This thing took MUCH longer than I expected.
I started this several days ago, so forgive me if some of the answers are disjointed (or out of place since I wrote them the day of New Orleans raku).
1. Please tell us your name, age, and your history of being a fan.
Brittany, 26. "Yami ga hirogaru" from the Tsuki Elisabeth was the first clip I saw (and knew what it was), thanks to kinnosuikazura. I resisted for all of I think a week and then fell head over heels for the whole thing. I started off as a Tsukigumi fan, fairly briefly, and then Soragumi stole my heart (and my spare time, and my money). Ironically enough I realised much after the fact that I had seen bits of BeruBara (no idea which version) years earlier without realising what it was.
2. What was the first performance you saw? It doesn't have to have been a live show, it could be a video or DVD.
The first full show I saw was actually Golden Pharaoh/Miracat. At the time there was no summary up on the Wiki, I knew absolutely no Japanese and basically only knew that Saeko was in it. The fact that I didn't run screaming from the fandom at that point is proof that I was all ready in pretty deep. The next show I saw was the Sora Phantom and it was LOVE.
3. What was the performance that first addicted you?
See above. I think Phantom is definitely want did me in.
4. Who is the "first love" that lead you to becoming a Takarazuka fan?
TakaHana was absolutely my first love. Hands down.
5. Do you mainly go to see shows at the Daigekijou [Grand Theater] or the Tokyo Gekijou?
Neither. ;____;
6. Please tell us the otokoyaku you support. More than one is okay.
Houshou Dai, 100%, forever and always. <33333 Aran Kei, from here to eternity, whatever her OG career brings. <33333
Other than that, limiting it to current people (current as of now!), defining "support" fairly narrowly to mean someone I actively search out news and such about and would probably see a show almost exclusively for, and in no particular order: Kazu Ryouka, Ayami Haya, Ichijou Azusa, Daigo Seshiru, Sagiri Seina, Nanami Hiroki, Nanaho Hikaru, Yuumi Hiro, Toki Irisu
7.Please tell us the musumeyaku you support. More than one is okay.
Again, defining "support" narrowly and limiting to current actresses: Toono Asuka, Fujisaki Eri, Hanakage Arisu, Miwa Asahi, Hanase Mizuka, Manaka Ayu
8. What musicals do you like? Up to three is okay.
Never Say Goodbye, Singin' in the Rain, Secret Hunter
9. What revue shows do you like? Up to three is okay.
Sora Fantasista, Takarazuka Dream Kingdom, Neo Voyage
10.Which, of the performances you've seen so far, was one that you thought "I absolutely must get tickets for this!"
Scarlet Pimpernel, hands down. I had DESPERATELY wanted Touko to play Percy from the time I first became a fan. She and Asuka DEFINITELY did not disappoint.
11. Outside of the ones you support, is there a seito that you're interested in?
Oh gosh, lots. Otozuki Kei, Ayabuki Mao, Ranju Tomu, Houkushou Kairi, Asumi Rio, Amasaki Chihana, Harukaze Misato, Hasumi Yuuya, Haruka Midori, Nono Sumika, Aono Yuki, Kitori Mariya, Saou Kurama, Yuzuki Reon, I'm sure I could list more.
12. Of the ones on their way to the top, so to speak, which seito do you like? More than one is okay.
I am particularly excited to see what Kimu does as top. Her energy is just so absolutely infectious, it's impossible not to love her.
13. Please tell us which of the "avuncular type older seito" do you like?
Misa Noeru, Kotobuki Tsukasa
14. Please tell us which of the "older sister type seito" do you like?
Miho Keiko (she's maybe more of a cool aunt type, but whatever), Oomi Ako, Hanase Mizuka, I think Miwa Asahi would be an awesome older sister but I'm not sure if she's really that "type".
15. Please tell us your strong point and weak point as a Takarazuka fan.
Strong point is extreme, intense devotion to my favorites. Weak point is... honestly, the same. It can make it difficult to be happy for other people who may sneak in ahead of people I love, no matter how talented they are or how much I like them objectively.
16. What's your greatest boast as a Takarazuka fan?
Getting an exclamation point and heart filled note on my first reijou from Dai-chan. It's a small thing, but that postcard can cheer me up no matter what.
17. What's your greatest confession as a Takarazuka fan? Feel free to elaborate.
*cringes* I really didn't like Touko when I first saw Phantom. I don't know why, I don't understand it, and clearly I admit I was wrong!
18. Is there a musical you wish they would put on again?
I'd love to see Never Say Goodbye again, but only with the absolutely right people. And by absolutely right I mean someone in Sora. ;-)
19. Is there a revue show you wish they would put on again?
Sora Fantasista, for the 20th anniv. ;-)
20. Please try and analyze the kind of seito you're inclined to become a fan of.
The earnest and fairly dramatic on-stage but slightly dorky offstage type. I think pretty much everyone I like falls in to that category.
21. Who do you think is currently best suited to a black tailcoat?
Aran Kei and Houshou Dai, and not just because I adore them.
22. Do you ever actually use the words "lead otokoyaku"?
Not usually, though I have in the context of a Bow Hall or similar type show where the lead isn't actually top star.
23. Some comments on Todoroki Yuu.
Tom was an acquired taste for me. I was somewhat put off by how intense her stage persona is and it seemed kind of over the top and cliched, but I've grown to love the big sparkle covered ham.
24. What do you think are requirements for an otokoyaku on her way to the top?
A lot of talent, even if it's not necessarily well-rounded, and most importantly charm and an interesting stage presence. And a good deal of luck. And fans to send presents.
25. What do you think are requirements for a musumeyaku on her way to the top?
I never know with musumeyaku. Hankyu seems to shift mindsets so fast, I think perseverance is the biggest thing.
26. What do you think of Asami Hikaru Matobu Sei?
Komu: Adorable, and someone I have grown rather fond of living with vicky_licious. I think she's a lovely and surprisingly versatile OG, as well.
Yuu: She seems incredibly sweet but maybe not particularly well suited to the life of a top star. She seems a bit too reserved sometimes.
27. What do you think of the Taka-Hana Touko-Asuka combination?
My two ultimate combis!
Taka-Hana: So married it hurts and I love them for it. There is nothing guaranteed to make me fall into a big giggly fangirl puddle like the way they look at each other.
Touko-Asuka: They are so amzaingly suited to each that even with as talented as they each are individually, they are so much better together it's almost impossible to believe.
28. What do you think of theOsa-FuuMizu-Tonami combination?
I love Fuu-chan, but I'm not a big fan of her with Osa. They just didn't do much for me together. Mizu and Tonami I absolutely adore. They're so elegant together and so inappropriately hot.
29. What do you think is the coolest stage name?
I admit that I still love Sumireno Rei and Ranno Hana's combined fangirling in their names.
30. Is there an OG whom you wish you could have seen when she was a current seito?
Wao and Hana, no question.
31. Is there someone you think: "They didn't retire last time, but this time..."? Who is it?
Sena Jun, like the rest of the world. Other than that I'm trying not to think about it after recent announcements.
32. Some comments on Sena Jun.
I really liked her at one point, but the more I see of her the less interested I am. I guess her style just doesn't resonate with me all that well and she doesn't have the kind of range that would keep me interested otherwise.
33. If you had to select a current musumeyaku from the 85th class as trendy, who would it be?
Re-translating this question to: Which current musumeyaku from the 85th class would you highly recommend?
Miwa Asahi. She's still current, dammit. ;___;
34. Are you more partial to Tonami, or Asuka?
Asuka. <33333
35. Is there someone whose makeup from a certain performance you want? Who?
Kazu's pink lipgloss from the A Kiss to the Flames shinko. <3333
36. Some comments on Mirai Yuuki.
Oh Hamako, so adorably over the top.
37. Some comments on Ozora Yuuhi.
I really, really like her. I think she's endearing and great in dramatic stuff especially and she has an adorable energy. I'm also really, really torn about her right now because it's still weird that she's going to be the next top of Soragumi.
38. Please tell us about a seito you think should be used more, but gets no recognition.
I wouldn't say no recognition, but Nanami Hiroki. She gets overshadowed by her more prominent batchmates and I think she's so absolutely charming and is growing up to be such an interesting performer. Fujisaki Eri is too little to say she "should be used more", really, but I hope she doesn't get shoved off on the baby-Senka track if she doesn't want to and I would love to see her play different kinds of roles.
39. If I said "someone treasured by the company", who would you associate that with?
Matsumoto Yuri
40. Who do you consider the best etoile?
Kazune Miou. ;__;
41. "She can't sing", "she can't dance", "she can't act", which do you consider the biggest handicap?
"She can't act", absolutely. There is nothing more distracting, even in a background baby, than someone who can't get across the energy and character that they need to. That and I think we can all think of top stars who were not great singers or dancers but were great actors and did quite well for themselves.
42. Some comments on Aran Kei.
She is unbelievably talented, incredibly strong willed and intelligent and hilariously funny. I still have a very hard time imagining Takarazuka without her, and as it is officially her last day at the Daigekijou and I woke up with a lump in in my throat, that's all I'll say.
43. What do you think is the preferred amount of time for a top star to hold that position?
I think three years or so seems to be good, barring extenuating circumstances.
44. Please tell us who your favorite musical playwright is, and which of their works you like most. Up to two people is okay.
Ueda Keiko-sensei (excluding Paradise Prince and My Dear New Orleans because I haven't seen all of them yet, The Last Party) and Kimura Shinji-sensei (Hououden).
45. Please tell us who your favorite revue playwright is, and which of their works you like most. Up to two people is okay.
Fujii Daisuke (Sora Fantasista!)
46. Is there a costume you'd like to try on?
Hana's costume from the *ahem* dream sequence in Hououden, Asuka's red polka dot dress from Secret Hunter and Asuka's ball gown from Scarlet Pimpernel.
47. Please tell us your favorite Takarazuka tune. Up to three is okay.
"Mirai e" from Excalibur, "Never Say Goodbye" from Never Say Goodbye, and "A Piece of Courage" from Scarlet Pimpernel.
48. If I say dancer, who do you think of?
Mizu Natsuki, Asami Hikaru, Oora Mizuki, Maikaze Rira
49. If I say singer, who do you think of?
Aran Kei, Yuumi Hiro, Toono Asuka, Shizuki Asato, Hanafusa Mari, Kazune Miou
50. If I say actress, who do you think of?
Aran Kei, Otozuki Kei, Hanafusa Mari, Wao Youka
51. Please tell us what you think is Ueda Shinji's best work.
Probably Gone with the Wind, though I'm generally not a big fan of his work.
52. [Updated] Although "Rose of Versailles" was just performed in 2006, they scheduled it again with four "Side Stories" over the course of 2008-09. What do you really think of that?
I'm over it, honestly. It was a somewhat interesting gimmick, but there were so many other things that could have been done in place of those shows.
53. Please tell us what you think is Shibata Yukihiro's best work.
Romanesque Mask was good, even if it was a whacked out adaptation. I'm sure Aka to Kuro is excellent, if only because I trust Touko's taste.
54. Some comments on Koike's works.
Seal of Roses, Never Say Goodbye, Scarlet Pimpernel, Wao's concert, Blue Swan, Puck -- all excellent and occasionally cracky. JFK is a bit wtf, but interesting from all I've seen. He seems to enjoy throwing inexplicable weirdness in the middle of shows if they otherwise would be relatively normal.
55. Which troupe's version of Elisabeth do you like?
There are things I like about pretty much all of them, but overall the Soragumi and Mizugumi versions.
56. Is there some staff from outside of Takarazuka that you'd like to work there? It doesn't matter how feasible it is.
Stephen Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown.
57. Is there an original work (novel, movie, historical person) that you'd like to see turned into a Takarazuka performance? If you have a cast in mind, add that too.
I was just talking with Jenn and Vicky the other day about how much I wanted to see Zuka do A Little Night Music, but that was dependent on Machami being around. ;____; I still say that show though, as unrealistic as it may be. I'd also love LOVE to see a revue version of Songs for a New World.
58. Do you like Ogita's works?
I love Tarantella, I haven't actually seen anything else of his.
59. What do you think of Saitou's works?
El Halcon, Blood and Sand, Young Bloods, W-WING, pretty good track record if you ask me.
60. Well then, what about Kimura's?
One of my absolute favorites. Especially A Kiss to the Flames and Susano-O
60.5 - And what about Masatsuka's?
Inconsistent. Don't screw up BaraAme!
61. Which character from which performance do you think is the best Takarazuka hero?
Percy from Scarlet Pimpernel is pretty amazing, though that's not a Takarazuka original. Georges from NSG.
62. Well then, what about the best heroine?
Marguerite is one of my favorite heroines ever, but again, not a Takarazuka original. Other than that, Jennifer from Secret Hunter and Katherine from NSG.
63. Predict the five top stars in five years. (We don't know who will be in which troupe in five years, so troupe doesn't matter.)
Otozuki Kei, Ranju Tomu, Ouki Kaname, Kiriya Hiromu, Sou Kazuho
64. Do you go to performances with friends or alone?
Takarazuka is a team sport, as far as I'm concerned.
65. Do you have a lot of friends who go to shows?
It's somewhat sad, more and more all my friends are Takarazuka fans.
66. What do you think of irimachi and demachi?
I can't wait to go, even if it means hell on my knees.
67. Do you like ochakais?
I'm sure I'd love them to death. Also, I love the things I've gotten from them (the pictures of Dai-chan and Alice-chan that Julie got for me are some of my favorite things EVER).
68. Feel free to say something about fan club outfits.
I'm going to cave and buy our BaraAme wear, I just know it.
69. A comment about "Kageki".
I LOVE all the hilarious backstage stories and the portraits are always lovely.
70. A comment about "Takarazuka Graph".
The photography is consistently beautiful, and I always love the travel diaries and backstage pictures.
71. Do you use Quatre Reves often?
I frequently use it through the kindness of friends (like the ever wonderful Julie-pyon Shop).
72. What goods would you like to see at Quatre Reves?
More of the chibi top stars!! God I want all of them, they're fantastic.
73. Have you ever been to Takarazuka-an?
I fear my first venture inside Taka-an.
74. Is there a video you saw unintentionally and liked?
I didn't choose a lot of the Yuki shows I've seen, but I've fallen quite in love with a lot of them, especially Takarazuka Dream Kingdom.
75. What do you do with your videos and programs in your room?
Chirashi are (going to be) up on our bedroom wall, along with our A/L poster. DVDs are in two huge cases near the TV, magazines and books and photo albums and such are on the bookshelf in the den.
76. Please tell us a restaurant around the theaters that you recommend.
I've heard a million stories about Izumi.
77. Have you ever gotten premiere tickets? Feel free to elaborate.
No. ;___;
78. Feel free to say something about the Takarazuka Home Page.
The flash page is a total pain. I have the HTML version bookmarked and just use it.
79. Have you seen Sky Stage?
I have a handful of things that generous souls have taped and passed along to me.
80. Do you have the first or second series of personal books? (Please tell us the purchasing circumstances, or why or why not you bought them.)
Between us we have Mizu's, Kiriyan's, Yumiko's and RanTom's. Mizu and Kiryan's are Vicky's from before she moved out here, Yumiko's jenebi picked up for us on one of her trips right after that batch came out, and RanTom's Vicky got in Japan Town in SF at Kinokuniya.
81. What's your opinion on the girlish fashion of musumeyaku?
It's adorable, but the slightly more mature ones are more my style.
82. Is it a problem if otokoyaku are overly feminine off-stage?
I think it's adorable. But then, I tend to think a lot of things are adorable. Also, Dai-chan is a bit on the girly side so it'd be hypocritical of me to say I didn't like the girlier ones.
83. Confess, if you're talking with a friend about a play without seito you support, are you bored?
I can usually stay interested, usually.
84. What is the "sexiness of otokoyaku"?
The ability to be a strong man and a beautiful woman, and more charming than anyone really has a right to be.
85. Are you partial to 2 or 8? If you don't understand the question, don't answer it.
No comment.
86. Did you participate in that internet battle without thinking?
I tend to avoid internet battles whenever possible.
87. Say something about the so-called "delusionistic". If you don't understand the question, don't answer it.
I have a feeling there's some deeper meaning here that I'm missing.
88. What do you think of non-zuka fans who associate Takarazuka with a lesbian tiger pit?
Statistically I'm sure there are a certain number of 'siennes who are lesbians or bi, and a certain number of fans as well, but it's ridiculously small minded to just assume that everyone involved is and that of course that's the only reason someone would be interested in Takarazuka.
89. Have you come out as a Takarazuka fan at work or school?
I've come out as things a lot harder than coming out as a Takarazuka fan. It was hilariously adorable watching my family pass my fanclub stuff around the table when a package came in the mail to my grandparents' house. Also embarrassing, but whatever.
90. If Doshirouto asked you "What's so great about Takarazuka?" how would you reply?
Everyone involved has such an incredibly high level of dedication, from the performers all the way to the fans, and that sense of community and that level of quality are incredibly appealing.
91. Have you ever used the term "crush" in regards to Takarazuka?
I'm way too old to use the word "crush" without sounding really silly.
92. Has your love for Takarazuka ever slanted your perceptions of men in your real life?
Not really an issue, since I have little to no interest in men anyway and my perception was all ready pretty slanted one direction as it was.
93. Have you ever had an instant as a fan where you thought: "I've gone past the point of no return?"
Oh yes. I think it was actually putting my fanclub card in my wallet the first time, to be honest.
94. What kind of person is a "painful fan"?
Someone who is self involved and only cares about her interests, not those of other fans or of the actresses.
95. What do you think of men being Takarazuka fans?
I can certainly understand the appeal!
96. Please tell us your definition of an "old fan".
Anyone who has been a fan for more than ten years.
97. What do you think is something that Takarazuka fans must not do?
Anything harmful to the career or reputation of their stars, or hurtful to other fans.
98. What would cause you to stop being a Takarazuka fan?
If the bad decisions of Hankyu outweighed the happiness I get from staying involved.
99. If you had a daughter, would you want her to enter Takarazuka?
If that was what would make her happy, absolutely.
100. Last question. What is Takarazuka to you? Please answer with something other than "a world of dreams".
Someplace where anything is possible.
1. Please tell us your name, age, and your history of being a fan.
Brittany, 26. "Yami ga hirogaru" from the Tsuki Elisabeth was the first clip I saw (and knew what it was), thanks to kinnosuikazura. I resisted for all of I think a week and then fell head over heels for the whole thing. I started off as a Tsukigumi fan, fairly briefly, and then Soragumi stole my heart (and my spare time, and my money). Ironically enough I realised much after the fact that I had seen bits of BeruBara (no idea which version) years earlier without realising what it was.
2. What was the first performance you saw? It doesn't have to have been a live show, it could be a video or DVD.
The first full show I saw was actually Golden Pharaoh/Miracat. At the time there was no summary up on the Wiki, I knew absolutely no Japanese and basically only knew that Saeko was in it. The fact that I didn't run screaming from the fandom at that point is proof that I was all ready in pretty deep. The next show I saw was the Sora Phantom and it was LOVE.
3. What was the performance that first addicted you?
See above. I think Phantom is definitely want did me in.
4. Who is the "first love" that lead you to becoming a Takarazuka fan?
TakaHana was absolutely my first love. Hands down.
5. Do you mainly go to see shows at the Daigekijou [Grand Theater] or the Tokyo Gekijou?
Neither. ;____;
6. Please tell us the otokoyaku you support. More than one is okay.
Houshou Dai, 100%, forever and always. <33333 Aran Kei, from here to eternity, whatever her OG career brings. <33333
Other than that, limiting it to current people (current as of now!), defining "support" fairly narrowly to mean someone I actively search out news and such about and would probably see a show almost exclusively for, and in no particular order: Kazu Ryouka, Ayami Haya, Ichijou Azusa, Daigo Seshiru, Sagiri Seina, Nanami Hiroki, Nanaho Hikaru, Yuumi Hiro, Toki Irisu
7.Please tell us the musumeyaku you support. More than one is okay.
Again, defining "support" narrowly and limiting to current actresses: Toono Asuka, Fujisaki Eri, Hanakage Arisu, Miwa Asahi, Hanase Mizuka, Manaka Ayu
8. What musicals do you like? Up to three is okay.
Never Say Goodbye, Singin' in the Rain, Secret Hunter
9. What revue shows do you like? Up to three is okay.
Sora Fantasista, Takarazuka Dream Kingdom, Neo Voyage
10.Which, of the performances you've seen so far, was one that you thought "I absolutely must get tickets for this!"
Scarlet Pimpernel, hands down. I had DESPERATELY wanted Touko to play Percy from the time I first became a fan. She and Asuka DEFINITELY did not disappoint.
11. Outside of the ones you support, is there a seito that you're interested in?
Oh gosh, lots. Otozuki Kei, Ayabuki Mao, Ranju Tomu, Houkushou Kairi, Asumi Rio, Amasaki Chihana, Harukaze Misato, Hasumi Yuuya, Haruka Midori, Nono Sumika, Aono Yuki, Kitori Mariya, Saou Kurama, Yuzuki Reon, I'm sure I could list more.
12. Of the ones on their way to the top, so to speak, which seito do you like? More than one is okay.
I am particularly excited to see what Kimu does as top. Her energy is just so absolutely infectious, it's impossible not to love her.
13. Please tell us which of the "avuncular type older seito" do you like?
Misa Noeru, Kotobuki Tsukasa
14. Please tell us which of the "older sister type seito" do you like?
Miho Keiko (she's maybe more of a cool aunt type, but whatever), Oomi Ako, Hanase Mizuka, I think Miwa Asahi would be an awesome older sister but I'm not sure if she's really that "type".
15. Please tell us your strong point and weak point as a Takarazuka fan.
Strong point is extreme, intense devotion to my favorites. Weak point is... honestly, the same. It can make it difficult to be happy for other people who may sneak in ahead of people I love, no matter how talented they are or how much I like them objectively.
16. What's your greatest boast as a Takarazuka fan?
Getting an exclamation point and heart filled note on my first reijou from Dai-chan. It's a small thing, but that postcard can cheer me up no matter what.
17. What's your greatest confession as a Takarazuka fan? Feel free to elaborate.
*cringes* I really didn't like Touko when I first saw Phantom. I don't know why, I don't understand it, and clearly I admit I was wrong!
18. Is there a musical you wish they would put on again?
I'd love to see Never Say Goodbye again, but only with the absolutely right people. And by absolutely right I mean someone in Sora. ;-)
19. Is there a revue show you wish they would put on again?
Sora Fantasista, for the 20th anniv. ;-)
20. Please try and analyze the kind of seito you're inclined to become a fan of.
The earnest and fairly dramatic on-stage but slightly dorky offstage type. I think pretty much everyone I like falls in to that category.
21. Who do you think is currently best suited to a black tailcoat?
Aran Kei and Houshou Dai, and not just because I adore them.
22. Do you ever actually use the words "lead otokoyaku"?
Not usually, though I have in the context of a Bow Hall or similar type show where the lead isn't actually top star.
23. Some comments on Todoroki Yuu.
Tom was an acquired taste for me. I was somewhat put off by how intense her stage persona is and it seemed kind of over the top and cliched, but I've grown to love the big sparkle covered ham.
24. What do you think are requirements for an otokoyaku on her way to the top?
A lot of talent, even if it's not necessarily well-rounded, and most importantly charm and an interesting stage presence. And a good deal of luck. And fans to send presents.
25. What do you think are requirements for a musumeyaku on her way to the top?
I never know with musumeyaku. Hankyu seems to shift mindsets so fast, I think perseverance is the biggest thing.
26. What do you think of Asami Hikaru Matobu Sei?
Komu: Adorable, and someone I have grown rather fond of living with vicky_licious. I think she's a lovely and surprisingly versatile OG, as well.
Yuu: She seems incredibly sweet but maybe not particularly well suited to the life of a top star. She seems a bit too reserved sometimes.
27. What do you think of the Taka-Hana Touko-Asuka combination?
My two ultimate combis!
Taka-Hana: So married it hurts and I love them for it. There is nothing guaranteed to make me fall into a big giggly fangirl puddle like the way they look at each other.
Touko-Asuka: They are so amzaingly suited to each that even with as talented as they each are individually, they are so much better together it's almost impossible to believe.
28. What do you think of theOsa-FuuMizu-Tonami combination?
I love Fuu-chan, but I'm not a big fan of her with Osa. They just didn't do much for me together. Mizu and Tonami I absolutely adore. They're so elegant together and so inappropriately hot.
29. What do you think is the coolest stage name?
I admit that I still love Sumireno Rei and Ranno Hana's combined fangirling in their names.
30. Is there an OG whom you wish you could have seen when she was a current seito?
Wao and Hana, no question.
31. Is there someone you think: "They didn't retire last time, but this time..."? Who is it?
Sena Jun, like the rest of the world. Other than that I'm trying not to think about it after recent announcements.
32. Some comments on Sena Jun.
I really liked her at one point, but the more I see of her the less interested I am. I guess her style just doesn't resonate with me all that well and she doesn't have the kind of range that would keep me interested otherwise.
33. If you had to select a current musumeyaku from the 85th class as trendy, who would it be?
Re-translating this question to: Which current musumeyaku from the 85th class would you highly recommend?
Miwa Asahi. She's still current, dammit. ;___;
34. Are you more partial to Tonami, or Asuka?
Asuka. <33333
35. Is there someone whose makeup from a certain performance you want? Who?
Kazu's pink lipgloss from the A Kiss to the Flames shinko. <3333
36. Some comments on Mirai Yuuki.
Oh Hamako, so adorably over the top.
37. Some comments on Ozora Yuuhi.
I really, really like her. I think she's endearing and great in dramatic stuff especially and she has an adorable energy. I'm also really, really torn about her right now because it's still weird that she's going to be the next top of Soragumi.
38. Please tell us about a seito you think should be used more, but gets no recognition.
I wouldn't say no recognition, but Nanami Hiroki. She gets overshadowed by her more prominent batchmates and I think she's so absolutely charming and is growing up to be such an interesting performer. Fujisaki Eri is too little to say she "should be used more", really, but I hope she doesn't get shoved off on the baby-Senka track if she doesn't want to and I would love to see her play different kinds of roles.
39. If I said "someone treasured by the company", who would you associate that with?
Matsumoto Yuri
40. Who do you consider the best etoile?
Kazune Miou. ;__;
41. "She can't sing", "she can't dance", "she can't act", which do you consider the biggest handicap?
"She can't act", absolutely. There is nothing more distracting, even in a background baby, than someone who can't get across the energy and character that they need to. That and I think we can all think of top stars who were not great singers or dancers but were great actors and did quite well for themselves.
42. Some comments on Aran Kei.
She is unbelievably talented, incredibly strong willed and intelligent and hilariously funny. I still have a very hard time imagining Takarazuka without her, and as it is officially her last day at the Daigekijou and I woke up with a lump in in my throat, that's all I'll say.
43. What do you think is the preferred amount of time for a top star to hold that position?
I think three years or so seems to be good, barring extenuating circumstances.
44. Please tell us who your favorite musical playwright is, and which of their works you like most. Up to two people is okay.
Ueda Keiko-sensei (excluding Paradise Prince and My Dear New Orleans because I haven't seen all of them yet, The Last Party) and Kimura Shinji-sensei (Hououden).
45. Please tell us who your favorite revue playwright is, and which of their works you like most. Up to two people is okay.
Fujii Daisuke (Sora Fantasista!)
46. Is there a costume you'd like to try on?
Hana's costume from the *ahem* dream sequence in Hououden, Asuka's red polka dot dress from Secret Hunter and Asuka's ball gown from Scarlet Pimpernel.
47. Please tell us your favorite Takarazuka tune. Up to three is okay.
"Mirai e" from Excalibur, "Never Say Goodbye" from Never Say Goodbye, and "A Piece of Courage" from Scarlet Pimpernel.
48. If I say dancer, who do you think of?
Mizu Natsuki, Asami Hikaru, Oora Mizuki, Maikaze Rira
49. If I say singer, who do you think of?
Aran Kei, Yuumi Hiro, Toono Asuka, Shizuki Asato, Hanafusa Mari, Kazune Miou
50. If I say actress, who do you think of?
Aran Kei, Otozuki Kei, Hanafusa Mari, Wao Youka
51. Please tell us what you think is Ueda Shinji's best work.
Probably Gone with the Wind, though I'm generally not a big fan of his work.
52. [Updated] Although "Rose of Versailles" was just performed in 2006, they scheduled it again with four "Side Stories" over the course of 2008-09. What do you really think of that?
I'm over it, honestly. It was a somewhat interesting gimmick, but there were so many other things that could have been done in place of those shows.
53. Please tell us what you think is Shibata Yukihiro's best work.
Romanesque Mask was good, even if it was a whacked out adaptation. I'm sure Aka to Kuro is excellent, if only because I trust Touko's taste.
54. Some comments on Koike's works.
Seal of Roses, Never Say Goodbye, Scarlet Pimpernel, Wao's concert, Blue Swan, Puck -- all excellent and occasionally cracky. JFK is a bit wtf, but interesting from all I've seen. He seems to enjoy throwing inexplicable weirdness in the middle of shows if they otherwise would be relatively normal.
55. Which troupe's version of Elisabeth do you like?
There are things I like about pretty much all of them, but overall the Soragumi and Mizugumi versions.
56. Is there some staff from outside of Takarazuka that you'd like to work there? It doesn't matter how feasible it is.
Stephen Sondheim and Jason Robert Brown.
57. Is there an original work (novel, movie, historical person) that you'd like to see turned into a Takarazuka performance? If you have a cast in mind, add that too.
I was just talking with Jenn and Vicky the other day about how much I wanted to see Zuka do A Little Night Music, but that was dependent on Machami being around. ;____; I still say that show though, as unrealistic as it may be. I'd also love LOVE to see a revue version of Songs for a New World.
58. Do you like Ogita's works?
I love Tarantella, I haven't actually seen anything else of his.
59. What do you think of Saitou's works?
El Halcon, Blood and Sand, Young Bloods, W-WING, pretty good track record if you ask me.
60. Well then, what about Kimura's?
One of my absolute favorites. Especially A Kiss to the Flames and Susano-O
60.5 - And what about Masatsuka's?
Inconsistent. Don't screw up BaraAme!
61. Which character from which performance do you think is the best Takarazuka hero?
Percy from Scarlet Pimpernel is pretty amazing, though that's not a Takarazuka original. Georges from NSG.
62. Well then, what about the best heroine?
Marguerite is one of my favorite heroines ever, but again, not a Takarazuka original. Other than that, Jennifer from Secret Hunter and Katherine from NSG.
63. Predict the five top stars in five years. (We don't know who will be in which troupe in five years, so troupe doesn't matter.)
Otozuki Kei, Ranju Tomu, Ouki Kaname, Kiriya Hiromu, Sou Kazuho
64. Do you go to performances with friends or alone?
Takarazuka is a team sport, as far as I'm concerned.
65. Do you have a lot of friends who go to shows?
It's somewhat sad, more and more all my friends are Takarazuka fans.
66. What do you think of irimachi and demachi?
I can't wait to go, even if it means hell on my knees.
67. Do you like ochakais?
I'm sure I'd love them to death. Also, I love the things I've gotten from them (the pictures of Dai-chan and Alice-chan that Julie got for me are some of my favorite things EVER).
68. Feel free to say something about fan club outfits.
I'm going to cave and buy our BaraAme wear, I just know it.
69. A comment about "Kageki".
I LOVE all the hilarious backstage stories and the portraits are always lovely.
70. A comment about "Takarazuka Graph".
The photography is consistently beautiful, and I always love the travel diaries and backstage pictures.
71. Do you use Quatre Reves often?
I frequently use it through the kindness of friends (like the ever wonderful Julie-pyon Shop).
72. What goods would you like to see at Quatre Reves?
More of the chibi top stars!! God I want all of them, they're fantastic.
73. Have you ever been to Takarazuka-an?
I fear my first venture inside Taka-an.
74. Is there a video you saw unintentionally and liked?
I didn't choose a lot of the Yuki shows I've seen, but I've fallen quite in love with a lot of them, especially Takarazuka Dream Kingdom.
75. What do you do with your videos and programs in your room?
Chirashi are (going to be) up on our bedroom wall, along with our A/L poster. DVDs are in two huge cases near the TV, magazines and books and photo albums and such are on the bookshelf in the den.
76. Please tell us a restaurant around the theaters that you recommend.
I've heard a million stories about Izumi.
77. Have you ever gotten premiere tickets? Feel free to elaborate.
No. ;___;
78. Feel free to say something about the Takarazuka Home Page.
The flash page is a total pain. I have the HTML version bookmarked and just use it.
79. Have you seen Sky Stage?
I have a handful of things that generous souls have taped and passed along to me.
80. Do you have the first or second series of personal books? (Please tell us the purchasing circumstances, or why or why not you bought them.)
Between us we have Mizu's, Kiriyan's, Yumiko's and RanTom's. Mizu and Kiryan's are Vicky's from before she moved out here, Yumiko's jenebi picked up for us on one of her trips right after that batch came out, and RanTom's Vicky got in Japan Town in SF at Kinokuniya.
81. What's your opinion on the girlish fashion of musumeyaku?
It's adorable, but the slightly more mature ones are more my style.
82. Is it a problem if otokoyaku are overly feminine off-stage?
I think it's adorable. But then, I tend to think a lot of things are adorable. Also, Dai-chan is a bit on the girly side so it'd be hypocritical of me to say I didn't like the girlier ones.
83. Confess, if you're talking with a friend about a play without seito you support, are you bored?
I can usually stay interested, usually.
84. What is the "sexiness of otokoyaku"?
The ability to be a strong man and a beautiful woman, and more charming than anyone really has a right to be.
85. Are you partial to 2 or 8? If you don't understand the question, don't answer it.
No comment.
86. Did you participate in that internet battle without thinking?
I tend to avoid internet battles whenever possible.
87. Say something about the so-called "delusionistic". If you don't understand the question, don't answer it.
I have a feeling there's some deeper meaning here that I'm missing.
88. What do you think of non-zuka fans who associate Takarazuka with a lesbian tiger pit?
Statistically I'm sure there are a certain number of 'siennes who are lesbians or bi, and a certain number of fans as well, but it's ridiculously small minded to just assume that everyone involved is and that of course that's the only reason someone would be interested in Takarazuka.
89. Have you come out as a Takarazuka fan at work or school?
I've come out as things a lot harder than coming out as a Takarazuka fan. It was hilariously adorable watching my family pass my fanclub stuff around the table when a package came in the mail to my grandparents' house. Also embarrassing, but whatever.
90. If Doshirouto asked you "What's so great about Takarazuka?" how would you reply?
Everyone involved has such an incredibly high level of dedication, from the performers all the way to the fans, and that sense of community and that level of quality are incredibly appealing.
91. Have you ever used the term "crush" in regards to Takarazuka?
I'm way too old to use the word "crush" without sounding really silly.
92. Has your love for Takarazuka ever slanted your perceptions of men in your real life?
Not really an issue, since I have little to no interest in men anyway and my perception was all ready pretty slanted one direction as it was.
93. Have you ever had an instant as a fan where you thought: "I've gone past the point of no return?"
Oh yes. I think it was actually putting my fanclub card in my wallet the first time, to be honest.
94. What kind of person is a "painful fan"?
Someone who is self involved and only cares about her interests, not those of other fans or of the actresses.
95. What do you think of men being Takarazuka fans?
I can certainly understand the appeal!
96. Please tell us your definition of an "old fan".
Anyone who has been a fan for more than ten years.
97. What do you think is something that Takarazuka fans must not do?
Anything harmful to the career or reputation of their stars, or hurtful to other fans.
98. What would cause you to stop being a Takarazuka fan?
If the bad decisions of Hankyu outweighed the happiness I get from staying involved.
99. If you had a daughter, would you want her to enter Takarazuka?
If that was what would make her happy, absolutely.
100. Last question. What is Takarazuka to you? Please answer with something other than "a world of dreams".
Someplace where anything is possible.