#hibiscustranslation

[yuzukahibiscus]

Jewels of Takarazuka – Yuzuka Rei-san [Flower Troupe] (from Fujingaho May Issue)

This series documents the words of Takarazuka Top Stars, and their strength of living in the current age and Yuzuka Rei of Flower Troupe appears on this month’s issue.  Like a king that shines ever brightly on stage, Yuzuka-san appears on the photoshoot scene and we compliment her for having a flawless beauty like a deer in the wild. Then when she’s standing in front of the camera now, it seems like some kind of story is about to begin… Yuzuka-san speaks with carefully woven words and with a soft voice, talks about what she is thinking now.

Even if the acting is decided already every day, I just love presenting a new vibe to it

The one we admire in Shoujo Manga, the piano magician with fervent fans, the Broadway Star Dancer. With her gorgeous visual and delicate acting, Yuzuka-san brings such beautiful characters you couldn’t see in reality to life. If you watch her stage performances, you’d see that the world of dreams is here now……That’s what I firmly believe. When we interviewed Yuzuka-san, she was challenging to perform the famous work in Takarazuka Revue, the renowned musical of “MAYERLING”. It is about the tragic love story between Austria Crown Prince Rudolf and his lover Mary Vetsera. Yuzuka-san used to express it uniquely, “I don’t want [my performance] to look like it was cultivated artificially but to deliver one that is naturally moving”, so how did she feel when she was working on this famous musical?

“I’ve said that, haven’t I (LOL). I really like fresh air. So in the world that I’m portraying, even though we’d be doing the same things every day… That’s quite the opposite of what I said [about natural acting] (LOL). But even if we’re doing the same things every day, those first encounters and experiences are different every time. In contrast, even though it may be the first time I’m seeing some audience, I can feel that they’re the important people who’ve always known me… Performers and the audience can create some feelings and reactions together that not even we can imagine, and that’s something that I always find enjoyable. The premiere of this performance was 40 years ago. Even though there’s a little change in direction, the prologue song and the choreography was similar to how it was back then. I’d act according to what I understand from the whole setup of the musical. I won’t think about what I think is correct, instead I’ll continue to question my interpretation and delve into it more to act while thinking about it.”

In this musical with such intensity, you’d have to build up so much strength for the ending…

“Amidst the intensity and while continuing to maintain focused, there’s a unique kind of energy in musicals, surprisingly I’m not too overwhelmed by that. But while that builds up and accumulates densely, I think it’s difficult to overcome the “gap” or that “space” when [the tension] couldn’t build up well. Or maybe I should say, that it feels like those Jenga building blocks…… But the concentration the audience have for this musical is higher than before, so I felt that they also helped us create this ambience for us together.”

I want to walk a path that won’t feel like I’m betraying myself

This is perhaps the charm that’s only unique in live performances.

But in these 3 years, the previous situation was still unstable and as a leader she led the troupe to overcome very tough circumstances.

“I really thought that while I’ve been learning, I’ve already walked this far. Even in the same scenarios, I’ve come to learn that depending on people’s circumstances, there would be different feelings and the way we approach things also change. I know that it’s not good to just evaluate things while thinking only of ourselves. If everything was successful, I think it might be difficult to have the experience where everyone aims at “facing wholeheartedly towards stage performances” together…… so I thought I acquired a lot [during this time.] Whatever something happens, I want to be the person that people can trust in. Even if I covered it up, only I would know how I have dealt with that problem. Sometimes I may not know if I’ve made a wrong decision, and I won’t even know if that would be the best decision for that time, yet there must be something that I could learn from in failure. That’s why, I’ve decided not to do things that would make me lose confidence in myself. I often say be confident in yourself, but it’s difficult to believe in yourself without evidence. “Trust” might be a slightly different word, but I don’t try to deceive myself, instead I worked hard for it desperately… I wish I could feel that way without any hesitation,  and I would want to say that my underclassmen self when I was still trying to find that confidence.”

That delicate and soft feeling may be different from what she said a few years ago about “wanting to face my weaknesses earnestly”. 

“When we act, we think about humans, but it’s difficult to comment on whether they’re strong and weak. If they’re “weak”, they may seem negative at first glance, but they also may be someone that has great observation, a profound imagination,  and that they sincerely care only for a particular something. So “strengths” and “weaknesses” are two sides of a coin. If one believes too much that “I am strong”, that may instead lead to this pushing force that overwhelms oneself. So I’d say, it’s fine to be weak. Because humans are not born to be perfect. Rest a little, recover yourself, find your strategy to face your next task. When you find that strategy, if someone else has troubles, you could then help them. When I was playing as Rudolf, I really felt how greatly people impact others. That’s probably why I have such thought.”

Embracing her internal weaknesses with that resilient strength bestows her with the persuasion capacity on stage. Perhaps the Flower Troupe stage performances she lead will continue to shine radiantly.

MY JEWEL ~The jewel of the heart~

This is a photo of my nephew and my dog. “Even though they don’t always meet, but when they do, they’d always take a walk. My dog loves my nephew and is always smiling. My nephew leads the dog carefully like an adult when they walk together and I can slowly feel his growth. Now as I’m playing as Rudolf, I’d have to say, “Because of everyone’s great love, I have also progressed and grown.”

ON STAGE...

“ENCHANTEMENT –A Luxurious Perfume–” is a stylish  revue with perfume as the theme. This is a Takarazuka-styled revue wound in the gorgeous world of black tailcoats, silk hat and cane. Apart from singing and dancing, you could see her sometimes chic and sometimes sexy, that you couldn’t miss her out in any instant.

Next stage: Musical Romance “A Battlefield for the Two of Us” (Author/Director: Masatsuka Haruhiko)

In a stage of a fictitious federation formed by numerous autonomous states, this is about a young military officer with burning passions and how he struggles between the gap of the country and the individual, portraying his story of an “unacceptable” love and great friendship. Yuzuka-san says, “It’s very interesting learning from the rehearsal of Masatsuka (Hirohiko)-sensei’s musical. “War” is still sometimes that is relevant to us in this age, so I will cherish the importance of performing this production and do my best to create this production.”

[yuzukahibiscus]

Yuzuka Rei’s Last Performance opens on February 10, and retires in May, “Whenever the time, I always want to repay the gratitude from the audience who is always supporting me.”

Flower Troupe Top Star completed her pre-sayonara performance in her special concert “Be Shining - Glamorous Time” in the Kobe International Hall in December 10-13 last year. Her next performance is “Arc en Ciel: The Rainbow Over Paris” which opens at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo on February 10, to which she announced retirement for that show. This is therefore her “last show” before retirement, and showcases a stage with plentiful “glamorous” dances. She’s gone down to the audience various times, and had fulfilling occasions of interacting with the audience.

After the Tokyo performances, she embraced the opening performance in Kobe. From the opening, she spoke, “This is my first time choreographing in my entire life”, and debuts her pride in dancing. “Your applause is so warm, and the penlights are really pretty”, expressing her gratitude for the full-house audience till the fourth levels. She received the applause from the hall, an attendance of around 2000 fans and audiences.

She honed her splendid and skillful dance, together with her charming demeanour. This was a show performance of vibrant charms, “like a treasure box but created in the format of a concert”.

From songs of her newcomers’ performance “Elisabeth – The Rondo of Love and Death” and more, recalling her footsteps of her time in the Revue. From her representative lead performance “Haikara-san ga Tooru” to “Poe Clan” before being a Top Star, the videos play on the screen.

“(Now we’re at) Hyogo! We’re back at Hyogo Prefecture!”

Also graduating is the Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka and the popular star Seino Asuka, to whom she sang and danced with, she said, “because the audience have a presence of supporting us no matter the circumstances, watching over us no matter what wind blows, that we could continue performing.” She spoke to the fans, to which they returned with an applause of over 10 seconds.

Yuzuka appeared on stage again upon the encore, and called the Flower Troupe members on stage.

“To everyone who has always and often supported us no matter the circumstances, to everyone who has always loved us, this is a concert to convey the sentiments that we want to repay that gratitude.”

Once again, there was a huge round of applause. Her sayonara performance “Arc en Ciel” opens in February and she plays as a dancer protecting the French revue from the German invasion. She will bid goodbye to Takarazuka after the closing performance on May 26 in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre.

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Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei does sayonara performance in home base "I ran with all of my youth"

(Source from Daily Co)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei will be graduating from Takarazuka Revue on May 26, and she performed on the closing performance of their graduation performance "Arc en ciel" on 24 March, saying goodbye at the home base.

The sayonara show after the original performance was around 30 minutes. The sayonara show began with one of her representative performances "Haikara-san ga Tooru" and appeared in the military uniform. Also graduating is Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka to whom they sang a song of "Genroku Baroque Rock" and had a duet dance later*. And with Towaki Sea who is the next Top Star, they sang from "A Battlefield for the Two of Us" and as if passing on the last baton, they shook hands.

(*note: the article was wrong because the duet dance was from "TOP HAT" and not "Genroku Baroque Rock", so I changed this bit.)

"Since it's the formal otokoyaku costume", Yuzuka chose the black tails and went down the grand staircase. Senka star Minami Maito who supported Yuzuka for a long time came to give flowers as her classmate.

Yuzuka thanked the audience and delivered the following speech.

"I just kept on running. It was a journey that I devoted all of my youth to. I have only continued running with all my might. Facing uphills and downhills, even after there was finally a clear road for me, I have been in deep frustrations. When I faced muddy paths, my footsteps become heavy, and there were days when I couldn't move forward. But in the midst of running these paths, many wonderful sceneries are waiting for me. Either it's how we all became united as one, or that I accomplished something, at each turning point, there were sceneries that were imprinted in my heart. In the road ahead, there will definitely be sceneries that I've worked hard for, waiting for me. And that scenery is something I can see on this stage now. To me, this scenery is my favourite one. Be it the dazzling eyes of the audience, the shining scenery as far as my eyes could see...If I could see such happy scenery in the place I've arrived in, I have no regrets in remain. I will never forget this wonderful scenery!"

[yuzukahibiscus]

Jewels of Takarazuka – Serika Toa-san [Cosmos Troupe] (from Fujingaho August Issue)

"I realise that I'm colourlessly transparent in nature that I haven't changed much."

This series documents the powerful words of Takarazuka Top Stars that give courage. The new Cosmos Troupe Top Star Serika Toa-san appears on this month's issue. No matter what kind of profound roles that she plays, Serika-san always gives a feeling of a "dominant immaculacy". If you look at her and things surrounding her, you'd realise that she has been walking forward without hesitation and her accumulative experiences have reflected this complex but beautiful radiance, which we now want to know more about what she is thinking about.

(Note: Happy Shonichi for Serika-san's "Xcalibur"! This is her first performance as a Top Star, and it's worth the celebration of a translation:D)

“I am colourlessly transparent”. I remembered being a little shocked when I heard Serika-san’s words from before. Because Takarasiennes always do their best to showcase their respective strong styles…

3 years has passed since then, and now she has become Top Star, I wonder if there have been any changes?

“I’m not sure if there were any changes. But my position before was that I was able to play many interesting roles. It really was a good experience that I got to play a wide range of roles.”

So among those, what was the most ambitious role that you’ve taken on?

“I would say Rocky from “HIGH AND LOW” was quite difficult. It was very hard of Kuroki Keiji-san to play [Rocky] with that impression, and later knowing that [HIGH AND LOW] was going to be staged as a musical, there was difficulty that Takarazuka Revue is going to be performing this. [Such as thinking Rocky]’s going to be singing…? Finally, I wanted to mix a little of Kuroki-san’s vibes of Rocky [into my portrayal] and aimed to adjust my mindset to perform as such on the stage.”

What lies at the heart of Serika-san’s approach to portray these characters?

“I would make myself aware with how these roles would ultimately end up as. After figuring our their final destination and the “present” [of the plot], then I dive deeper from there. When there’s a goal and the present [starting line], then my approach is that I’ll delve deeper into whatever is in between the two.”

Would that also be a way of thinking that can be used not just for approaching your characters?

“I’d say so. When I think about my objective, and the current situation that I’m in, I will go deeper into that gap in between…For instance, if I couldn’t turn well in my dance, I would think whether there was something wrong with my posture. When I realise my situation, then the image of the solution will appear itself. The key is how to focus on yourself. No matter what you do, knowing about yourself is the best shortcut of growing up and improving. And the many failures will be the times when you know more about yourself. Looking back on the failures, it’s shock after shock after shock... You definitely want to evade [from those failures]. But you can’t escape from them by chance and each time you’d have to think logically… and that’s the approach that made me arrive at this point.”

Behind that sparkling smile as she talks, she looks back to the failures and realises these experiences that have accumulated solidly. But those times had been difficult… I wonder what she would be thinking during these times?

“When there were times that I couldn’t help myself, there is a great presence [of support] from everyone in the troupe after all. There were many times that I thought we could overcome this because we’re all in this together. I believed that my roles and lines exist for partners [that act alongside me]. For example, if I have to portray an amazing role, it is by the strength of surrounding factors that could show how amazing the role is. So for that, everyone and I must be careful with showing it. This [cooperation] is the culture of Takarazuka Revue, and also the responsibility of an upperclassman. When [the cooperation] is being executed, you can feel from everyone [that they are working on it together].

When she was transferred to Cosmos Troupe [in 2018], I thought how Serika-san used to say it was difficult to guide her juniors but for Serika-san now, she felt a great change in herself from that.

“After all, when we communicate daily, I got to know how this person is like from their ways of thinking in this process. It has been a while since I transferred into Cosmos Troupe and I’ve been feeling great changes since then. Of course, this is also for the change in position. Our great troupe leader (kumichou) Susshi-san (Kotobuki Tsukasa) and [previous] Top Star Makaze (Suzuho)-san graduated, and I’ll have to think of how to lead the whole troupe. But when I give advice to my partners, or when I look back on how I console [people] from their troubles, in the end that was the greatest I’ve seen in my growth.”

From there, Serika-san’s Cosmos Troupe begins. What are your hopes for the reliant Cosmos Troupe members?

“Everyone in Cosmos Troupe is very serious and are very skilled. But even we enjoy being fun and unserious every day, we try not to do that on stage…I hope to support everyone and adding colour to the sophisticated Cosmos Troupe members is one of my missions.”

Her [Top Star] debut performance will be “Xcalibur”. This will be Japan’s premiere of this Korean musical with the songs composed by Frank Wildhorn.

“Korean musicals have an image of [encompassing superb songs]. For this performance as well, the volume and textures of Mr Wildhorn’s songs are fantastic. It takes the strength to sing Mr Wildhorn’s songs but it’s great to sing them. Besides, some songs delicately touch the heart and you could feel the softness of the piano melody. When creating this performance, the songs help me expand the imagination on how to portray my role, so I am looking forward to other hints that this musical would provide.”

Even with a condensed career, she has this immaculacy and transparency that never fades, and from there she continues to solidly accumulate her honed skills and mentality… Along with the struggles [that may rise], we look forward to how Serika-san’s energy will radiate.

MY JEWEL ~The jewel of the heart~

When talking about her teacup poodle Candy-chan (on the right), Serika-san’s face melts away in happiness.

“I love her dearly because I thought that I should work harder every day for her… Since she came to our house, I never wanted her to hate this place, or fear this place. When I ask “are you gong to sleep?”, her fixed position is [sleeping] on my lap… She’s just a princess.”

On the left is her chiwawa Purin-chan from her family home.

ON STAGE…

This is from the finale of “Casino Royale~My Name is Bond”.  Serika-san played an antagonistic role of Le Chiffre, but in the finale she showed a bright smile and appeared almost like a “Prince Highness”. This costume with a tight collar is matched in noble elegance. 

Cosmos Troupe performance: Musical “Xcalibur” (Adaptation and Direction by Inaba Daichi)

The Korean production company EMK Musical created numerous works such as  “Mata Hari”, “The Man Who Laughs” and they collaborated with the outstanding creator Frank Wildhorn for this gigantic musical. Ever since the premiere in 2019, this has been a topical performance with over 32 thousand audiences in Korea.

[yuzukahibiscus]

Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei-san Retirement Conference

(Source from Humming 83.5 FM 宝塚)

This is Tarui Miho.

On August 15 (Tue), Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei-san and Flower Troupe Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka-san announced their retirement on May 26, 2024.

2 days before their announcement, they had the closing performance in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre on August 13 (Sun). In "Singing Lovebirds", we felt happiness from Yuzuka-san's Reisaburou and Hoshikaze-san's Oharu's smile; in "GRAND MIRAGE!", we saw how compatible the two were in their elegant and beautiful duet dance.

As the performances for the Takarazuka Revue 110th Anniversary were announced for next year, and when I thought that she would show us more dreams in this world from now on, she announced retirement.

The next day after the announcement on August 16 (Wed), she attended the retirement press conference in the Hankyu International Hotel.

Yuzuka-san became the Top Star in November 2019. Her Grand Theatre [Top Star] debut performance was delayed after 4 months and there were days that they had to adapt to the coronavirus. In these difficult circumstances, Yuzuka-san always wanted to deliver us those heart-fluttering times. She always has such a gentle gaze, and kindly approached our hearts.

In front of the golden panel in the press conference arena, what's placed in front of the table were white and Flower Troupe-coloured pink flowers signifying retirement.

Seeing Yuzuka-san appear at that moment, it was breathtaking to see her beauty! She came in with white pants, white suit, white inner shirt and had a great golden accessory [necklace] and white boots. It's a simple white pants and suit attire, but from the lines of her shoulders and chest and even the pocket, you can feel the delicate design and angle of this outfit. White outfits give a bright colour with a pretty cleansed feel to it, so doesn't everyone usually wear white a lot? But when Yuzuka-san wears white, you don't just see how beautiful Yuzuka-san is in white, but Yuzuka-san can also show how beautiful and sparkling the colour of white is✨

Yuzuka-san gives a calming smile that showcases such mild aura. Also, she has such a composed demanour that you almost can't feel too much weight from her presence.

Attending this press conference is Takarazuka Revue Chairman Takeshi Kiba and Yuzuka Rei-san. Chairman Takeshi began in the press conference by speaking about Yuzuka-san:

"Yuzuka had her debut performance in the 2009 Cosmos Troupe performance "Amour, it's something about..." as a 95th student and was assigned to Flower Troupe. She became the Flower Troupe Top Star in 2019. But after that, coronavirus occured, and her Grand Theatre [Top Star] debut performance "Haikara-san ga Tooru" was delayed for 4 months. Then later, amongst the difficult circumstances that performances suspended and there were even performances with no audience, she led the troupe as the Flower Troupe Top Star and fulfilled her important duty. From underclassmen times, she was acclaimed for her dance, and she delved deeper into the roles by singing and acting and showcased vibrant and intricate conviction in her performance on stage every time."

Yuzuka-san had been hearing what the chairman was saying, and nodding as she recalled the days of those difficult circumstances.

Then Yuzuka-san gave her warm words and began speaking:

"Everyone, I'm sincerely thankful that you are all assembled here despite the impact of the typhoon that may have caused great destructions. I am Yuzuka Rei of Flower Troupe of Takarazuka Revue. I'm truly grateful that everyone are gathered here in my retirement conference. Knowing that this time has come has felt once again real to me, that I am nervous. I am aware that there are things I may yet be able to deliver (due to my retirement), but I ask for your kind support from now on."

Yuzuka-san decided on retirement in February this year.

"I was raised well in the Revue, and I received love from so many people. Also since I've known only about Takarazuka Revue, and I am not only thankful, but also hope to stay that way [to know only about Takarazuka], yet I want to meet myself from the outer world that I haven't known, and that is how I decided on retirement."

It seemed like the thought occurred to her at an instance.

For everyone in Flower Troupe, she told them about the retirement the day before the closing performance in the Takarazuka Grand Theare performance of "Singing Lovebirds"/"GRAND MIRAGE!". And I could feel her love [to the members] from her words.

"From the expressions and gaze of every member of the Flower Troupe, their various views and thoughts reverberated and remained in my heart. I once again was so grateful that I was able to workw with these members. It was like having a one-on-one conversation when I announced that I would be graduating."

Yuzuka-san told her partner, Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka-san of her graduation in late March around a month after she thought of retirement.

"This was during the rehearsals for "A Battlefield for the Two of Us". After rehearsaing for my parts, I told Hoshikaze about my graduation. Hoshikaze said, "If Yuzuka-san is going to graduate, please let me graduate along with you." So we decided to graduate together."

During this conference, Yuzuka-san doesn't make it look like she's answering questions, but as if she wants to converse with everyone, and you could feel her sincerity that she wants to talk about how she feels. That she isn't thinking a lot beforehand, but she's speaking whatever is on her mind in her honest feelings and words. And you could feel how she cares for everyone that has attended this press conference! Even towards reporters that sit at the way back, Yuzuka-san would try to lean closer and meet with the eyes of the ones asking, and responding elegantly and kindly with her small replies of "yes, yes" to the questions asked. I also felt how she has this amazing strength and inclusive energy that doesn't make people nervous. In this press conference, Yuzuka-san is probably too kind and graceful, that it felt like I was invited to Yuzuka-san's house for an after tea [party] that I had the chance to talk to her.

When asked about memorable performances and roles, Yuzuka-san said, "it's difficult!" with a smile and thought, "Every performance and every role is full of memories that I worked diligently and worked through every rehearsal for it, that each role exist like duplicates of myself. It's really difficult...hm...." That "hm" from her was really adorable💕

"What should I do...really for every performance, I cherished every scene in every musical and show, that they feel like my duplicates, but if I should give my answer..."Haikara-san ga Tooru", "Years of Pilgrimage", and also um.... ah "Top Hat" too haha.....AH "Boys Over Flowers" too...yes.....it's so difficult....to give an answer. But these are all dearly important performances for me. Sorry about that (LOL)."

Yuzuka-san held the mic with both of her hands and thought of the performances while looking into the ceiling. The expression is totally kyun-!💘 Also her eyelashes are long! Even if she's frowning a bit, her appearance of holding the mic with her long and beautiful fingers is nice✨

And about turning points:

"There are so many moments that I'm grateful for, so there are many turning points. Even though I feel so....hm....em....yes....uh... (LOL) There's so many memories so this is going to take a while (LOL)."

Then she mentioned the turning points in 3 performances. "The first is the 2015 Taiwan performance. When thinking about how the audience was watching us on stage, I thought about how I should present myself to let the audience feel the same. When I stood on stage, the Taiwan performance was one that changed my perspective of the distance performers have with the audience. Before, I used to think that I must only do things correctly or do them more correctly, but as I stood on stage for the Taiwan performance, those feelings were really memorable that I thought more of how I should create the stage to make it enjoyable for the audience, and how I want the audience to watch it, how I could make the audience smile more, so I'd say the first turning point is the Taiwan performance. The second performance is the leading performance of "Boys Over Flowers" in 2019. Even though this is also a work that I originally like, this felt different because as a musical, it's not just how to breath freely on stage in the performance that it's not a fixed step-by-step performance, it's also a production about enjoying those interactions for every single day, and hoping to embody myself in the role on stage.

You can see the beauty in Yuzuka-san's description that even the words she chose are so pretty! Sometimes, she'd put her hands to her cheeks or chest and using her hand to express what she wanted.

"Then the third one is the 2020 Grand Theatre Top [Star] debut performance "Haikara-san ga Tooru". "Haikara-san ga Tooru" is my second time performing it and either of them is a very significant performance, but my position changed since this was my Top [Star] debut performance in 2020, and the coronavirus also changed many things. If I have to talk about "Haikara-san ga Tooru".... haha...it's going to take 2-3 hours I think (LOL). As a performance, this was one that united our Flower Troupe members together, and also I time that I learnt and felt a lot, thus being an important performance. The debut performance was delayed for 4 months. When the novel coronavirus happened, the world is also in a confusing situation to udnerstand, and it's a situation where it's difficult to determine what's right or not. For theatre, this was also the first time the entertainment industry has faced this in such worry."

The host wanted to continue with "The next question is from..." but suddenly! Yuzuka-san said with an apologetic face like she's about to cry, "Ah, sorry, er...Fascination, Fascination is also a turning point....."

"This is not good! When I talk about it, many different things come to my mind. Because I really learnt so many things and was taught so many things, and was supported by many people. It feels like we should go for lunch [to talk more] right now? (LOL)."

People began laughing and the venue was filled with everyone smiling and laughing.

For me, I raised my hand mentally and thought, Let's go for lunch, Let's go!! 🤩✋💗

"The Fascination!" is a performance that Flower Troupe members learnt a lot. This is the debut performance with Hoshikaze Madoka-san [as the new Top Combi] and an important performance that we embarked on a new step. Phew...this is actually a really difficult question... (LOL)."

Even though Yuzuka-san is calm when recalling these memories, it seems that it is filled with many memories. Yuzuka-san speaks of these memories vividly as if they happened yesterday. As all of these happenings accumulate, these help hone her skills and mentality.

What is the otokoyaku that Yuzuka-san wants to pursue from now on?

"The strongest thing I want to continue pursuing is the male and personality that the directors envisioned that I could be able to embody such role."

Since Yuzuka-san has always played as a man on stage, she has always emphasized various methods of making people's hearts flutter and how to interact with others, creating a framework without gaps and enhances the persuasion, conduct, perspective and feeling of the role. And depending on the change of occupation, era, and the relationship with her partner, she has focused greatly on how to convey the persuasion of the role's presence on stage.

When answering, as if reacting to the word "otokoyaku", her voice became lower as she spoke.

What are Yuzuka-san's memories for Flower Troupe, she who has not been transferred to any troupe but has been part of Flower Troupe for 14 years ever since she was assigned in May 2009?

"Because I know nothing apart from Flower Troupe, my feelings for Flower Troupe are fonder than anyone! Knowing that I could be a part of the Flower Troupe 100th anniversary performance, I hope that the audience and to those who have built on Flower Troupe till this time, that they would all feel proud of this troupe called Flower Troupe. There were many times that I feel proud of Flower Troupe traditions passed down for many generations, and also inheriting the character and style of Flower Troupe. It is a great treasure that I could stay in Flower Trope. So I feel even more determined not to bring disgrace upon being a Flower Troupe member."

Seeing how Yuzuka-san says this calmly, I can feel that she is someone honestly facing the situations she is in and the mission she is given with.

During the coronavirus, Yuzuka-san has seen different situations than before, so I asked this question. With all these performances and things you've seen, are there any especially memorable things that stayed with you?

"After all I think most about the audience's faces right now. Also, I think about their faces and their various smiling expressions too. In that space that I could almost feel their words from the appaluse, even from the masks that I could feel their thoughts penetrate my heart straight and directly towards me with their shining eyes, I am really thankful for the audience's bonds with us, and I love that more than anything as I recall it now and it makes my heart throb."

Yuzuka-san and other Takarasiennes stood on stage and gave us hope and dreams in difficult circumstances. If you want to meet with the Takarasiennes, you can support them by going to the theatre. I feel that that's how we could clearly convey our feelings and they could understand us as such. I am grateful for Yuzuka-san's words.

Is there anything Yuzuka-san would like to say to herself who just entered the revue? to which Yuzuka-san smiled cheekily.

"Hahaha...You are going to be meeting amazing people You are going to meet many wonderful people, they are going to teach you a lot. And you are going to live with love" she replied with a smile.

When asking Yuzuka-san what Takarazuka means to her:

"Now, [Takarazuka] is my everything, and it is my youth. All this time has passed, and I was really taught a lot of things..." she paused and the corners of her eyes drop. "I have slanted eyes, but when I think about it, the corners of my eyes naturally droop and my cheeks rise. I realise the irreplaceable, lovely, important I have spent here. And I feel that this wonderful time will remain with me forever."

Then comes the conventional question... whether she has any plans for marriage:

"You really want to hear about that, don't you? If you don't listen to me, it'll be bad luck~ (LOL)."

She touched her left ring finger...

"There's nothing here today and I can't return with an answer, but for a moment I thought about wearing a rubber band (LOL). But I don't have the courage to try that. So yes, of course now I'm available." she replied cutely with a smile.

After responding to the questions, it's the phototaking time.

Usually it's just 2 simple poses for standing up and waving your hands, but this time we have 4 poses!

Apart from the simple standing up and waving hands pose, a male reporter said, "You mentioned "Haikara-san ga Tooru" just now" and Yuzuka-san quickly responded with a salute! "Ah~ You mean this♪" to which the male reporter felt satisfied, "That's great!" And you could hear so much camera shutter sounds📸

I felt that this was a dream and also pressed the shutter with my trembling hands...!

As if saying "thank you!" with her eyes, the venue started laughing again 😆

Yuzuka-san also enjoyed the phototaking time. Yuzuka-san's too-amazing salute pose made us enter the "Haikara-san ga Tooru" world again✨ As if you can see a cool and cute Ijuuuin Shoui right in front of you😍

Then, another male reporter requested, "Could you do a Flower Troupe...?"

It's probably because Yuzuka-san doesn't make anyone nervous, that there were these fun requests!

Answering to the request, Yuzuka-san became serious and asked, "Do you mind if I unbutton my jacket a little to do that?"🥰

I was so moved to see a Flower Troupe pose in front of my eyes! We tend to focus on the hands for the Flower Troupe pose , but she starts posing from how she stands on her feet! We have an outstanding, cool Flower Troupe pose from Yuzuka-san😍 Attending to the requests with her gaze, Yuzuka-san also checked and adjusted the angle of her feet and body, and she also changed her gaze at times.

When requested to do a cool pose, Yuzuka-san said, "I don't know how to do a cool pose (LOL)". What is Yuzuka-san talking about! She already captivated so many hearts here💘💘💘

The reporters in the venue gave her a great round of applause and Yuzuka-san left the venue.

As Yuzuka-san left, I could see that everyone was smiling like the blooming flowers 😄 In a 30-minute press conference, I feel like everyone in the press was captivated by Yuzuka-san.

I asked to Yuzuka-san again, for she often expresses her gratitude to the fans when given the opportunity, to leave a message she wanted to deliver to all the fans.

So she gives this final message.

"My gratitude is greater than anything else you can imagine now. More than anything, everyone's words, your presence and your applause, and anything that I have received in that space [of the theatre]…This is truly pale in comparison when I put it to words. I hope I could repay my gratitude to everyone on the stage little by little, that I will cherish and treasure this time to do my best. Before the day of graduation, I want to convey to the audience that I will devote myself to Takarazuka."

Here is the upcoming schedule for Yuzuka Rei-san.

Yuzuka Rei Special Concert "BE SHINING!–Glamorous Time–"

November 28 (Tue) ~ December 3 (Sun) Showa Girls' University

December 10 (Sunday) ~ Decmeber 13 (Wed) Kobe International House Kokusai Hall

"Takarazuka Specials 2023 Open the Future ~ To the future~"

Decemer 21 (Thu) ~ December 22 (Fri) Umeda Main Harts Hall

The graduation performance is "Arc en Ciel ~The Rainbow over Paris~"

February 9, 2024 (Fri) ~ March 24, 2024 (Sun) Takarazuka Grand Theatre

April 13 (Sat) ~ May 25 (Sun) Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre

Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei will graduate from the Takarazuka Revue on May 26, 2024.

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Takarzuka Revue Flower Troupe "Arc en ciel" Closing Performance, Top Combi Yuzuka Rei and Hoshikaze Madoka performed a duet dance for the sayonara show

(Source from Kobe News NEXT)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei performed with her partner Hoshikaze Madoka on the closing performance of their graduation performance "Arc en ciel~The Rainbow Over Paris" on 24 March, saying goodbye to their many fans at the home base.

Yuzuka is from the 95th class as she debuted in the 2009 debut stage. She was assigned to Flower Troupe, and after being prominent in charm, she became the Top Star in 2019. She was popular for her glamorous stage presence, her technique and dance performance in revues.

Hoshikaze is from the 100th class as she debuted in the 2014 debut stage. After being the Top Musumeyaku since 2017, she later transferred to Senka and in 2021, she became the Top Combi with Yuzuka.

The sayonara show began with one of her representative performances "Haikara-san ga Tooru" singing "Taisho Romance Love Song", performing elegant duet dance from “TOP HAT” with Hoshikaze. Lastly, the Flower Troupe members all perform on stage and concludes the sayonara show.

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Cosmos Troupe TOP Makaze Suzuho graduates, she smiles and says “I’ve been fully concentrated in Takarazuka, I will start to take things slowly from tomorrow”.

(Source taken from Nikkan Sports, where you can find the original articles here and here)

Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe TOP Makaze Suzuho embraced the closing day performance (Senshuuraku) of “Casino Royale~My Name is Bond~” in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre on the 11th, graduating from the Takarazuka Revue after being here for 17 years. 

For her last time walking down the grand staircase, she chose to wear the black tails that carries an otokoyaku significance. She spoke in her speech, “The 8th Cosmos Troupe Top Star Makaze Suzuho finishes her mission today. Thank you so much for these 17 years!” In the same performance, her partner Jun Hana and others also graduated.

▼ Summary of her [graduation] speech

In this glamorous, beautiful stage; in this wonderful world of dreams, I have been in a time where I didn’t know fully what I could achieve, but in these days when I allowed my heart to roam free, I started to admire this world, to be guided by this world, to wander lost in this world, but also fall in love for this world and that was how I kept on walking forward.

I was still that immature person, and I don’t like meaningless things. I have the personality and tendency to even doubt logic and because of that I may have caused trouble to many. I could not be here alone, but it was from the one to ten to many people that guided me; it was because of the encounters with different people that I was able to grow and progress. This is something that I couldn’t embrace with just my hands – it was from this great love I received from everyone, that I was able to become greater and stronger. It is difficult for people to be completely compatible to each other, but we could work hard to understand and work well with each other. We could learn to trust each other. For those that have been trusting and supporting me, I am full of gratitude. The 8th Cosmos Troupe Top Star Makaze Suzuho finishes her mission today. Thank you so much for these 17 years!

She attended the press conference after finishing the performance and said, “Since I have been fully concentrated in living the fullest in Takarazuka, I will start to take things slowly tomorrow, and think one at a time and what I would be doing.”

She spoke of the reason she chose the black tails, “I was frustrated to think about that in the Takarazuka Grand Theare, but I thought since I’ve worn the hakama at that time, so I thought about wearing the black tails and walk down the staircase in Tokyo. This time it felt different from last time when I was wearing the hakama.”

As for Takarazuka Revue, she recalled that “it was a presence like a treasure, where I devoted my everything”. “No matter which performance it was, I have many memories of the scenery, the circumstances and the expressions from the audience. Any moment in time were all unforgettable memories.

Makaze entered the revue in 2006 and bestowed with a brilliant height of 175cm, she caught the audience’s attention during her lowerclassman days in Star Troupe. She transferred to Cosmos Troupe in May 2015, and became the TOP in November 2017. Speaking of “ultimate otokoyaku”, she has continued to pursue for this profoundly in her career.

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Jewels of Takarazuka – Makaze Suzuho-san [Cosmos Troupe] (from Fujingaho March Issue)

This series documents the "jewel-like" words of Takarazuka Top Stars, and knowing about their hints of living in the current age. This is a special version of Makaze Suzuho of Cosmos Troupe who will be graduating in June and we will learn more about her as an otokoyaku, as a Top Star, and the optimum of her radiance. From early on, she has been sprinting on the stairway to become a Star no matter what, and she has a diligence to never be satisfied with herself. She is full on inclusivity, warmly embracing the atmosphere of the theatre. That Makaze-san ponders [the understanding of] "herself". We will also deliver photos of her otokoyaku charm.

The latest episode 1

When I choose my outfit, depending on the colour and theme of the current season, I would be aware of what I like to wear and what I want to wear. Including some of the small details in my daily life, and even as to my approach in choices, I would understand myself deeper and from those external [circumstances] I was able to [know myself] in this approach. There are definitely some painful and sorrowful things in life. In those times, when you know about your preferences, and what makes you happy, then that would be better.

The latest episode 2

I've had some foliage plants at home. Before I might talk only a little [about the plants], but now I have more time to be at home due to the pandemic, I realise how much the plants have grown! For the soil or for the wood, it's said that it's good to touch nature, but in fact when I take care of the plants, I once again felt the power of life. I tend to forget it, but taking a walk is also how I can feel nature, and I'd also cherish the time to inhale deeply.

On this day also, the theatre receives the great glow that Makaze-san radiates. It's not a sharp blinding glow, rather it's a great, embracing, [warmth] glow. You can also feel this greatness in a person called Makaze-san. Of course she was welcomed with [the fans'] attention since her underclassmen times in Star Troupe, but even when she's already appointed Top Star, she continues to say that "there are yet many goals that I have". She announced her graduation in June and we wanted to know if there had been any changes.

"Since I'm starting to see that graduation [is near], I continued to feel how there are things I could learn every day, so that felt good to me... I once again felt how Takarazuka is really a place where you could learn a lot"

In previous coverage, she used to say that she entered Takarazuka with an admiration like that of a monk going to a [retreat] study. This reveals the diligence of Makaze-san and an episode [story] touching on the humanity required of a Takarazuka star.

"I suppose (LOL). But that's exactly how it is. It's about the technique of a stage performer, but I feel that more than anything the "study" of a person is a continuous [process]. Our lives is about learning for the whole of our life, but I truly think that it's great I could devote myself to this place. I felt that being Top wasn't originally a goal of mine, but even after becoming Top Star, as a stage performer, every time we face a new performance, it doesn't change that we start everything from ground zero. Even looking back, when I recall my previous roles, it goes without saying that there are countless different types of performances I got to do and this was the environment where I was faced with various challenges."

From myself, the people that I act along with and the audience. There are numerous chemical reactions on stage.

From original manga works to Hollywood popular movies, Broadway musicals... From the moment she became Top Star, she had a lineup of multifaceted genres of works showcasing the wide range of Takarazuka.

"Speaking of the stage, it's where you could have countless number of chemical reactions happening every day. Even though this is obvious, the stage cannot be created by one alone. It's through how the actors put their souls [in the performance] and interact with each other that creates this essential flavour of the stage. And also combined with the chemical reactions of seeing different audience members every day, that it's almost like you can't see yourself from yesterday, because every performance became unique on its own. As I stayed longer with the revue and with the many experience I accumulated, I feel much more from these chemical reactions. There's an interesting relationship in looking at the complexity and difficulty of these chemical reactions."

In order not to embarrass myself tomorrow, I want to live well in the moment now

She has been a Top Star for over 5 years. What is Makaze-san's motivation in all this?

"It would be so cool if I have this sense of justice in myself, but specifically it's because there's no definite right answer in this world, in the end it's about what I think for myself, "In order not to embarrass myself tomorrow" I want to live well in the moment now. I hold respect and gratitude to the friends and sensei and staff members who made the performance [possible], and for the things I want to show to the audience in the performance, I always hope that it could become some kind of strength for someone. Because I've had that feeling towards many people, so I always cherish that thought in my heart."

It may be easily forgotten that staying true to oneself is very important to the people who are creating the stage performance together and making the stage performance appear true to the audience.

"If you're observing everything around you, you might become uncomfortable and if you push yourself too much then you might end up being stressed out. That's why, you should first stay true to yourself. If you don't this, you'd be scared and you won't be able to stand on stage. I was able to think this way because my friends have helped me with my insecurity and weaknesses. By staying true to myself, I was able to create better chemical reactions with different kinds of people.

The turning point in Takarazuka is definitely the Corona pandemic

Corona pandemic was an opportunity for her to think again.

"What's the turning point in my Takarazuka life? If you ask me that, it would definitely be the corona pandemic. In that time when the performances and rehearsals were suspended, it was a time where I could rediscover and reflect upon myself. Before [the corona pandemic], I've had some Top Star experience, but after experiencing this change, I believe that this change made me doubt myself than I ever would before. Because of this difficult time, the bonds with my friends, the connections with the many fans who have been supporting us, the love I have for Takarazuka became stronger, and it was a stronger emotion that as part of [Takarazuka], I wouldn't be embarrassed and would continue doing my best."

Even to the underclassmen, I want to support everyone of Cosmos Troupe who's working hard at any circumstance

After this difficult time, how is the Cosmos Troupe team now?

"There are more constraints in rehearsal and more things we have to be careful, but to show a better performance than ever, each of us tried to think of one or two ideas and tried to deliver it on. Despite that, everyone of Cosmos Troupe are really enthusiastic and reliable, that I want to support them all. The troupe and I, we're aiming forward like arrows and it would be great if we could present that complementary effect to everyone."

The graduation performance is James Bond. It's a role that I could do only at this time.

The last performance is playing 007 James Bond, whom everyone in the world knows about. "Like playing this kind of role that the whole world knows about...even to the end, this is a great challenge for me. The scale of Bond is unprecedented, that you can feel his gentleman aura (dandyism), his humour and his chill vibe... Even more I wonder what would be the approach of Koike (Shuuichirou)-sensei in these 3 hours. This is a challenging performance that could only be challenged with the experience I've accumulated. I, Makaze Suzuho, will soon reveal the Bond I'll be playing and would hope to discover and hone more of my performance."

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The new Flower Troupe opens! An interview with Yuzuka Rei-san on the highlights of the turbulent love story in the shoujo manga masterpiece "Haikara-san ga Tooru"

(Note: This was taken from Hankyu Tokk March 2020 edition)

In the autumn of 2017, the musical romance "Haikara-san ga Tooru" was performed in two venues in Osaka and Tokyo by Flower Troupe members led by Yuzuka Rei-san. This performance will begin on March 13 (note: due to covid suspensions, the opening day was delayed to July 17), restaged and upgraded as Yuzuka Rei-san and Hana Yuuki-san's debut performance as the Flower Troupe Top Combi. We talk with Yuzuka Rei-san on the highlights and details of her role.

How did you feel when you heard that it was going to be restaged?

When I heard it, I was shocked. Compared to the previous time, the scale of the theatre would be larger, and the stage setup would become more glamorous. Also, all Flower Troupe members will be performing so there will be more performers. Even if it's the same performance but with the environmental change, I couldn't get over the experience and momentum from the previous performance. This is also my first Takarazuka Grand Theatre performance as a Top [Star], so I also feel confused if I would be able to be adjusted to this change.

It's an advantage that I already know the flow of the performance. Above that, I'm thinking more of how to hone the role, how to increase the presence on stage and how not to betray the trust of the audiences who have seen the performance [before].

You're once again playing the second lieutenant Ijuuin Shinobu, have your impression on this role changed?

Previously, I would think that he has an image of someone coming out of the shoujo manga, an admirable prince highness that every woman would dream of. After 2 years and a half, I did realise something new when I have to approach this role again. As Koyanagi-sensei responsible for the script and direction said, even though Ijuuin Shinobu is handsome and a gentle person, he's a man lacking judgment and decision-making power (LOL). That's what makes him more human-like and you can see his charms also in his shortcomings and his immaturity of life.

There's no great change in the storyline, but when I was rehearsing, I would change how I've been acting [the role], and I would have a different interpretation when I act. I've also changed in these 2 years and a half of the time, while connecting to the important lessons I've learnt in this time, I hope to continue delving deep into the role.

You've now become the Top [Star], could you tell us what you imagine the Top Combi to look like with your partner Hana Yuuki-san?

The greatest change I've felt was "how people have been seeing us". Even in rehearsal classrooms, I know that people have been watching me, observing me and trying to understand how I'm feeling. So in the stance that I'm being seen, I would think about the impact of my behaviour in my words and actions.

Also, with my partner Hana Yuuki, compared to the relationship between Takarazuka Revue's otokoyaku and musumeyaku, I want to treasure the ambience of the relationship that only Hana Yuuki and I can create. As a colleague also in the performing arts industry and as a stage performer, I hope that she could still solidly be herself, but that our relationship [as a combi] for the two of us would not lose sight to others, and we could also aim high together.

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Takarazuka Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei Retirement Press Conference – "Want to meet a new self" – Her answer to the generic marriage question is...

(Source from Sponichi)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top [Star] Yuzuka Rei will retire next May and had her retirement press conference in Osaka city on 16th [of August].

In a pure white suit and pants, she said with a smile "Knowing that this time has come has felt once again real to me, that I am nervous." She recalled, "Takarazuka is my youth. To me, this is where I have spent my time fruitfully.

Her intention of graduation came in February. "I am filled with memories of Takarazuka that I thought 'now is the time I retire'. I want to meet myself from the outer world that I haven't known about yet." Also retiring is the Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka who also expressed [retirement] a month later when the two talked, which [Hoshikaze] said "Please let me [retire] along with you". She told the troupe members the day after the performance on the 12th, a day before the 13th which is the Senshuuraku day of the Takarazuka Grand Theatre performance "Singing Lovebirds" "GRAND MIRAGE!"

When asked about her memorable performances, "All of them, they exist like duplicates of myself, so it is difficult to choose just one." But when asked about memorable sights, she immediately answered, "The smiles of the audience appear in my mind". "Even wearing a mask, I could see their sparkling eyes, so I love the connections with the audience. Now that I think of it, those are great. Whatever the time, I am grateful for the time we should share with the audience and that they are supporting us warmtly.

Yuzuka is born in Tokyo. She was assigned to Flower Troupe after having her debut stage in 2009, and captured the attention of the audience from her gorgeous stage poise and dancing. Embarking on the stable star-tracked path, she became the Top Star in November 2019. But due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that her Top debut performance "Haikara-san ga Tooru" was delayed 4 months later and her Top [Star] career was also affected by the coronavirus a lot. "Corona was when the world drastically changed. Those who support me are the audiences' words, the staff members...these people's sentiments", she spoke. As for the general question of “marriage”, she replied, “I would have worn a rubber band on my left ring finger, but I don’t have the courage (LOL). Of course, I’m available”, she replied cheekily with a smile.

Her [last] Sayonara performance [in Takarazuka] will be the musical "Arc en Ciel ~The Rainbow over Paris~" starting on February 9 2024 in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre. The Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre will be May 26. Later Hoshikaze will also have a press conference at the Takarazuka Revue for her retirement announcement.

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Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei "If I could see such happy scenery in the place I've arrived in, I have no regrets in remain" graduation performance

(Source from Nikkan Sports)

Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei and Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka performed the closing performance of their graduation performance "Arc en ciel~The Rainbow Over Paris" on 24 March, saying goodbye at the home base. The sayonara show began with one of her representative performances "Haikara-san ga Tooru" and appeared in the military uniform. In the ceremony at the end, she came down from the grand staircase in black tails, and said "If I could see such happy scenery in the place I've arrived in, I have no regrets in remain. I will never forget this wonderful scenery in my life!"

At the retirment conference, she was asked why she wore the black tails, "This is the formal costume for otokoyaku, and I love the black tails without any particular ornament more than any kind of costume". Upon entering the revue for 15 years, when bidding goodbye to the Takarazuka Theatre, she said, "It is a place where I devoted all of my youth, an important place where “Yuzuka Rei” was created."

Yuzuka and others will graduate from the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre after the closing performance on May 26.

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【Takarazuka】 Flower Troupe Top [Star] Yuzuka Rei Retirement Press Conference "I want to meet myself from the outer world that I haven't know about yet"

(Source taken from Nikkan Sports)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top [Star] Yuzuka Rei had her retirement press conference in Osaka city on 16th [of August]. Together with Takeyuki Kiba, the chairman of the theatre company, she appeared in front of a gold folding screen and talked about her thoughts on leaving the revue.

In a pure white suit, inner white shirt and wearing a gold accessory on her chest reflecting light, she expressed concern, "Due to the typhoon, there have been great damages in some places, thank you for being assembled here in my retirement (press conference)."

She continued, "Knowing that this time has come has felt once again real to me, that I am nervous."

Her intention of graduation came in February as she told the revue. The reason was "I was raised well in the Revue, and I received love from so many people, and since I've only known about Takarazuka Revue, and I am only thankful, and I also hope to stay that way [to know only about Takarazuka], but I want to meet myself from the outer world that I haven't known about yet."

Whatever the type of production it was made no difference: "(Because of the coronavirus), on multitudes, I am filled with much love and gratitude (to Takarazuka and to the fans)", emphasizing her love for Takarazuka."

She told the troupe members the day after the performance on the 12th, a day before the 13th which is the Senshuuraku day of the Takarazuka Grand Theatre performance "Singing Lovebirds" "GRAND MIRAGE!"

When asked about memorable performances, “Which should I choose…time passed by like that. These roles are like my duplicates…” and was thinking a lot into it. She replied with 2 times of starring “Haikara-san”, “Years of Pilgrimage” where she played Liszt, “Boys Over Flowers” then also adding “Ah TOP HAT too! Gosh, I said too many… (LOL)”

The turning point for her was 2015 Taiwan performance where she played Oscar and others, and when asked if she wants to restage these, there were so many names that, “I couldn’t eliminate and choose from all. (Since it’s going to take time) Why don’t we go eat first?” and laughed it off.

Yuzuka entered the revue in 2009 as a 95th class student. She played Oscar in the 2015 Taiwan performance, and had her first external performance [outside Takarazuka theatres] for "Haikara-san ga Tooru". She also starred in "Boys Over Flowers" in Tokyo in 2019. The same year in November, she was the successor of Asumi Rio and became the Flower Troupe Top [Star]. As a member of Flower Troupe, she shaped an otokoyaku figure that is so full of the Takarazuka aesthetic, growing and improving with her outstanding sharpness in her dancing.

Her [last] Sayonara performance [in Takarazuka] will be ""Arc en Ciel ~The Rainbow over Paris~", an original production written by Koike Shuuichirou. She will play a dancer role that protects the Parisian revue and defends against the Nazist German invasions. The same performance will have the Senshuuraku day on May 26 in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, where her partner [Top] Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka will be retiring together.

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Minami Maito "ME AND MY GIRL" Opening and Closing performance speech

Shonichi (Opening performance)

Everyone, thank you very much for coming to the opening performance of Star Troupe "ME AND MY GIRL". I am Minami Maito of Senka troupe of Takarazuka Revue.

The world of "ME AND MY GIRL" is a happy production illustrated by different kinds of love. We hope that the audience could enjoy "ME AND MY GIRL" dearly created by 40 members, including [the director] Miki (Akio)-sensei, the staff members, our star troupe members and myself. And for you to be happy, we will cherish every time, and devote our hearts into this.

Working with everyone today, and supporting each other, we'll be all together in this, so please look forward to us before the closing performance comes. Thank you so much today."

Senshuuraku (Closing performance)

Everyone, thank you very much for coming to the closing performance of Star Troupe "ME AND MY GIRL". I am Minami Maito of Senka troupe of Takarazuka Revue.

First of all, I'm very happy that we could finish the closing performance safely, that with everyone’s love and support we could finish the performances, and the days I've been spending with this company of performers and with everyone is firmly imprinted in my heart.

In the past days, many people have come to the theatre to watch us, to guide us, to give us warm rounds of applause and to laugh a lot. and the audience has loved and created this performance together with us until today, so I am sincerely grateful for that.

I will remember all that I have learnt in “ME AND MY GIRL” and devote all of my body and soul to continue delivering the love, joy and happiness to those who love Takarazuka Revue. So I ask for your support in the future as well.

I'm truly delighted to perform in Hakataza, to meet with everyone in this space and spend the ever lovely time. Thank you so much.

Akatsuki Chisei (Ari) Closing performance speech (excerpt)

Ari: And this time, I performed with Minami-san. You're always so kind, considering things around you. You're so kind a person and there’s too many things you helped me with and I learnt from. Thank you.

Maiti: Thank you too.

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Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top [Star] Yuzuka Rei Retirement Press Conference "I want to be an otokoyaku you could be convinced with before I graduate"

(Source from Daily Co)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top [Star] Yuzuka Rei will retire next May and had her retirement press conference in Osaka city on 16th [of August].

Yuzuka appeared in all-white attire, with a pure white suit and white boots. She expressed concern, starting at first "Due to the typhoon, there have been great damages in some places, thank you for being assembled here in my retirement (press conference)."

Her intention of graduation came in February as she told the revue. The reason was "I was raised well in the Revue, and I received love from so many people, and since I've only known about Takarazuka Revue, and I am only thankful, and I also hope to stay that way [to know only about Takarazuka], but I want to meet myself from the outer world that I haven't known about yet."

Her partner Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka also expressed [retirement] in March. She immediately replied that "If Yuzuka-san is not performing [in Takarazuka] anymore, please let me [retire] along with you," and therefore both will retire together.

Ever since entering the revue, she was raised in Flower Troupe. "I know nothing apart from Flower Troupe, so I have fond memories of Flower Troupe" and shows pride as a "Hanaotoko". She vowed that "Takarazuka is my everything. I felt that it was my youth. I will devote all of myself to Takarazuka before the graduation day."

Regarding after retirement, she said, "Now I am still in love with Takarazuka, so I don't have one in particular". On the other hand, "These 9 months before my graduation will be my most important and treasured time. Even though I don't know what waits for me after that, I want to continue being the otokoyaku Yuzuka Rei that is convincing" and expressed dedicating her everything to be such an otokoyaku.

As for the general question of “marriage”, she replied, “I would have worn a rubber band on my left ring finger, but I don’t have the courage (LOL). Of course, I’m available”, she replied cheekily with a smile.

Her graduation performance is "Arc en Ciel ~The Rainbow over Paris~" (Takarazuka Grand Theatre February 9 ~ March 24 2024; Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre April 13 ~ May 26)

[yuzukahibiscus]

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei approaches her last stage: "(I want to) deliver an energetic stage"

(Source from Sanspo)

Flower Troupe Top Star Yuzuka Rei and Top Musumeyaku Hoshikaze Madoka will be graduating from Takarazuka Revue on May 26, and they finished the open stage rehearsals of the musical "Arc en ciel~ The Rainbow Over Paris" (April 14-May 26) on the 13th in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre.

The two will be graduating from the revue after the Tokyo closing performance. Upon finishing the performances in the homebase Hyogo Takarazuka Grand Theatre, Yuzuka said with deterimination, "I will do my very best to deliver a stage that the audience will be happy with". Hoshikaze also promised and said, "I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart. I will stay well and remember such emotions to the end."

The performance takes place in Paris under Nazi German occupation, and the story conveys how the French protagonist Marcel (Yuzuka) protects the revue lights aflame.

The musical is full of dance scenes, and Yuzuka smiled in satisfaction, "I'm glad to show the many types of dance numbers to our audience. I'm also happy to take on this role to the end." For the Tokyo performances, she said, "We finished the open stage rehearsals with the mindset of creating a better performance. I want to deliver even a tiny bit of energy to the audience in this energetic stage, and I'm approaching this performance from the start again."

[yuzukahibiscus]

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Combi Yuzuka Rei and Hoshikaze Madoka's sayonara performance opens soon: "We want this to be a performance that could give everyone energy"

(Source from Daily Co)

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe Top Combi Yuzuka Rei and Hoshikaze Madoka will be graduating from Takarazuka in the sayonara performance "Arc en ciel~ The Rainbow Over Paris" and they had their open stage rehearsal yesterday on 13th in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre. Yuzuka and Hoshikaze also spoke about their feelings in the closeup interview before the opening day.

Yuzuka plays the star dancer Marcel, who said that she is satisfied because "Marcel is someone who grew from dancing, and that slightly overlaps with me. I'm very happy to take on this role in the last performance". On another hand, Hoshikaze smiled and said, "I can feel the love from the sensei who created the scene of me holding hands (with Yuzuka) and walking together. I will cherish this time and want to perform even better."