Rough translations of comments from Asumi Rio, Hirano Aya, and Kazuki Sora:
Asumi Rio:
"I recently haven't done many musicals with a pop sound focused on success up until now, so I'm going work hard on going into it with easy-going vibes. The musicals I've done recently have had many classical songs, so I'm happy to be able to get fired up with the audience with these fun songs. Many of my seniors often say "Comedies are more difficult than tragedies." Still, we're planning on presenting a super fun musical, where we will be able to get a taste of some refreshing and exhilarating flavor, with this jam-packed cast full of the best seasonings, including Hirano and Kazuki, the rest of the cast and company both working together and enjoying ourselves together in a stylish and relaxed rehearsal atmosphere. I think its a musical that people of all ages can enjoy. I'll be waiting for you all at the theater!"
Kazuki Sora:
"Not only do I get to work with my great senior from Takarazuka Asumi Rio, who has shown all of us such intensely moving performances, but also Hirano Aya, who's not only so cute but similarly has such breathtakingly powerful performances. This is my first time working with everyone, so I'm excited to see what kind of work we will all create. The story encapsulates the collusion of three women, so I'm looking forward to and doing my best to work towards building up teamwork between these two spectacular women. I'm also looking forward to doing a comedy since I haven't had many chances to do them. Please do come and see this happy musical filled to the brim with fantastical ridiculousness, 9 to 5."
Hirano Aya:
"9 to 5, a story of women rising up. I'm looking forward to what kind of battles will unfold, and what kind of teamwork we can show off as a 3-women team. This is actually my first comedy in a while, so I'm excited to be able to show off this role that I believe I'm really made for.
When I first listened to the soundtrack, I thought, "Wow! What an exciting intro!" The clock sounds that 9 to 5 is associated with are in it, and you can even imagine the world of an office unfolding before you. I really want to just go ahead and start singing it with everyone already. There's a country-like solo, which I have never done before, mixed together with the choreography and staging, I'm really looking forward to it. Please consider coming to see it. I'll be waiting!"
Messages from Asumi Rio's four top musumeyaku, and her classmate!
Content below the cut
Ranno Hana
Q1. What comes to mind when you think of Asumi Rio?
In the past, meat! The day before a shinjin kouen or shonichi she would take me out to eat some meat and then we’d quickly disperse! Ah... I wish I could say something cuter. Asumi, how are you doing now?
Q2. If you could appear together in a show together again, what kind of relationship would you like to play?
I love her Matsugae Kiyoaki in Spring Snow, so an extremely sadistic and arrogant person...... No, wait, I’d like to bicker on stage with an extremely arrogant Asumi (laughs)!
Q3. A message for Asumi Rio’s 20th Anniversary
Asumi, congratulations on your 20th anniversary. From her hatsubutai in Senor Don Juan, even when I was a fan, I always watched Asumi shining on stage...... Then I too became a part of Moon Troupe, and we were paired together for the first time in Fancy Dance’s chuuzume, then from there it was every performance. Then there was the Yume no Ukihashi shinjin kouen, then my transfer, and then finally our fateful reunion in Flower Troupe. She also had that truly unexpected Elisabeth ohirome. I was happy from the bottom of my heart to be able to sing, dance, and act with her again.
Asumi Rio is a glimmer of hopeful light!! Throughout these 20 years, I’ve always felt this way. Today I’d like to celebrate with all of my love with the other former wives and you guys!
Kano Maria
Q1. What comes to mind when you think of Asumi Rio?
Courage.
I was able to study under and be guided by such an incredibly courageous person known as Asumi Rio. Even after accomplishing a beautiful change from otokoyaku to actress, the way I see courage in her is everlasting. She would give me advice on how to be better on stage while wiping away my tears, and when I almost fell down the stairs in stage rehearsals she firmly grabbed me and saved me...... There’s too many times like that to list where her courage was on display!
Q2. If you could appear together in a show together again, what kind of relationship would you like to play?
Something unlike in our Takarazuka era with a simple set, like a play dialogue heavy show, and our roles being close to one another (what a luxury that would be). Something like a relationship between two people who happened to be sitting next to each other on the shinkansen, or two regular customers to a cozy cafe...... My dreams are endless.
Q3. A message for Asumi Rio’s 20th Anniversary
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. I am truly honored to be able to be a part of your celebratory concert. Asumi will always be my driving force. For that ever-shining person, from the bottom of my heart here is my utmost respect and thanks. Here’s to a wonderful concert!
Senna Ayase
Q1. What comes to mind when you think of Asumi Rio?
Hydrangeas!
I heard that she liked them, and whenever hydrangeas come in season and begin to bloom I always think of Asumi. Nowadays, whenever I see a pretty one blooming on the roadside I always get happy and take a picture...... so now my phone’s camera roll is full of pictures (laughs). At some point they became one of my favorite flowers!
Q2. If you could appear together in a show together again, what kind of relationship would you like to play?
Childhood friends! I think it would be really fun to play an affectionate drinking scene talking to each other. I always thought that scenes where Asumi was drunk were so excellent and impressive, so the fans must also love it, right?!
Q3. A message for Asumi Rio’s 20th Anniversary
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! I have been so moved and inspired by the way you always think so thoroughly about your roles and pour all the love that you have into playing each and every one. To be able to celebrate such a momentous anniversary with you makes me truly happy. I’ll sing with every bit of heart and care.
Yuki Hana
Q1. What comes to mind when you think of Asumi Rio?
She never compromises anything no matter what.
If she has the slightest bit of time, she’s training, practicing her singing, it’s an image that’s seared into my brain... her after rehearsals alone doing those voluntary trainings. Of course her costumes and accessories as well, and her specific angles, etc; she’s particular about everything down to the millimeter. Witnessing that part of Asumi up close, spending those years with her, it gave me truly invaluable experiences in my life.
Q2. If you could appear together in a show together again, what kind of relationship would you like to play?
I really love Asumi singing “Ai wo tomenai de” in her concert Love Arena (I love any Asumi though) just before she retired, and I think the lyrics, “Because I will protect you no matter what,” were a nosebleed moment for everyone else too. Just like these lyrics, my delusion is wanting to see a delinquent Asumi, and get taken out on a date by said delinquent Asumi...
Q3. A message for Asumi Rio’s 20th Anniversary
Asumi, congratulations on your 20th anniversary. I am truly happy to be able to celebrate with you like this. I am the utmost grateful for the miracle of having Asumi come to live as Asumi Rio, and being able to meet and hold such a relationship like this. I will continue to pray for Asumi’s continued health and happiness from here on.
Nagina Ruumi
Q1. What comes to mind when you think of Asumi Rio?
A translucent being. Going back to around 23 years ago, on the day of Takarazuka’s entrance exam day, I passed by Sayumi* in the hallway and I had to look again because she was shining with cuteness and beauty. ‘These are the kind of girls that get accepted,’ I thought. Our examination numbers were close, and we also sat opposite of each other once, such translucent skin and beauty, I just sat there and gazed at her without thinking. Even now this hasn’t changed a bit, when we had the chance to do a job together for the first time in forever the other day, I excitedly threw out a barrage of questions like, “Why are you so cute!” “Why do you just glow like that!” (laughs).
Q2. If you could appear together in a show together again, what kind of relationship would you like to play?
When we performed together we were parent and child, so something outside of that, as long as the roles are sufficiently intertwined with each other!
Q3. A message for Asumi Rio’s 20th Anniversary
Congrats on your 20th anniversary concert. When you think about it, we have a 20-some year relationship. Not just your translucent beauty, but also that translucent* heart you have always had continues to heal me. An actress that with such translucence added on top of the talent of working hard, has the charm of being able to be painted in any role. I have nothing but respect for her. I’m truly happy to have been classmates with Sayumi, and now once again be able to star with her like this. She has an irreplaceable existence. Here’s to eternity, from now until we become (grandpas?) grandmas.
I’m truly looking forward to Sayumi’s continued growth in her life as an actress.
Notes:
*Mirio's real name is Sayumi, so this is what her classmates call her.
*What Kacha means by 'translucent heart' likely some sens of 'pure', but she uses the same word she used to describe her beauty so I kept it for effect.
Wow long time no post... It's not that I haven't been trying to translate I've just never finished anything lol. But yes its been a crazy year both in terms of Mirio and just normal life!! I'm sure most of you know my Mirio happenings (if you don't just know I'm living my best life), and who would have guessed that even though theater is so much fun, going on top of school and work stills drains so much energy out of you. I'm going to do my best to translate more things out of this concert booklet because it honestly has so much content and the concert was just, long story short, amazing. Thanks for reading!!
Asumi Rio Rose of Versailles 50th Anniversary Interview
The Berubara heaven-sent child, Asumi Rio speaks
(translation on 11/07/22)
From 25ans October 2022
interview below the cut
Asumi appeared inside the studio with an otherworldly, pure beauty, as if an angel had descended onto this world. However, as soon as she changed into an all-white Etro look, there was a sudden transformation into a dignified appearance much like that of Oscar-sama, then in a blink of an eye, another switch occurred, and all the staff with no words prostrated themselves before her.
Asumi, was your first Berubara the manga? Or was it the Takarazuka staging?
“For some reason, the manga was in my elementary school’s library. When I read it, my impression was first and foremost, Ikeda Riyoko’s amazing art; full of dresses, roses, and military uniforms, it's packed with every girl’s dream. I thought it was so amazing.”
So it was a fateful meeting in elementary school! Berubara has many charming characters that appear inside of it, but who are you most attracted to?
“I like Andre. Isn’t he the best? Always full of love quietly watching over this singular girl, it’s so lovely. In the end, despite losing one of his eyes, he still charges into war with Oscar, it was just... (Overcome with emotion). As for another role I have played, Oscar and I have quite different personalities, she’s thinking of her city and France, always questioning if her actions are right or wrong. She lives at a fast pace. She’s compassionate, devoted to her sense of righteousness, and more gallant than any man. Furthermore, she has both that of a maiden’s mind and a masculine firmness to her, playing her requires a lot of energy. In the passionate love story that is Fersen and Marie Antoinette, I played Fersen whose feelings towards the Queen lay right at the center. During these events, Marie knew of Louis the 16th’s love, as well as nurturing a love for her children, on one hand, she had grown as a queen throughout this, but even when she resolved to enter the guillotine, Fersen had come and said to her, “I have come to pick up your Majesty,” this showed how he fundamentally had not changed. An unrelenting perfectionist, archetypal lover boy who's filled with an unchanging passion, he was a role that had a high hurdle to jump over to play him stylishly. Another role, Bernard, after having played both Oscar and Andre, this allowed me to play with a deepened understanding of the city and the guard, so it was really fun.”
What was the most impactful moment?
“In The Rose of Versailles, the lighting, the sound effects, the gazes, the script, all the cogs work together perfectly, it's like it's all a single work of art. That’s why picking just one is hard, but if I have to choose, the Bastille. But it's hard to just ignore that scene with Marie and Fersen in the prison. In the Bastille, when Oscar charged into war after Andre died, that intense choreography with the subtle nuances and emotions that the choreographer taught us, really was created with everyone in mind. Oscar was struck! ‘Are you no longer here?!’ ‘Are you surrendering?!’ (Asumi doing a reenactment alone...) Oh gosh, I'm going to cry. There's no room for error in the production, all the drama of characters appearing concentrated in that scene, it still gives me goosebumps. As for songs, I like Andre’s “Shirobara no Hito”! Asakaze ni♪ (Asumi who starts singing). For finale numbers, I like the rockette. (While singing the French national anthem) Tatata tan tan tan taan! And then instantly the lights flash on and everything lights up all glamorously. As for something I appeared in, the bolero duet, simply because it’s simple is what made it difficult, so I remember it vividly.”
Remaining immortal from now and forever on, the fruit of love from the creator and performers.
Actually standing on that stage, did you end up experiencing any hardships?
“Maybe the ‘Kata* (forms)’? When I starred in the Rose of Versailles, I was incredibly lucky to have Haruna Yuri come and provide some acting guidance. She taught us every single move. At the start, precisely because we had always done more natural acting, jumping into ‘kata’ was extremely difficult, but that said form worked with the time period’s landscape and music, the set, and the scale of it all matched the scale of emotions. When this all came together, it became something I would really look forward to seeing. My mood would really improve, naturally being able to move into that ‘kata.’ Natural acting wasn’t enough for this. Not until overcoming this did I understand adding this little extra flair to the aura of the role I’m embodying on the stage. In the “Koyoi Ichiya” part’s (the famous love scene between Oscar and Andre the night before they go to war) posing as well, Haruna said that the beautiful point of this pose’s posture was the sheer pain of it, but it was all in the angles of the posing that made it all beautiful. That’s why the poster photoshoot for “Koyoi Ichiya” ended up completely different than the actual stage version of “Koyoi Ichiya,” since the countless experiences built up changed it completely.
(*According to Nipponia, kata is the stylized movements seen in Kabuki theater, passed down through generations, usually things such as poses and gestures)
So, the tradition of ‘Kata’ that the late Kabuki actor and even movie star Hasegawa Kazuo provided guidance on for Haruna, the first actress to play Oscar, passed through generations and was inherited by Asumi. Asumi, if you were to star in Berubara now, what role would you want to play?
“I just want to try the scene where Oscar appears in front of Fersen in a dress. It’s tough because Oscar is a tomboy and in other scenes, she’s always fighting (laughs). Prior, I saw in the news that the dress from this scene in the manga was produced, it was so beautiful... That singular dress that she wore, it’s amazing. In Takarazuka, because Oscar tends to be drawn-up maidenesque, the costumes including the mantle are girls’, so they are light and silky, which is a minor point of interest of mine I get really excited about (laughs). I loved the costume with the mantle and light blue military uniform with the pink sash.”
Oscar’s dress will be up for display at the 50th-anniversary exhibition, so it’s a must-see.
“Oscar really has a uniquely special existence, doesn’t she? There’s a line Oscar says, ‘Ahh, God, why did you take this life away to such a far-away, foreign country, after having such a knot tied of us 3 up here on this French soil...!’, but under the French Revolution, really everyone is living such tumultuous lives, and all of it gets tangled together. Events that romantic wouldn’t happen in my own life. But just as much as the characters of this story, I learned about cherishing what binds us together as people, as well as having to keep things such as love and trust with you throughout your life. Ikeda-Sensei drawing this at such an age without even going to France, I find myself asking what the heck was going on inside her head (while looking at the manga). The coloring is amazing! I can’t stop looking anymore (laughs).”
Berubara draws a picture of the 18th-century French royal court’s exceedingly lavish dress and lifestyle, do you dream or yearn for such a culture yourself?
“To an extent I do, because I’m a girl (laughs), after all, I like that dressed-up style with incredible corsetry, I want to imitate it.”
To finish off, with the Rose of Versailles in its 50th year, what do you think the reason is that people continue to love it so much?
“I think the number one reason is the art of the manga’s eternal beauty and the unique drama and story of it all. Then as for the Takarazuka version, wouldn’t it be those feelings and fruits of love of the creators and performers throughout history all becoming one piece of history? I also want to go and reread the manga once more, I’m sure the points you can empathize with and your favorite character change depending on your age and what you’ve experienced. I think The Rose of Versailles will forever be immortal, so I want to enjoy it with everyone going forward as well.”
Note: Lol double post today. This was not planned but this interview just came out, it was short, and I'm literally obsessed with her and these photos so.
This is an interview on Asumi's new season of her Hulu original show Asumi Rio's Atelier, which had its first season in , which will drop its first to episodes on Japanese Hulu on November 24th, then release new episodes every Saturday, for a total of 8 episodes.
Interview below the cut
In Asumi Rio’s Atelier’s previous season, Asumi Rio learned many ways of enriching her adult alone time. In Season 2, she is leaving the atelier and embarking on a trip.
―What was it like when it was decided there would be a season 2?
Asumi: I was incredibly happy. Season 1 was always inside the atelier, so I would joke around saying that my big dream was, “Season 2 in Hawaii” (laughs). This time we’re taking one step forward from the title and going on a trip, so I’m looking forward to being able to see different scenery than there was in the previous season.
―Your destination is Okinawa and Shizuoka, could you tell us some highlights of them?
Asumi: For Okinawa, experiencing folk songs, Ryukyu glasses, eisa, and Okinawa’s unique culture. The scenery is beautiful, so I’m hoping the viewers are able to experience the feeling of really going to Okinawa. As for Shizuoka, I went to the restaurant I always loved before entering Takarazuka, as well as the ballet school attended. I lived in Shizuoka all the way until I graduated middle school, but at the time I was limited to the general area where I lived, so I went to a wasabi farm and a piano factory for the first time. Then I did glamping, which was something I have always wanted to try. There’s an amazing glamping spot where you can see Mount Fuji, I also discovered that places like this are actually recently built.
―It also seems like you were able to once again meet your former ballet teachers. What was it like?
Asumi: It was so heartwarming, more than I ever could have imagined. Remembering all those times from when I was young was just so heartwarming that the tears just naturally came out. During the time I was in Shizuoka, I was holding my family close to me, doing the things I enjoyed commuting to school. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been blessed by those around me, it was the first for me in life, to be able to remember these times and experience such utter happiness, all thanks to being able to spend such an amazing time with my ballet teachers.
―Lastly, please give a message to the Sakura Saku Life readers.
Asumi: There is a super close friend of mine, my classmate from Takarazuka, Nanami Hiroki. When I had just entered Takarazuka Music School, the natto that she gave me from her hometown Mito was so delicious, I was so surprised. One day I always wanted to go to the actual place and eat this natto. So if you happen to find me in town please think, “Hey, that’s the person that appeared in this magazine!” (laughs).
Note: I'm sorry for doing so many comic translations. They're the easiest for me to do at the moment, but I promise I'm almost done with an actual interview (lol).
Edit ) I just learned that kururin in onomatopoeia for swirl so.
*curses in Japanese onomatopoeia*
Hello to whoever is reading this! I wanted to get some words out to people who may just follow this blog and don't know me personally.
I apologize for the utter barren wasteland this blog has been. After churning out Alice's Lover over my summer vacation from language school, I decided to take a short break from translation... Then a few weeks later, the inevitable doom of me starting university happened.
Because of uni, I've had almost no time to work on translations (usually I'll work on them bit by bit over a course of time, but this has not been happening.) I pulled together this translation tonight after classes... even though I should be studying for tests I have. Sadness...
Anyways, in other news I do have lots of stuff planned for this blog! I'm working on another show translation. You can now see all the things I have planned/working on here !
Another thing is that my ask box and messages are always open for questions, or even request you may have! As for requests, I cannot guarantee, but I thought it would be fun to hear from you guys! Pleas feel free to shoot anything you may have my way, I love talking to people.
I have another exciting idea I'm hoping to share at one point, but again due to my busy nature currently it's hard to guarantee anything, so I will hold back for now.
When it’s cold, I get the habit of putting it into miso soup, then I also start putting it on onigiri, and now I even put it on rice (laughs).
My body temperature rises, and it also becomes easier to vocalize.
Around sunset, the noise from night games on TV.
When I was a kid, after eating dinner, and before doing my homework I would feel like taking a nap, and a good BGM for that was pro baseball night games my grandpa would watch. I don’t know the rules at all, but even now when I listen to those sounds, I remember the safety of home.
When I definitely don’t have to go to work, New Year’s Eve.
Even if shonichi would be on New Year’s, the fact that I would definitely have New Year’s Eve off made me happy. Starting dinner early, comfortably watching TV, eating soba... I love that routine.
Dying from cuteness at everyone’s bare face.
I love seeing everyone’s amazing faces when entering the dressing room in the morning, or after performances end. The seeing sensation of bare skin, or the natural redness of one’s cheeks, I think it’s super cute~.
Short sleeves & beach sandals.
I get weirdly excited when looking at beach sandals! Maybe because it’s directly connected to that Hawaiian image I love. To the point where I would wear them into the dressing room in the summer if I could (laughs).
Performances where after the performance, there are no plans that day.
After finishing up performances, I’m glad I don’t have to rush (laughs).
During the parade, when the whole theater is clapping together.
I’m sad like, “Ah~it’s over,” but then it’s like, “Takarazuka is great, isn’t it?” Everyone is exchanging smiles, and the feeling of thankfulness overflows from the audience, it’s a heart-warming time.
Not Like ×
Birds, in general
More scared of them than hate them.
I think something must have happened in a past life.
Winter mornings, the emotional shock of waking up and it’s still dark outside
The morning of shonichi dress rehearsals are super early, but it being all dark outside is enough to increase my nervousness...
Me who doesn’t do things till the last minute
Packing for Tokyo performances too, I don’t do that till I have to. I unintentionally keep putting it off, then in the end I end up having to move everything in 2 hours! I’ll start diligently packing by then, I guess. For performance speeches too, I never know my feelings until right before, and then I think I have plenty of time. ...It’s with these excuses that I live a procrastinator's life.
When I just can’t get the kuroenbi hairstyle right
Even though I want to create an amazing regent hairstyle, the day’s heat, and being all sweaty makes it impossible to get a good shape. On days like that, I’m like, “Ahh, c’mon, I can’t get it right today!!💢” (laughs).
During elementary school, the Winter endurance running
First of all, I didn’t get the point of running for long periods of time. Then, why are we doing it in the winter?! Wearing that light gym uniform it was so cold... I’m so glad that there wasn’t a Takarazuka 100th-anniversary marathon or something!
Anything Question .02 From Readers
Q: I love the songs that Mirio (Asumi) sings. Mirio, please tell me, what are songs among the ones that you have sung so far that you yourself were glad you did? (Shisora)
A: There’s a whole mountain of them! For warm fuzzies, “Your Story” from Alice’s Lover. I think Studio 54’s “Loneliness Inside a Crowd” is like life’s theme song (laughs), then as for recent stuff, “Golden Desert” is also amazing. As for a song I like the lyrics to, Exciter!!2017’s “Life’s Exciter!!-Inochi no Kakumei-”. “♪This that you cannot burden all on your own, If you are holding in these painful feelings, You should love someone out there in this world, That's where this miracle will sprout, Surely, Definitely♪” these lyrics, they embody Takarazuka! I’ll think that and get all choked up. Ah~, I can’t possibly pick!
Q: Even though I have to study, there are times where all I do is watch performance DVDs or read Graphs. If there’s something you do to make the switch between work and private things, please tell me!! (Mucchan)
A: I was also like that. But I think it’s fine in its own way (laughs). You still have to do the things you love. Moments where I’m like, “I have to do this no matter what!” I become a different person! The feeling is like when Mario becomes invincible (laughs). I’ll shift into this confident state by going like, “Let’s a go!” “Look, I’m doin’ this!”
Thoughts from Admin: Yesterday was Guys & Dolls Senshuuraku. Then, coincidentally, I was at Book-Off today and found the graph that has this Daimiri interaction. Of course, I just had to get it.
Sorry for the lack of posts again, I've been busy between work and school, but I'm hoping to start posting more now that I'm quitting my part-time job
"Recently, what’s a moment where you felt 'love'?"
Asumi Rio and Nozomi Fuuto's thoughts (+ bonus)
(translation on 06/13/2022)
On June 12th, I had the amazing experience of being able to go see Guys & Dolls live at the imperial theater. Of course, I had to buy the program. The question asked below each star interested me, so I decided to translate it for some friends, but figured I might as well post it here too since I've been MIA.
Don't worry, though! I have a big project in the works. Please look forward to it.
Translation below the cut.
Mirio:
"The other day, my parents came to Tokyo to see me,
My mother had asked me, “Last night, I heard you making some noise, did you sleep alright?”
During these times, if I’m doing this kind of work, my sleep being light is just something that happens.
I just lived my life without feeling how much of a problem it was, but when they come to see me and make dinner plans, take care of my cat, then on top of that worry so much about me... I felt unconditional love."
Daimon:
"In April, my 1-year anniversary of graduating from Takarazuka passed.
Receiving letters and SNS messages congratulating and supporting me, I felt this love from everyone’s unchanging support.
Not being able to meet directly is frustrating for both of us, but... Everyone’s love... I’m receiving it!"
+ Bonus thoughts from Inoue (Sky)
Inoue:
"What I’ve felt recently is, “Classmate Love.” This musical is the first time I’ve starred with Asumi Rio and Nozomi Fuuto, who were my little sister’s classmates from Takarazuka Music School.
When us starring together was decided, my sister, despite being surprised, quickly told me all about their personalities and efforts towards theater.
During rehearsals, they would mutually praise, encourage, and help each other figure out how to wear shoulder bag strap props they couldn’t get used to, they showed us something truly charming.
I went out there and started calling myself the 89th’s older brother, but once again feeling that deep “classmate love,” I also felt jealous. Being classmates must be nice."
