Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe Top Star Serika Toa's Retirement Conference
(Source from Sponichi | Before you read – this translation mentioned the incident of the deceased sienne in Cosmos Troupe)
Serika Toa had her retirement press conference on the 3rd in Osaka after announcing that she will be retiring from Takarazuka in April 27 2025.
She appeared in a pearl white suit and didn't cry, but remained a cheerful expression from start to end. The Revue emphasised the importance of "keeping the conference with questions limited to the retirement only"
Serika's message
Every day I continue to learn as I spend my days at Takarazuka that I love so much. This is all thanks to all the supporting fans that I am able to face the stage and myself, so I'm sincerely grateful. I was so happy to find something that I dived into and enjoyed so much. Before the day of my graduation and to repay this gratitude to everyone who's supported me, I want to keep growing as much as I can. Please continue to support me.
Regarding the timing of your retirement, was this affected by the incident of the deceased sienne last September?
I believe retirement is what one would always consider when they have passed a certain year of being in the revue. Everyone, it wasn't really about having a specific goal on my path to pursue the performing arts. Yet it was my goal when I was appointed as a Top Star that I wanted to be the leading role of 3 performances. I have already decided on just doing 3 lead performance when I was appointed a Top Star so there's no direct relation (to the sienne's death).
How did the troupe members react to your retirement news?
There was a little break between the closing day of "Le Grande Escalier" which was a few days ago, and the next performance, so I announced the news to the Cosmos Troupe members via LINE message. I'm not too sure how they react yet, but because we're splitting in two teams of rehearsals, I'd like to meet them directly and respectively on the first day of rehearsals.
What did you learn in the long time of supporting Top Stars?
About the things I've learnt in Takarazuka? I spent half my life there, and (Takarazuka) in terms of shaping me as a person, I'd say that I've learnt almost everything there. The greatest thing I've learnt is to be honest and sincere to myself.
So you wrote a LINE message your troupe members. How did you tell the Top Musumeyaku Haruno Sakura?
I told her at an appropriate time during the "Le Grand Escalier" performances earlier when we met each other directly. I can't say her reaction without her permission...
Message to fans
It's because I have my fans, it's because everyone is here, that I was able to overcome (setbacks). I think I can never repay these (sentiments) no matter how hard I tried. It really was a grand love (from them). But in my remaining Takarazuka life, I will try my best to repay the best I can and to repay even the least, I want to deliver the most amazing stages. Please look forward.
You also told your classmate (Snow Troupe Top Star) Ayakaze Sakina about your retirement news?
Of course, I contacted her. Even though it was a LINE message only. Because of the pandemic, there wasn’t much communication as us classmates or for our troupes (Cosmos Troupe and Snow Troupe). That was truly regretful, because had there been more interactions, I would have learnt more about various things. But she’s a classmate I really cherish. I never dream that I would be staying the longest ever since entering Takarazuka Music School and the Revue, but that’s how it turned out.
What is your future ahead after graduating?
I still haven’t had a complete vision of it. Before April 27, I want to stay completely focused in this world, and beyond that, I hope to be able to find things that make me excited and thrilled.
What did your mother – who was also a Takarasienne – say?
My mother also said, "Do your best"
What are your memories for your 18 years of your Takarazuka life?
There was really a lot. But what changed my conscious, or the turning point for me was the Takarazuka Revue 100th anniversary. At that time, I felt it’s because of the weight of history, and how the seniors have so much love, that this Revue could continue on (its business). And that’s what caused the media to pay attention even more, that it’d be great for Takarazuka Revue to continue developing even further. And to do that, it means I have to enhance my performance, that really change of my conscious (of performing).
What do you hope to leave for the juniors?
What should I say.. Something to leave for them, I’d rather say that I’m looking forward to seeing their future activities!
How was your 18 years of Takarazuka life?
It was a very exciting Takrazuka life.
How did you feel performing again after standing on the stage of the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in the show with the meaning of "the grand staircase"?
I was really nervous on the opening day. I remember only being so nervous, but then I heard the wam applause. The "Le Grand Escalier" had the happiest, and warmest ambience I have felt for the past 18 years."
What kind of troupe do you want Cosmos Troupe to be?
I hope everyone is healthy, and sincerely wish them to be happy.
Her graduation performance will be "110 Love Songs" "Razzle Dazzle" that will be performed in the Takarazuka Grand Theatre from 2025/1/1 to 2/2 and in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, from 2025/3/15~4/27.
