#and im not sure if i'll always be able to do translations depending on the post it's a lot and again i'm not fluent

[cellbitupdates]

🟩 Dos mods do Cellbit/🟥 From Cellbit's mods/🟨 De los mods de Cellbit:

🟩 Voltaremos quando o Cellbit voltar de Los Angeles/🟥 We'll return when Cellbit gets back from Los Angeles/ 🟨 Volveremos cuando Cellbit regrese de Los Ángeles ❤️

🟩 O que provavelmente será amanhã ou no final desta semana. Na segunda-feira ele mencionou que poderia tentar entrar no QSMP para conhecer o novo criador coreano Jungryeok, mas ele não disse nada definitivo.

🟥 Which will likely be tomorrow or later this week. He mentioned yesterday that he might try to log onto QSMP for the new Korean creator Jungryeok but didn't say anything definitive.

🟨 Que probablemente será mañana o más tarde esta semana. El lunes mencionó que podría intentar entrar el QSMP para conocer al nuevo creador coreano Jungryeok, pero no dijo nada definitivo.

[batwhimpix]

An Interview with Former Takarazuka Top Star Asumi Rio: The Laidback Personality Behind the Handsome Face

(Translated by me 8/19/2021)

While still a member of the Takarazuka Revue, Asumi Rio was known for her sensitive acting which digs deep into the heart of each role, her crystal-clear vocals, and her captivating stage presence. As the top star of Flower Troupe, she gained an immense level of popularity. Now, it has been one year since her retirement from the company. She has expanded her repertoire from stage to screen, and continues to showcase new sides to her talent. In her first name-bearing variety program, the Hulu Original "Asumi Rio's Atelier," Asumi-san learns new tips and techniques to "step up" both her lifestyle and her design sense. Totally different from her intense onstage aura, this program offers a chance to get to know Asumi-san's soft and relaxed offstage persona.

It's been a year and a half since you left the Takarazuka Revue. How would you describe that period of time for you, Asumi-san?

When I was in the Revue, because I had managed to enter the world of Takarazuka, which was my absolute favorite place, I felt strongly that I didn't want to have any regrets. So I was very motivated to work as hard as I could to polish my craft. I was completely lost in it, but within that, I always had my fans cheering me on, and the guidance of so many around me. In the last year and a half, I've realized all over again just how precious a thing that was.

Until I left, my only experience was on the stage, so stepping into the world on screen for the first time, a lot of totally new forms of expression were expected from me, and I felt a lot of anxiety. Parting from Takarazuka and living as just one individual human, every day is full of challenges. But that said, every day now is also rich with new experiences and new possibilities, so I've come to face that with a lot of gratitude.

While you were in Takarazuka, there was a very clear image, that of a perfect "otokoyaku," to aspire to. Now that you don't have that anymore, what kind of actress are you aiming to become?

There are a lot of qualities I have now precisely because I was an otokoyaku, and I think it's probably okay for me to just embrace that. As top [abbrev. "top star", the starring otokoyaku actress in each troupe], I was in a position where I had to lead the troupe, watch over and guide all the other actresses, and shape each production as the lead actress. I think I've picked up a lot of grit through that experience, and even as a woman, I think having a bit of a masculine edge in your lifestyle and how you deal with things can be a positive, right?

Even when I was playing otokoyaku roles, moreso than aiming for a particular ideal, I came at each role separately, like, this time I'm playing this kind of man, next time I'm playing this kind of man. It was like a gradual broadening of my horizons. Now I'm simply adding female roles to that roster, so it's kind of like the scope of roles available to me has doubled. When it comes to my outward appearance, as my hair grows out and I transition toward a more feminine look, I've been having all kinds of new discoveries, like, "Oh, this kind of styling makes me feel like this." Within my drama roles as well, I like those discoveries like, if I do it like this, won't it be interesting, or if I do this, I can get viewers to say, "Oh!" I want to keep digging to find those little moments where I can really surprise people within each role.

Since your retirement from Takarazuka, what overall on-set experience sticks out the most in your memory?

I think that has to be the first show I had the opportunity to take part in, "Ochoyan" [NHK serialized telenovella]. Until I was on that set, I always thought that the stage was the most incredible place in the world. I would never find anywhere else where every member is so unified in their vision, where everyone has so much pride in their troupe and so much love for the production they're building together, as in Takarazuka. Even now, I still think Takarazuka is a very special place, and my love for it hasn't changed.

But on the set of "Ochoyan," like Takarazuka, there were so many staff working to create this thing, who truly loved the work and brought all kinds of skills to the table to bring it to life. Among the cast as well, the atmosphere during recording, where all of us in the Tsurugame Family Theater [the name of the theater company employing main character Takei Chiyo as well as Asumi-san's character Takamine Ruriko] really did feel like a family, wasn't that different from Takarazuka at all. On the contrary, because our time together was limited just to the recording of this show, it felt like everyone valued that time all the more. Being on a set like that was a huge experience for me.

In Takarazuka, you had a very hectic schedule. As soon as one production closed you were already thinking about the next. I'm sure your lifestyle has changed in a big way since then. What kind of feelings do you have about that?

I retired and moved here to Tokyo right around the start of the pandemic. During the lockdown, when I was in my house all day, I realized how long the day really is. Suddenly it was up to me to decide how to spend all this time in the day. I could use it to rest or, if I had some area I was struggling with, I could use it for training too. I had a renewed realization that depending on my own feelings, I could choose to change myself in any number of ways.

These days, how do you find yourself spending the majority of your time?

These days, I'm doing a lot of types of work I'm totally new to, and working on sets with people I've only just met, so I'm still in a place where I spend a lot of time nervous. When I'm on a set I haven't gotten used to yet, my antenna is going in all different directions, so after I get home I try to relax as much as possible. In order to fully refresh myself and go into work the next day in high spirits and ready to face whatever comes, I've been making a conscious effort to be kind to myself.

What activities allow you to refresh your batteries the most?

Zoning out, and eating delicious food.

On "Asumi Rio's Atelier," you gave steaming rice in a donabe [TN: earthenware pot traditionally used to steam rice, supposedly more delicious than steaming in a rice cooker] a try for the first time, but what kinds of things do you eat most often?

As long as it tastes good, I'll happily eat anything. I like vegetables, meat, fish, and I love carbs, too. Ideally, I want to eat a good balance of a lot of different things.

Speaking of that program, how were the topics for each episode decided? Were you able to make requests?

For "Atelier" we had the general framework that I would be trying different activities I was interested in from the onset, so basically they asked me, "What kind of things are you interested in? What do you want to try?" And then...Yeah, first I had about 30, then we added about 30 more, so in total about 60, ideas that we pitched. The program staff wanted to include as many of my requests as they could, so actually, within each episode there are probably three or four different ones. In addition to that, there's an interview in each episode that relates back to that episode's theme. I enjoyed the chance to reflect on my Takarazuka era and memories from my childhood.

On the topic of your Takarazuka era, in your first interview for us, you said, "I wasn't necessarily aiming to become top star." But within the system of Takarazuka, to climb all the way to top star, you must have been aware of something within yourself that made you want to aim higher?

Let's see...Ever since I was an underclassman, I had a strong drive to improve as an otokoyaku. I wanted people to find my performance interesting, and I wanted to be seen as a necessary part of the production. I wanted to act a lot, and I wanted to sing a lot of songs that I love. I wanted to bathe in the spotlight, and I was happy when I got to wear more gorgeous costumes. If I really think back on those feelings now, first in the shinjinkouen junior performances featuring only actresses who have been with the company seven years or less, and then in performances at the smaller Bow Hall theater next to the Takarazuka Grand Theater, inevitably I started aiming for the lead roles that would allow me to stand on stage for the longest every time.

Somewhere along that road, when I was told I was being transferred from the troupe I was first inducted into, Moon Troupe, to Flower Troupe, this feeling that I had wanted to be the Moon Troupe's successor welled to the surface. And since that's the same as saying, "I wanted to be the top star of Moon Troupe," that was the first time I became aware of that goal. Every troupe in Takarazuka has its own character, though, so after my transfer, I was desperate to hurry up and become an otokoyaku befitting Flower Troupe first...

So as you worked to further your artistic development, there at the zenith was top star.

If you were to ask my underclassman self, the Top-sans are unbelievably incredible performers, and the more shinjinkouens you experience, the more closely you come to understanding just how incredible they are. Then as you spend more years with the company and find yourself in a position where you're working directly under the Top-san, you realize how much work they're really doing, and...The more you know, the more you lose the ability to say something like "I want to be the top star" carelessly.

And yet, you bore the heavy responsibility of a top star for five-and-a-half years. It's hard to imagine from your usual laidback attitude, but when it comes to your art, you're incredibly diligent and strong-willed. That gap is captivating.

When it comes to theater, I'm very picky. I mean, I'm way too stubborn for one thing. Especially in productions where I'm playing the lead role, I always have really strong feelings about how I want to perform things, and I'm not in a position where I can hesitate to convey that. It's important to listen to the opinions of various other people too, but when it comes down to it, if I have a clear idea of the direction I want things to proceed and direct things with that in mind, it makes things easier for everyone else, so I always tried to communicate my thoughts clearly and directly. If I'm delivering consistently good work, there's a persuasive power to that. Not only do the underclassmen naturally follow along, but the staff listen and respond to my requests as well.

But when you're making this kind of production, you do have to be pretty strict. But then, the real me is more of a people pleaser. I want everyone to like me, or more like, I don't want to be disliked. I didn't want the younger underclassmen to feel like I was unapproachable or like they couldn't talk to me because I was the top star. I wanted them to think of me like family. So outside matters relating to work, I tried to give off as relaxed a vibe as possible. Definitely, I think there was quite a gap between "on" and "off" for me.

Are there a lot of differences between "Asumi Rio the otokoyaku" and "Asumi Rio the actress?" How about between your stage name persona and your private self under your birth name?

I've lived under my stage name for so much longer than my birth name that I feel like, at this point, the parts of myself that belong to my real name are few and far between. I do have the feeling that, in some respect, I've grown up together with my stage name. In essence, while I was in Takarazuka, I didn't worry too much about creating a separate persona. Thanks to the kindness of my fans and the environment I was in, I felt like I could leave my otokoyaku persona on the stage and stay pretty close to my natural self everywhere else. I guess the only thing is, when I'm alone in my house, I revert to goblin mode. (laughs wryly) Like I'll have trouble getting myself to go take a bath, or I really should clean but my back hurts, etc., etc.

By contrast, now that I've graduated from being an otokoyaku, a lot of the things I'm doing as an actress are total firsts for me, so I think I feel more discomfort with my presentation now than I did then. There are times when I get really nervous, and then I get disappointed in myself for feeling that way. Like, until just a little while ago, I was in a position where I was responsible for keeping everyone's morale up. I would get up on that stage like, "It's alright, just leave it to me," so what am I all anxious for now? I often think about how much I still have to learn, and how badly I want to hurry up and learn it so I can show the results of my efforts.

Is there a particular ideal you're currently pursuing? What kind of actress do you want to become, and what kind of woman?

Since leaving Takarazuka, I've had a lot more opportunity to meet all kinds of new people. On every set I've been on, each of the actresses I meet has their own unique aura, and seeing their acting up close, I'm blown away by each of them. Among the staff as well, there are so many different kinds of professionals of all ages, and I often find myself inspired by their work ethic and lifestyle. I'd like to continue to enrich my life by learning from the amazing people I meet and experiencing many new things, and work to become a more fully rounded human being.

*Bracketed notes not marked "TN" (Translator's Note) were present in the original article.

[arsyirachie]

Photograph Journey ~Hiroshima & Kanagawa Hen~ English Translation

Note :

english wasn't my main language, and me also still studying Japanese...

Therefore, please kindly understand that this translation might not that accurate^^

Chapter : Hiroshima Route Prologue / Opening -part 1-

If I take a look at the calendar, it's almost the end of summer....

Even so, the heat still as hot as in the middle of summer.

One day, my condition wasn't quite good that I need to stay on bed.

I got a fever since last night, and I didn't leave my futon until this morning.

Haruho :

*Cough cough*

Richard :

"Are you okay?"

Haruho :

"Mm.... It's alright. Also, I'm sorry...."

Richard :

"Why are you apologizing? Sick person didn't need to apologize at all"

Haruho :

"But.... I've been causing Richard too much trouble since yesterday...."

Richard :

"Hey! hey! Don't get in low spirit and putting your face down like that, that's no good y'know~"

"I know that having strong sense of responsibility is one of your good traits, even so, at least when you're sick, please be more dependant on people around you"

Haruho :

"...yes. Thank you, Richard"

Richard :

"It's nothing!"

"If there's anything I can help you with, please tell me, okay? I'll do anything!

Haruho :

"Okay"

Richard is always kind to me who is having cough.

Talking about Richard.... Actually, he is a foreigner who are currently living in homestay in my house. He come from English.

Since long ago, my dad and Richard's dad has been close friends...

And so, when Richard come to Japan, it's decided that he will stay here.

He is a gentle person, or you can say he's very kind and polite.

Since he like Japan very much, he always brimming with curiosity.

He really want to know about anything related to Japanese.

He kinda like a full spirit brother to me.

Richard :

"It's about the time you should eat something, I'll go and made some porridge first."

Haruho :

"Thank you. But, Richard... You can make a porridge?"

Richard :

"Of course! Yesterday your mom taught me how to make it!"

Haruho :

"Is that so.... Then, I'll be in your care"

Richard :

"Understood!"

After smiling at me, Richard went to the kitchen and disappear from my sights.

Richard is always enthusiastically nursing me.

Whenever I opened my eyes after having a nightmare, he is always besides me. Thanks to that, I can feel a bit relaxed even after having a nightmare.

*Sighs*

But still... Getting sick is really....

My body feel hot and sluggish.

I feel like a in daze, having my head absent-mindedly.

That's why, when I'm alone in the room, the silence will immediately permeate.

If I'm alone, im sure it will be lonely as I need to take care of myself alone. I'm glad Richard is here....

Talking about that....

As my minds in a daze, I recalled about some memories of the past.

(at that time... When I were feeling anxious, there was a boy who filled my empty heart)

As I closed my eyes, from a long long buried memories, his figure comes to mind.

(what a nostalgic feeling.... Ah, no...)

I can recalled it vividly, as if our last meeting wasn't long ago, but happened just recently.

But, the boy in my mind... He was much younger than the current me.

So many times has passed, but I can't stop thinking about it.

---Ah, that's right.

Whenever I feel sick and lonely, it always made me recalled about those days.

Those days... When I were still a little girl---

.

.

.

Back then when I still 6th grade on elementary school, I lived in Hiroshima.

The me at that time, she were more shy person compared to my current self.

I were transferred into different schools so many times due to my parents job. On the other side, I'm also not good at making friends, thus I don't have many friends.

What worse, during the time when I moved to Hiroshima, my condition suddenly worsened.

Eventhough the symptoms weren't that bad, i had to be hospitalized for a while.

After finally getting closer with my classmates, but now I couldn't meet them.

Being hospitalized alone, it was so lonely for me who were still elementary schoolers.

Haruho :

"Umm, Mom.... I beg you, please come to visit me everyday, okay?"

Asking something like that, I just want to be spoiled by my mother after being hospitalized.

But, since my mother is very busy, she couldn't keep thinking about me only

After being hospitalized, she always visiting me everyday fo a while, but...

Mom :

"I'm sorry, Haruho. Tommorow mom have a lot of works to do, so I might not be able to come visit you. But, mom will surely come to visit you again"

Haruho :

"But, Mom...."

Mom :

"Mom really sorry.... But, you are a good girl right? I'm sure you will be okay"

Haruho :

"....yes...."

Since mom said something like that, it can't be helped.

(Even if mom not coming and I alone here, I must stay obedient)

(Because I am a 'good girl' after all)

I keep telling that to myself and secluded myself inside that sick room.

Because it was quite scary for my little self to wandering out alone in hospital.

But, as I spent day by day alone, gradually i started to enjoy having time for myself.

Haruho :

"I already finished reading all the books that mom brought for me"

(should I try to ask mom to buy me some new books when she coming here? Just right in the moment there's a book that I want to read...)

(but hey... Now that I take a look to the outside...)

"The weather outside seems nice..."

"Hmm... Should I go out for a little bit...?"

Just like that, I try to encouraged myself.

That day, for the first time, I went out from my sick room.

(Ah---- so this is what's outside the hospital building....)

(What a beautiful garden. There are plenty of flowers in bloom)

(...eh?)

As I walking around the garden, I caught a figure of small animal hiding behind some plants.

(Ah! There's a cat here!)

Haruho :

"Come kitty, come here..."

As I try to approach it slowly, the cat suddenly ran off.

Haruho :

"Ah, Mr cat, wait---"

I try cat chase that ran away cat.

As I trying to run with all my might, finally I am able to catch up the cat.

Haruho :

"It's okay Mr. Cat. I won't do anything bad to you."

As I try to reach out my palm, the cat seems a bit hesitant. But, after a while, finally the cat come closer and begin to lick my hand.

(Eh? He licked my hand)

"Hehe... He's so cute"

As I crouching down and hold the cat, at that time....

Haruho :

".. .?"

I can see the tip of someone's shoes.

(Who...?)

Just like that, I try to raised my head.

???

"What a cute cat..."

Haruho

"...y-yes."

There, standing a figure of a boy with somewhat fragile atmosphere.

//Continue to part 2🎉🎉//