#miya ayase

[berserkerbarbie]

TAKARAZUKA -2018- Let's Make

[makotoscoffee]

The original trailer for GrePre Stage was taken down, luckily I had it on my laptop.

[furykept]

another set of tags, haikyuu & enstars

[zukadiary]

Hi! I just recently stumbled into Takarazuka and I'm in love with it! The costumes and set designs are so beautiful and the actresses are so talented! I was wondering is there any social media from the staff or troupes I can follow? Or does anyone have playlists for Moon Troupe singing or getting interviewed? My mom got into it with me and she adores Tsukishiro Kanato :3

Hello! Apologies for the long delay in answering. Here is the official social media that I know of off the top of my head/have time to wrangle at the moment. It is definitely not comprehensive, but hopefully people can comment on this post and we can crowdsource!

Company:

Instagram

Quatre Reves Twitter

Takarazuka Live Next

Staff:

KAORIalive (choreography)

Kento Mori (choreographer)

Mitsui Satoshi (choreographer)

Nishino Jun (conductor)

SHUN (choreographer)

Retired actresses (waaaaaay too many to list them all but here is at least a handful of top stars/more popular actresses who have retired in the last 4ish years, the algorithm should start kicking in from there):

Aizuki Hikaru

Asumi Rio

Ayanagi Shou

Hana Yuuki

Jun Hana

Kisaki Airi

Kurenai Yuzuru

Maaya Kiho

Manaki Reika

Miya Rurika

Nanami Hiroki

Nozomi Fuuto

Senna Ayase

Tamaki Ryo

Unfortunately the company is really strict with social media and internet-posted videos for current actresses. Sometimes you can find episodes of of the SkyStage interview show Cafe Break on youtube, but they are always appearing and disappearing.

[atsullia]

⠀🌺⠀ׄ⠀. ─── 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐀/𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐆𝐄

I use any pronouns ⋆ minor ⋆ asian

🎸My interests

⋆ Dating sim: Obey me!(I ragequitted), Arcana twilight, and dangerous fellows.

⋆ Other games: Ensemble stars!! ⋆ Genshin Impact(I stopped playing it) ⋆

⋆ Animes: Haikyuu, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K, Sk8 the infinity, Ensemble stars!!, and blue lock.

🥁favourite characters:

⋆ Dating sim: Satan(Obey me!), Pollux and Vega(AT), Harry and Eugene(DF).

⋆ Anime and game: Aira Shiratori, Kohaku Oukawa, and Mayoi Ayase(ES!!), Oikawa Tooru, and Yamaguchi Tadashi(Haikyuu), Shun Kaido(Saiki K.), Reki Kyan and Miya Chinen(SK8), Reo Mikage(BlLk)

💽additional info:

This blog used to be known as aikobi or susujahe. I used to upload haikyuu fanfics, mostly haikyuu x male reader.

I don't watch that many animes- I try to but got too lazy. Uhh, and I like reading GL(girl's love)- usually mangas like the guy she was interested in wasn't a guy at all.

My hobby is baking(which I am average at), and I guess writing too. Idk what else to put here uhhh..

[wholesomeyuri]

✧･ﾟ: *✧ Miya x Risa ✧ *:･ﾟ✧

♡  Characters ♡ : Miya Ayase ♥ Risa Azumi

♢  Visual Novel ♢ :  Sono Hanabira ni Kuchizuke o - Michael no Otome-tachi

☆ Source ☆ : pixiv

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡ Art by yangtuo +..｡*ﾟ+

♥*♡+:｡.｡ check out r/wholesomeyuri for more wholesome yuri goodness ~ ｡.｡:+♡*♥

[leenaevilin]

[Announcement] 音楽劇「GREAT PRETENDER グレートプリテンダー」(ongakugeko great pretender)

the show will be running from July 4th, 2021 to July 25th, 2021 (Tokyo) @ 東京建物Brillia HALL (Tokyo Tatemono Brilli Hall) & August 4th, 2021 to August 8th, 2021 (Osaka) @ オリックス劇場 (Orix Theater)

Cast:

Miyata Toshiya as Edamura Makoto [Edamame] (枝村真人 [エダマメ]) Miya Rurika as Laurent Thierry (ローラン・ティエリー) Katou Ryou as Kitaooji (北大路) Yamamoto Chihiro as Abigail Jones  [Abi] (アビゲイル・ジョーンズ [アビー]) Senna Ayase as Paula Dickens (ポーラ・ディキンス) Fukumoto Shinichi as Kudou (工藤) Hirata Atsuko as Kim Si Won (キム・シウォン) Mikami Ichirou as Salazar (サラザール) Ootani Ryousuke as Eddie Cassano (エディ・カッサーノ)

homepage twitter natalie

[bulanpagi]

since i've liked kpop for a long time, i got curious about whether are there japanese fans who like both tkz and kpop. so i did some browsing on twitter and found interesting tweets! 😆 this post is particularly about siennes/OGs and kpop idols who look similar from japanese fans' opinion.

Hanagumi's OG Top Musumeyaku, Ayase Senna & Blackpink's Rosé (Park Chaeyoung)

ooh i do agree with this one. they're both beautiful and have amazing vocals and dance moves. ayase senna and rose can speak english fluently too.

Soragumi's OG Top Otokoyaku, Ouki Kaname & Seventeen's The8 (Xu Minghao)

wah definitely!! soft voice offstage, alluring stage presence, graceful yet sharp movements!

Yukigumi's Otokoyaku Asami Jun & Seventeen's Jun (Wen Junhui)

op said aasa looks like mix of jun and nakayama yuma!

next one.. omg when i told you i cackled

Yukigumi's OG Otokoyaku, Ayanagi Shou & NCT's Yuta & Jaemin

honestly i don't see the similarity in shou and other nct boys but it would be amusing to see my fav otokoyaku assigned as nct's 25th member LOL

i might update the list if i see more :D

[eternalyjun]

Takarazuka Revue 2018

[makotoscoffee]

More photos from Great Pretender Stage | Source

[cleaetpauline60]

These are all of my Heroine Otome Game posts. If he misses a heroine please let me know in PM. ;) Thanks ! List #2 here : https://cleaetpauline60.tumblr.com/post/692736430000291840/these-are-all-of-my-heroine-otome-game-posts-if

A-

Abe Kaguya [ Furue Yurayura to ]

Aigasaki Kohana [ Magic Kyun! Renaissance ]

Aika [ RE:VICE[D] ]

Aikawa Chihiro [ Clover Toshokan no Juunin-tachi ]

Aileen Olazabal [ Arabians Lost ]

Airei [ Souten no Kanata ]

Airi [ Kami-sama to Koigokoro ]

Airi [ Shiro to Kuro no Alice ]

Airis Riedel [ Lost Alice ]

Aizaki Koi [ Himehibi -Princess Days- ]

Akagami Mashiro [ Kyoukai no Shirayuki ]

Akane Rin [ Ayakashi Gohan ]

Akazawa Karen [ Mashou Megane ]

Aki Miyazu [ Kanuchi ]

Akino Minori [ Step -Futari no Kankei wa Ippo Zutsu- ]

Akitsu Shino [ Dairoku: Ayakashimori ]

Alice [ Ikemen Kakumei ]

Alice Liddell [ Heart no Kuni no Alice ]

Alicia Hildegarde [ Mahoutsukai to Goshujin-sama ]

Amahashi Miku [ Garnet Cradle ]

Amamine Mika [ DesperaDrops ]

Amane Aika [ I DOLL U ]

Amano Hina [ Blackish House ]

Amano Nanao [ Harukanaru Toki no Naka De 7 ]

Amasawa Akari [ Sympathy Kiss ]

Amelia [ Death Connection ]

Anastasia Lynzel [ even if TEMPEST ]

Andou Serika [ Last Escort 2 ]

Anesaki Nozomi [ Watashi no Real wa Juujitsu Shisugiteiru ]

Ange [ Angelique Etoile ]

Ange [ Angelique Luminarise ]

Angelique Collete [ Angelique Special 2 ]

Angelique [ Angelique Retour ]

Angelique [ Neo Angelique ]

Ani Inaco [ Dame x Prince ]

Anna Hiiragi [ Lucian Bee’s ]

Anzaki Kaoru [ Tsumikui ]

Applause E Randolph [ Mistonia no Kibou ]

Aqua [ Fantastic Fortune 2 ]

Arashiyama Mari [ Storm Lover 2nd ]

Aria [ Ephemeral -Miniature Garden- ]

Aria Austin [ Vinculum Hearts ]

Arisu Yurika [ Taishou x Alice ]

Aru [ Princess Arthur ]

Asagi Akira [ Scared Rider Xechs ]

Asagi Haru [ Hanayaka Nari, Waga Ichizoku ]

Asagiri Kanna [ Hanaoni ]

Asahina Yui [ Kiniro no Corda Starlight Orchestra ]

Ashe [ Under the Moon ]

Ashihara Chihiro [ Harukanaru Toki no Naka De 4 ]

Aspashia [ Desert Kingdom ]

Atano Rio [ Dynamic Chord ]

Awaki Kotone [ Gensou Kissa Enchanté ]

Ayase Yuki [ Sachi no Tenbin ]

Ayashi no Miya [ Ayashi no Miya ]

Ayazuki Mei [ Meiji Tokyo Renka ]

Azumi Ritsu [ Tengai ni Mau, Iki na Hana ]

B-

—————————————————————–

C-

Canna [ Arcana Famiglia Collezione! Piccola Amore ]

Cardia Beckford [ Code: Realize ]

Catarina Claes [ Otome Game no Hametsu Flag ]

Cecilia Falias Temirana [ Temirana Koku no Tsuiteru Hime to Tsuitenai Kishi Dan ]

Ceres [ Shuuen no Virche ]

Charlotte [ Zettai Meikyuu Himitsu no Oyayubi-hime ]

Chihiro [ Tokyo Yamanote Boys ]

Chikage [ Genji Koi Emaki ]

Chloe Sheffield [ Princess Britania ]

Chloe [ EPHEMERAL ]

Chocolat Meilleure [ Sugar Sugar Rune: Koi mo Oshare mo Pick-Up! ]

Christina Ranzaad [ The Second Reproduction ]

Christine Daaé [ PersonA ~Opera Za no Kaijin~ ]

Claire Eithéa [ Orfleurs ]

Cocoro [ Re: BIRTHDAY SONG ]

Collete [ Riddle Garden ]

Cyrus Tistella [ Steam Prison ]

D-

D'Artagnan [ Musketeer: Le Sang des Chevaliers ]

Daisy [ Tokimeki Memorial Girl’s Side 2nd Kiss ]

Diana el Circled [ Fantastic Fortune ]

E-

Eleanor Vert [ Ai no Uta ]

Elise Scarlet [ 0 Ji no Kane to Cinderella ]

Emily [ Eikoku Tantei Mysteria ]

Emma [ Genso Manège ]

Emma [ Ikemen Ouji ]

Enma Rin [ Tengoku Struggle ]

Eri [ Nameless ~Dangsin-i Gieoghaeya Hal Dan Hangajiui Geos~ ]

Erica Fleur [ Mother Goose no Himitsu no Yakata ]

Erika Arenia [ Kazeiro Surf ]

Erika Klause [ Tanbi Musou Meine Liebe ]

Eve [ Clepsydra ]

Eve [ Yuukyuu no Tierblade ]

Eve [ Yuukyuu no Tierblade ]

Éloïse [ Moonlight Lovers ]

F-

Felicità [ Arcana Famiglia ]

Fiona Galland [ Black Wolves Saga ]

Fraulein Gilbell [ Meine Liebe II ~Hokori to Seigi to Ai~ ]

Fujieda Neri [ Zettai Kaikyuu Gakuen ]

Fujii Kanako [ Torikago no Marriage ]

Fujimori Saya [ Hiiro no Kakera - Shin Tamayorihime Denshou ]

Fujioka Haruhi [ Ouran Koukou Host Club ]

Fujisaki Futaba [ Fortissimo ]

Fujishima Nanako [ Shinobazu Seven ]

Fujishiro Mao [ Cafe Cuillere ]

Fujiwara Mei [ Fantastic Fortune ]

Fujiwara Miki [ Tsuki no Hikari, Taiyou no Kage ]

Fuka [ Ozmafia!! ]

Futaba Chitose [ Seishun Hajimemashita ]

Futami Nina [ Dynamic Chord ]

Fuyuura Megumi [ Getsuei no Kusari ]

G-

Genjou [ S.Y.K  ]

Gerda [ Snow Bound Land ]

Gojou Saki [ Sakuragatari ]

H-

Hairi Lalique [ Cendrillon palikA ]

Hanamaki Ichiko [ 7′scarlet ]

Hanamiya Kazuha [ Period Cube ]

Hanasaka Airi [ Star's Lover "ReaKoi" Datte, Ii Janai! ]

Hanna Ellington [ Will o’ Wisp ]

Haruno Sayuri [ Bonjour♪ Koiaji Pâtisserie ]

Hasekura Akane [ Hoshi no Furu Toki ]

Hasumi Yuki [ Harukanaru Toki no Naka De 5 ]

Hatanaka Tomoe [ Money Parasite ]

Hayama Haruho [ Photograph Journey ]

Hayama Tsubasa [ Kaleido-Eve ]

Henrietta Grimm [ Zettai Meikyuu Grimm ]

Heroine [ Amnesia ]

Heroine [ Doubt ~Usotsuki Otoko wa Dare?~ ]

Heroine [ Guang Yu Ye Zhi Lian ]

Heroine [ Ikemen Genjiden ]

Heroine [ Lian Yu Shen Kong ]

Heroine [ Mystic Messenger ]

Heroine [ RearPheles ]

Heroine [ Ren'ai Banchou 2 ]

Heroine [ Ren'ai Banchou! ]

Hidetomi Misawo [ Gyakuten Yoshiwara ]

Hiiragi Fuuka [ Kami-sama Nante Yondenai! ]

Hiiragi Miu [ Dynamic Chord ]

Hiiragi Noriko [ KoiGIG ]

Hijiri Futaba [ Bloody Call ]

Himeko [ Kannou Mukashibanashi ]

Himemiya Nagisa [ Royals ~Itoshi no Ouji-sama~ ]

Himeno Kyouko [ Glass Heart Princess ]

Himeoka Kokoro [ Miss Princess Miss Pri! ]

Hinagiku [ Utakata no Uchronia ]

Hinamori Amu [ Shugo Chara! Mittsu no Tamago to Koisuru Joker ]

Hinata Ema [ Brothers Conflict ]

Hino Kahoko [ Kin'iro no Corda ]

Hinohira Aoi [ Fantastic Fortune 2 ]

Hinokami Chie [ Hitofuta Kitan ]

Horikita Yuki [ Harajuku Tantei Gakuen Steel Wood ]

Hoshino Ichika [ Collar x Malice ]

Hotaru [ Geten no Hana ]

I-

Ichi [ Hana Oboro ]

Ichigo [ Koroshiya to Strawberry ]

Ichijou Shiori [ School Wars ]

Ichikawa Tsuyuha [ Shiratsuyu no Kai ]

Igarashi Yuna [ Storm Lover ]

Ilza [ Yoiyo Mori no Hime ]

Inafune Saki [ Bakudan★Handan ]

Inori [ Side Kicks! ]

Inuzuka Shino [ Satomi Hakkenden ]

Iori Saya [ Asaki, Yumemishi ]

Isshiki Misa [ 9 R.I.P. ]

Ira [ Evergreen Avenue ]

Iris [ Eternal Wish ]

Itou Aki [ Panic Palette ]

Itou Ayako [ Diary ]

Izumi Shio [ Walpurgis no Uta ]

Izumo [ Hyakka Yakou ]

J-

Jed [ Haitaka no Psychedelica ]

Julia [ Moujuu-tachi to Ohime-sama ]

Juliet Capulet [ Romeo vs Juliet ]

K-

Kagurazaka Kaname [ Houkago wa Gin no Shirabe ]

Kaguya [ Jooubachi no Oubou ]

Kamikawa Nanami [ Himehibi -New Princess Days- ]

Kamiki Sakuya [ Kaminaru Kimi to ]

Kan'u [ Jyuzaengi ]

Kanna Isora [ Pandora ~Kimi no Namae o Boku wa Shiru~ ]

Kanno Hotori [ Un: BIRTHDAY SONG ]

Kanome Chisato [ Byakko Tai ]

Kanzaki Asuna [ Rakuen Danshi ~Dare mo Shiranai Mou Hitotsu no Rakuen~ ]

Kanzaki Hina [ Butterfly Lip ]

Kanzaki Mei [ Petit Four ]

Kashino Zakuro [ Sweet Clown ]

Kashiwagi Kira [ Mizu no Senritsu 2 ]

Kasuga Nozomi [ Harukanaru Toki no Naka De 3 ]

Kasuga Tamaki [ Hiiro no Kakera ]

Katagiri Kaede [ Shinobi, Koi Utsutsu ]

Katagiri Kanade [ Kuro to Kin no Akanai Kagi ]

Kataoka Yue [ Marginal #4 ]

Katsuki Sayu [ Enkan no Memoria ]

Kawai Marika [ Ohime-sama datte XXX Shitai!! ]

Kawana Hina [ Bad Medicine ]

Kayana Takamahara [ Kanuchi ]

Kayano Yuuna [ Arcobaleno! ]

Kayo [ Ken ga Kimi ]

Keika [ Kimi ga Tame, Koishi Midareshi Tsuki no Hana ]

Kidou Saya [ Sengoku Himeuta ]

Kim Heejung [ Dandelion ~Neoege Buneun Baram~ ]

Kinami Mizuki [ Kannagi no Mori ]

Kinoshita Tomoe [ Sangoku Rensenki Sakigake ]

Kirishima Kozue [ Urakata Hakuouki ]

Kirishita Konoha [ Dynamic Chord ]

Kisakino Emi [ Himehibi Another Princess Days ]

Kitamori Manami [ Vitamin Z ]

Kiyoha [ Gyakuten Yoshiwara ~Ougiya Hen~ ]

Kobayashi Mariko [ Fushigi Yuugi Genbu Kaiden Gaiden: Kagami no Miko ]

Koharu [ NORN9 ]

Kohinata Kanade [ Kin'iro no Corda 3 ]

Koihana Sora [ Koi no Hanasaku Hyakkaen ]

Koizumi Akane [ Gakuen Club ]

Koizumi Saki [ Jingi Naki Otome ]

Kojou Shio [ D.C. Girl’s Symphony ]

Kokura An [ Otome Ken Musashi ]

Komori Yui [ Diabolik Lovers ]

Konohana Saya [ Gakuen K ]

Kouda Saya [ Custom Drive ]

Kousaka Amane [ Teikoku Kaleido ]

Kozuki Erena [ Chouchou Jiken Rhapsodic ]

Kuga Mikoto [ NORN9 ]

Kurihara Misako [ Purelover Flavor ]

Kuromon Sumi [ Shinigami Kagyou ]

Kuronuma Sawako [ Kimi ni Todoke ~Sodateru Omoi~ ]

Kurou Nadeshiko [ Clock Zero ]

Kurumi Haruka [ Moshi, Kono Sekai ni Kami-sama ga Iru to suru Naraba ]

Kusanagi Yui [ Kamigami no Asobi ]

Kuze Tsugumi [ Nil Admirari no Tenbin ]

L-

Lapis Idocrase [ Majestic☆Majolical ]

Latchia Fielitz [ Tokeijikake no Apocalypse ]

Lied [ Heiligenstadt no Uta ]

Liese [ Bara ni Kakusareshi Verite ]

Liliana Adornato [ Piofiore no Banshou ]

Lilith [ Beyond The Future ]

Lily [ Solomon’s Ring ]

Lisa Bernet [ Grimm the Bounty Hunter ]

Little Dracula [ Princess Nightmare ]

Liv Tresor [ Kuroyuki Hime ~Snow Black~ ]

Lucette Riella Britton [ Cinderella Phenomenon ]

Lucia Sol [ Chronostacia ]

Luciel Evlis [ Black Code ]

Lulu [ Wand of Fortune ]

Lumina [ Soshite Kono Sora ni Kirameku Kimi no Uta ]

Luna [ Shiro to Kuro no Alice ]

Lydia Greene [ Mermaid Gothic ]

Lynette Mirror [ Cupid Parasite ]

Lynn Darcy [ Amour Sucré ]

[miyacchis]

Notes from a Con Man - Musical Great Pretender Stage Report Act 1

This is a bit extremely rambly, but I want to give some description of the distinguishing features of the staged version of Great Pretender as compared to the anime, although my plan is not to give a complete recap of the plot, as I’m sure anyone who is choosing to read this has watched the anime - or so I assume, but you know you do you. I try to control myself and keep it just to what is relevant, but I’m also a wordy bitch and that will never change, so, reader beware, I guess.

 The stage is set up with three levels (the stage level, the second floor, and the third floor where the band is). Both the stage level and second floor have a couple of rooms that can be pulled out or opened, and backgrounds are projected onto the set to create different settings. With the exception of the opening theme, which is taken from the anime, all of the music is live, and there’s very good interplay between the band and the performers, and I don’t know if I’d ever been to another show that felt so vibrant/alive/idk?

First, the biggest change made for the sake of clear storytelling on the stage is the addition of a framing device: the plot is conveyed to the audience through Edamura’s (Miyata Toshiya) narration as he tells his story to a prosecutor after the events of LA Connection. The play opens where LA Connection ends with Edamura being questioned at a police station, where it’s clear that he has been attempting for hours to convince detectives to believe the team-confidence-wild-and-wacky-adventures ™  explanation as to how he came to be in possession of a bag stuffed with foreign currency. Detectives are fed up with him and ready to go berniewiththesteelchair.jpeg on his ass. Enter Kitaoji (Kato Ryo), an elite prosecutor who seems to be on track to become attorney general, although it is unclear to those at the police station why he would take interest in Edamura’s case. 

Edamura is initially reluctant to open up to Kitaoji (Kato Ryo), certain that he won’t be believed, but after Kitaoji quotes from Shakunetsu (side note: I had no idea that in English Shakunetsu was turned into Die Hot which is an absolutely incredible pun and I really commend the translator), Edamura thinks Kitaoji might be just the person to believe him and help him to make amends to all those he had harmed through his life of fraud. Kitaoji encourages Edamura to start at the beginning and goes to eat a piece of candy, prompting Edamura to question, “What would you do if this simple piece of candy was sold for $5 million?” at which point he begins telling his story, transporting us first to a club in Hollywood where we are introduced to the plot with Sakura Magic and, more importantly, Laurent (Miya Rurika, goddess, dressed devastatingly in green), who is identified in quick succession as a French trader, an arrogant Don Juan, and the “bastard who got me into this mess.” 

Edamura bumbles through Laurent’s plot to build hype and clinch a deal with Cassano (Otani Ryosuke) by having Abby (Yamamoto Chihiro) “test” the “drug,” while giving small asides to Kitaoji to explain the main players and reveal to him that this is all a con job, but when Edamura is called to sign the contract to supply Cassano with the drug for $5 million, he flips out, pulls Salazar’s (Mikami Ichiro) gun, and flees the club, without the excuse of believing that he had taken drugs as he did in the anime. It is also not at this point that Edamura makes the connection between Laurent and Kudo and realizes that he’s been set up (Miyata!Edamura is overall a bit less perceptive than Kobayashi!Edamura, as we shall see, although I think this was a function of simplifying aspects of the characters’ interactions for the sake of clarity for the stage). 

Kitaoji pops in and out of the story from this point, donning different costumes (an unhoused person, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Razzie from the Shakunetsu series, etc.) to illustrate different aspects of the main characters’ conversations, and he serves as a way to get into Edamame’s head, allowing him to express what he is thinking and feeling as events in the story play out. It is in the metanarrative that we get some of these more comedic scenes, as well as additional insight into Edamura’s character as he grapples with his own identity as a scam artist and the son of a child trafficker.

After escaping Cassano’s henchmen outside the club, Edamura rejoins Kitaoji to ask if he’s following the story so far, which of course he is not (lol), so Edamura dives into how he met Laurent and came to be in LA. From here we flashback three days, joining Edamura and Kudo (Fukumoto Shinichi) in Asakusa as they spy Laurent as a potential mark. Edamura pulls the wallet-switch trick, and this scene generally follows the anime, although parts, such as the scenes showing Edamura selling water filters and Edamura and Kudo being raided by what seems to be the police, have been cut. After realizing that Laurent pickpocketed him and saw through his grift, Edamura quickly follows and catches him as he is about to depart in a cab to the airport. Just a moment to talk about this cab because it was such a cute, clever idea; it was really just a little push car driven by one of the supporting cast, and it can be disconnected in the middle, so as the driver pulls off, the back seat can be left behind, allowing the audience to watch Laurent and Edamura’s conversation as they are taken to the airport. 

Similarly to the anime, the successive scenes are nominally delivered in English, so Edamura switches to a dialect of Japanese to represent his accented English, which I mention only because Miyata discussed Edamura’s code switching with Kobayashi (Edamura’s Japanese voice actor) in an interview in vol. 51 of Stage Square and how he was concerned that he might confuse Standard Japanese and the dialect during scenes where he has to go back and forth quickly. Kobayashi reassured him that as he got into the character of Edamura Miyata would naturally fall into dialect whenever speaking to Laurent and Abby, and I’m very biased, buuuttttt throughout the run of the show, Miyata performed this beautifully, and as someone who for several years lived in the Tohoku region, the dialect of which Edamura’s accent reminded me of, his accent made me really nostalgic. 

Anywayyyyyy

After Laurent and Edamura bet on the outcome of Laurent’s upcoming “business negotiations” and it’s agreed that they will travel to LA together, the opening theme plays, the main cast is introduced, with Edamura running up and down the set to give a sense of action, the title in massive letters is lowered onto the stage, and we rejoin the main plot with Edamura trying to elude Cassano’s gang on the streets of LA by hiding behind the title. The supporting cast gives us some great background color as like random people in LA, like we’ve got some girls with Starbucks cups, some people breakdancing while simultaneously mugging a Dodgers fan, a skateboarder shouting “STREET”...for some reason. Perfect encapsulation of America *chef’s kiss*

Laurent finds Edamura and tells him to come home because he’s a good boy (😳), and Edamura is then introduced to Abby who, just as in the anime, kicks and knocks him out, after which they collect him and take him to an upscale hotel where Cynthia/Paula Dickens (Senna Ayase) is performing as a jazz singer. Laurent greets her briefly, but we don’t properly get introduced to her character until a later, very frustrating scene, but I’m not going to get started on that yet (it’s not her that’s frustrating, but it’s how they chose to have her and Edamura meet, but anyway we’ll get there). She sings “Summertime,” and it’s a lovely performance; all of her acting choices are very clearly informed by her experience in Takarazuka - she has these really dynamic, almost over-the-top movements and she uses that to her advantage to be one of the more comedic actors - and it’s really entertaining to watch.

Laurent orders them drinks; Edamura has something pink in a little martini glass, and he splutters when he tries to take a sip because he can’t handle his alcohol, which makes Laurent laugh, giving a lot of credence to Laurent’s statement soon after that he derives a lot of pleasure out of toying with naive boys like Edamura who pretend to be tougher than they really are. There’s also some funny adlib with Abby at this point where she gets brought different plates of food like fake fruit on one day and a tower of donuts on another. Laurent explains who Cassano is and the plan to defraud him and gives Edamura a notebook with a fabricated recipe for Sakura Magic, so the notebook is not part of what Edamura prepares himself when he goes later to get himself captured by Cassano to negotiate with him. Edamura has a couple of outbursts accusing Laurent and Abby of putting on airs, pretending to be carrying out justice, repeatedly interrupting the band who give him dirty looks and Shi-won, dressed as one of the saxophonists, loudly blows the saxophone back at him, and this prompts Laurent to be like nah we’re getting too much attention here let’s continue this back at the hotel. 

The hotel scene is fairly similar to the anime, but once Edamura is left alone, we get the first instance of him thinking about his family as he reflect on what Laurent had to say about how people don’t always believe the truth that is in front of them as they would rather believe whatever is most convenient. He flashes back to his family going home together after his father finished a case (the hotel room is on the second floor with his mom and dad entering on the stage level; the younger version of Edamura is done in voice over), and of course they seem like a happy family, although it’s interesting that what his dad has to say about ethics was cut from the script. The scene focuses more on Edamura idolizing his father as a great lawyer.

Okay, so we’ve finally come to the scene I absolutely hated and did not think was necessary, after Edamura leaves the hotel room. He is approached by three unhoused persons, one of whom he at first thinks is Kitaoji coming to interrupt the narrative again, but he soon realizes that they are “real homeless.” It was really just a disgusting, cruel stereotype; one of them is playing with a rat they found, another is acting like a junkie, and the ringleader is trying to get money off of him because they haven’t eaten in three days and then they steal his little Toyotomi Hideyoshi figurine and play keepaway with it and don’t stop until Cynthia/Paula Dickens (at this point she’s Paula tho so I’m going to refer to her that way) enters and is like knock it off. So that’s how they meet. Cool. They could easily have come up with something else and they just didn’t.

But, anyway, since he got his figurine back, he explains to Paula that his hobby is collecting capsule toys, and during his explanation, a gacha machine is projected up on the stage, out of which comes Kitaoji dressed as Toyotomi, followed by a bunch of other figures from Japanese history. This part always got a pretty good laugh out of the audience, and I think it was a pretty cute way to stage it. Paula insists they go to dinner together, so she can hear more about Toyotomi, and the capsule toy figurines all follow to a diner (serving “breadfast” 24hrs lol) where Shi-won is dressed as someone named Ricardo. The figurines all start to get drunk, while “Ricardo” fixes Edamura and Paula some tacos; meanwhile Edamura explains that Toyotomi began as a simple peasant, but because of his hard work and study, he was able to climb all the way to the top and unite all of Japan as a powerful lord. 

Edamura asks why she decided to help him before and he despairs that he must seem like a beaten dog, but she explains that while she might seem confident, she faces tremendous anxiety getting on stage every day, particularly as she wants to make it big as a performer but can’t expect to get the attention of a label just because she can sing a bit. (In the background, Francis Xavier is completely sloshed and ends up drinking with Ricardo) Edamura suggests that she take inspiration from Toyotomi as someone who was able to trick even his enemies into working with him and represent herself as someone more important than she is to get music producers onto her side. She seems fired up by this proposal, and she says that she’ll follow the example of Toyotomi, “Japan’s best confidence man,” which gives Edamura his own motivation to get back to trying to win the bet with Laurent. He asks Paula to wish him good luck and runs off, and we get the first dance scene with Edamura and a number of samurai as he builds up to confronting Cassano. The scene ends with him running into a video shop, presumably to rent Cassano’s movies.

Laurent and Abby are called to Cassano’s mansion - they argue if Edamura is capable of pulling off a job like this, although Laurent insists that he has a natural talent - but they are certain that he must be dead when they hear from Salazar that Edamura was taken into their custody at the airport trying to run. However, Edamura bursts onto the scene, dressed in a new Hawaiian shirt, and at this point, Miyata looks as though he has been in a swimming pool, but it’s just sweat lmao. Cassano informs them that he’s made a new deal with Edamura for $10 million, and when they ask how, we get a flashback showing how he got onto Cassano’s good side by praising Shakunetsu with Kitaoji, as Razzie, acting out scenes from the Shakunetsu movies on the second floor of the stage. Whenever Cassano hugs Edamura in these scenes, it was really funny because his jacket would get just absolutely covered in Miyata’s sweat just ugh gross lol 

Cassano’s accountant joins them and they play out the whole bit about confirming Edamura’s credentials as a pharmaceutical scientist, at which point Edamura finally realizes that Kudo is working with Laurent, when he calls Kudo to thank him for deceiving Cassano’s attorneys. After Cassano has confirmed Edamura’s identity, he takes the crew to his factory and insists that Edamura make Sakura Magic for them right there and then so that they can be sure to properly replicate his recipe. She does this the whole play, but particularly during this scene, you can really see how well Miya Rurika portrays Laurent as always calm and and in control before Edamura but as quietly losing his shit whenever he feels like they’ve been backed into a corner, and we also get some very cute like Laurent clearly being exasperated with Edamura but the two of them starting to be able to play off one another as they convince Cassano that the factory isn’t up to snuff for making Sakura Magic. 

They have to clear out because they hear someone coming, but Cassano promises that he will build a new laboratory for Edamura and entrusts his care to Salazar. The police bust in after everyone has left; Anderson does the absolute most to show off to everyone that he’s properly securing the scene, but he’s clearly relieved that Cassano slipped through their fingers once again oh my how does this keep happening oh well better luck next time. We get a proper introduction to Paula and Shi-won as members of the FBI who have come to investigate Laurent and his organization (Paula has changed into this beautifully tailored brown tweed pantsuit and she pulls it off so well), and Paula threatens to expose Anderson’s connections to Cassano if he doesn’t follow her lead.

After the scene in the factory, we return to the present in the interrogation room with Kitaoji and Edamura. Detectives bring Kitaoji additional files on Edamura, asking if the prosecutor has heard of the attorney Ozaki. They inform him that Edamura is Ozaki’s son, and Kitaoji is a bit shocked; he leaves, saying that he will review the files. The detectives collect the money before exiting the room, but not without getting in a dig at Edamura, telling him that he clearly takes after his father. Edamura is stricken by this statement, and the act ends with Edamura battling with this internal conflict. 

I don’t think anyone would want to read all of this, but if you have, thank you so much. I hope some of it at least was interesting or informative. I’m going to end there for now, as I’ve already gone on for too long, and I’ll finish writing up the second act in another post.

[somegirlsnerdywords2]

Favourite Anime 2020

1. Fruits Basket 2nd Season (Rating: 10/10 - 25 Episodes - Spring 2020)

Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural, Drama, Romance, Shoujo

Synopsis: A year has passed since Tooru Honda began living in the Souma residence, and she has since created stronger relationships with its inhabitants Shigure, Kyou, and Yuki. She has also grown closer to the rest of the Souma family and has become familiar with their ancestral secret, having helped them with many of their personal issues. The closer Tooru gets, however, the more she begins to realize that their secret holds a darker truth than she first presumed. Summer is approaching and Tooru is invited to spend her days with the Soumas, mainly Kyou and Yuki. Tooru wishes for an easy-going vacation, but her close relationships with the two boys and the rest of the Soumas may prove to cause trouble. As they grow more intimate, their carefree time together is hindered by older hardships and feelings from the past that begin to resurface. The Eternal Banquet also dawns on the members of the zodiac, and they must tend to their duties alongside the unnerving head of the family, Akito Souma. With the banquet approaching and a plethora of feelings to be solved, will Tooru's life with the Soumas remain peaceful, or will she find herself in a situation from which she cannot escape? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

2. Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun (Rating: 10/10 - 12 Episodes - Winter 2020)

Genres: Comedy, School, Shounen, Supernatural

Synopsis: The famous "Seven Wonders" that every school seems to have are a staple of Japanese urban legends. One of the most well-known of these tales is that of Hanako-san: the ghost of a young girl who haunts the school's bathrooms. Kamome Academy has its own version of Hanako-san's legend. Rumors claim that if one successfully manages to summon Hanako-san, she will grant her summoner any wish. Lured by the gossip, many people have tried to call upon her, yet every attempt has failed. However, when Nene Yashiro, a girl hoping for romantic fortune, dares to summon Hanako-san, she discovers that the rumored "girl" is actually a boy! After a series of unfortunate events involving Nene's romantic desires, she is unwillingly entangled in the world of the supernatural, becoming Hanako-kun's assistant. Soon, she finds out about Hanako-kun's lesser-known duty: maintaining the fragile balance between mortals and apparitions. [Written by MAL Rewrite] 

3. Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta... (Rating:  9.5/10 - 12 episodes - Spring 2020)

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy, School

Synopsis: Most people would prefer being the protagonist of a world full of adventure, be it in a game or in another world. But, unfortunately, a certain girl is not so lucky. Regaining the memories of her past life, she realizes that she was reborn in the world of Fortune Lover—one of the games she used to play.

Unfortunately, the character she was reincarnated into—Katarina Claes—is the game's main antagonist, who faces utter doom in every ending. Using her extensive knowledge of the game, she takes it upon herself to escape from the chains of this accursed destiny.

However, this will not be an easy feat, especially since she needs to be cautious as to not set off death flags that may speed up the impending doom she is trying to avoid. Even so, to make a change that will affect the lives of everyone around her, she strives—not as the heroine—but as the villainess.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

4. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu 2nd Season (Rating: 9.5/10 - 12 Episodes - Summer 2020)

Genres: Psychological, Drama, Thriller, Fantasy

Synopsis: A reunion that was supposed to spell the arrival of peaceful times is quickly shattered when Subaru Natsuki and Emilia return to Irlam village. Witnessing the devastation left behind by the calamities known as Sin Archbishops, Subaru sinks into the depths of despair as his ability to redo proves futile. As the group makes their way to the Sanctuary in search of answers, Subaru has an unexpected encounter with the Witch of Greed—Echidna. Subjected to her untamed rhythm, he is forced to dive into the spirals of the past and future. At the same time, several mysterious threats set their sights on the Sanctuary, heralding a horrific fate for the hapless people trapped within. Everlasting contracts, past sins, and unrequited love will clash and submerge into a river of blood in the second season of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu. Pushed to the brink of hopelessness, how long will Subaru's resolve to save his loved ones last? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

5.Chihayafuru 3 (Rating: 9.5/10 - 24 Episodes - Fall 2019 Leftover)

Genres: Game, Slice of Life, Sports, Drama, School, Josei

Synopsis: Winning the high school team tournament was a great accomplishment for the Mizusawa members. Each of them has made great strides in improving themselves, and the victory symbolizes how far they've come. But after accomplishing one goal, their individual aims are within reach. Chihaya Ayase has her sights set on Wakamiya Shinobu and the title of Queen, and now that Taichi Mashima has made it into Class A, he can finally compete against Arata Wataya. Everyone in Mizusawa wants to get better, and there's no telling what the future holds if they keep trying. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

6. Boku no Hero Academia 4th Season (Rating: 9/10 - 25 Episodes - Fall 2019 Leftover)

Genres: Action, Comedy, Super Power, School, Shounen

Synopsis: After successfully passing his Provisional Hero License exam, Izuku "Deku" Midoriya seeks out an extracurricular internship with a professional hero agency. At the recommendation of his mentor All Might, Midoriya lands a position under All Might's former sidekick, Sir Nighteye, now a famous hero in his own right. As Midoriya's classmates further their own abilities through various internships, up-and-coming villain Kai Chisaki utilizes his terrifying powers to gather favor in the criminal underworld. Known by the moniker Overhaul, Chisaki's ambitions collide with the League of Villains and its leader, Tomura Shigaraki. Through his work with Sir Nighteye, Midoriya discovers Chisaki's crime syndicate and the villain's hostile relationship with a mysterious young girl named Eri. Fearing for the child's safety, Midoriya and his upperclassman Mirio Toogata must work together to put an end to Chisaki's reign of terror. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

7. Haikyuu!!: To the Top 2nd Season (Rating: 9/10 - 12 Episodes - Fall 2020)

Genres: Comedy, Sports, Drama, School, Shounen

Synopsis: Karasuno enters into the second half of Nationals with brand-new opponents: Inarizaki High. The long-standing powerhouse team includes a few familiar faces, namely Miya Atsumu. Named Japan's "best high school setter," Miya previously rubbed elbows with Kageyama at the All-Japan Youth Intensive Training Camp. Karasuno will have to overcome a setter that outranks their own, and Atsumu's twin brother is on the team, too. (Source: ANN) 

8. Haikyuu!!: To the Top (Rating: 8.5/10 - 13 Episodes - Winter 2020)

Genres: Comedy, Sports, Drama, School, Shounen

Synopsis: After their triumphant victory over Shiratorizawa Academy, the Karasuno High School volleyball team has earned their long-awaited ticket to nationals. As preparations begin, genius setter Tobio Kageyama is invited to the All-Japan Youth Training Camp to play alongside fellow nationally recognized players. Meanwhile, Kei Tsukishima is invited to a special rookie training camp for first-years within the Miyagi Prefecture. Not receiving any invitations himself, the enthusiastic Shouyou Hinata feels left behind. However, Hinata does not back down. Transforming his frustration into self-motivation, he boldly decides to sneak himself into the same rookie training camp as Tsukishima. Even though Hinata only lands himself a job as the ball boy, he comes to see this as a golden opportunity. He begins to not only reflect on his skills as a volleyball player but also analyze the plethora of information available on the court and how he can apply it. As the much-anticipated national tournament approaches, the members of Karasuno's volleyball team attempt to overcome their weak points and refine their skills, all while aiming for the top! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

9. Kakushigoto (Rating: 8.5/10 - 12 Episodes - Spring 2020)

Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy, Shounen

Synopsis: Kakushi Gotou is a somewhat popular manga artist whose works are known for inappropriate content. Because of this raunchiness, when his daughter Hime was born, he vowed to keep his profession hidden from her, believing that she will be disillusioned if she finds out. This paranoia-induced belief leads Kakushi into hectic situations. Despite being a single father, he does his best and often resorts to extreme ends just to protect his secret, such as guising as a salaryman every day or holding emergency drills in case Hime somehow finds her way to his workplace. Kakushigoto tells the story of a father and daughter living side by side, maintaining their peaceful existence as the father attempts to preserve the status quo. However, there is a saying: "there are no secrets that time cannot reveal." In time, Hime must learn the reality behind the things she took for granted as she grew up. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

10. Fire Force Season 2 (Rating: 8/10 - 24 Episodes - Summer 2020)

Genres: Action, Supernatural, Shounen

Synopsis: After his confrontation in the Nether with his younger brother Shou, Shinra Kusakabe's resolve to become a hero that saves lives from the flame terror strengthens. Finding a way to turn the Infernals back into people, unraveling the mystery of the Evangelist and Adolla Burst, and saving his mother and Shou—these are the goals Shinra has in mind. However, he has come to realize that attaining these goals will not be easy, especially with the imminent danger the Evangelist poses. The Evangelist's plan is clear: to gather the eight pillars—the individuals who possess Adolla Burst—and sacrifice them to recreate the Great Cataclysm from 250 years ago. Having been revealed by the First Pillar that the birth of a new pillar is approaching, Shinra is determined to protect his fellow pillars from the Evangelist. Thus, the fiery battle between the Special Fire Force and the Evangelist ignites. Together with the Special Fire Force, Shinra's fight continues as he uncovers the truth about the Great Cataclysm and the nature of Adolla Bursts, as well as the mysteries behind human combustion. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

[zukadiary]

Takarazuka & adjacent week-end roundup 10.4.19

Show turnover in Takarazuka: A Fairy Tale closed Monday and I Am From Austria opened today. Congratulations to Asumi Rio on the the first half of her retirement!

Along with the opening of Tsukigumi we have my, as ever, favorite bit of news to judge heavily: the cocktail. The “Josi” is I believe two types of Viennese chocolate liqueur in iced coffee, which actually doesn’t sound too darn bad.

We also have the complete list of Tsuki shinko roles

Initial visuals were posted for both Dazzling Valley and Masquerade Hotel

Makaze Suzuho was in a couple of commercials for a portable stovetop and to be honest I’ve never felt more inspired to ignore my boiling nabe in favor of less wholesome activities

I think it’s possible that Renta sits home making supportive t-shirts and/or just wears all her troupe mates’ stuff for the love of it

Look, I promise I know other OGs exist: Senna Ayase and Yumeka Ami will be in Miss Saigon

But also Shiiran just fucking kissed Kai on Star Talk 

Miya-friggin-Rurika (who, in yet another rivalry-stoking move, announced that she will ALSO have a personal credit card for which you can apply) had her Osaka concert today, prior to which her staff took requests via twitter for literally whatever you want Miya to do on stage. Gems included:

Magic

Emoji impressions

Putting this on 

Flying to the 3rd floor

“Sexy jump rope”? (requested twice)

Eating her favorite things but with like, a fetishy ASMR vibe

[super-sexy-commando-kyouko]

pink x black/dark purple

my melody/kuromi

chibi-usa/tomoe hotaru

bubblegum/Marceline

tenjou utena/himemiya anthy

kaname madoka/akemi homura

azumi risa/ayase miya

kisaragi ai/hanazono yuki

jakuzure nonon/kiryuuin satsuki

honey hart/turpentine

mangetsu/shingetsu <-new!

[hoshigomi]

Takarazuka Special 2018- Say! Hey! Show Up!

Man, am I lucky to be able to see so many incredible things in Japan. Under the cut are all the thoughts I had about this year’s TCA special! Forewarning- they’re hardly cohesive, they’re very personal and biased, they’re SUPER LONG because I’m not writing this for anyone in particular or editing it whatsoever, and they’re whatever came to mind between the two showings or while waiting at intermissions!

The Beni/Tamakichi/Mirio/Daimon group is like. Something else. You put all four of them up there and they split off into FACTIONS, and it turns out to be Beni vs. Everyone which melts into Beni and Tamakichi vs. Daimon and Mirio and by that I mean if Beni and Tamakichi are teasing Daimon and Mirio MAN can those two sweet, sweet women not hold up. Beni is a troll. Beni is relentless. I’d call her a predator to Mirio and Daimon’s prey. The teasing never ended- but to that end, the laughter never ended either, and honestly, I loved them. I loved it. They were all charming and they all shone and the way their personalities differ (OOH do their PERSONALITIES DIFFER) was the most obvious and beautiful thing in the world. We have a FUN set of top stars, y’all. It was nice to see them all together.*

*I missed Makaze for a lot of reasons, most notably: 1.) she would have made for another great target for Beni to give hell to, and 2.) there were a lot of silk, deep, deep v-necks, and it’s kinda cruel to leave Makaze out of that, don’t you think. See you next year, Soragumi. Your energy was missed. 

Daimon can’t eat gluten??? She certainly didn’t eat any bread in France, which has everyone including me pretty aghast.

Tamakichi used to? Swim? Play HANDBALL? They for sure teased her about being in the Olympics at the noon showing, but that’s as far as my Japanese got me. Makes sense though because have you seen her shoulders?

Sorry I need to say AGAIN how much Beni Ran This Shit. She IS the oldest top right now, by a year to Daimon and Mirio and like...more years to Makaze and MORE years to Tamakichi, and I’m sure that’s part of it, but I think the other part is that she’s a natural born emcee and comedian and she knows it. When I watch Beni I think ‘oh my God I love you so much for so many reasons,’ I love that woman. That’s my top star. But then MAN, I can ABSOLUTELY SEE how those reasons might make someone else feel the exact opposite. She also like applied herself for a bunch of this show and oooohhhhh it’s so lovely when she does. 

Tamakichi asked Mirio and Beni to talk about going to Taiwan, and they sung the little ditty that I don’t know the name of but clearly is done every time they go to Taiwan because they both knew it. Beni also spoke some Chinese for the Taiwanese live viewing audience. 

There was also talk about why they all chose their final songs, how their years went and what each troupe did, and some general banter. 

Aside from the Top Stars and Todoroki Yuu, no one really spoke. The Top Musumeyaku certainly didn’t talk. To be TOTALLY HONEST, as far as this live viewing went at least, unless you’re Top Star, nibante, Top Musumeyaku, or Kacha/Hanagata Hikaru/Akira/Kai you don’t seem to have TOO MUCH camera time. Still thankful for the fact that they do the live viewings! But it IS tough to spot your whoever-else, unless they’re doing their little solos. 

Moving on from our lovely Top Stars, here’s the quick-n-dirty lowdown on what stood out to me in the show!  (I’m sorry if I missed your favorite, there were a lot of people, a lot going on, and I’m REALLY biased towards watching certain people.)

Miya had a lot of great stuff. She and Saki both had some funky songs with acoustic accompaniment. Saki’s had kind of a Western vibe. (Like cowboys, not like Western Hemisphere.)

Sorry, back to Miya, I really really hope she hangs on to top. She has her act together. She knows what she’s doing onstage, she’s pretty polished, and I personally really really dig the general tone of her voice, especially when she goes a little high. 

I saw the show twice. Both times, when Coto came on for her solos, whoever the person next to me was like SLOW NODDED. Same, seat neighbors. God she’s good. She’s looking a lot more grown up!  She’s CUTE. I’m kinda obsessed! I can’t like compliment Coto enough. Y’all know how good she is. She stands out just because she’s THAT GOOD. 

Maaya Kiho. Maaaaaya. Maaya, come back to Hoshigumi so I can see you every day of my life. That girl has SOMETHING SPECIAL. Her energy is unique and a little aggressive but flirtatious? She has one of my favorite voices in the company, hands down. She knows how to work that like specific musumeyaku sexuality but you can kind of totally tell she also wanted to be an otokoyaku. She has that IN her. I love Maaya. I want to listen to like four hours of just Maaya. 

If I had to listen to something else for four hours, it would be Ari singing Yami Ga Hirogaru. 

If I had to listen to something ELSE it might be Aasa because her voice is definitely UNIQUE in a way that really pleases me. 

I also want to quickly shoutout to Tom for running as much of this as she did- and I want to comment that I like....like her voice. It has a REALLY unique quality to it now. She’s really interesting to listen to, and she’s still truckin’!

I want Mao Yuuki and Mikkii to stand exclusively next to each other for as long as they’re both in Hoshi because that height difference is SOMETHING else. 

Speaking of Mikkii, I’d like to challenge everyone who records and edits anything for the rest of her time in Takarazuka to actually put the camera on her for more than .9 seconds, because she is ON TO SOMETHING REAL. Tenju Mitsuki is always on. Whether or not you particularly care for what she’s doing, everything she does is done with 100% follow through and intention, she has a target, she isn’t doing anything superfluous or pointless with her body. She’s SHARP. Tenju Mitsuki is a fantastic performer and I really want to see more of it. 

Speaking of fantastic performers, shoutouts to Coto (sorry, duh), Daimon, and Maaya for being magnetic in the same 100% followthrough, target, intention way. What incredible performers. 

Yuki and Tamakichi sang OKLAHOMA and while I thought I knew what heartbreak felt like, it turns out I didn’t until I realized that we won’t ever get Tamakichi/Yuki Oklahoma. 

Daimon and Sakura’s Climb Every Mountain was NICE. 

I love these Top Musumeyaku Very Much. It’s almost dumb to say but God they just all bring such different things and personalities and voices to the table. 

Welcome to Top, Misono Sakura. It’s good to see you. <3 

Senna Ayase has Got It. She rocks. She has a lot of power and she led her musumeyaku in something really sassy and nice and I just want to say that man, I hope she loves her post-Takarazuka life. 

I want to compliment Maitii on everything and mourn the fact that she isn’t leading everything, honestly. 

There was a kind of long but not too long In Memoriam Section featuring the Top Musumeyaku all speaking for a few seconds and then mostly senka members + Kai + Akira with vocal solos all in white.

I never want to see another musumeyaku’s dress dragging on the ground. Someone almost Ate It when her dress got caught on something at the edge of the stage. Please. Keep our musumeyaku upright. Hemming things isn’t that hard.

Wow, Tsukigumi is fun. I also literally can not fathom HOW Baddy was THIS YEAR. As a whole they just have a really fun, kinda off-the-cuff energy that I find very endearing.

Shimon led Chaos Paradise, which, if you’re me, was one of the most satisfying things in the world. 

Tamakichi is so beautifully EARNEST in a way that really suits all the golden age musicals she’s been getting. Maybe we CAN cross our fingers for Oklahoma...

From now on I’m formally requiring 8-10 business days to prepare for hearing Inochi from Gaisenmon because I didn’t walk into Hey! Say! Show Up! expecting to get chills and feel the weight of the Human Condition on my shoulders. 

Shoutout to Yukigumi for replacing the ‘Nya!!’ at the end of Gato Bonito! with ...whatever sound they were approximating to imitate a wild boar. Happy New Year, everyone!

Irodori Michiru is just really cute and I love looking at her. 

Thank you Kai for your golden hair and 16 Year Strong insistence on being .3 seconds behind on choreography because you prefer being ~languid~ to being ~sharp~ because you sure were easy to find.

No amount of exclamation points, keysmashing, or attempts to describe it can make you understand how I felt when the music to Jump! from Oceans 11 started up, or when RUSTY was played by Kai. That was a dream come true. Nothing less. 

On that note, KAI SANG RAIMEI TOO, so I feel like God really Was looking out for Her Fans this Takaspecial. Thanks, God. 

Everyone’s medley started out with the Top Star singing something earnest or Powerful or Big, but our very own Kurenai Yuzuru elected to open up with SPECIFICALLY the doki doki waku waku bit from Another World. The audience loved it. I loved it. I love Beni and I love Hoshigumi and I love that they included Arigataya, Nanmaida from Another World also and I love that Kai was hopping around as Kiroku again with the biggest smile on her face and I love that we got to hear Coto’s PIPES and I love that the audience was clapping for Killer Rouge and I love Killer Rouge and I love the ENERGY THAT troupe has. 

Seo Yuria. Seooooo. Seooocchi. Get that fear out of your eyes, sweet thing. You have such a SMILE when you let yourself and your voice is THERE and you’re about to step into some big big shoes. Let yourself have this.

Rei and Saki are both coming into their own vibes! I’m excited to see where they go from here. 

Shoutout to Shidou Ryuu for getting WAY more screentime than intended because she was planted half a foot to the right and directly behind Tom at pretty much all times. Good to see you, Shidou!

The best thing about seeing people from different troupes performing together in any number is like....no one is quite WITH EACH OTHER. Like MAYBE your weird idiosyncrasies fit in well with your troupe, but they sure don’t fit with the weird stuff your neighbor is doing. It’s charming and it’s sweet and I LOVE seeing it. 

I didn’t think I’d cry either but tears DID spring to my eyes when Kai bowed. 

I would like to formally petition Takarazuka Forever to FOLLOW Sumire no Hana in encores because Sumire no Hana is kinda a downer and Takarazuka Forever is an upper but that’s personal preference.

They wished the audience Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in ENGLISH which felt like an extra treat. 

I didn’t mention every single actress in this (I’m sorry if I missed yours!! It’s so hard to remember everything and watch everyone when there are such weird combinations of actresses on the stage etc.), but God, I can honestly and truly say that to me, they all shone.  Everyone is so different and everyone is working so hard. Every person who had a solo did it with everything they had, and it was beautiful to say. While watching Saki and Tamakichi, the thought came to me that entertainers- people who choose to use their lives to make other people happy- are just so special. These women are all such hard working performers and dedicated individuals and the life they put into giving us this thing is incredible. I feel so lucky to even be able to say that I do what they do. Not with HALF the skill or talent but this was one of those shows that made me think. Oh. We are so lucky to do this. The world is so lucky to have this art form. Musical theatre really is the most wonderful thing in the world, to me. 

If more comes to me later, I’ll add it after the cut, but this is already 80 pages long and I’ve exhausted my phone notes. If you read this far, thanks and I’m impressed! I’m HAPPY to tell you more specifics about things if you want to ask, I can try to scrape my brain for whatever’s in there. 

Thanks for a beautiful 2018 in Takarazuka, everyone.  Happy New Year! May 2019 bring us beautiful things we could never have expected!