I'm really sad to hear this, but of course I understand your reasons and respect your choice. There is no point torturing yourself over something that is supposed to be fun. I'll miss reading your Takarazuka posts! : ( ♥
I'm going to miss your zuka posts as well as your wonderful team_musumeyaku updates, but I agree with everyone: if fandom is hurting you then it definitely is a good idea to take a step out of it before it drives you crazy. It's not healthy to get so stressed over a hobby.
However, I hope I don't sound selfish when I say this, but I really hope things will turn out well for you and I wish you a Happy Welcome Back to the Fandom in advance in case you do change your mind and come back :') <333
It's not selfish, it's incredibly touching. :) And you are wonderful for writing it.
I hope I can do what wao_wao did and pull back a bit, then engage as...a minor fan, I guess? Not overly emotionally invested, but able to just enjoy what's good. Who knows? Maybe I'll manage it. ^_-
I agree with what everyone has been saying, and it's your time and money. You definitely have the right to make that decision. I think much of the way Takarazuka treat their musumeyaku can be attributed to the social culture of Japan. Have you heard the phrase "Christmas cake"? As much as Takarazuka is progressive within their own society, they are still very much a reflection of Japanese society.
Now, I'm kind of hoping that the Japan of today is changing and giving women more opportunities in the job market, but then I'll hear about how most of the Japanese women's soccer team are in part-time work, secretarial work, etc., with no real opportunity for promotion, I just sigh. That's just one example though. And to be fair, the devaluation of women and the work they've done is present in many cultures. Not all, just many.
Then there's also this idea that Takarazuka empowers women by making them men (in all aspect except one) is to me just a little misguided.
Takarazuka was never meant to empower women; that it did in some ways was as much a surprise to the guys behind the curtain as it was an outrage to social commentators. -_-
"Christmas Cake" is an old phrase...but as it's been replaced by the equally mean-spirited "make inu" there's not much improvement. *cough*
Anyway, I agree with you on Zuka reflecting society, and it's one of the reasons it makes me so mad. If it was a sales thing--otokoyaku sell better--I think I'd get it. But it's not; it's the old men behind the curtain trying to tell women how they should be, and I can't ignore that anymore or pretend it's okay. But as screaming at fans won't help, the best thing I can do is pull back a little!
LOL, sorry I should have clarified that the empowering of women is more of a perception from some female fans. You're right, Takarazuka was never originally intended to empower women. The founder, I found to be just a little "shady"/eccentric after reading Gender Gymnastics.
Oooh, new phrase. What does "make inu" mean, if you don't mind explaining?
I'm reading that one now. It's good; I like how broad its view of the Revue is. It neither ignores sexuality, nor focuses exclusively on it.
"Make" comes from the word "makeru," "to lose (a fight, bet, something like that)" and "inu" means "dog." So the "make inu" is the dog who lost a fight--the idea is that Japanese women who hit their thirties without being married have lost the battle of life and are big losers. It apparently comes from an old idiom "make inu to toboe" or "a losing dog will howl."
I understand, and ya gotta do what ya gotta do. It's painful when a star you love and who is so good gets passed over. I hope you'll return to fandom (someday!) to a happy homecoming. :) Best of luck to Remi, whatever she does! I'm glad she's got a staunch fan in you.
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Maybe I'll be able to do it to, after awhile. :)
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I'm sure I'll still be fanning OG, though, so expect much Mika squee. :D
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(So sorry for the late reply by the way)
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I'm going to miss your zuka posts as well as your wonderful team_musumeyaku updates, but I agree with everyone: if fandom is hurting you then it definitely is a good idea to take a step out of it before it drives you crazy. It's not healthy to get so stressed over a hobby.
However, I hope I don't sound selfish when I say this, but I really hope things will turn out well for you and I wish you a Happy Welcome Back to the Fandom in advance in case you do change your mind and come back :') <333
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I hope I can do what wao_wao did and pull back a bit, then engage as...a minor fan, I guess? Not overly emotionally invested, but able to just enjoy what's good. Who knows? Maybe I'll manage it. ^_-
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Now, I'm kind of hoping that the Japan of today is changing and giving women more opportunities in the job market, but then I'll hear about how most of the Japanese women's soccer team are in part-time work, secretarial work, etc., with no real opportunity for promotion, I just sigh. That's just one example though. And to be fair, the devaluation of women and the work they've done is present in many cultures. Not all, just many.
Then there's also this idea that Takarazuka empowers women by making them men (in all aspect except one) is to me just a little misguided.
Reply
"Christmas Cake" is an old phrase...but as it's been replaced by the equally mean-spirited "make inu" there's not much improvement. *cough*
Anyway, I agree with you on Zuka reflecting society, and it's one of the reasons it makes me so mad. If it was a sales thing--otokoyaku sell better--I think I'd get it. But it's not; it's the old men behind the curtain trying to tell women how they should be, and I can't ignore that anymore or pretend it's okay. But as screaming at fans won't help, the best thing I can do is pull back a little!
Reply
Oooh, new phrase. What does "make inu" mean, if you don't mind explaining?
Reply
"Make" comes from the word "makeru," "to lose (a fight, bet, something like that)" and "inu" means "dog." So the "make inu" is the dog who lost a fight--the idea is that Japanese women who hit their thirties without being married have lost the battle of life and are big losers. It apparently comes from an old idiom "make inu to toboe" or "a losing dog will howl."
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And have I ever told you I love that icon?
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