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

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

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

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

Everyone: Thank you very much.

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

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

Inaba: (laughs)

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

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

Koike: The agony! (laughs)

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

💕- A Beautiful Love Story Returns - 💕

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

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

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

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

Rei: Yes, thank you very much.

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

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

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

Maisora: Yes!

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

💙 - Thoughts of Those Living in Verona - ❤️

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

Everyone: (reactions of excitement)

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

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

Koike: Where is your daughter’s happiness?

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

Koike: What about your wife?

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

Koike: And how can you fix that?

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

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

Tenju: Our pride won’t allow it.

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

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

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

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

Koike: You think so? (laughs)

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

Koike: What do you want to do now?

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

Koike: What do you like about Juliet?

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

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

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

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

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

Koike: Where is your love for Juliet?

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

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

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

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

Maisora: No, no!

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

Arisa: Yes!

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

Inaba: (laughs)

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

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

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

Rei: (laughs)

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

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

Rei: (reacts sadly)

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

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

Shirotae: Yes.

Koike: Here’s Benvolio.

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

Miki: (laughs)

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

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

Seo: (smiles embarrassingly)

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

Seo: Yes.

Koike: Here is Mercutio.

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kiwami: Right.

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

Koike: What about Romeo?

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

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

Koike: I see. Next, is Death.

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

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

Amahana: Yes.

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

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

Seo: Yes.

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

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

Rei: (sulking)

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

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

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

Amahana: Yes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everyone: (laughs)

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

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

Aizuki and Amahana: Yes!

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

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

Rei: (shaking head)

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

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

Rei: Right.

Koike: What do you think about Maisora?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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millepara · 3 years

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waccha primagi ep 1!!!!!!!! spoilers (this is so long it took me multiple days to finish writing. what else do you expect from me though)

god I really should have waited for the official youtube upload before watching this for the first time... as it was I kept mentally editing/getting irritated by/making alternate translations for the subs and though I did enjoy it despite that it wasn’t nearly as much as I would have otherwise... but now I’m going to fix that!!

zamasu.... it’s not pretty series without gobi.

is Myamu a student or just there bc her grandfather works there? she could just be skipping the assembly to pull off her heist, but she does seem younger than the other students and is obviously not in the same uniform. anyway before I get any further

I!! LOVE!! MYAMU!!

wtf she’s sooooooo cute and a huge pain in the ass... one of my favorite types of character...... I feel like there will be a lot of Myamu hate out there bc I know how fandom can get abt characters that show characteristics that could be interpreted as neurodiversity, or children acting like children, or basically anything that could be applied to Myam. but I think she’s neat :) I will defend her to the death

when I first saw Jennifer’s design, I thought her coord was p plain compared to the other idols? I guess I still think that but I’m more ok with it. I love her lady lovely locks hair a lot. can’t wait to hear more of her song!!

I like Matsuri’s voice a lot too! here, and in the other songs.

(unrelated) I just remembered another reason I like Myamu which is that it’s easy to tell from her twitter presence/appearance in the Primagi special/ciaofes that Myamu’s VA Koike Riko loves Myamu as well. I’m a total sucker for that (also really enjoy how this messy sentence I wrote makes it seem like I’m talking abt Myamu’s twitter presence at first)

LMAO Amane’s fucking pose near the end of the op

I like the pink/brown Valentine’s combo of Matsuri’s uniform but the silhouette looks really frumpy :( in the animation at least, it’d be cute irl...

so... everyone in this world knows what primagi is, but not that it’s actually magic, as stated in the primagi tagline. still, it’s weird that Matsuri doesn’t follow what Myamu’s saying at all? I think it’s implied that once you become a primagi star, you’re in the know about magic and whatever (Myamu: “Once you try Primagi, you’ll understand!”), so it’s hard to believe that no one like... leaked it or whatever. like if irl idols were secretly using magic to perform there would at least be rumors about it

the way that magic users have to collect waccha in the human world via primagi performances using normal humans really reminds me of sugar sugar rune’s heart crystal system! (not in a bad way, nothing is new etc etc, it’s just very magical girl of them in a series that I’m not used to thinking of as a magical girl series)

that ‘snow, moon, cosmo, flower, star’ on the cover of the Jennifer magazine is clearly referring to 5 of 6 symbols on the primagi magic circle, right? it’s a relief to get names for something in the Lore this early haha. I wonder if that also corresponds to the different colors of the coord mates (like how the one Matsuri gets her card from in this ep is pink)

I’d assumed that primagi was a place like pripara or an activity like prichan, but the fact that primagi has an entry deadline means that it’s a competition? that’s more in line with the pretty rhythms. also in that it means that not everyone is able to participate in it anytime like in pripara/chan... kind of an odd step back (?) if so imo

clearly there’s some sort of romance subplot (more PR similarity!) on the horizon with this childhood friend here, but tbh I don’t mind because Matsuri looks and acts older (/more like a real teen) than everyone in prichan/para. don’t get me wrong, I’m not looking forward to it either, it just seems less forced than say the aikatsu ones. I know it’s just the first ep, but primagi feels more like a traditional shoujo story to me than the past two series. except for every time Myamu is there lmao

the first time I watched this ep I didn’t have much of a grasp of Matsuri’s character and her sudden embrace of primagi felt so melodramatic, but I’m more ok w it the second time, and it feels like that is what’s characterizing her. is it bc I’m in the shoujo mindset after watching it once already? am I just in a better mood?

huah! hweh! (tantochan noises)

the Magical Gate seems like it’s just a magical fitting room to go to change your appearance and coord, as opposed to a portal to another place. more pretty rhythm similarity! and unlike pripara it seems not to age them up at all based on what I’ve seen in the anime so far... they just think 13-15 year olds look like that huh :I also how do they hide the secret of primagi being actually magic when their hair color and stuff changes...

they’re presenting this Omega corp meeting like it’s something shady but they don’t actually say anything suspicious... also Jennifer's Oh No makes no sense here. love it when they insert pidgin English for foreign characters in a way that makes it obvious no one near the writer’s room speaks a word of English

I was actually really surprised by the declaration that Myamu is rumored to be a powerful magic user. I thought she was going to be like a screw-up who has to work extra hard as is the usual protag trope, so I found that pretty interesting!

Matsuri’s friends who were all excited abt getting her to enter are, now that she has entered, all like wow I hope she’s ok :/ .... make up your minds lmao

at no point is it explained why everyone is in Lovely Melody tshirts

big kinpri vibes from this magic guy. no one in particular that he reminds me of, just the weird pervert expression and ominous aura. also def the wolf in human form, right? but it seems like he’s courting Childhood Friend as his chuppi partner, right? but the way he was talking to Myam earlier implied he already had a partner, right???

is this fairy tone thing with cat ears what Myamu turned into, or is she inside of it??

I really like Matsuri’s song! it feels quite modern for priseries, but not in the kpop way that aikatsu did for a while in friends. I think the dance is pretty stupid and basic, but... that actually does make sense for a girl who’s just starting out as an idol, so I also begrudgingly respect what might be an attempt at realism... but I’ve literally never cared about realism in kids idol shows before, and would actually prefer LESS realism, so I’d rather see a dance that I like better imo haha (also update as of my billionth or so repeat of Ma(g/j)i Waccha Parade: I still don’t like the dance, but it has grown on me some for sure)

it would be really cute if all of the solo songs had the idols’ magic user partners being their hype man in the bg like Myamu is here.

pretty series always has the best cg and it’s true here too except for the way her hands move. or don’t move, rather

this primagi illusion is so cute!! so many rainbows!!! I’m a fan 🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈

I’m still unclear where this coord mate thing is Myamu or not. like I was 100% entirely sure it wasn’t and then Myamu spoke... from inside it?? more Lore to learn about later I guess

so... everyone’s coord book holds every coord ever inside it?? seems OP. wish the irl one did that

...except for Matsuri’s?? it seems to only have the one card she just got in it. maybe it’s every coord after you get the book?

and that’s the ep! wow, it really was better the second time.

it’s just the first ep so I don’t wanna get into thoughts abt the magical girl-ness of it or anything deep or w/e but I will say... I like it! I’m really excited for the next one!! and I didn’t feel this way about prichan ever except for a little while in the second season. I know this is 90% bc I still dislike the premise of prichan and the premise of primagi is what would happen if the creators were like ‘how can we create a pretty series show SPECIFICALLY for Biscuit only’.... but that’s fine with me!! more shows like that, please, haha

for now I’m excited to see Matsuri interact w other non-main characters, which is good bc it seems the next ep’s about meeting Hina. I wonder if her getting introduced first means she’ll be Matsuri’s bff? (aside from Myam, I guess) she’s not at all the typical best friend archetype, so that would be pretty neat....

#havent talked abt things ive watched w anyone for ages so i just rly went for it here i guess

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recentanimenews · 3 years

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Pretty Series' Latest Installment Waccha Primagi! Adds Four More Characters

In addition to the protagonist Matsuri Hibino (CV:Chinatsu Hirose) and her wizard partner Myamu (Riko Koike) who were introduced last month, the official website for the Pretty Series' new installment Waccha Primagi! has announced four new characters - Hina Yayoi and her partner Chimumu, Remon Kokoa and her partner Kyaron.

Hina Yayoi (CV: Aya Uchida) - A third-year junior high school student who attends a strong Primagi school. She has a passionate and straightforward personality, and is admired by younger students.

Cimumu (CV: Rie Hikisaka) - Hina's wizard partner. For some reason, she always looks elated and doesn't get along with Myamu, Matsuri's partner.

Lemon Kokoa (CV: Anna Suzuki) - A second-year junior high school student who is shy and tends to get nervous. She is a Primagi otaku and very knowledgeable.

Kyaron (CV: Sunao Yoshikawa): Lemon's wizard partner. He is polite and serious, but inflexible.

The Pretty Series is an animated series based on an idol-themed kids amusement game co-developed by Takara Tomy Arts and Syn Sophia. Its first TV anime Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream started airing in April 2011, then was followed by Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future (2012-2013), Pretty Rhythm: Rainbow Live (2013 - 2014), Pripara (2014-2017), Idol Time Pripara (2017-2018), and Kiratto Pri☆Chan (2018-2021).

As part of a project to commemorate the 10th-anniversary of the series, the new TV anime Waccha Primagi! is set to premiere on the TV Tokyo network in October 2021. It adds a new element of "magic" to the Pretty Series' original concept of "song, dance, and fashion." As with the previous installments, Tatsunoko Production and DONGWOO A&E co-work on anime production, Junichi Sato, who has worked on many popular anime series, such as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Ojamajo Doremi, and Sergent Keroro, serves as the general director.

Anime "Waccha Primagi!" story:

Primagi, it's entertainment created through song, dance, and fashion! There's a secret to the stage that sparkles like magic. Yes, it's really "magic"! The protagonist, Matsuri Hibino, is a first year junior high school student who longs for Primagi. Matsuri, who loves Primagi, dreams of competing in it someday. Then, she is scouted for Primagi by Myamu, who suddenly appears. The two of them work together to beat their rivals and become the top of Primagi!

Key visual:

Announcement PV:

youtube

Source: Takara Tomy Arts press release

By: Mikikazu Komatsu

#Anime #News #Latest in Anime News by Crunchyroll!

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kanasmusings · 5 years

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[Translation] Kisaragi Koi & Kisaragi Ai Birthday Tweets 2020 [02/14/2020]

Happy birthday to the Kisaragi Twins and a Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone~! ＼(≧▽≦)／

Art by: Jiku-sensei (@/jikudam)

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi’s (C.V. Masuda Toshiki) and Kisaragi Ai’s (C.V. MAKO) Birthdays ☆

KOI: On this day overflowing with love…!

AI: I’m sure that we fell in love with the world the moment we were born!

KOI & AI: Happy birthday, and thank you!

KAKERU: From us, too!

YUKI: Thank you.

ALL: Congratulations!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

More under the cut, enjoy~!

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 2 ☆

KAKERU: Koi~! Happy birthday!

KOI: Kakeru~! Happy Valentine’s!!

YUKI: Happy birthday, Ai.

AI: Thank you, Yuki-chan!

ARATA: Wow~ The GraFlu (Gravi + Fluna) joint birthday party is so lively.

CHISA: That sounds kinda delicious… GraFlu!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 3 ☆

HINA: Uwah! The table is decorated with a ton of chocolates…!

HARU: Hina-chan, I recommend this, you know? It’s chicken covered with semi-sweet sauce. It’s Aoi-kun’s latest creation!

HINA: Haru-san is…!

HARU: … I… I set the table decorations up with all my feelings put into it…

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 4 ☆

AOI: What do you think?

WAKABA: … Hm… It’s delicious…!

AOI: Eh? You’re not shocked at all? ;

WAKABA: I’m in the middle of struggling with the basics of warming something in hot water… I guess you could say that I’m being inspired by my feelings of awe for the man who’s in charge of the same month as I am… or something!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 5 ☆

HAJIME: You’re supposed to be the stars today, but they’re really drawing more attention to themselves, huh… (bitter smile)

KOI: Oh, no~! This is the birthday that we asked for, Hajime-san! Right, Ai?

AI: Yes! We hoped for everyone to enjoy our birthday party… There’s no celebration better than this!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 6 ☆

KOI & AI: Yes!

HAJIME: Fufu, I see. Then, let me give a heartfelt message for our two stars today, too. Meeting Koi and getting to know Ai… It made me love the color pink. It’s like a color that embodies a person’s warmth, I think. Happy birthday to the both of you.

KOI & AI: Wh-whoa…

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 7 ☆

KURISU: … Ha-Haji-king is…! He’s on his knees!

HAJIME: You’re still calling me that? (laughs) Well, that is because they are the stars today, in other words, the King.

KAKERU: Koi! Ai-chan is…! The King! Koikking!

KURISU: Kakeru, I feel like expressing that in katakana seems kinda bad…

YUKI: If it’s Ai-king then…

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 8 ☆

KOI: Yuki-chan, please call her Queen… Wait, that’s not the problem! I wonder who among us here is the real King for 366 days a year (laughs).

AI: You have a point (laughs). Today, it is the both of us, tomorrow we’ll be back to being normal people.

KOI: But even without the crown…

AI: Everyone’s still a star!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 9 ☆

HARU: He’s definitely a mood-maker. He gives us a lot of energy.

ARATA: I can talk to him about anything anytime.

AOI: He’s very light on his feet and very stylish.

KAKERU: An idol that positively faces everything in his way!

HAJIME: Koi, happy…

GRAVI: Birthday!

KOI: Thank you very much!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 10 ☆

HINA: You’re kind and you’re very caring!

WAKABA: And you’re full of cuteness…!

CHISA: You’re curvy… In other words… I’m so jealous of you…!

KURISU: You’re warm, but you’re very reliable.

YUKI: Ai, happy…

FLUNA: Birthday!

AI: Thank you!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

☆ Today is Kisaragi Koi and Ai’s Birthdays 11 ☆

KOI: With lots of our adoration and—!

AI: Lots of our love!

KOI & AI: Thank you!!

A happy birthday to the miraculous twins!

# Kisaragi Koi Birthday Fest 2020 # Kisaragi Ai Birthday Fest 2020

#tsukiuta #six gravity #fluna #Kisaragi Koi #Kisaragi Ai #tsukiuta translations #my translations #Tweet translations #birthday tweets #Happy Birthday Ai-chan and Koi-kun~!!#Kisaragi Koi & Ai Birthday Fest 2020 #HAPPY PINK DAY!!!!!#I Love them both so much T^T

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sunglasses-kitaro · 6 years

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#Pokegraphic #Koi Chan #Magikarp #Gyarados #SM Anime #Koiking #Pokeani #Pokemon Anime #Pocket Monsters Sun & Moon #Pokemon gif #Mygif

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robbyrobinson · 4 years

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Reading this yuri manga called Can’t Defy the Lonely Girl. So far, it is a cute read. It is about a high school girl named Ayaka Sakurai who gets anxious when taking exams. As such, she ended up going to a lesser high school. Then comes the teacher asking her to convince a delinquent girl to come to school. That girl, Sora Honda, agrees to come to school, but in return for “requests.” So it’s that kind of manga.

Ultimately speaking, I am enjoying reading the manga, but at the same time, it tragically falls into the same issues that works like Hino-San No Baka; Even If It Was Just Once, I Regret It; and Snake Woman and Offering-Chan where the relationships between the lead characters starts off on shaky grounds. It’s not as bad as the other two, but still it is somewhat hard to overlook. EIIWJO starts off with the landlady trying to elicit sex from her in return for paying her rent. Essentially quasi-prostitution. Snake Woman is literally about a young girl being made a slave for the eponymous snake woman, but I will relent that it was more akin to a sacrifice, but that nevertheless still has unfortunate implications. I don’t feel like I need to get into ones like Hino-San or Citrus as both of them had their own problems.

Sakurai is literally blackmailed into having to tend to each and every request Honda makes with the first one even being a surprise kiss. Sure all of their interactions are played as adorable, but it’s kind of hard to not acknowledge that this is only happening because Honda blackmailed Sakurai, kind of ruining the adorableness. I guess to me it plays off more as an obligation rather than an actual relationship.

The characters are pretty likable except for one. Sakurai is cute and dorky with how much she idolizes her older brother. She is also pretty awkward when around Honda particularly when she is unable to understand her feelings for her.

Honda comes off as unlikable and kind of a burden to Sakurai due to forcing her to do requests in return for her going to school. But as the manga continues, we learn more about her and slowly but surely, we do get to see the reason as to why she fell in love with Sakurai to begin with.

The supporting characters are also fun. There’s Sakurai’s group of friends. Honami is the social butterfly who is really energetic. It’s also cute that she wears overalls and one of the straps are undone accentuating her Genki Girl tendencies. Chizuru Koike holds Sakurai in high regards due to her being their class president. Yuina Minami thus far doesn’t have a defining characteristic yet, but she’ll probably grow more as the series continues. Then there’s the teacher Ms. Egawa. She is probably the worst character in the manga. She is the one who forces Sakurai into a deal to bring Honda to school whilst dangling her letter of recommendation in her face. She seriously has no shame and has the habit of popping out of of places.

The art work is also pretty good. It emphasizes the cuteness quite well.

Otherwise a good read, if you kind of look past the blackmail. If you like this work, then you would also love Hino-San No Baka because it also has a class press having to do another delinquent’s demands. For more ecchi works, I recommend I Like OPPAI Best In The World! due to its similar premise.

#can't defy the lonely girl #citrus #i like oppai best in the world #hino-san no baka #honda x sakurai #snake woman and offering-chan #even if it was just once i regret it #yuri #evenifitwasjustonceiregretit #ayaka sakurai #sora honda #kissing #SekaiDeIchibanOppaiGaSuki

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smilingperformer · 6 years

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GUYS OHMYGOD today’s the best day in all of universe!

LOOK WHO’S HERE DURING THE LAST DAY OF MARCH!!! HERE WE GO GUYS!!!

Krhm. translations.

March 31st: SM115 - Gusokumusha and Guzma

Gusokumusha: The Skull Gang's Boss, Guzma, shows up with a Gusokumusha in tow! Shatoshi challenges this super opponent!

I’msohyped. Also, other episodes:

March 17th: SM113 - Koiking

Koiking: The Koiking Koi-chan is a genius child actor Pokémon playing a popular role in a TV serial. But uh-oh, Koi-chan's body is starting to...

Sounds like a fillter, but hard to tell for sure yet! And then, my other guess earlier was right!

March 24th: SM114 - Pheroache

Pheroache: A new Ultra Beast, Pheroache, has shown up! It's time for the Ultra Guardians to take action!

Sources are Serebii.Net forums (i think these are pokefan scans?), linking the spoiler section of forums, click each episode title to see the news!

Just to add: I told you guys Guzma would happen, ohmygod I’m so happy!!!!

#pokemon #pokeani #pokemon sumo #mythical arc #sm113 #sm114 #sm115 #guzma #team skull #skull gang #pheromosa #pheroache #golisopod #koiking

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anendlessdawnfalling · 5 years

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⭐ Berry Berry Benny!! ⭐

Here is my late review and opinion of Kurenai Yuzuru's last dinner show in August. I had a hard time to assimilate everything that happened these last months, beware of it's length and I hope you love Hoshigumi. Good reading! 💖 I'm sorry if it comes up to you completely, I don't know how the tumblr editing works. 😰 (I'm not sure the songs listing is entirely accurate.)

It was an emotional evening I must say, I deeply love Kurenai Yuzuru and it was overwhelming. I must admit that I'm not entirely sure of the rightness of my timeline, since quite some time passed. I attended the event in Osaka on shonichi, and everyone was very nervous including myself. The dinner show was held at the International Hankyu Hotel with approximately 500 attendees. The ladies at my table were very lovely, we chatted a bit and of course the easiest subject to talk about was Kurenai Yuzuru! Beni's parents were also in the audience closer to the stage.

🥂 DINNER 🥂

The dinner itself was very nice, and was a four course meal inspired by French cuisine. The Menu was written in French and Japanese, a very cute touch. Most of the sentences made sens, but there's still some work to be done, my proposition is that Hankyu should stop using Google translate and hire me instead. As hilarious as it is, we wouldn't want another "Nouvelle / Chinois " to happen.

Dinner was served in that order; Hors d'oeuvres was raw Bream with veggies and carpaccio. L'Entrée was a piece of lightly fried tilefish with a celery and chestnuts buttery sauce. Oddly the taste remembered me of my mother's cuisine, so it's good. The main course was red meat topped with mushrooms and a light sauce, it was accompanied by asparagus, cabbage and potatoes. My only concern was the bread they served with it, if you ate Japanese bread before you might know what I'm talking about. I highly despise the baguettes there because it tastes like cheap Subway bread, that was my very Taurus rant. Finally, the dessert was a red Opéra cake decorated with a Kurenai 5 colored coulis, fruits and a star chocolate. It was ADORABLE.

For the drinks, there was a wide variety offered, one of my favorite was the Asahi 紅 beer. The servers kept generously filling my wine glass, which I can't complain about. I preferred being a little bit tipsy because I didn't know how it was going to go.

🌌 SET 🌌

The stage was a very shiny deep blue tone and was adorned with some glossy columns. A very galaxy note! (Or metaphor because Beni's the God of Stars) The room was giant and pretty cozy at the same time, maybe I'm highly biased because I love Hoshigumi fans aura. The last time I was in a room that luxurious was for a wedding, which Takarazuka events always remember me of, weddings. One could say that, I'm easily impressed by gigantic crystals chandeliers and very elegant tables settings.

There were two rows of chairs at the back of the room, and just before the show started a few Hoshigumi seito sneaked there before it went dark. After a quick glance I remember seeing Arisa Hitomi, Asamizu Ryou and Amaki Homare. There were many more of them that I didn't manage to get a good glance at.

✨ SHOW ✨

As the room went dark and the lights started to flashes toward the stage, the audience deeply anticipated Kurenai's arrival. I started to envy the others closer to the stage, that would have a better view and I regretted to not have brought my opera glasses with me. However she didn't appear right away, and took quite some time to make the audience more excited. Guess what? She bursted of the door right behind me in a beautiful red suit, startling everyone while running and singing. I almost had an heart attack and didn't regret petty things anymore. Thus began Berry Berry BENNY!!

The "supporting" cast was composed of Tenju Mitsuki, Kisaragi Ren, Kizaki Reo and Shirotae Natsu. Everyone jumped out of the stage as Sayumi made her arrival and the first song was Berry Berry Benny. Which by that point my table mates and I were quite shaken by everything that happened. Truly only Beni can pull something like that over and over again and still surprise me. ( Throwback to Stella Rossa) After the song, the cast proceeded to introduce themselves and chit chat a bit. Kurenai asked if they were in Tokyo, Mikki corrected her and she kept laughing. (She NEEDS vacations.)

The second song was Ai no rengoku from Anna Karenina, performed by Beni alone. A very dramatic start I must say, Mr.Karenin left a deep impression on her. Her interpretation was very venurable, and truly delightful if you love her non comical side.

Special talk segment 1: Two chairs were set up for Sayumi and a guest plus a life sized shiny cardboard of Beni. However it was not the regular Kurenai Yuzuru who came on stage, but Beniko in one of the most horrible costumes I've seen on her. Renta was the first guest of the Beniko show, they spoke teasingly of other Hoshigumi seito about how everyone was crying so hard on raku. Both of them were diabolically laughing. As the time went out, the Kurenai cardboard would illuminate and menacing threats would come on. Naachan interview was sweeter and shorter than Renta, she admitted that she cried on raku unlike someone else. Beniko, Renta and Naachan proceeded to sing Raimei. I wasn't ready for the absurdity of the situation, and I must admit I haven't laugh that hard in so many years.

To leave time for Beni to quick change costume, Ren and Natsu sang Yume Butai [ À bientôt ]. Their voice sounded really great as a duet! ♡ I was especially excited for this because it meant Renta had an extra special moment before her retirement. Nacchan and her are really positive people and you can feel this vibe as they perform. Furthermore, an upperclassmen musumeyaku is a delight to see highlighted.

Beni-chan no usomitaina honto no hanashi: A magical story of Beni's life. She narrates/sing the whole thing with highlights of her life and her love for Takarazuka. From what I remember; Mikki was child Beni, Renta as the creepy Butler from Meichan, Natsu as what I suppose was Beniko and Reo was André. (I might be mistaken, I'll correct it if that's the case. I have a goldfish memory.) Cute anecdote: Her dream was to be André in the RoV shinko, but she was appointed as the Grand Chamberlain and was very sad about it. They also made passive-aggressive jokes about Koike sensei, it made me crack.

LUCKY STAR ! Or a cute reminder of where she started, I was very happy she included that song and I felt like a mother hen. It was a nice transition with her earlier storytime, it's joyful, energetic and very her. ♡ She gave us a very explosive and all over the place performance.

Surprise drum rolls, what you wanted to know for so long and the answer is YES. The glorious Kurenai 5 made the comeback we were all waiting for, or more so the Kurenai 3. Beni, Renta and Mikki were in their old matching T-shirt and nostalgia hit me hard. I almost missed the mullet Beni used to have. Then entered the missing members life sized cardboard, both Reo and Naachan made their respective member dance through the song. No one was expecting this, the whole room was filled with laughter. They then talked about the origins of Kurenai 5 and what fun experiences they had in the past. They pointed out that the band would officially not work anymore, as it would be just 1. Beni proceeded to tease Mikki quite a lot. Both Ichijou Azusa and Miya Rurika had recorded a message for their dear leader, in which Beni was delighted to hear. Renta and Mikki then proceeded to slam their microphone to the cardboards during the intervention. It was hilarious! Both Miyaruri and Shiiran were at the raku in Tokyo, so if the DVD is that recording we'll have the delight to physically see them. Sayumi thought Shiiran sounded very ladylike and that Miya sounded very sleepy, like she should go to sleep.

Your favorite song by Benny was a segment where she proposed us three different songs that she could sing for us. After the vote she discarded the audience opinion and did the one she wanted, Smile from Meichan's Butler. (Very her to do that) Unlike the other times she walked through the audience as she sang, and I started to get nervous again when she headed toward the back of the room. She was taking the time to look at everyone very carefully and lovingly. Then she was in front of me and the world fell down. It was THE BEST two seconds of my entire life. I was very much horrendously blushing , but hey Kurenai Yuzuru and I shared a glance while she sang the creepy Butler song? Very shoujo like situation, a part of me fell in love with her all over again. Otokoyaku are very convincing at their job, they don't need to do much to amaze me.

Special talk segment 2 with Mikki and Reo.

Beniko came back with an even more horrendous outfit than the first one; another awful red gown orned with lines of gold and silver sequins. Oversized trumpet sleeves with feathers on the end, a wig worthy of a Ghibli old witch and topped with numerous fans of herself.

Mikki's interview was the longest, and the one to which Beni's cardboard was the most aggressive. Both her and Reo talked about the whole taidan situation, the troupe loves so much BeniAiri. They're as emotional if not more than fans about this. Mikki and Reo came back on stage and joined Beniko to sing Killer Rouge. Another absurd situation, where Beni's gaze was her cool otokoyaku look but she was dressed similar to the old ladies she always mocks about.

Hoshi wo tsugumono was MikkiReo's duet. What a very dangerous duo they make, both their voices are pretty warm and l had a few butterflies in my stomach. I'm sorry for betraying you Sayumi!

Random selection ;

I believe it's a free for all section and that must choose a song according to their mood. That night the ensemble sang Om Shanti Om as Sayumi went off stage to get a quick change. Boi do Hoshigumi loves that production, their enthusiasm really shows while singing this particular song. They went through the public and did a few handtouch. Renta stole the fan of an audience member right in front of me and decided to refresh herself with it. Reo was having her usual bright sunshine energy, Mikki was being an Ikkemen far away from me competing with Natsu. The bright wave of Hoshigumi energy was filling the room, and you could feel the love.

Kurenai came back on stage, dressed entirely in white and we all knew what that meant. The final song was A piece of courage, from Scarlet Pimpernel. God does she LOVES that show most ardently. It was her only lead shinko role and her first Grand theater show as a Top Star, she always seemed to live her best life as Percy. She always look so hopeful when she sings this song, it is VERY touching. Special metion to Aachan who sang it as well at her music salon, if it's not being soulmate I don't know what is.

She got a curtain callback and sang Goodbye from Catch me if you can. Yes, she did that again. As if it wasn't enough from the sayonara show and every other opportunity given to her to sing this. I can honestly say a cried a river again and that I'm in a love hate relationship with that song.

This woman doesn't know what to say to her audience, even thought we made her come back twice. She just told us to go home and that it was over in her lovely kansaiben, I love it. ♡

The show was really fun and I'm really happy I got to go, I hope I didn't forget anything. They rehearsed after having to do one if not two performance a day , and only came out late at the night. They've all worked very hard in such a short amount of time, and the result was GREAT. Kurenai Yuzuru is a real entertainer, a star and she adores it. She puts so much love and energy in her work, it's truly admirable. I'm delighted to have been able to follow her career until now and I'm very glad I focused my attention to the wobbly Mercutio many years ago. She made me cry, laugh and dream. I love her SO much.

My final words are going to be her motto:

Never give up!! ☆

#kurenai yuzuru #takarazuka revue #takarazuka #hoshigumi #kisaragi ren #kizaki reo #shirotae natsu #tenju mitsuki #my messy thoughts #i love her so muuuuuch

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