#troupe: hana

[zukalations]

Ootori Mayu writes about her near-death-by-otokoyaku after going to see Ranju Tomu in the Streak of Light concert (siennes: sometimes they're just like us fr), as well as Ocean's 11 and The Rose of Versailles.

[miriogumi]

the rondo of love and death

takarazuka’s elisabeth 2007-2018. pt1

[zukadiary]

Cosmos Troupe's Casino Royale to get a worldwide livestream subtitled in 8 languages!

The last day of Cosmos Troupe's Casino Royale will get an unprecedented worldwide subtitled live stream via the platform Beyond LIVE!

Dates/Times: LIVE: June 11th (Sunday) 1:30pm (JST) Re-streaming: June 26th (Monday) 4:00am (JST)

Languages: English Korean Chinese (Simplified & Traditional) Spanish Vietnamese Indonesian Thai

(The stream will not include the sayonara show or taidan speeches)

For the vast majority of Takarazuka history, this would have been unthinkable! Please consider buying tickets and attending one of the Beyond LIVE streams (even if you typically watch a Rakuten stream) to show that there is demand for Takarazuka all over the world!

[TICKETS AND INFO]

[yuzukahibiscus]

ALL THAT TAKARAZUKA — Done only by Flower Troupe, a performance packed with so much character

(Source from VISA magazine June Issue (2021) "Augustus -The Illustrious One- / Cool Beast!!")

A rich sensibility, a delicate heart for acting. Holding a combination of an innate glamorous aura and a sharp wildness of charms  – Yuzuka Rei.

In this performance led by such Top Star, this is her partner Hana Yuuki's graduation performance, a two-set production that is filled with the bond of the Top Combi (couple). 

​​Please don't miss out on the overflowing charms of current Flower Troupe in this performance.

The first Roman emperor, Octavius. How did he acclaim the title of "Augustus (The Illustrious One)" as an emperor? Yuzuka Rei will play the role Octavius in the Flower Troupe performance "Augustus - The Illustrious One" with such history as the base. He was said to be an emperor that was handsome, a man with an overwhelming beauty and captivating aura. A polite young man who doesn't like conflicts against his political rivals, he was nominated by his great uncle – Roman's first dictator in life – Caesar to be his successor and (Octavius) walks his steps carefully in the face of dissension.

"Octavius is a wise man who leaves behind a sophisticated political model. Even someone like him would be immersed in his emotions, and he experienced growth from the many people who taught him along the way. This is already his charm."

​Also, that expression when he is known to be king, it overlaps with that of the Top Star Yuzuka Rei.

"I believe I'm still growing and learning, so I really feel the air/vibe from this role. How should I walk my steps, where should I look forward to my goals, I feel like this production really taught me these various things."

Even though "taking" Octavius is a difficult role, (Yuzuka's) very delicate in portraying the parts for the gentleness and approach to her partner. Among those, the impression remains when (Octavius) lost Caesar and his eyes was bred with hatred.

​​"Hatred is, a hidden emotion that could happen very strongly against rivals, that it burns like fire. When wishes, hope and dreams are taken over by ambition, before they become true, they would turn into hatred. All of these flow of emotions is the point of this production.

​Top Musumeyaku Hana Yuuki plays (the role) Pompeia, who enters the scene consumed in hatred and delivers a strong impact. As a political rival, Pompeia wanted to take Caesar's life. Hana retires from Takarazuka Revue in this production. Octavius and Pompeia share a soulful connection, making us recall the many famous works that this combi have been in relationships of.

From a soldier developed to Caesar's righthand man, Seto Kazuya, who's also retiring​ in this performance, plays the role of Antonius. As a man that's filled with ambition and a mature appeal imprinted in his bones, Seto gets to show her real colours. Nagina Ruumi of Senka plays the role of Egyptian queen, Cleopatra VII. With a unique presence as otokoyaku, their love story paint depths into the plot.

Also from Senka is Natsumi You, who plays the role of Caesar. This musical summarizes him as "ancient Rome's greatest careerist" that sways the hearts of the people. Octvaius' assistant is Agrippa, played by Minami Maito. As Yuzuka's classmate, she plays a great ally (of Octavius) that "breathes the ways he does". Troubled with frustrated thoughts towards Caesar, who later also assassinates him is Brutus, played by Towaki Sea. Oto Kurisu's vocals and Seino Asuka's heart in acting also leaves an impression.

Another side is "Cool Beast!!", a show that talks about the story with the theme of beast. Yuzuka says, "This is a show that there are so many scenes with energy and power, fantasy, comical, jesting, with so many expressions involved".

Yuzuka says that the scene she especially want to see is her "longtime dream" – her barefoot dance, and her number with Seto.

"Usually, the otokoyaku would be wearing shoes that are tightened to the ankles. But now that I'm free with barefoot, the space where I could move and jump is vastly different. I love to roam free on the stage and feel the music freely."

For the latter, it is a bewitching number worth watching that has a shared scene with Seto in a rich mature appeal. What's more, there's also an intensive beasts dance, where there is a dance battle of Yuzuka and Minami, who's proud of her superb dancing; and a midnight jungle motif with a beguiling chuuzume. Giving a special appearance in the performance is Miho Keiko from Senka with her vocals. This is not just a performance to see how Yuzuka presents her body to dance, but also (a show) with numbers of vibrant charms. This is an original two-set performance that could only be done by Flower Troupe. The performance opens at Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre from May 28 to July 4, (2021).

[raphaelly]

About the Casino Royale stream on Beyond Live and how to make sure it happens again

I don't often write posts but I wanted to get something out for what is pretty much an historical day for Takarazuka. We just had for the first time in forever an officially subbed stream on Beyond Live, not only a platform fans not living in Japan can access easily without bothering with a VPN but also with subtitles in several languages and with the possibility of a restream with improved english subtitles at a decent hour (not at dawn and not in the middle of the night). And it was just so so much fun. Not only for long time fans but for new fans who never really knew how to get into something as niche as zuka, with people coming from all around the globe.

This is an amazing opportunity we just had and I'm sure we'd all like for this to become a regular thing. However, it's been stated that this stream was basically a test. If this whole operation turns out to be profitable, then we might have more of this. There isn't much we can do now about the profitability but there is one thing we can do to put the odds on our side : absolutely refrain from posting any pic or clip of the stream on the internet. TikTok, twitter, instagram, even private and unlisted youtube videos, just don't post anything about the Casino Royale stream out there.

I'm not saying this out of Respect For The Law. Frankly, I generally don't care about all of this and I'm not trying to preach about the Evil Of Pirating. But it's important for people to know who they're dealing with and Hankyu Corporation (the company owning Takarazuka) is extremely strict on copyrights and has been getting stricter recently. It is all too likely they might not only stop Beyond Live streams but they might even stop Rakuten livestreams, if the international fandom ever gets too careless about what we post.

I say "international" because most of us are used to a complete different approach when it comes to sharing content and the matter of copyrights. In all my fandom experiences, copyrights was never an issue I kept in mind but Takarazuka quickly showed me that it was going to be different. That's why I'm writing all of this, to warn newer fans that as much as I love their enthusiasm, it's better for eveyone if we all try to be cautious, or else we might lose the little we get.

We'll see how things evolve! With time, we could get looser about all of this but for the time being, I really urge all of you who might have taken pictures or recorded stuff to keep it to themselves or only share it through private conversations. Just no public posting.

Here's to hoping we get tons of livestreams with subtitles in the future 💖

[n3ptun3e]

i’m so disappointed that there isn’t ONE POST about hana inuzuka x reader naruto fans DO BETTER🙄🙄

[susansontag]

my guide to lesbian anime both canonic and subtextual

(won’t include every lesbian anime ever, this is a personal list)

the canonic-gay section:

revolutionary girl utena

nothing before or since has ever done it like this. trigger warnings for everything imaginable. loads of homosexuals in this one. gender commentary, fairytale allusions, a lot of kids who are having a hard time growing up and moving beyond their pasts. sword lesbians.

flip flappers

the problematic favourite, in that there’s at least one uncomfortable sexualised shot each episode (roughly speaking; some have none and one has even more, unfortunately), so be warned. but at its heart flipflap is about repressed cocona going on adventures with outgoing and expressive papika, and their exploration of various fantastical lands/inner worlds of people they meet. hugely inventive and pretty, and a core thread is cocona discovering she’s gay.

aoi hana (‘sweet blue flowers’)

the comfort lesbian show, with not a romantic relationship at its heart, but a friendship between two childhood friends who meet again, both of whom are gay (though only one realises this during the show’s run, as it’s based on a manga). one of them dates an upperclassman at her school, and there’s various gay and bi side characters. it’s just very wholesome, lovingly animated, sweet and sometimes painful stuff.

bloom into you

I controversially do not care that much for bloom into you, but as the best, high-production, non-skeevy yuri show in years - that is based on a manga by a woman - it’s worth mentioning. late-bloomer girl dreams of romance, though has never felt it, and finds affinity with a girl who similarly is disinclined to date. that is, until said girl says she fancies her. genuinely moving exploration of developing gay identity at times, only downside is my personal disinterest in the black haired girl. some weird ‘heightened’ moments that feel inauthentic and titillating do arise, but it’s very few - to the point where some would disagree with me on my reading of it, I’d imagine.

sailor moon

the bits which the lesbians are in, etc. it’s a classic. I haven’t watched all of it myself because I don’t care much nor do I have nostalgia for sailor moon, but it’s one of the most notable examples of a butch/masc lesbian in anime, so that’s nice.

o maidens in your savage season

nerdy teenage girls who are part of a literature club make it their quest to discover sex and dating, in various ways (unfortunately, not all of them dealt with well… teacher/student foolery that is fortunately abandoned before it gets worse but is nonetheless handled with mixed results, imo). mostly though it’s hilarious, sweet, silly, and there’s a gay girl in it, but I won’t spoil which one. adults predating on children is also handled much, much better in another of the show’s storylines, and I do appreciate it for trying to tackle that difficult subject matter.

oniisama e (‘dear brother’)

an oldie, based off a shoujo manga by one of the greatest (riyoko ikeda). there’s a central relationship to root for (better articulated in the manga), but it’s mostly just what if we were messy depressed lesbians at an all-girls school and we were also melodramatic and mean as hell.

revue starlight

what if we were at an all-girls dramatic arts school and engaged in utena-like duels to become the top performer? main implicitly gay couple with canonic side gay couples. it’s quite cute. also worth watching if you like takarazuka in any way (prestigious all-female japanese theatre troupe), because the main conceit of the school is very much based on that idea.

the gay-themes section:

sound! euphonium (season one)

in which director naoko yamada’s awesome legacy of writing lesbians and then saying “who’s to say though, ha ha” continued (she did it already with a side character in tamako market). this one is known as the gaybait to end all gaybait, but hear me out: the first, and best, season, is not only a fantastic self-contained story with many great characters and plot points, but it’s main character is undoubtedly lesbian-coded and even has a love interest you can argue about. frankly I think she’s gay-coded throughout the whole show (even when she dates a guy for two minutes), but this feels very “I wanted to focus on this compelling relationship between two female characters but the adaptation’s success meant we had to revert back to the source material in later seasons”. what we got from this is perhaps my favourite lesbian anime of all-time, following utena.

a place further than the universe

this show is about four girls who join an expedition to antarctica, and what if I told you they’re all great, believable dorky teenage characters, and they exist in a well-written and thematically satisfying show… and there’s nice lesbian implication between one of our adult female protagonists and her old (deceased; not a spoiler) friend who was the main teen girl’s mother. there’s some sad here, obviously.

puella magi madoka magica

the well-known, much beloved deconstruction of the magical girl genre is also pretty gay, as it happens (so gay in fact it started a trend of gay-coded pink+black magical girls). it’s not a particular favourite of mine, but it’s visually one of the most notable anime productions ever, so it’s well worth seeing just for that.

NANA

the 2000s manga+show about the two twenty-year-olds who meet on a train and discover they’re both called nana is also pretty gay! to the point where there are heated fandom debates about nana komatsu’s (pink one) possibly being a lesbian. they both have many relationships with guys, but it’s their bond that forms the heart of the show, and the bisexuality (or, who knows, homosexuality) of the leads is pretty undeniable. to the point where you’ll get blasted on the nana subreddit if you try and suggest otherwise.

the wild-card section:

keep your hands off eizouken!

this is a show about three oddball girls who start a club to create anime, but have to pose as the film club instead for various reasons. it’s not even subtextually gay, I just personally think that all three of the leads are gay and the whole thing feels like a very female-centred creative endeavour. hugely fun watch, and very high production values. you wouldn’t regret seeing it.

skip & loafer

these two you see here are side characters. this show is actually about mitsumi, the greatest female protagonist of this kind of shoujo-esque slice of life show, who moves from the countryside to tokyo for high school. here she meets many a misfit, including the pretty blonde and the nerd girl who have undeniable chemistry and form one of the most popular pairings in the show. it’s just a good time.

chihayafuru

I’d get in trouble for this, because the primary romance factor in the show is a famed heterosexual love triangle with chihaya at its centre and her two male childhood friends at the side. but go with me on this. chihaya is oblivious to romance and feminine socialisation, she is obsessed with a card game and with her equally dorky dark-haired rival… she’s anime’s greatest autistic lesbian lead. and you get more than what you pay for, because the two boys I mentioned? a lot of gay stuff going on there too.

the big-screen-cinematic section:

the adolescence of utena

revolutionary girl returns in the sequel of a lifetime, slightly older (sixteen, say) and gayer than ever, to escape this place with the love of her life. cue the impromptu dance sequence (with stars and rose petals)!

liz and the blue bird

the naoko yamada directed gay cinematic universe continues with a gorgeous film starring two of the side characters from sound! euphonium’s second season (not necessary to watch beforehand). that means it has plausible deniability whilst being so crazily gay it’s almost some kind of joke. this is a highly detailed, laser-focused character study of two girls in their high school band club and their ever more strained relationship. yamada never misses.

the summer

this is korean! it’s about two girls who meet at school and start dating in secret, what happens as they grow up and move to seoul, and how their relationship changes and strains when met with the conservatism of contemporary korean society. it was sweet and like aoi hana above for japanese girls, felt pretty frank to the experiences I’d imagine young korean lesbians might have.

puella magi madoka magica: rebellion

if you’re a fan of the show, you probably don’t talk about this movie. sure, it’s a visual feat, sure, it’s insanely entertaining, but it’s also frustrating and upsetting and potentially undermines the neatness of the original as a perfectly-crafted story. BUT. kyouko/sayaka becomes all but canon in it, and everything else aside, that’s all that really matters. but you should definitely watch the show beforehand.

[sn0w-games]

Thoughts of Tokyo Debunker Ch15

Hello hello~ have finished the recent chapters and wanted to share my thoughts on the chapter.

This does contains spoilers from Chapter 15 these are just my thoughts and rambles for the chapter.

This is my first time writing something like this, so please handle with me with some repeating things or just mindless rambles, I am typing five minutes after I just finished the chapter

SPOILERS BELOW:

First off I want to say, I am so happy they added in some Rui and Haku lore together, even if was for a short while.

Also I am not sure where it was theory at, but I do recall there being theories about Haku being from Frosthiem before going to Hotarubi. I do wish they would have added why Haku transferred out, what is so bad about Frosthiem than it being some winter wonderland where BOTH Haku and Yuri both transferred out, in different years. But Haku being the one confirmed in the canon characters who has transfer dorms the most ( Been in three different dorms) if he is a third year does that make it where he switches every year? I know Clementia might have had a different case due to the clash most likely, but who is to say if there is another year (like a fourth year) in the academy who is to say he won't transfer out of Hotarubi?

I do want to talk more about Subaru Kagami as well. There was another name that he could have mentioned in the chapter called Kagami Fujino. Sure this could have been a false name but could it also be someone in his old troupe group. I know there was a mention of a name, Koki Arisu who is confirmed on a hiatus due to an incident. But there is something in the air that could have someone named Fuijino under a different last name or same. Maybe someone related to Subaru's family? Really could have been a false name since Subaru was a previous actor being undercover, and with rumors like that I would not blame him not wanting it to resurface in front of the director, on a mission for Darkwick! But this is Tokyo Debunker, anything is possible in this game.

There is now something about Subaru before Darkwick in his old troupe group the reason they are on hiatus because of said incident. The stranger lady's voice called Subaru an 'abuser'. Now, looking at Subaru I could not believe it at first.

I hope they press more on both topics for both Subaru and Haru's sake.

But the last panel at the end of Chapter 15:

Yeah Subaru you are not helping your case here sweetie.

He either is possessed or he might be some sadistic person that we haven't seen yet -

I have always been someone who was not a fan of Subaru and had hell beef with him over a fic.

But I can say this, I do have some interest of him. He is one of the most secretive characters in the cast and I do wish the game didn't just drop this in and breeze over.

It has been a bit of a bad habit of the game recently, I don't know if it is intentional or so they can continue it in a different chapter.

It is the same thing when it came to Haru's hand reveal. A casual drop at the end of Chapter I forgot,,, I am typing this and I really don't feel like looking back on the previous chapters at the moment but if you know you know.

Also I won't lie, I have been under the assumption that the Honor Roll was a first year, even though their case is special I really thought they were a first year, but it turns out the Honor Roll is a second year along with Kaito and Lucas so it does make me happy that the Honor Roll is in the same year with their buddies (I know I am a little dumb because we do have some classes with them but shhhhh) I am just happy they did confirm their year.

Last thing,

HOTARUBI CAME IN CLUTCH WITH THE HORROR EFFECTS!!!!

I have not got a scare from the game in such a bit since chapter 2 that made me cover my phone. But when the sprites for Hanae Numata ( Red Woman ) and Hanao Numata ( Little Ghost Boy ) came on screen, I have a little scream - not in like a jump scare way but in a way where I was happy we got that horror effect like the one with Takeru in Chapter 2 and the ghost boy in Chapter 5. I missed the little thing like that. I wish they kept those themes since the game was a horror game.

I downloaded the game due to the ad I saw on Tumblr

of a pixelated man. But again, this game with it's ads... It's always a miss, since they are never about what the game is about - So I was ready for some horror, I got a bit sad with previous chapter since they weren't on a level like Chapter 2. I also do miss the longer chapter, but also I don't.... I think they are trying to find a middle ground since recently we have only got to like Chapter 25-28 but now we are hitting into the 30. Now this doesn't mean Chapter 16 with Sinostra could be shorter or they might make it longer, I only wish they make it longer so they can actually add in the lore they need and not drop a brief on us and move on and not mention it until a later chapter. I cannot take the suspense ;-; but I don't mind short one since it does save me a search for screen shots for the drive.

Last thing ( this time I swear), very small,

I wish they talked more on Zenji's death.

All we know was that he is dead. Both chapters didn't really provide us anything on how he died. Could he have been the victim of the Killer Case that some of the casts are suspects in? If so, that could have mean someone in the cast killed Zenji -

I hope that is not the case, but would it be interesting,,,, Yes -

Now some small mentions that I am not going to provide a lot of talk on:

SUBARU LYCA CONTENT

SUBARU HAKU MOMENTS DKJKLJD

MAMA ZENJI MOOD

Haku's little 'ahhh' in the chapter where they are talking about the ghost stories and it was his turn to tell a tale -

SINOSTRA IS THE NEXT CHAPTER

Thank you for taking your time to read this, I will be updating the drive here shortly with the photos!

[hwallazia]

CHIHIRO – 정우영

synopsis . in which you finally let yourself let him go during a cold rainy night

pairing . jung wooyoung & fem!reader

genre . angst (way too much), lovers to exes, non idol!au

taglist . @bro-atz @purplenimsicle | apply to join my taglist ♡

word count . 0,9k

DISCLAIMER! suggestive language (a lot of bad words in here), lots of manipulation and slyness from wooyoung, cold-hearted reader, slight violence (yn smacks wooyoung’s cheek), hints of cheating.

NIC’S NOTES ofc this is based of chihiro by billie eilish. the second i listened to this song, i thought of this angsty scenario. and so i thought it’d be a great idea to put wooyoung as the protagonist bc since enemies to lovers troupe fits him so well, why don’t do it backwards? ;))) alsoo, lowercase is intentional (yep, again)

“yn, come on!” wooyoung shouted as he ran towards you desperately; breath hitching, legs trembling. the only thing he could recognize within his visual field were the ends of your dark hair flying back in goodbye, your heart already very far from his. “don’t be like that. you know this isn’t the way to fix things up.”

your leather boots splashed against the puddles of water generated by the rainy dew that announced a great storm, your hands seeking protection from the cold in the pockets of your coat. you heard wooyoung’s wet footsteps as you saw his figure getting closer to you, alerting you. you stopped dead in your tracks when he forcibly grabbed your wrist, compelling you to look at him, to look at those pleading eyes that manipulated you so much. those goddamned eyes that changed your personality so much. “don’t you fucking touch me.” you huffed sternly, shaking your arm as you tried to escape his grasp, your eyes stabbing daggers into his heart. those merry, stunning, and beaming eyes were replaced by an opaque, lightless gaze. one he’d never forget. since when did you hold so much resentment and hatred for him that you saw him that way? as if you had never loved him. as if you had never felt anything at all.

he let you go the second he understood that you were capable of punching him in the face if he even touched a minimal part of your skin. “fine, i won’t touch ya,” he raised his hands up in surrender. but still he tried to explain himself, even though he knew that he was the last person you wanted to see at the moment, “can’t we talk about this at home? it’s freezing cold out here, and you’re wearing shorts-”

“since when do you care so much?” yes, he was right, your legs quivered as your uneven breathing made your lips release condensed clouds, but you wouldn’t let him know. standing as hard as a rock, you continued, “don’t look for me neither call me anymore. i want nothing to do with you.”

wooyoung’s breath hitched and as he tried to pull himself together, he tried for one last time to convince you and mold your mind. “hey that’s a very hasty decision, don’t you think?” he paused briefly, his sigh exhaled right on your face, “yn, is this because of hana?”

the sound of her name sliding down his tongue was the straw that broke the camel’s back. after everything he had done, he really thought that this was just a little scene of yours? a little whim?

“no! it’s not because of her. it’s because of you!” you finally screamed, your heart winning over the pride that wanted to predominate in you. “you and your stupid manipulations, your excuses, and your fakeness.” your eyes threatened to water, but you wouldn't collapse. not now. “how dare you come after me and try to explain yourself after i found you with her sitting on your lap as you giggled at some of those weird ass jokes of yours.”

“oh so it is because of her,” he got closer to you, more than you would’ve allowed him, your lips being an absurd distance away. “why are you causing all of this when you could’ve just asked me?” his hand began to trail its way up to your cheek, and as soon as he cupped it, your hand slammed against his cheek loudly, pulling his figure to the left. the humidity of your hand and his face making the impact even more painful.

“you... disgusting little shit” your grossed-out expression being visible even for a blind man. “how could i have gotten involved with someone like you?” you sighed to yourself. a moment of silence drowned the conversation. wooyoung facing the ground as you stared sternly at him. but then, you decided to confess, “you know, at first i thought this was a fairytale, my most perfect fantasy. but turns out it was yours, not mine. definitely not mine.”

you resumed, “fuck, i was so blinded.” your palm landed on your forehead as you turned your body and faced up to the night sky, a couple of raindrops decorating your frozen cheeks, “this whole relationship was nothing but your slyness trying to mold my personality and mentality to your whim, wasn’t it?” you didn’t even give him a moment to respond, “who the fuck do you think you are?”

“yn. you’re hallucinating, my love. please, let’s stop all this nonsense-”

“i don’t even recognize you at all.” you spat, your frozen limbs welcoming an intrude, a strange warmness. maybe because you had said what was stuck in your throat for months. finally, you got out of that jail, that imprisoned manipulation that caused you vexation for so long.

“don’t say that. yn-” you observed as his eyes started to well up with tears, but it didn’t hurt you. not anymore. from one moment to the next, jung wooyoung’s existence stopped mattering to you. after such a long time, you became insensitive to those pleading eyes.

“don’t look at me like that. i’m not yours anymore.” you finally sentenced. “goodbye, jung wooyoung.” those were your last words to him so that you turned around and started on your way to, probably, your best friend's house, leaving behind a broken-hearted wooyoung, his eyes being similar to the thousand-yard stare as he watched the ripples of a puddle of water as the rain became heavier and heavier.

probably, you’d meet again in another life, or not. the emptiness you felt at that moment was unexplainable —you’d probably shirk it and let your drunk self take matters into its own hands. but you were sure that jung wooyoung taking your love away from you wouldn’t be so easy to forget.

| masterlist

[zukalations]

Hizuki Hana, former Top Musumeyaku of Cosmos Troupe, has a monthly column in Kageki. In this one she talks about the 2023 Carmen production and her own changing feelings about the character of Carmen.

[nakoayas]

Yumeshiro Aya | Profusion of 110 Flowers (from GRAPH 2024 July)

Learning about the beauty of musumeyaku in various perspectives.

PLAY

— Recently, I've been paying more attention on how to rest fully on my rest days. I can play on my "play days", but I realized that's not the main way I spend those days now. I'm spending more energy on stage and in rehearsals in a day than I did in the past, so I won't be working too much on my rest days. During the break after the Tokyo performances are finished, I'd go to Disneyland or go on vacation in Paris, or sometimes go back to my family home. Since I don't have much time in rehearsals to take care of my dogs Hana-chan and Yuki-chan, I'd take them out on a walk on my days off.

RELAX

— I like to take my dogs out and go for a drive, and realized once again how much I like seeing nature. I like seeing architecture too, but when I see places with greenery and the sunset, I'd feel especially moved by the scenery. And it's been my daily routine for 5 years that I write in my diary every morning. When I wake up, (writing my diary) prepares myself, and it gives me a refreshed feeling (to start the day.)

KNOWLEDGE

— As I was learning about The Rose of Versailles, I went to France for vacation. I didn't have much opportunity to play aristocratic roles in the past so I didn't have much knowledge (on this status of class), but as I delved into learning Marie Antoinette, I found it very interesting. I've researched all that I can, and realized that perhaps the intrinsic human sides of her remain unchanged, and there are many things I can relate to her. Now I'm rehearsing for the performance Romanesque Mask, a story of aristocrats after the French Revolution, and there've been many stories of the socialites of the time and it's fascinating to see various portrayals (of such lifestyle) in movies. I jot down notes for what I've researched, and it was fun to learn about this history.

BEAUTY

— I have a skincare routine. Every morning and every night, it's an indispensable step to use the steamer and facial beauty devices. I don't take supplements every day, but it depends on each day. I'll use facial wash, softening beauty, anti-dullness, facial scrub… and 5 other of those products and use them distinctively. And also before I sleep, I'll definitely use the hair straightening iron. By straightening the hair, it curls naturally when I wake up in the morning.

HEALTH

— I catch colds easily, so health is really an important task for me… I really want to enhance my sleeping quality and have been searching desperately, so if there are recommendations, please tell me about it (LOL). This year, I want to change to a new set of silk sheets for my bed! Besides, I don't watch television a lot at night, and I keep my lights dim in my room. I also tend not to look at my smartphone (at night). I only watch Youtube to receive information on beauty care, but I think the algorithm is too much for me. It's difficult to just receive the necessary information I need, and to learn what I really need to face for myself, I'm starting to do more digital detox.

FASHION

— It's not just particularly for offstage times, but I want to be comfortable in what I wear. When I'm working, I'd wear mostly items of my troupe color (green) and fashion styles that suit my role. I'll go shopping, and sometimes buy exactly how the coordinated styles are shown on display (LOL). When I see some flower-patterned or checkered fashion that definitely do not go together, I'd think "I'll buy both!". For portrait photos in the future, I'd like to challenge things I haven't used in the past for photoshoots, or taking photos with things I'm unfamiliar with.

MEMORY

— Even for the books I read to create my role, I'll be writing it down to remember it, and I'm the type to annotate my script. But before I begin performing, I want to read the script once more and treat it as completely new. It's a definite step that I use a dryer and erase my notes I've written with my Frixon pen, and restart (studying the script) from the beginning. Also, even though I understand the role I'm playing, to embody the role, I want to always know how my mentality is doing, so I'd also note down what I'm thinking or what I'm worried about. Also in my 5-year diary, I'd be able to look back on the past 1 year whether I've improved or performed worse, so I recommend this method to underclassmen who are also concerned with their troubles. Because writing down (all of these) helps you to take care of yourself internally.

BONUS!!

First picture bubble:

"with (Aisora) Minami who came to visit the photoshoot"

Second picture bubble:

"a challenge to wear the bustier that brings an impact"

Scanned from my personal collection and graciously translated by @yuzukahibiscus ♥️

[slayfics]

╰─ Name: Kiyori Hana

╰─ Pronouns: She/her

╰─ Nen Type: Manipulator

╰─ Headcanons

╰─ Photo Gallery

╰─ The Hana House

</ Backstory >

╰─ Story has suggestive themes.

Kiyori’s father was a strong hunter, and her mother was an employee of a brothel. They first met when her father came to the brothel for entertainment hiring her mother. Her father and mother quickly fell in love, and her father went to the brothel frequently to hire her for entertainment before deciding to buy the brothel making it the family business and rebranding it to entertain hunters. The two married and shortly after had Kiyori. Kiyori grew up hearing her father’s stories of being a hunter and knew she wanted to get a hunter's license. Her father taught her Nen at a young age making the hunter exam a breeze for Kiyori. However, after getting her license Kiyori took on the family business and ran the brothel herself.

Slowly Kiyori became bored of the same routines at the brothel and found herself wishing for adventure. Her wishes were answered when the Phantom Troupe member Omokage visited the brothel and hired Kiyori. Quickly taking a liking to her he encouraged her to join the troupe. Feeling as though this was the opportunity she had been looking for Kiyori pursued it and was accepted into the troupe.

All was well until her tendency to get bored with routines struck again. Kiyori found herself wanting to leave the troupe feeling she gained everything she could. However, leaving the troupe isn’t so easy as was proven when Omokage stepped away. The troupe was ordered to hunt him down and kill him.

Knowing she could never take on all the members in a fight if she decided to leave, Kiyori miserably stayed in the troupe. Until an eccentric man (Hisoka) took the spot of Omokage and promised to shake things up.

</ Relationships >

Kiyori finds herself in a bizarre love triangle between Hisoka and Illumi that hinges on polyamorous with occasional murderous intent.

</ Nen Abilities >

Kiyori is a manipulator and chooses to fight with a gun and lasso. She can manipulate anything she shoots out of her gun to move at her will, making her bullets hard to dodge as they continue to track down her target. Kiyori uses her lasso as a means to manipulate her targets. If she manages to lasso a target, she can manipulate them freely.

Kiyori's Nen ability is called Lost Souls. She can summon and manipulate dead spirits to fight for her. Her ancestors and those who used to work for her family are the easiest for her to summon.

Artwork commissioned by @kurumi-igarashi

[yuzukahibiscus]

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.

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

Hi I love your Self-awarebsd au wanted to know if I can Request a scenario that the reader Loves acting and singing And enter the character who is acting (example: from victim to villain, a boss) the reader is sweet but likes to play pranks.

Sorry if there are any spelling mistakes, my first language is not English 😅

Finished. I hope, you like it. Reader, who is an actor and need some help from BSD characters for their performance.

Recast

Self-Aware! Mori Ogai x GN! Reader x Self-Aware! Strictly Platonic! Elise

Description: You are a part of a little troupe of actors. Soon, you have a concert. Unfortunately, two actors have fallen ill right before the performance. Thankfully, you have someone to help you.

Set after BSD gang got into your world.

Fluff. Reader are a volunteer. They perform to the kids.

Warning: OOC. English is my second language.

_____________

Breakfast almost ended, when the doorbell rings.

Goncharov, who already finished eating, hurry to open the front door. After a minute or two, all of you head the sound of footsteps. And jingle of little bells. Suddenly, you flinch.

"My senses are tingling, and my back is killing me," mumble you and stand up. You quickly went into the kitchen.

Right after you walked away, Goncharov was back. Behind him were standing two people. Man and woman.

The tall and curvy woman has light blue eyes and curly, brown hair. She was wearing a bright summer dress.

Short and plump, the man has brown eyes and short black hair. He was wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and scarf, that was decorated with small bells, that was juggling with every step.

Both of them looked calm and slightly curious.

Goncharov clears his throat.

"Where is [Y/N]? They have guests."

Like you were summoned, you walked from the kitchen, back to the dinning room. You had two glasses of water in your hands. You smile.

"Good morning, miss Glover. Good morning, mister Wilson"

Hana Glover, a middle-aged woman, smiles in return.

"[Y/N], long time no see, dear. I see, live has been treating you well"

You nodded and give the miss Glover a glass of water.

"You bet. Here, Miss Glover, have some water. Today is awfully hot outside."

After Hana takes the glass from you, you turn towards Mr. Wilson.

Zack Wilson, a middle-aged man, take the glass from you.

"Thanks, [Y/N], Good morning to you too."

After he made the first sip of water, he coughs.

"Lemon juice, really?"

You chuckle.

"Yes, really"

Hana glares at her old friend.

"Zack, be glad that it just small pranks. Do you remember, what happened, when the whole thing happened?"

Mr. Wilson huffs, but stay quiet. Yosano looked at the three of you and asked.

"[Y/N], who are..."

You interpreted her, before she can finish.

"Okay, everyone, meet Hana Glover and Zack Wilson, directors and founders of "The Volunteer Troupe of Amateur Actors", a small charity organization. They perform in hospitals, orphanages, retirement houses and even on the streets. All money they earn during performance are donated."

Everyone takes a moment to let the information sink in. Elise eyes shine.

"I remember! [Y/N] were talking about a group of volunteers they are a part of. They were talking about you."

Miss Glover chuckled.

"Yes, they were talking about us. [Y/N], in two weeks we are going to arrange a concert for children. You and other actors will perform. Sing some songs and act some fairy tales, you know the drill."

You hum, showing, that you are listening.

Miss Glover take a small box from her purse, opened the lid, and hold the box towards you.

"Here, take two"

You take three folded pieces of paper from the box. You open them.

1. Try everything;

2. Goldilocks and three bears (narrator).

You show the papers to Hana and Zack.

"Here, I will sing and be a narrator. Not a heaver, you see it, Mister Wilson?"

Mr. Wilson looked away, visibly embarrassed.

Miss Glover rolls her eyes, and grabs Zacks by the elbow.

"Good, it's done. See you in two weeks, [Y/N]."

With thanks, Hana and Zack left.

"What with the heaver? And with this man scarf?" asked Naomi. You rub your neck.

"Well, you see..."

_________

"Mr. Wilson, what do you mean, that we have to be heavers and help with moving these planks? Yes, we understand, that other workers aren't working today, then, maybe, let's not touch the planks? Tomorrow, workers will do their job."

"We are not laughing at hard work"

"Mr. Wilson, it will be impossible for us, actors, to carry all this planks. We have a performance right now."

"What? Carry them while we're performing? But!"

"It will be an interesting version of 'Romeo and Juliet'".

"Finally, the last plank... WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'IT'S TIME TO CARRY SAND'?!"

"Five broken backs, six sprains, thirty splinters..."

________________

"At the end Mr Wilson not only paid for our recovery, but also agree to wear this silly scarf to show, that he was an idiot. Also, allows us to prank him."

You finished your tale. BSD gang, for the most part, looked, somehow, amused and sad at the same time.

"And with papers?" Asked Naomi once again.

"Lottery. That's how we are choosing, what we are going to perform. Okay, I need to start rehearsing, see you later."

You left the dining room.

_________

Three days before the performance

_________

"Okay, I understand. Hope you and Anna will be better soon."

You finish the call and groan. Currently, you were talking with Port Mafia members about future movie night (They want to see "The God Father"), when Max, your co-actor, called.

"Two of our actors are sick. Anna, who played Goldilocks, and Max, who played Papa Bear. It means, no fairy tale."

Kouyou tilts her head.

"Can't someone preform instead of them?"

You shake your head.

"No. We are short on stuff. Many of our actors still angry at Mr Wilson for making us carry all that stuff. And I know, that he paid for our recovery, but some people got serious injuries."

Help came from the one, you didn't expect.

Elise grabs your hand and proclaims.

"I will help! I can be a Goldilocks!"

You open your mouth and wanted to say something. But Mori grabbed your other hand.

"And I can be a Papa Bear. I can't let my Dear Elise-chan and My Dear Light [Y/N] to be on a stage all alone. What if mad fans will hurt you two?"

Well... one time you almost were trampled by the children who ran to get their gifts...

"You two aren't kidding, right?" You look at Mori, then at Elise, then at Mori again.

Mori squeeze your hand.

"I am serious, [Y/N]."

Elise looked at you with big puppy eyes.

...

Why not?

"I will discuss it with Hana and Zack"

___________________

The day of the performance

___________________

The square before the open-air theater was full of people.

Children, Parents, BSD gang...

You, Elise and Mori were at the backstage.

Elise were wearing simple white dress. Mori were wearing a stereotypical farmer clothes and a pair of fake bear ears on his head.

"The performance will start in five minutes! Singers, be ready!" shout Zack.

You take a deep breath. Mori patted you on the back reassuringly.

"Don't worry, [Y/N], everything will be alright"

You smile. It's time.

_____________

The sounds of happy beat.

"Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh"

You were singing on the stage. Kids in the audience were clapping.

"I messed up tonight, I lost another fight

Lost to myself, but I'll just start again

I keep falling down, I keep on hitting the ground

I always get up now, see what's next"

Atsushi's eyes glow. Akutagawa hide his smirk behind his hand.

"Birds don't just fly, they fall down and get up

Nobody learns without gettin' it wrong"

"Go, Birdy!"

"Gogol, where did you get glowing sticks?"

I won't give up, no, I won't give in

'Til I reach the end, and then I'll start again

No, I won't leave, I wanna try everything

I wanna try even though I could fail

Despite dancing and singing, you were full of energy and your breath was normal.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Try everything

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Try everything

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Try everything

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

Try everything

When you finish singing, the audience start clapping and cheering.

It was great!

The happiness, the emotions of audience.

That's why you liked performing.

You hope, that the fairy tale will also be performed as it should.

________

Apparently, not only Goldilocks and Papa Bear were recast. Mama Bear and Baby Bear were also recast.

New actors were Sam and Mary, brother and sister. And Mary was trying to find a boyfriend.

When she saw Mori... She forgot, that she was performing for kids.

At first, Mama Bear decide to flirt with Papa Bear. Mori-Bear immediately asked for divorce.

When you tried to do your job as a narrator, and return the back to what it should be, Mama Bear, with 'Don't stand in the way of my happiness', try to kick you down from the stage.

Thankfully, you manage to stay on your feet.

Before Mary can do something else, Mori glared at her. With His Famous Glare.

Everyone on stage, and in the audience, gulped.

Mori puts a hand on your head.

"Sorry, Narrator, we can continue"

After getting back on track, you tried to stay calm.

Finally, bears have gone for a walk.

The scene in Goldilocks'house and in the empty house of Three Bears were fine. Elise were natural, she enjoyed playing on stage.

But then the bears were back.

Mary-Bear was holding Mori's hand in an iron grip. Sam-Bear was trying to intimidate Mori into dating Mary. Mori was angry.

The whole scene was tense.

And then, Baby Bear find Goldilocks.

Sam grabbed Elise, that startled her, and she accidentally slap him on the face.

Sam got angry. She picked Elise up, you immediately run towards them.

"Sam! Stop, she is just a child"

But Sam were always ill-tempered. He pushed Elise right at you. You and Elise both fell from the stage.

You were ready for an impact, but you feel, that your fall stopped. You open your eyes. Elise was levitating. She was holding you and wasn't letting you fall down.

Elise growl.

"While I don't like, when Rintarou take control over me so suddenly, it was for the best. You alright, [Y/N]?"

"Yea. Hey, Elise, I have an idea, how to safe the performance. Can you, please, follow my narration?"

Elise nodded.

_________

The story of characters hating the narrator and narrator punishing them, became quite popular. (Thanks to you, Mori and Elise).

You two manage to pretend, that as Narrator, you have a power to gain characters power. So, you, Elise and Mori spend five minutes, chasing Sam and Mary.

Halfway through the chase, someone put a music from Benny Hill show on.

The show was a success.

_______

At the end, you, Mori and Elise didn't get into trouble. Zack and Hana understand, that Sam and Mary were to blame.

Sam and Mary apologize. But, there were rumors about a ghost (a blond one, in a red dress), that hunts their house and wax the floors (It was discovered, that Mary can sit on a twine).

The Gang is waiting for your next performance. They knew, It would be fun. Maybe, this time, others also will have a chance to be with you on the stage.

[murasakinoiro]

Dream Conversation 1997 - Kuze Seika and Hanafusa Mari

This cute conversation, featuring stories about Hanafusa’s admiration for Kuze during her hatsubutai days and anecdotes from events they worked on together, was published in the March 1997 issue of Kageki. At the time, Kuze Seika was in the middle of her final show as Top Star of Moon Troupe, and Hanafusa Mari was Top Musumeyaku of Snow Troupe.

Dream ♥️ Conversation 1997 - Kuze Seika and Hanafusa Mari Kuze: You gave me a gift and a note for the first time when you were in music school, didn’t you?

Hanafusa: Until then, I wasn’t really into Takarazuka. Some of my classmates would say things like they had been big fans of someone for a long time, but I didn’t have that kind of experience. One day, while we were still in the first year, one of my classmates watched Kuze-san's starring performance, BLUFF, and came back saying it was incredible! She was raving about it in the dormitory bath that night. That was just before the senshuuraku of BLUFF. She urged me, "You absolutely must see it", so I went to watch it. That was the beginning.

Kuze: Was it your downfall? (laughs)

Hanafusa: After that, I completely fell in love with you, Kuze-san! I had never been interested in becoming someone’s fan before, so my classmates were surprised by how much I had changed and began supporting me wholeheartedly. They encouraged me, saying things like, “The raku is soon, you should send her a gift” or “Write her a letter”. With their help, we went together to buy a gift for you.

Kuze: Since you used your real name, I thought you were an otokoyaku. Then, Ton-chan (Murasaki) looked at the name and said, "I think that’s a really cute girl". I thought, "Huh, interesting". Then, you came to our troupe for your hatsubutai.

Hanafusa: That’s not quite right, at the culture festival, I received a gift from Kuze-san.

Kuze: Oh, right, that’s true. (laughs)

Hanafusa: I remember it clearly. After a performance, I came back feeling hot and thirsty, grabbed a juice box, and started sipping it without knowing who it was from. Then I wondered whose it was—and it turned out to be from you, Kuze-san! I screamed, “Look, look! Ku—Ku—Kuze-san gave me this!” It was such an unexpected and delightful surprise, and my classmates celebrated with me.

Kuze: (laughs)

Hanafusa: My hatsubutai was with the Moon Troupe. On the shuugoubi, it was the underclassmen’ responsibility to organize and hand over the fan letters that had accumulated during the break to the upperclassmen. I really want to be the one to deliver Kuze-san’s letters! Everyone knew it, so they handed me Kuze-san’s letters and said "Dai-chan (Hanafusa), take these to her!” I remember that moment so clearly. When I entered the rehearsal room, you were wearing a black leather coat and sitting in the farthest corner. The distance to your seat felt so far, and as I carried the letters, I kept muttering to myself, “Will she notice me? No, she won’t recognize me…” Murasaki Tomo-san was nearby and pointed me out, saying, “This is the girl.” You smiled and said, “Thank you, as always.” That moment is still vivid in my memory.

Kuze: During your hatsubutai performance, I still remember how you always stood there, slightly tilting your head and smiling brightly. I’m the type who isn’t very sociable with underclassmen. When they offered to help, I would usually say, "It’s fine, I can manage on my own." But Hana-chan (Hanafusa) would smile cheerfully and say, "I want to do it, so I will!" You were the kind of person who tore through my shell and broke down my walls.

Hanafusa: Did I really?

Kuze: Yes, eventually, I got used to it. You never overstepped and always helped in just the right way, striking the perfect balance. In the end, I think I ended up relying on you.

Hanafusa: After the performance, I would always wait, wondering when Kuze-san might call for me. When I heard “Dai-chan!” from afar, it made me so happy. While most people find their hatsubutai nerve-wracking and full of first-time challenges, I just found it incredibly fun.

Kuze: After we were in different troupes, there were times we stood next to each other during the TMP Music Festival finale parade. And when I guest-starred in the Snow Troupe as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, we had a brief interaction during the party scene. Then, when we worked together on the radio program "Onatsu Seijuro", I realized just how earnest and dedicated Hana-chan really is. I’m serious too, but sometimes I get a bit shy and joke around to lighten the mood. But Hana-chan was so focused that you'd laugh nervously and say, “Please stop!” while adjusting your voice. That’s when I thought, “Hanafusa Mari is truly such a serious person.”

Hanafusa: I was so nervous back then. Even last year, when we performed Eternal Tale together during the TCA Special, I was incredibly nervous.

Kuze: I’m glad we got to do it together. The radio work was fun, but after so many years, Hana-chan had become a Top Musumeyaku and built your own career, and I had done various things in my own way, collaborating again with someone I rarely get to work with was truly a great experience.

Hanafusa: On the first day of rehearsal, I was so nervous, wondering, “What will she think of me?" "What if she thinks I’m terrible?” But performing alongside Kuze-san, the person I had admired since my debut, felt truly surreal and deeply moving. Lately, I haven’t had many opportunities to watch Kuze-san’s performances…

Kuze: Whenever you come to watch, you always greet me with a radiant smile, saying, “I’m here to watch today!” In those moments, you look so carefree and pure, just like you were in your hatsubutai days.

Hanafusa: In front of Kuze-san, I feel like I go back to being my hatsubutai self.

Kuze: But even back then, you had a strong sense of self. You weren’t just smiling, there was a quiet, steadfast strength in you, almost a kind of independence. You also had such elegance. Roles like Elisabeth were truly a perfect fit for you. I also loved your performance as Natasha in Natasha of the Rainbow. Watching you in the furisode kimono, darting energetically, was like watching a puppy wagging its tail in excitement—it was absolutely adorable.

Hanafusa: I feel like I’ve relaxed a bit since those days. Back then, I was always so desperate, thinking, “I can’t do it, so I have to push myself even harder,” and I would get completely absorbed in the role. I couldn’t let go of the tension at all. But then, I got to play Natasha, a character with a completely opposite image to Elisabeth, and before I knew it, I even found myself laughing backstage.

Kuze: Before Natasha, you didn’t even have time to smile, did you?

Hanafusa: Even when I smiled, I would immediately switch back to being serious. But with Natasha, it felt like I could step on stage while still smiling backstage. Since then, people around me have started saying that my expression seems to have softened.

Kuze: Changes like that are often something the people around you notice first, like, “Oh, something’s different!” And when that happens, it might unknowingly make things easier for those around you as well, which is a good thing. In Takarazuka, when the onnayaku is strong, it makes the otokoyaku shine too. When a onnayaku has a strong core, it makes the stage much more engaging. Hana-chan, you’re like that, and so is Yuuko (Kazahana)—both of you have a solid presence as musumeyaku. Working with people like that makes things easier for otokoyaku  as well. I think the changes in you are wonderful, Hana-chan. When you’re in that state, I think you’ll be able to enjoy whatever comes your way.

Hanafusa: Is that so? Today, I had the chance to watch Kuze-san's farewell performance, and as I watched, I couldn’t help but think how amazing your slicked-back hairstyle still looks. Please don’t think I’m weird for saying this! I love Kuze-san's warm singing voice and the way you deliver your lines—I love everything about you—but my very first admiration was for your slicked-back hairstyle. That hasn’t changed since my days at music school, and I realized that again today. Knowing that Kuze-san is retiring makes me feel truly sad. You were my first inspiration and have always been extraordinary presence to me.

Kuze: Hana-chan, I’m sure you believe that the one you’re working with now are the best, but the feelings you had during your hatsubutai are something entirely different, aren’t they?

Hanafusa: Yes, in front of you, Kuze-san, I always become my younger self again. You’ve been watching over me since I was a ken-1 student.

Kuze: It really is such a mysterious bond, isn’t it? We don’t see each other often, but when we do run into each other somewhere, we suddenly start talking about roles or dive into a lively conversation. Hana-chan, you’ve always been the type to break right through my shell and come in so openly, which made you stand out to me as someone special. There’s just something about you that lingers in my mind—when I happen to see you, I find myself wondering, “Is she doing well?” As a performer, your natural talent is undeniable, but you also have a kind of presence that feels like the gods are always smiling down on you. Stay the earnest Hana-chan you are now, but also find ways to enjoy life to its fullest. Keep doing your best and stay healthy!

Hanafusa: Since my ken-1 year, our relationship hasn’t changed, and even now, being able to talk like this makes me feel so happy. I love Kuze-san’s performances, and of course, I want to keep seeing you on stage. But I also love the real, unguarded Kuze-san, so the thought of us drifting apart feels lonely and regretful. Please promise me we’ll meet again even after you retire!

Kuze: Alright, let’s stay close even after I retire. (laughs)

[adorare]

Updates!

RoV: Fersen

I'm in the process of translating it, and if I finish the draft early I'll release the draft script for those watching the Raku stream.

Might polish up 2013/14 Fersen as well even though it's pretty different from the new version. No promises though!

Other Saki shows

I'm planning to do Too Short a Time to Fall in Love after it airs on Sky Stage and I get the closed captions. All By Myself will most probably be subbed as well, but at a later time.

Post-Saki...

I don't have as much time to translate these days, so I'm not planning to sub everything from one particular troupe/top star after Saki leaves. It'll just be shows I really enjoy across all the troupes, but mainly Yuki and Hana. And some non-zuka shows as well.

Translation updates can be found here if you want to see what I'm working on!