's new Top Combi, Nozomi Fuuto and Maaya Kiho: 'This is such a dream come true...is it really alright?'

This report on the press conference for ‘The Path of Light’ and ‘SUPER VOYAGER’ was published by Sports Hochi on September 22nd. The original article can be found here.

Takarazuka Snow Troupe's new Top Combi, Nozomi Fuuto and Maaya Kiho: 'This is such a dream come true...is it really alright?'

Nozomi Fuuto and Maaya Kiho, from the Takarazuka Revue's Snow Troupe, appeared at a press conference on the 22nd for 'The Path of Light ~The Revolutionary Maximilien Robespierre~' and 'SUPER VOYAGER!'. (The show will run from November 10-December 15 at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre, and January 1-February 11 at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre.)

This performance is the official debut of Show Troupe's new top combi. 'The Path of Light' is about one of the central figures of the French Revolution, Robespierre. The score is being written by composer Frank Wildhorn (57).

At the press conference, two songs from the show were presented. Nozomi sang 'The Path of Light' and with Maaya, 'Now' - both with live accompaniment from Mr. Wildhorn.

'To have him writing all the songs is such a dream come true...is it really alright? I'm delighted to be able to sing with his accompaniment,' Nozomi said, reflecting on her happiness with the show. 'I think this show will present a Robespierre that hasn't been seen before. I hope everyone will support the new Snow Troupe and the 'Hope Combi*,' she added enthusiastically.

Talking about Nozomi, Maaya said 'I've respected her ever since I was a junior actress. I intend to believe in her as I perform onstage.'

The chairman of the Takarazuka Revue board of directors, Ogawa Yuuji, said '100 years before 2018, Kobayashi Ichizou first became manager of the former Imperial Theatre. That was the year he decided 'The Takarazuka Revue will perform in Tokyo as well!' ...I'm sorry if this puts any pressure on you, Nozomi,' he added with a laugh. He has faith in the new production, saying 'I believe it will be a wonderful show.'

* As explained in somewhat more detail in this article, the Japanese word for ‘hope’ can be created from Nozomi and Maaya’s stage names.

[zukalations]

Nozomi Fuuto and Maaya Kiho's pre-debut performance: 'Hope' for a mutually encouraging relationship

This interview about the Snow Troupe national tour was published in Sankei News on August 19th.

Nozomi Fuuto and Maaya Kiho's pre-debut performance: 'Hope' for a mutually encouraging relationship

The pre-debut performance for new Snow Troupe Top Star, Nozomi Fuuto, and her partner, Maaya Kiho, opens August 25th. It is a national tour of Drenched in the Amber-hued Rain (written by Shibata Yukihiro and directed by Masatsuka Haruhiko) and "D"ramatic S! (written and directed by Nakamura Satoru). Nozomi says 'I want us to all put as much energy as we can into what we're doing.'

This is the debut voyage of the 'reicarnated Snow Troupe', which is full of highly skilled stars who supported the former Top combi, Sagiri Seina and Sakihi Miyu. 'While I'm gradually feeling [responsibility as Top] more and more, it still hasn't sunk in yet that Chigi-san [Sagiri] has actually retired,' she laughs.

The play is a classic work from Flower Troupe that was first staged in the 59th year of the Showa era [1984 by Western reckoning] and has been restaged over and over ever since. The setting is Paris after the First World War. The story is a romance centering around a young nobleman, Claude, and a devilish woman, Sharon, and their interactions with another girl who tempts the protagonist and a gigolo who is attracted to the heroine. The tango in the prologue has created an especially deep impression.

When first watching a recording of the play, she thought 'it's an adult romance'. On watching it again her impression has changed. "I watched it considering how the development of the story is changed by Claude's actions."

A key moment is the protagonist's first meeting with the heroine, where his heart is captured instantly. Nozomi also thinks his background as a fighter pilot during the war is important to constructing the character. "He's been flying without any idea when he might die, and constantly vying emotions of excitement and stress, concern and relief. If I can get hold of his 'root of personality' from the time in the war that's not written about much in the play, then I think his feelings will follow naturally."

Her musumeyaku parner, Maaya Kiho, "[is] maybe the type who puts in so much effort that it actually makes everyone else in the rehearsal space calm down," she says with a laugh. Maaya is playing "a new type of Sharon," she says, adding, "when I look at her, my feelings are like Claude's.

In this production, she's reconfirmed the passion of the original cast and staff, as well as making many new discoveries. Otokoyaku [currently] are focused on outward appearance and exaggerated performances, but the recordings of past stars Takashiro Tomoe and Ooura Mizuki were different. "They're natural and not fancy, but still cool. It made me realize once again that it's a matter of having substance."

At the same time, she realized the importance of visualization. Currently, with the internet in common use, it is easy to find information and images. "However, back then, they took an idea and worked from there to perform from their core as if they really were French."

The revue show is based on the one from Sagiri Seina's retirement performance, but with portions changed. A new scene has been inserted, taking one character each from Maaya Kiho and Nozomi Fuuto's names to create the theme of 'Hope'.*

As a Takarazuka fan herself, Nozomi has an image for her ideal Top pairing. "I want the musumeyaku to be stunning." Like the previous Top pairing, she hopes "to have a relationship where we can mutually encourage each other. "[I discuss] what I'm currently feeling" with Maaya, who is now in her 9th year with the company. "[I tell her] about unforseen discoveries, or if I see a new world. I think it's more reassuring to have two people, rather than going it alone."

Nozomi transferred from Flower Troupe in Heisei year 26 [2014 by Western reckoning]. She has absorbed some of Sagiri's powers of concentration, which had a deep affect on her. "I want to keep what I learned from Chigi-san and the path I believe in in my heart as I immerse myself in this production with my companions." Openminded but still with a strong sense of self, the new Top Star sets out on a new path.

The performance runs until September 19th in Utsunomiya, Fukushima, Sendai, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and other locations.

* The Japanese word for hope, 希望 (kibou), takes the first character of  希帆 (Kiho) and the first character of  望海 (Nozomi).

[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!

[derseikatsu]

Hi! I don't know if someone is reading this but I'm new to this fandom, I've already gather a lot of information about the revue itself and the fan culture and i guess the best place to interact with fellow fans was tumblr so here i am

Takarazuka really got me hooked not only with the siennes but most importanly with the performances, (i think it's also very obvious that Nozomi Fuuto got me thinking about her) Elisabeth sure has some impact on me that up until now I'm still watching every version i can see, but of course aside from that, i'll be happy to know where i could watch their other shows

So yeah just wanna have fun, if you want to message me, please feel free to do so, i'll be thankful if some you can help me get to know them better. Thanks!