#花組

[beccalendsahand]

ZuCasino, Yuzuka Rei: October 2022

Long time no translations! It's been a busy year but I finally found the time to finish an interview that I really really love, I hope you are able to understand more about Rei with this sweet Q&A! ZuCasino is a current segment in Takarazuka Graph magazine where prominent otokoyaku get interviewed via a series of casino-style games and questions. October was with Yuzuka Rei. I've tried something a little different this time around where the first time an actress's name is mentioned I link her takawiki page. I've also done translation notes as I go rather than putting them all at the end. Let me know if you find this helpful or just too much. Without further ado, enjoy!

Part 1: Episode Roulette

We challenged Yuzuka Rei to play our Episode Roulette game!

(Rei has been given a roulette wheel, each section has a topic of conversation, whichever she lands on she has to answer)

A Joke That Went Wrong

Episode 1：

Alright so, this is something that happened to me today. Earlier today I went to the quick-change-station* backstage to pick up some hair products for our photo shoot. But then suddenly, our flower troupe musumeyaku from the 100th class* (Oto Kurisu, Hoshikaze Madoka and Itotsuki Yukiha) popped out of nowhere wearing Japanese biker gang outfits!!! I think they had mistaken my footsteps for those of another classmate because they jumped out in sync pulling the same funny faces as if they had known I was coming!  It was so hilarious I couldn’t stop myself from laughing at them! (laughs)

*The "quick-change-station" is an area in the wings at the Takarazuka theatres where the actresses can change between scenes, it has dressing tables and any costumes/props needed for quick changes but it's not part of the actual dressing rooms. *100th class refers to the 100th class of actresses who graduated from the Takarazuka Music School, Takarazuka is based on hierarchy, not just hierarchy within the star system but also hierarchy based on years in the company, so what class people were in at TMS is quite significant, and actresses have a strong bond with those in their troupe who they were at TMS with. When Rei refers to “another classmate” she means another girl from the 100th class. Later on in this interview, Rei will refer to one of her own “classmates”, Rei’s class was the 95th class.

Something you've been thinking about

Episode 2:

My baby nephew has been on my mind a lot! I often get sent videos of him, he’s over a year old now and has started walking and saying things that sound like words, I can’t get over how fast he’s growing. There’s quite a lot of us in the flower troupe who have nieces and nephews around the same age, so I like to know how they are doing too. Even though I haven’t met them in person, because me and the other flower troupe members are always sharing videos with each other, I feel like I’m watching over them. You know how when you were little you would get those adults who would come up to you and say “Ahh look how big you’ve grown!”? Well, I’m pretty sure I’m becoming that person!

A Special (insert here)

Episode3:

When I’m performing, I like to try and use my eyes like a camera and take pictures of everyone's faces to save to my memory. Those of the flower troupe and those of the audience. There are lots of times when I see someone's lovely sparkling smiling face and I think “Ahhh I wish I could share this with someone”. So, I want to create my own “Special SSS Seat View!”* Like, you know how when you go to theme parks you can buy photos of yourselves on the rides? It could be like that, after seeing a show you could go to Quatre Reves* and get the photos straight from my brain.

*In Japanese theatres, seats are divided by B, A, S, and sometimes SS seats too. In the Takarazuka theatres the SS seats are the middle block of the first floor at the front, so what Rei means here is that what she sees standing on stage is an even closer view than that, therefore her view would be called SSS. *Quatre Reves is the Takarazuka merchandise store, you can find them at the theatre as well as in major cities across Japan and online!

Praise someone!

Episode 4

I want to praise everyone on this earth! I think none of us expected this fight (covid) to go on for so long, but even without an end in sight, we have all carried on, one day at a time. There are probably people out there who feel a loss in confidence, and aren’t able to fight on…So I feel like we and the audience are like “comrades” living through this era of great change together. 

There is a lot of pain right now but the fact that everyone keeps going and doing there best is amazing!

Part 2: Card Game

(Rei has been given 2 decks of cards with words written on the back, deck 1 has an adjective, deck 2 has a type of person. She must take one from each deck, name a person that relates and give us an anecdote about them.)

Deck 1: Cute, Passionate, Must-See, Respected, Bizarre

Deck 2: Upperclassmen, Underclassman, Teacher, Classmate, Flower Troupe Member

Passionate Underclassman*

The “Fashionable Empire” Rockettes

When I was watching the rehearsals for the Rockette number I found myself thinking “wow they really are the picture of youth!”. They are all just so energetic and have a high awareness of the space and each other, you can tell they are thinking about how to make the dance the most effective, they are such promising underclassmen. It was a Rockette dance delivered with so much confidence!

*Underclassmen generally refer to actresses who have been in the company 7 years or less.

(Fashionable Empire, 2022) Cute Classmate

Kizuki Yuuma

We were reunited for the first time in forever in the musical “Top Hat”, it was funny though because she’s a senka member now, so everyone was treating her incredibly politely which she seemed quite humbled by (laughs). On stage, she had an immense stage presence in her dandy-style costume, and her character had a high tolerance for people's behavior, but in the wings and in the rehearsal rooms she would bow more than anyone else! I found it very cute how she would suddenly get smaller and smaller and smaller*. Her embarrassment was in huge contrast to how much she helped us throughout the show, in the way she would speak to the underclassmen and the wonderful insight she gave us into her thoughts on the performing arts. It was just so adorable to me, I remember thinking “You don’t have to make yourself so small!!” (laughs).

*In Japanese culture it's common to lower yourself when speaking in order to show respect for someone higher in age or status than you. So what Rei means here by Kizuki getting smaller and smaller is that she was probably bowing her head and bowing with her whole body so often to everyone that she was getting smaller and smaller, which is quite a funny image when you consider how she usually towers above every other actress. Kizuki recently transferred from the Moon Troupe to Senka (a troupe made up of superior members who guest star in different troupes) so there's no need for her to be lowering herself when she is actually higher ranked than everyone else, but she's not quite used to all the politeness and respectful language the actresses are giving to her yet, so she still feels a little embarrassed and finds herself doing it back to them. 

(Top Hat, 2022) (from left to right: Minami Maito, Kizuki Yuuma, Yuzuka Rei) Must-See Flower Troupe Member

Mikaze Maira

She's been Kumicho (Troupe Leader) * for half a year now and she looks after us all by giving us positive encouragement and strengthening the troupe morale. I think she makes it easy for us to all unite and move towards the same goal together by guiding us, not only in the arts but in our emotions as well. Please pay attention to our Kumicho who is full of charm and positivity! *The Kumicho (Troupe Leader) is the oldest member of the troupe, it is her duty to support the troupe and basically make sure everyone is okay, she is usually the first port of call when an actress is struggling with things like stage fright or other worries. Mikaze transferred to Flower Troupe from the Cosmos Troupe with current Flower Troupe Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka in 2021, and took over from Takashou Mizuki as Kumicho in 2022

(The Fascination, 2022)

Part 3: Dice Game

(Rei has been given a white dice and a black dice, similar to the last game, whatever number she lands on has an assigned word, white dice adjectives, black dice nouns, the difference this time is whatever she gets she has to perform!)

White dice: 1. Cool 2. Sexy 3. Powerful 4. Flirty 5. Sweet 6. Dynamic

Black dice: 1. Face 2. Flying kiss 3. Wink 4. Pose 5. Back pose 6. Kabe-don

Part 4: Big wins at the Zucasino Question Corner

1. If you are already doing well would you place another bet? I think I usually stop myself when I start thinking about going all in on something. So rather than taking another big bet, I’m the type of person who quits while they are ahead.

2. Are you daring? Or cautious? Tenma Michiru once surprised me by saying “I used to think you were a cautious person, but actually you don’t care at all!”, her idea of the difference between daring and cautious people sounded quite black and white to me. It’s true though that I do just go for it when making decisions. For example, after deciding to move house I moved the next week, and the time between me discovering Takarazuka and enrolling at the Music School was very short.  Timing and chance of course had a lot to do with it, but I do think that when it comes down to those life-changing decisions I get this feeling of intuition to just go with my gut, maybe that's when I become daring.

3. How do you spend big money? For the last 3 years, we haven’t been able to do any trips or go out for any meals together as a troupe, so I’d like to hold a big event where the current troupe members and those who have left the troupe from 2020 onwards all go on a gorgeous trip to Hawaii together! There are so many places I want to go explore so maybe it could be a 3-4 day long trip where we can do our own thing, and then we could plan some kind of special event to do all together during our stay! The girls who have only been in Takarazuka for 1 to 3 years and those who have joined the flower troupe from other troupes like Hitoko-chan (Towaki Sea) have not experienced our dinner entertainment tradition yet, and many of the upperclassmen are itching to perform again so, I think we should put on a banquet and have a good time! Other things I’d like to spend big money on would be buying a holiday home for my parents and maybe starting my own business. Maybe something to do with children's education, something that mothers would appreciate….But I need to know how to spend money wisely first, time to study up!

4. Are you lucky? Or unlucky? I think I’m a lucky person, I’m very happy! Every now and again there are moments where I look at my life and think how happy I am that I am able to make art with the people I love. I may not be lucky enough to win in raffles or lotteries (laughs), but I’m overwhelmingly blessed to live a life surrounded by the many things that I love.

5. What is the luckiest moment you’ve experienced in your life? Entering Takarazuka was a big moment for me, both a lucky and a happy moment (laughs). Not only did I get to be a part of something I love but I met so many lovely people and learnt all sorts of things! Takarazuka has taught me so much, not just about the performing arts, but about being a person as well, I think if I hadn’t joined Takarazuka I would be completely different to who I am today.

6. A moment you’ve betted on In the early stages of joining the Takarazuka Music School you have to make the decision of whether to become an otokoyaku or a musumeyaku. But at the time I was still getting used to it all, I was kind of drowning, overwhelmed by everything, and so I completely forgot that I needed to decide…And before I knew it, we were all lined up about to make our decision! Everyone in turn saying “musumeyaku!” or “otokoyaku!” down the line! My height at the time meant that I was on the threshold between musumeyaku and otokoyaku, and so I was worrying and worrying like “Ahh which do I choose?!”. But then I heard the person before me say “Otokoyaku!” and in a spur of the moment decision I went “Yeah!” and said I wanted to be an otokoyaku. I guess you could say that was a bet? I wonder what would have happened if I had chosen to be a musumeyaku instead. I would have had to use completely different muscles, so my shoulders probably wouldn’t have broadened like they have now…Choosing to be an otokoyaku was a big turning point in my life.

7. A moment that was a close shave! The time when I was still a junior in the company and decided to climb Mt.Rokko by myself on my day off. It was a nice day despite it being winter, and so after enjoying the mountain to my heart's content I strolled back to the bus stop, only to discover the buses had already finished for the day! Looking around frantically I realised there was not a single soul to be seen, I was all alone, it was getting cold and windy and the sun was starting to set… After standing around in the cold for about 20 minutes, just as I started to worry for my life, a cyclist came speeding down the road towards me. But he passed by so fast there was nothing I could do to get his attention, but then he came back and gave me a ride to the cable car! I was one step away from ending up being a news story. I hope that man is doing well…

8. Something you want to protect with all your life The number one thing i want to protect is everyone's smiles. Maybe it's unrealistic to ask for, but I don’t want anyone's smiles to be clouded by anything, not those of the troupe, not those of the audience, or anyone I meet. Everyone is working so hard every day, the people who look after the company so that we are able to perform, the people who come to the theatre, the doctors and nurses who continue to fight to save lives, everyone, so their smiles must be protected. We are forced to endure a lot which can make our hearts feel heavy, but it's for that very reason that I want to be able to capture the smiles of the audience with my “Yuzuka Camera Lense”! No matter your birth, upbringing, age, or gender, people from all walks of life come to the theatre, lose themselves in the story being told and laugh and cry together in that shared space. How amazing is that? I’m so grateful to get to have that experience and so I want to continue to protect it.

Part 5: My Treasure

Illustrations from manga artists I have been fortunate enough to get to be a part of several plays based on famous manga, and have been gifted original illustrations from their creators. Yamato Waki who made “Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern”, Hagio Moto who made “The Poe Clan” and Kamio Yoko who made “Hana Yori Dango/Boys Over Flowers” . Even now whenever I look at the pictures they drew for me I have a deep feeling of amazement of just how great their work is.

My beloved dog, Noir He’s so intelligent that it’s like he’s a human trapped inside a dogs body and at any moment he’s going to start talking to me. He is in tune to so many things and keeps at juuuust the right distance from me, all traits that would make me want to marry him if I could, he’s so cute!

Letters I’ve received from flower troupe members There is a custom in Takarazuka where you give “Pre-Raku Cards”* to those who have looked after you during the performance. I’ve kept all the ones I have received so far. It just makes me so happy that in these letters the actresses get to share with me thoughts and feelings that they don’t normally get to say to me. 

*Senshuuraku is japanese theatre speak for the final performance of a show, it is usually shortened to “Raku” by both fans and actors. “Pre-Raku Cards” or “Maeraku Cards” is a short hand for “Mae Senshuuraku cards” or “The night before closing night cards”. Celebratory messages from fans My album full of birthday cards, top star anniversary messages and other milestones is my number one most precious treasure. “No matter how far the distance may be, my heart will be your side…” This is a line from the song “An oath made on the wind” from “Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern”. During the initial period of the pandemic, these words would often come to mind and they became a phrase which is now very close to my heart. The underclassmen who couldn’t perform the show quoted this line in a video they made during the theatre shutdown, it really cheered me up at that time.

Videos and photos from the flower troupe During the last performance cancellations, I was sent many videos of things like funny little updates, and people singing whilst playing the ukulele. Performance cancellations are so hard, but if we hadn’t of had them then these exchanges would never have happened..

Video title: “I will become the wind” Misora Maru Ukulele Version Picture: Flower Troupe Love Picture Caption: “Flower Troupe Love” Will never end!

Behind the Scenes!

Thank you for reading! For more Takarazuka translations click here

[yuzukahibiscus]

【Takarazuka・Flower Troupe】Yuzuka Rei　The set of the “Double-headed Eagle”, the dance ball...an assembly of glamorous beauty. The stage set in the politically unstable 19th century Austria, it portrays the story of the joy and struggle of finding true love 

【寶塚・花組】柚香光 以「雙頭鷹」為舞台的舞會⋯集結了美輪美奐的美���。舞台設置在政局動蕩的19世紀奧地利，描繪了尋找真愛的快樂與掙扎

(Original article from Fujin Koron 原文來自婦人公論)

The set of the “Double-headed Eagle”, the dance ball and the numerous military uniforms and dress – all of this is an assembly of glamorous beauty. This famous work by Shibata Yukihiro was performed again and again, and this time it would be revived in the Grand Theatre after 30 years under the adaptation and direction of Koyanagi Naoko. Yuzuka delivers the joy and struggle of finding true love. It is refreshing to see how the tragic love story of Rudolf and Marie was approched as a human drama in the politically unstable 19th century Austria.

「雙頭鷹」的佈景、舞會和眾多的軍服、長裙——這一切都是美輪美奐的集結。在小柳奈穂子的潤色和執導下，時隔 30 年後在大劇院再演。柚香光傳達了尋找真愛的喜悅和掙扎。看到魯道夫與瑪麗的悲戀在如何政治動蕩的 19 世紀奧地利燃起愛火是富有新鮮感的。

The dignity of the Habsburgs and how dangerous it was

Compatible with the blonde hair, and other matters such as the military uniform, Yuzuka Rei plays the role of Rudolf, the Crown Prince of the Austra-Hungarian empire.

While associated with the dignity of the Habsburgs, he also faced the danger of being confined to positional restrictions.

Upon a fateful encounter, he met Marie whom he looks at her with gentle eyes, calling her “a little blue flower”.

哈布斯堡王朝的尊嚴與危險

與金發、軍服等相得益彰的是，柚香光飾演的奧匈帝國皇太子魯道夫一角。

在與哈布斯堡王朝的尊嚴聯繫在一起的同時，他也面臨著被局限於皇太子位置所限制的危險。

一次宿命的邂逅，他遇見了瑪麗，他用溫柔的目光看著她，稱她為「一朵藍小花」。

◆ Summary of “MAYERLING” 「梅耶林」概要

In 19th century Vienna, Crown Prince Rudolf (Yuzuka) spent his every day bound by a political marriage without love and his affairs, aspiring to lead a free life just like his cousins such as Johann Salvator (Minami Maito). One day, Rudolf fell in love with the pure baroness’ daughter Marie Vetsera (Hoshikaze Madoka). Unaware of the looming political conspiracies, they often met up again and again...

19世紀的維也納，皇太子魯道夫（柚香）的每一天都被沒有愛情的政治婚姻和事務所束縛，憧憬要過著像他的表兄弟約翰 · 薩爾瓦多（麻衣美奈美飾）一樣的自由生活。有一天，魯道夫愛上了純潔的男爵夫人的女兒瑪麗 · 韋瑟拉（星風まどか），不覺政治陰謀在即，兩人屢屢相見⋯

Minami plays as Johann Salvator. Taking the role of a storyteller, she plays a man who celebrates freedom, showcasing kindness and masculinity naturally.

水美飾演約翰 · 薩爾瓦多。如同故事的旁白，她很自然地飾演一位善良、呈現男性魅力，高呼自由的男人。

Towaki Sea plays as the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose role was more deepened in this rendition. Her acting radiates the reflection of passing of time in light and shadow.

永久輝せあ飾演法蘭茲・斐迪南大公，隨著再演變得再給深化的角色。從她的演技，反映著時光的光與影。

It was impressive to see that Marie is not only cute, but also shows a sense of motherhood and Rudolf almost seem like finding her for salvation.

看到瑪麗不但可愛，也有母性的一面，魯道夫更要向她尋求救贖，是很深刻印象的。

Takarazuka Spectacular “ENCHANTEMENT–Luxurious Perfume–” 「–ENCHANTEMENT–華麗的香水」

This is a revue delivered by Noguchi Kousaku which is inspired by the “ka”  (香 = scent) from Yuzuka Rei’s name.

It’s a beauty and glorious performance delivering the sweet and fragrant scent to the audience.

Not only is there the forest in Paris, but also the NY streets and a night club where the gentlemen are assembled.

It is exploding with the various colours and charms of this stylish Flower Troupe.

It looks like a hot dance battle in the night club where the men are wearing unique suits. It is heart-fluttering to see the connection between doukis Minami and Yuzuka.

這是野口幸作的一個レビュー，靈感來自於柚香光名字中的「香」。

這是一場美麗而輝煌的表演，為觀眾帶來甜美芬芳的香氣。

不僅有巴黎的森林，還有紐約的街道和紳士云集的夜總會。

時尚花組爆發著各種色彩和魅力。

男人們穿著獨特的西裝，就像是在夜總會裡進行一場火熱的熱舞大戰，看得見同期水美和柚香之間的聯繫，讓人怦然心動。

[berserkerbarbie]

Photoshoot for the TAKARAZUKA REVUE 2020 Mook Flower Troupe [花組] Maito Minami x Yuuki Hana x Yuzuka Rei x Kazuya Seto

[moderndays]

(花組 宝塚大劇場公演『アルカンシェル』千秋楽  LIVE配信 | ライブ配信（LIVE）| 楽天TVから)

2024/03/24　ライブ配信にて観劇

[asumemerio]

Picture source: The photos from the official zuka website.

[stella5202]

泡泡之戀(二)為愛承受的風險

本文是梅耶林事件舞台劇，2023年寶塚花組版「うたかたの恋」心得 。 以下內容，紫色字體為實史，英國皇家芭蕾舞團的Mayerling簡稱英皇版、德國版舞台劇Rudolf Affaire…

[huaworld68]

あめでとうございます!

[snickerduu]

cutest flower boy!!! 🌸

2021.11.22

[kushanna]

Bride of Deimos | 悪魔の花嫁 蘭の組曲 (1988) dir. Rintaro

Revolutionary Girl Utena | 少女革命ウテナ (1997) dir. Kunihiko Ikuhara

[lachatalovematcha]

[manzodanzo]

Hana no Asuka-Gumi! (1988)

[yuzukahibiscus]

【Performance Review】Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe “ENCHANTEMENT–A Luxurious Perfume“

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Performance starts performing in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from February 18 onwards.

Musicla Romance “MAYERLING” (Original work / Claude Anet, Script / Shibata Yukihiro, Adaptation・Direction/Koyanagi Naoko) and Takarazuka Spectacular “ENCHANTMENT–A Luxurious Perfume–” (Script and Direction / Noguchi Kousaku) is a two-set work. It will be performing till March 19.

(Source taken from mati sowa // Spoilers below the cut)

Since there was a contrast of Koyanagi’s calm approach to the musical, after “MAYERLING”, there was a brighter layer of glamour in Noguchi’s “ENCHANTEMENT”.

With the golden tuxedo, the white suits and kungfu-like costumes, these gorgeous costumes are like layers adding onto each other, there were a variety of beautiful and powerful dancing.

About the “Perfume”, the whole show is composed and divided into 3 parts of “Top Note” “Middle Note” and “Last Note”.

After all, if we think of perfume, there are American standard numbers (scenes) and the wonderful music of classic famous songs that strike an impression, all of these are across the show.

The dominating CHUUZUME and the moving singing scenes in the Middle Note was exceptionally memorable.

Before the performance, during the stage rehearsal in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, Yuzuka said this upcoming comment.

“This stage performance that we deliver in the theatre exists because of the support from everyone. As we will soon embrace Shonichi, I’m in heartfelt gratitude. The show is about the world in the tragic love story of the 19th century Crown Prince and the baroness, the show is about me as perfumer inviting everyone to this enchanting night. From New Year’s Day we already performed in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre, and finally as we enter spring, we will start performing in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre. Please look forward to it until Senshuuraku!”

【公演評論】寶塚歌舞團花組「ENCHANTEMENT–華麗的香水–」

寶塚歌劇團花組公演於2月18日起在東京寶塚劇場開演。

浪漫音樂劇「梅耶林」（原作/Claude Anet，劇本/柴田侑宏，潤色・執導/小柳奈穂子）和Takarazuka Spectacular「ENCHANTMENT-華麗的香水-」（腳本和指導/野口幸作）是兩套作品。公演將繼續到3月19日。

（以下為劇透）

在小柳冷靜處理音樂劇形成對比之下，在「梅耶林」之後，野口的《ENCHANTEMENT》多了一層光彩。

金色的燕尾服，白色的西裝，功夫式的服飾，華麗的服飾層層疊疊，跳動著各種唯美而有力的舞姿。

關於「香水」，整場演出分為「前調」、「中調」和「尾調」三個部分。

畢竟，如果我們想到香水，有美國標準的場景和經典名曲的美妙音樂，這些都貫穿了整個節目。

「中調」有壓倒的中詰和動人的歌聲，格外令人難忘。

公演前，在東京寶塚劇場的舞台排練中，柚香說出了這句即將到來的評論。

「在劇場這個空間上演的舞台公演是因為有大家的支持才存在的。因為我們即將迎接初日，我衷心感謝。劇講述了19世紀皇太子與男爵千金的悲戀故事的世界，秀是我作為調香師邀請大家來到這個迷人的夜晚。從元旦開始我們就在寶塚大劇場演出，終於終於在進入春天的時候，我們將在東京寶塚劇場開始演出。請在千秋樂前期待這公演！」

[berserkerbarbie]

Forever Gershwin -A Dream Conveyed In Staff Notation- フォーエバー・ガーシュイン

[moderndays]

(花組 宝塚大劇場公演『鴛鴦歌合戦（おしどりうたがっせん）』『GRAND MIRAGE!』千秋楽 LIVE配信 | ライブ配信（LIVE）| 楽天TVから)

オペレッタ・ジャパネスク『鴛鴦歌合戦（おしどりうたがっせん）』 ～原作　映画「鴛鴦歌合戦」(c)日活株式会社　監督／マキノ正博　脚本／江戸川浩二～ 脚本・演出／小柳 奈穂子 ネオ・ロマンチック・レビュー『GRAND MIRAGE!』 作・演出／岡田 敬二

2023/08/13  ライブ配信にて観劇

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Picture source: The photos from the official zuka website.