#endofyearzukatag2022
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6. I’m gonna redo this question – the most shocking announcement for me is Minami Maito’s transfer from Flower Troupe to Senka.
“I am Minami Maito of Flower Troupe.”
This seemed like a sentence that would never change. Flower Troupe-born Minami Maito for the X number of years in her career, now and evermore.
Until today. Today, I was really shocked.
I’m going to write what I feel in a chronological way of how I processed this because the transfer of Maiti is going to bring climate change in terms of understanding Maiti’s career, history of nibante strategies, and Flower Troupe, in particularly Rei. (Disclaimer: I put “almost” and “unless” to make these hypotheticals.)
(1) Reimai combro divorce is real and I’m taking it in. Some may say “Come on, Maiti doesn’t need Rei to shine, they don’t have to be together and they can both shine their own ways”. No, I’m talking about Reimai in terms of their relationship. Like Grand Theatre performance “MAYERLING”/ “ENCHANTEMENT” will almost be the last time of Reimai on stage, and we don’t know when the next one is confirmed. (And it is definitely not “A Battlefield for Two” because she has a dinner show on April 20-27 and after the dinner show, she will become Senka, there’s no time for her to rehearse. That’s already the first moment that Reimai’s not going to be there.) Last GT performance of that means almost last NOS together, last WOWOW together and some others. Talk to me about a friendship for the last 14-16 years and suddenly this kind of parting will not be easy, at least that’s what I think.
(2) “MAYERLING” and “ENCHANTEMENT” is almost the last of Maiti wearing these nibante feathers. She has worn 2 (in Fashionable Empire and in this one coming up; The Fascination! which we remember dear by heart of this regret but that she is definitely nibante in that performance). Some discuss that “They can’t possibly rank Maiti lower than Nibante when she is already official”. So in justification, Senka Maiti means she won’t have that feather moment so close in the near future yet, unless they’re planning something great for her or there are other large movements in other troupes. Also I’ll really miss Maiti because with how strong the ensemble is for other troupes, we can’t see Maiti in the chirashis so quick yet in the near future after "MAYERLING”. (Note: Currently the nibante of Moon Troupe is Houzuki An, 92nd class; the nibante of Snow Troupe is Asami Jun, 95th class; we are UNSURE of Star Troupe but it is unofficially Seo Yuria, 95th class; the nibante of Cosmos Troupe is Serika Toa, 93rd class) Does this mean also fewer bromides for her?
(3) I also want to know if this is an Aichan (Aizuki Hikaru) card situation. Aichan was in Cosmos Troupe for 12 years before transferring to Senka and then to Star Troupe as nibante for the next 2 years, having an interesting 14 year Takarazuka Career. I hope Maiti does not become Senka for a hot moment only to T-word after a few performances but not in Flower Troupe. If she gets to be in Senka, being such a great Takarazuka lover since she was a child and having her only dream to be a Takarasienne, I hope she goes further and expands longer into her Takarazuka career. In hindsight, please be ever happy with Mayupon (Kizuki Yuuma) and Saori-san (Takashou Mizuki) in Senka, have the greatest fun. It’ll be interesting on an encouraging note to see Maiti in some performances here and there in different troupes. Does this also mean that her frequency in shows is not as expected yet…? Mayupon’s very prominent, multiple appearances in Moon and a few times in Flower and in Cosmos. (Also, putting forecasts in advance but I’ll find it a bit weird when Maiti t-words and her sayonara show is not in Flower Troupe, but we’ll see again)
(4) This means official nibante for Hitoko (Towaki Sea) and sanbante for Honoka (Seino Asuka) for the new arrangement, and subsequently the very obvious on what it implies for Rei. They say, when you are Top Star your clock is already counting down but I think Maiti’s transfer gave me the first shock. It really made me pause there and just look at my phone, unbelieving my eyes. When Rei chooses to announce it will be the second blow, but I think this has given me mental preparation for it all already. It also makes me wonder what kind of performances Flower Troupe will have in the future – as per (1), it will be a pity to see Maiti’s absence among the cast lists of Flower Troupe.
(5) This affects my subbing plans in 2023, that I need to translate Minami Maito’s “CAST” side-B, alongside finishing up with “Dance Olympia”.
“Melancolique Gigolo” also becomes a priority for me, because this was their first show that they were uncanonically Top Star and Nibante position.
I’ll have to be honest that I’m not the happiest with this announcement. It opens doors for future possibilities of Senka’s Minami Maito but also I’m so cautious of whether it is a good arrangement for her. Nevertheless, when the time comes I will have to accept the fact when I watch “MAYERLING” and “ENCHANTEMENT” in March in Hong Kong cinemas. This also makes me want to purchase her two nibante feather bromides as per (2).
(Note: Those two are the only Reimai bromides I have: HANAOTOKO in “Beautiful Garden” and “Love Burns in Firenze”. It will definitely encourage me to go on a splurge for more Reimai bromides.)
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End of Year Takarazuka Tag 2022
Last year I created a 14 question Takarazuka tag, and I thought it would be fun to bring it back for 2022! You can do this tag however you please, I know some people did it on twitter and as a daily tag, others posted it all at once, there are no rules it's just a fun way to talk about the things you loved this year!
Please tag it #endofyearzukatag2022 so we can look at each others and a link back to this post so people can find the questions and have a go themselves!
The questions are basically the same as last year but I did add an extra question!
1. Sumire no Hana: Did you find a new favourite this year? (Either someone who has entered the company this year or someone who has been in the company a while but you have only just become a fan, or both!)
Optional bonus question for those that did the tag last year: Who did you put this question in 2021, are you still following them and how have they grown as an actor/person in 2022?
2. Never Say Goodbye: Which taidansha was the hardest for you to say goodbye to this year?
3. Material Girl: Favourite piece of merch (most treasured Takarazuka thing you have bought yourself this year, OR if you didn’t buy anything this year, a piece of merch that is on your wish list)
4. Mon Paris: Did you discover a new fav show that was not from this year? (This can be any fav show that you saw for the first time this year that was released before 2022)
5. Wings of the Heart: Favourite fandom memory (this could be a fun stream experience, going to the theatre with friends, all collectively freaking out about something together, anything really!)
6. Where is God (kami wa dokoni): What Hankyu announcement shocked you the most this year?
7. The Final Dance (Saigo no Dansu): What was your favourite duedan of the year?
8. My Everlasting Dream: What show have you rewatched the most this year?
9. Fascinating Rhythm: What zuka song has been stuck in your head all year?
10. Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend: What was your favourite costume(s) of the year?
11. Cool Beast!!: what was the most ridiculous costume(s) your saw this year
12. Greatest Moment: A special moment on stage that stayed with you
And finally, the big ones:
13. Musical: What was your favourite musical (one act or two act or both you want!) of the year?
14. Revue: What was your favourite revue of the year?
#end of year takarazuka tag#end of year takarazuka tag 2022#end of year zuka tag 2022#endofyearzukatag2022#takarazuka#takarazuka revue
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end of year zuka tag!!
so extremely late to do this so I’m just doing it all in one post!!
1) sumire no hana - new favorite
I became a fan in late 2021 so almost all of my current favorite siennes are ones I fell in love with this year… for actresses already in the theatre id definitely say I become such a huge fan of towaki sea!! she is such an incredible singer and is able to be such a wonderful otokoyaku and an enchanting onnayaku. as for new girls, I’ve been keeping my eye on shiragiri tsubaki!
2) never say goodbye - hardest to say goodbye to
100% oto kurisu, she was such a standout in hanagumi and it was never a dull moment when she was on stage. She’s such an amazing performer and singer. I’m so glad she’s on Instagram now and I’m so excited for her future projects!
3) material girl - favorite merchandise
I was able to go to quartre reves and takarazuka an for the first time this year since i was in japan, so I think my favorite pieces of merch are all the bromides I was able to buy! going to the stores in person was such an amazing experience I’m so grateful for. I think my most treasured though is my yuzuka rei clear card, she’s been to so many places with me!
4) mon paris - new favorite show not from this year
2004 phantom!!! idk how I found it but I’m so glad I did. wao youka is just so incredible…. her portrayal of erik is maybe one of the best performances I’ve ever seen tbh… I’m so obsessed with her voice. her acting as well is so fantastic, the scene where christine is singing to erik trying to convince him to take his mask off is a work of art. you can see all the emotions erik is feeling so clearly, you see this hope in his eyes as christine continues to sing. also the way wao youka is styled in the show is so dated but i think it fits so well. she has these very prominent shoulder pads that look a little silly at first but I’ve grown to love it so much. I love the other versions of the show (esp 2018) but 2004 hold such a special place in my heart.
5) wings of the heart - favorite fandom memory
I had so many fun streaming experiences this year! I’m so lucky to have had the time to attend as many as it did. I think maybe the most impactful fandom moment was just walking around the tokyo takarazuka theatre and seeing all the other people taking pictures with and gushing about posters outside. such a crazy feeling as an international fan to see that so many other people share the same love you do
6) where is god - shocking hankyu announcement
maitis senka transfer and yurika + kano taidan!! for yurika and kano I guess it makes sense, but I feel like having any top star retire is surprising to me. yurika has been the only face of soragumi I’ve known, so it’s going to feel strange having a new top star but I’m so excited to see who it’s going to be. maitis senka transfer is a bit puzzling to me but I know she’s going to be amazing in whatever she does next.
7) the final dance - favorite duedan
saki and kiwas duedan in soukyuu no subaru. I was able to see the show in person which I think made it so much more powerful. I could feel their connection much better. I swear I was tearing up watching it. the reality of kiwas taidan hit me like a bus during it, and I felt so honored to be able to see one of their last dances together
8) my everlasting dream - most rewatched show
it’s a revue but probably beautiful garden! I put on shows a lot in the background while doing work and beautiful garden was this years top pick. I love the music so much and so many of my favorite siennes are in it! I love flower theme so much and the costumes especially!! purple and pink are my favorite colors and this revue has so much of them
9) fascinating rhythm - song that got stuck in my head
continuing the last one a bit, the theme song of beautiful garden got stuck in my head so often. especially senna ayase’s part! it’s such a catchy theme!! and the performance of it is so lovely
10) diamonds are a girls best friend - favorite costumes
such a difficult question because I really love the costumes of takarazuka, especially ones with frills and ruffles… there’s just so many to chose from. I think I’m going to say all of the costumes from genroku baroque rock. I love Japanese traditional clothing and it combined with takarazuka’s flair was such a treat. I love madoka’s costume during lucky koi koi. it’s so detailed and I love the way it moves. all the different patterns on it make me want to look at it forever.
11) cool beast!! - most ridiculous costumes
definitely not the most ridiculous, more like my favorite silly costumes are hozumi mahiro’s in top hat as beddini
12) greatest moment - special stage moment
the parade in soukyuu no subaru. being able to applaud for the actresses was such an honor to participate in. it was such a thrilling experience
13) favorite musical
genroku baroque rock! it’s very special to me for being one of the first musicals I saw. it matches my tastes very well and it’s maybe my favorite musical visually.
14) favorite revue
the fascination!!! I love this revue so much!!! pink is my favorite color so of course the costumes to me are so fantastic. especially the parade costumes… madoka’s dress is just so gorgeous. rei’s carnivorous flower is one of my favorite costumes and performances. I love the music in the revue so much too! rei singing in English and anytime hitoko sings are my favorites (of course I also love fashionable empire but I just haven’t watched it enough..)
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Doing the End of Year Zuka Tag 2022!
Jumping on the bandwagon to do @beccalendsahand‘s End of Year Tag which you could find here! Let’s get straight right into it! (Yes, I’ll be doing all on a whim!)
1. Sumire no Hana – new favourite
Yūki Daiya from Flower Troupe! So it took me Minami Maito’s CAST side-A to finally realise this rising sienne. Her cuteness-to-coolness gap jumped so wide it blew my mind for a 102th. Like I think this collage shows it, she’s going to do this “impatient boyfriend setting” but she just laughs shyly when the camera cuts off. She surprises me like popping a balloon, the motion is quick but it gives a strong impact. I’m not going to even talk about the mere 9 minutes I get to see her in the newcomers’ performance of “Years of Pilgrimage: The Wandering Soul of Franz Liszt” and how I was disappointed we never got to see it. I really want to see more of her, and I’ll track back earlier in Hanagumi just to try and find her! (See: Sante, 2017)
Bonus question: I talked about noticing Hozumi Mahiro from Flower Troupe! Still am watching her and very happy that she got her first bow hall lead, I got the Junjou still and bromide as a commemoration :D
2. Never Say Goodbye – hardest Taidansha (graduate) to say goodbye
Hiryuu Tsukasa, Wakakusa Moeka, Oto Kurisu and Serina Ei from Flower Troupe. Because I watched my first Flower Troupe livestream in Hong Kong which was saying goodbye to them. It feels very different to see them going down the stairs in the big screen of our local theatre and listening to their words. It really feels unreal and I wasn’t able to believe it until they had Instagrams. Of course, to prepare myself for the taidansha it really was watching back their previous performances and enjoying their presence. I’m glad to see that they’re all thriving in their post-Takarazuka life and am always happy to see their photos :)
3. Material girl – favourite merch
It’s a tie between getting Yuzuka Rei’s 2nd official goods – the photo holder! And also the mini crown from Fashionable Empire national tour!
4. Mon Paris – new show not from this year
Immortal Thorns! (Not linking it because there’s a 2003 version by Haruno Sumire from Flower Troupe and Aizuki Hikaru from Star Troupe in the 2018 version, still Cosmos then.) Watched this show at first for a podcast interview with two mutuals and to do cross-comparison between both versions and I loved our critique and commentary with it. It was a valuable experience :)
I have posted quite some Aichan translations on this Tumblr and it’s all because of this show! Changed my life and I am paying attention to Aichan now! Thanks to the mutual who kindly recommended me shows and we talked lots about it! She’s very careful with what to portray and never fails to perform those roles, except she serves!! Real well! The Aichan phase was watching back more Cosmos Troupe and Star Troupe at the same time haha, so that was nice :)
(At the same time, was gifted some Aichan merch by another mutual. I have my first non-Rei bromide thanks to them lol!!)
5. Wings of the Heart – favourite fandom memory
Finally going to cinema livestreams in Hong Kong!!! 2021 wasn’t a chance because of (1) my exams and (2) the pandemic. My first experience was watching Snow Troupe’s “Yumesuke”/“Sensational” and my second was watching Flower Troupe’s “Years of Pilgrimage”/ “Fashionable Empire”. I even mailed our second livestream photos to Rei, hope she receives them well!!! :)
6. Where is God? – shocking Hankyu announcement
Taidan announcements of two Top Musumeyakus – Asazuki Kiwa from Snow Troupe and Jun Hana from Cosmos Troupe!
Ever since Hana Yuuki’s taidan, I was wary how Top Musumeyakus sometimes don’t have a long Takarazuka career, and recently a plausible trend of 27 months or so...? I don’t know math, but I do know that these two musumeyakus are talented and shine in their own way, it surprises me that they announced taidan this year...
I’ve been watching Kiwa as she went from Flower Troupe to Snow Troupe and in various performances. So you could say I was more familiar with her. From her newcomers’ performance with Rei in “New Genji’s Tale” to “Masquerade Hotel”, to also seeing her in cinemas for “Yumesuke”. I finally understood how it felt shocking when you literally watched her the day before and it was announced the next day... 3 days left, but I hope Kiwa can do well till Tokyo Senshuuraku!
Jun Hana’s a different story. I wasn’t much of a Cosmos Troupe fan but I was easily drawn to her despite not seeing too much of her performances. I’ve seen her Irene Adler in “Sherlock Holmes” and love her portrayal with it. I’ve seen more of her actually in some short bangumis, where she just smiled a lot and was really cheerful! She’s a floofball of joy and often had so great and adorable reactions that also made Yurika (Makaze Suzuho) and Kiki (Serika Toa) laugh. Watched some small clips of her impersonation in “Fly With Me” concert and she really made the effort! Will be sad to see her go in “Casino Royale” but I certainly respect that she wanted to leave with Yurika, and show off those earrings! <3
7. The Final Dance – favourite duedan?
Top Hat duedan! Because it is “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” but in a Latin way? I don’t know, it’s very chic to me. And I remember it’s Rei single-handedly carrying Madoka in spins so like, that’s a plus point like, wow. (I’m not too great at describing duedans, forgive me <3)
8. My Everlasting Dream – most rewatched show
Even though I haven’t watched for the past month, it should be “Years of Pilgrimage”? Yeah, that one.
I remembered preparing a lot beforehand this performance – reading some articles about Liszt, listening to Liszt’s pieces, making a powerpoint over it, recording a podcast episode after it, translating and subbing it, which definitely took many rewatches.
9. Fascinating Rhythm – zuka song stuck in mind
I don’t have one that stays through the whole year, but since I’m translating “Love Burns in Firenze”, I have to say the ominous “Oh Firenze” (おおフィレンツェ). I remember Rei was saying, “I love how the underclassmen are so lively and performing that scene so well!” But the celebration vibe and the tragic things happening at the same time – the irony and juxtaposition of it is uncanny. It makes me pull my hair. As much as the Flower Troupe members are working their heart for it, their enthusiasm makes it even more laughable in the circumstances of Firenze.
10. Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend – favourite costume?
If I could, I would say Rei, because she’s a walking closet but last year I cheated and chose 2, so I’ll do so the same this year LOL (not choose 2, I mean I’ll cheat).
I’ll nominate the finale costumes for the Top Stars for the following performances (because I’m not really a person that is selective on costumes, all of them are so good!)
Flower Troupe – Rei in Fashionable Empire (this was previously worn by Maa-sama (Asaka Manato) in Classical Bijoux”)
Moon Troupe – Tsukishiro Kanato in Full Swing
Snow Troupe – Ayakaze Sakina in Soukyuu no Subaru
Star Troupe – Rei Makoto in Gran Cantante
Cosmos Troupe – Yurika in Capricciosa
11. Cool Beast!! – ridiculous costume
Not ridiculous but cute. This is also someone I’ve been watching and recently picked up on more due to mutual’s recommendations. Seo Yuria from Star Troupe’s horse costume in Gran Cantante, haha!
12. Greatest Moment – special moment on stage
Yuzuka Rei and Minami Maito’s “Hotspring of Love” in Fashionable Empire – dubbed by their douki, Hinami Fuu.
The lights turn off so quickly and I was often frustrated but now I know from their douki that they need privacy in their hotspring, and I fully respect it ;) (I am still thinking which of the 3 bromides from Takarazuka Grand Theatre, Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre or National Tour should I purchase)
13. Musical
I’ve already explained but “Years of Pilgrimage”.
I’m a pianist and I couldn’t compare myself to the musician difficulties because I’m not a professional one but like somehow I sympathise and empathise with the history of Liszt and the complexities he dealt with. Not saying that I have those, but I surely understood how competition constantly comes from others but also within yourself. And sometimes, it could be dangerous pushing yourself too much to boundaries you can’t reach. So Rei playing as Liszt means a lot to me, more than her playing the piano (which was my 6. Shocking Hankyu Announcement last year) but also how in-depth she went in for the character.
There certainly isn’t that historical revolution and aristocratic vs artistes class struggle in current times, but that comparison stays constant and rings closest to home for me.
14. Revue
“Fashionable Empire” because I do agree with Rei, I do love the “MOMENT” scene and the badass finale scene.
"MOMENT” scene is where everyone just have fun. Gonna quote the lyrics here and you’ll see why I like it.
I suddenly think about the bygone days
I can only stand at this moment Now
Looking back, all of these are a fantasy
The wind blows them away
To the people wandering in the generations
There's nothing that won’t change
Even though I know it, my heart longs for
A promise that will never change
When Today becomes Tomorrow
It’s normal that everything will become the Past
Still, we become too lonely about that
I don’t want those to disappear
Maybe tomorrow, this thought
Will be blown to the far ends to wherever
Vanishing
Now at this time
You’re not alone
Open your eyes
There’s friends next to your side
We can talk about anything and speak like fools
It’s casual but I’m happy with my friends
Everyone walks alone but
Meeting you here
In this time that’s passed
We walk, hand in hand
Living together and looking forward to Tomorrow
Because no one will know about Tomorrow
Living Now with no regrets
Let’s smile and walk together
From Past to Future, and the Present that connects
Let’s live on
That we can live in the same time (Can live)
Because of this Moment, this is a miracle
In the same place
Understanding each other’s thoughts
Nothing can ever replace that
In this moment (We believe)
Let’s walk together (To Tomorrow)
I won’t know (But)
In this time
Let’s live in this time Now (Let’s live on in this time)
No words, JUST LOOK AT HOW COOL THEY ARE.
Anyway 13 and 14 is just like: I have to give it for the only GT production of Flower Troupe!
#takarazuka revue#end of year takarazuka tag#end of year takarazuka tag 2022#end of year zuka tag 2022#endofyearzukatag2022#takarazuka
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