TMV - 'Misty Station TRAIN'

TMV. well, there are AMV and MMV. obviously a Takarazuka fanvid would be called TMV. agree?

this idea has been bothering me for a year. yes, exactly one year. last May after hearing 'tamashii no refrain' in 'Misty Station' I decided to download the whole discography of Takahashi Youko and this is how I discovered a song called 'TRAIN'. it belongs to the album 'Sore wa Toki ni Anata o Hagemashi, Toki ni wa Sasae to Naru Mono'. if you translate this title you will read something like this - 'sometimes it will encourage you, sometimes it will become your support'. and this was very timely to me, who was somewhat depressed after the Great Moon Troupe Retirement 

well, after watching Misty Station, a Revue themed 'journey' and moreover with train used as the main symbol, 'tis only natural that I immediately associated the song called 'TRAIN' with it. moreover, the lyrics are very special here. the translation will be provided in a separate post 

so, here is the result. at 3 o'clock in the night, huh?

IMHO. Kiriya Hiromu 'My Treasure' ~ let us look at the 18 years in brief

'in brief' is, of course, 'in brief' in comparison with simply watching all the performances of ms Kiriya through the 18 years, but this 'brief' was no less than an hour and a half. to be precise, 1-40, as far as I remember

another hour and a half are allotted for the Farewell Show. which is, again, a compilation of famous songs and numbers from different shows

part 1. collection of recollection
well, literally the first part is called 'collection of performances of the memories'. or something like this. ms Kiriya talks about her past and describes every period in her Takarazuka life. the earliest periods are all Greek to me (something sounds wrong here...) and this is why watching scenes from 90s was so interesting

 

watching scenes from early performances is also fun because you get to see many other familiar faces...

 

after watching these short excerpts I cannot help searching for the full performances. just a few days ago we talked with +Арагорн Араторнович about the 90s and agreed that we both would be happy to have been born 5-7 years earlier. there is something in the 90s that is lost nowadays. 90s were tough and harsh, but they were cool

  

you also get to see how wonderful were the relationships with the Tops and hear stories about old times - when everything was different

 

part 2. Sayonara
Farewell Show starts with the ceremony of entrance - 'twas surprising to see that name plates of retiring siennes were decorated with spangles, bows, fur etc.

the show was nothing new to those who are acquainted with the performances of Kiriya Top period

the last number was conducted with the help of 'light sea' - the audience who waved special light pens

conclusion
mostly I feel surprised when I hear about people who watch performances and other Takarazuka videos without knowing Japanese. in my mind, they lose so much. well, I cannot imagine loving a particular culture without knowing its language, and plan to learn a few other languages I like. this time, 'tis important to understand what ms Kiriya says. her stage presence may be whatever, her own image is different. if you are ok with simply recollecting ms Kiriya's important steps in Takarazuka and watching the final performance, then you can simply skip all the parts where she talks. if you like ms Kiriya as I do and know enough Japanese to understand her, those parts will help you to understand her as a person and will, I hope, become an indispensable treasure to you
yeah, Treasure

BeruBara as the last

did they start a competition in making every Troupe younger and younger???

BeruBara 2013 - final performance for Hanase Mizuka, Kao Amiri, Aikaze Yume and Amato Riira.  for vice-kumichou Hanase-sama, extremely cool Kao-san, promising cute Aikaze-san and calm Amato-san

retirements are sad...

translation! ~ one more article about Kiriya-sama retiring

this morning I noticed one thing. I haven't been translating anything for a while. translations I do for my works do not count. I mean, something interesting, like Zuka-related stuff or songs lyrics...

when in university, I had some classes I was not eager to attend, but those were necessary, so I occupied myself with articles translations. not I am enjoying my vacations - and where's the result??? I have translated nothing useful or interesting, though not only articles from web-newspapers - HUGE amounts of interviews and articles in the magazines I bought are waiting for me. to say nothing of scanning... >_______< somebody make me work hard!

this time I want to translate an article about guess who???

*a failed attempt to surprise my readers*

ok, ok. this article

http://enterminal.jp/2012/04/kiriya1/

is about the last day of Edward 8 and Misty Station in Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre. most of the contents I already translated using the article from the official website, so this time I only provide those paragraphs which are different from the official report. perhaps, Zuka masukomi staff think that Zuka fans should be able to grasp the meaning of everything they write without any hints and explanations... well, even I am not able to do this. also, the more I read different newspapers' websites (and the official website of Takarazuka), the more I understand that they decide themselves which words to cut out, and which to leave as they were in the original... which variant was the original is impossible to understand, though

anyway, enterminal really helped me. hope it helps you, too

Q. After you have finished the performance in Takarazuka, once more, what is the place called 'Takarazuka' for you?

A. The very essence of my life is that I have been doing my best with the feeling that I lived for the stage, and I still cannot realize the fact that I will not stand on that stage anymore starting from tomorrow. I have reached today in my 'best condition', running with a feeling of challenging myself, therefore 'Takarazuka' is an irreplaceable thing, and I think from now on I will live on never forgetting this feeling, never losing it.

Q. What are your plans for the future?

A. I haven't decided anything in particular, so I would like to inform you when I do.
 

Q. In the last address you used the words 'Even if the clock were turned back, I would choose the same path.' When and with what feelings did you create it?

A. First, I made an address in the Grand Theatre, which was so close to me even before my enrolment, that was the first part, then I came to Tokyo, but in the everyday life being constantly pressed by the performances, I could not settle my thoughts, so I was thinking from the previous evening till today's morning, and finally decided during the performance itself.

 
Q. After this day has come to an end, when was the moment you clearly realized that it was the retirement? 

 A. The atmosphere of the audience was quite different from before, and the atmosphere of the Theatre was heavy (laughs). But I wanted to persist in acting, and I so I did pushing that feeling aside. Of course, the closing night also happened, but I was able to live this day concentrated on the performance without being washed away by different feelings.

  
Q. Any words you would like to convey to the juniors who are to meet the 100 anniversary of Takarazuka Revue in two years?

A. I cannot say anything too special, but as I already said in my address, there is no other talent than to do your best, I have arrived on this day living like this, so I want to point that doing your best is never in vain, I want you to be proud that you are in such a wonderful world, such a place where you can do your best, and I want you to do your best in challenging yourselves to try all the chances for yourselves.

Q. What is the music that accompanied you descending the Staircase for the address?
A. It was a melody from my debut performance 'Phoenix' to which we performed the rockette dance. One phrase from it is used in the show 'Misty Station', it flows before the scene called 'Daydream', which was an idea of director Saitou Yoshimasa, so those who will notice, will notice, those who won't - won't. By the way, unfortunately, my classmates who attended the performance failed to notice it completely (laughs).

Q. The Farewell show was splendid, but were there any ideas of yours in it?

My ideas... There were a lot of my selfish ideas inserted, and I think the burden on the members of Moon Troupe was also considerable, but the show focused on the performances where I was honoured with the leading part, and the others who retire also got highlight scenes, and the show was created with a lot of recommendations from director Saitou. There was a dance in black tailcoats on the Grand Staircase, and though I think there were no Farewell shows before which went as far, this was the path I have taken, so I was allowed to insert it.

translation. an article about farewell address of the Moon Top Combi

original article

Farewell address
On the closing night of Moon Troupe Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre performance 'Edward VIII' and 'Misty station' after the farewell show of Kiriya Hiromu 8 retiring actresses made their farewell address.
The address of Kiriya Hiromu
I have been honoured with support of many people until this day, just as now, on the closing night. Admiring the gallant and radiant retreating figures of those who retire, I was trying to imagine a thing I could not imagine - what it would be like, when I stand here. My present state of mind is loneliness because I won't stand with all the Moon Troupe in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre once again, and I won't wear the uniform hakama of Takarazuka once again, but we have finished this month of 'Edward VIII' and 'Misty Station' with two Senior Members and all the Moon Troupe being full of energy, and I am pleased and happy that I was honoured to perform my farewell show which is like a treasure box, and now I feel like I could jump. Not jumping yet (laughs). Meeting with Takarazuka Revue during my life, and having been able to live to my fullest as Takarazuka Revue's Kiriya Hiromu - even if the clock were turned back, I would choose the same path (a burst of applause in the audience). From tomorrow on, I will depart on a journey to an adventurous stage to search for a new dream. I hope the feelings from the bottom of my heart will reach all of the people who came to the audience, and a lot of people outside the Theatre who kindly watched over me. Thank you for these 18 years.
The address of Aono Yuki

I believe in destiny. It is because, when I met with Takarazuka, I was well acquainted neither with singing, nor with dancing, nor with acting, I only wanted to enter here, so I was determined to take the entrance exams. This challenge that I faced suddenly had serious hurdles, and I finally passed only on the fourth time. After many years here passed by, I looked into what I wrote in the primary school on the topic 'My dream of the future' - it is 'I want to perform on stage'. It was a dream that had no reasons, and a dream that I have completely forgotten about. Still, now I am standing here, on the stage. This is why I believe that the meeting with Takarazuka is my destiny. I love Takarazuka. I love being female role player. With these feelings today, I feel with all my heart that I was able to come on this day thanks to all the people who kindly watched over me. Saying simply 'thank you' is not enough. Aono Yuki will depart to the new destiny - gallantly, straight ahead, and manly (a burst of applause in the audience). Thank you for there 8 years.

it's been a month and a half since you left. you said it takes a month to get used to the new life. how are you now? my retired stars...

translation! ~ an article about the last day of 'Edward VIII' and 'Misty Station' in Grand Theatre

 the original article

 

Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe, the curtain has risen for the Top Combi Last Stage!

On March 3rd, the curtain has risen for the retirement performance of the Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe Top Combi, Kiriya Hiromu and Aono Yuki.
The first part was the musical 'Edward VIII' based on the historical facts about Edward VIII, who earned great popularity among the masses and called 'Prince Charming' both at home and abroad. The musical paints both the false and the real image of him who, though loved by people, had to abdicate the throne in order to fulfill his love with an American national, Wallis Simpson.
The story starts with the funeral of Edward VIII, and then traces back the meeting of the couple. The unexpected direction of the funeral scene was quite interesting because a radio was used there, and thus seized the hearts of the spectators.
Kiriya, who played the open-hearted and possessing a modern character Crown Prince David (Edward VIII), was setting the pace of the performance with her nimble tone. Speaking of which, while looking as a man who leads free and pleasant life, the negative sides the character possessed as a person were also revealed. Thus, everyone could enjoy the splendid acting manner of Kiriya. Her partner actress, Aono, gently portrayed the changing feelings of Wallis to David, after she approached him in order to obtain a high status, and though a certain amount of loneliness and weakness was blurred in her, she finished as a strong woman with a firm heart.
Also, an indispensable supporting character was played by the Second, Ryuu Masaki. She portrayed Guy Burgess, a BBC producer, who was penetrating inside the scenes, but also narrated the story so that the spectators would not get confused. The Third, Asumi Rio, was playing the private secretary of David, who was watching over him, sometimes being harsh, but with a tender attitude, despite the fact he was twisting his secretary around his finger. While presenting her gentle image, Asumi showed both her character's strength of expressing his opinion straight to the face of the Crown Prince, and the irritation of being unable to help him.

The second part of the performance was 'Misty Station' starting with a scene which was to create a recollection of Kiriya's departure. She  played a young man Misty who embarked on an adventure with a trunk case and a map. After this a lot of dynamic scenes followed one by one. Cosmos, jungle, Arabia, enigmatic town, and a lot more - Misty is travelling around the variegated world. Among them, the scenes with Kiriya singing in the centre, surrounded by the Moon Troupe members standing in a row, and the male players dance in black tailcoats in perfect order were a grand sight. It was beautiful to the extent that a sigh would escape from the lips of spectators. Another certain thing was the duet dance of Kiriya and Aono, whose breath was perfectly matching, and there were also highlights for Ryuu, Asumi, and for those retiring like Aoki Izumi, Isshiki Ruka, and others, so the show was very enjoyable, presenting the overwhelming power of Moon Troupe.

For the last stage of the Top Star, in both works a lot of scenes and songs with farewell image were included. Do not miss the performance full of Kiriya's charm, who perfected in singing, acting, dancing, all these three skills.

 

 

 

 

 

translation. interview of the Moon Top Combi on the last day of Tokyo performance

the source article
*please PIA don't kill me for stealing your photos...*
*upd 12.04*
well, yes, I was keeping silent during the week, but I was not doing nothing! I had several classes with a lot of free (well, almost free) time, so one article is ready and the other is coming! ^___^

'Our collection'. Farewell show of Takarazuka Moon Star Top Combi, Kiriya Hiromu and Aono Yuki

On March 23rd, the curtain was raised for the Tokyo Takarazuka Moon Troupe performance of 'Edward VIII' and 'Misty Station'. This performance will be the last one for the Top Stars Kiriya Hiromu and Aono Yuki. After training on the opening day of the performance they shared their feelings with the reporters .

The performance consisted of two parts, the first being a play 'Edward VIII' describing half of the life of a real British king who was loved by his people, but who abdicated the throne after about a year of reign, the story taking place in England of the XX century, and the second part was a nostalgic show 'Misty Station' based on the motive of travelling by train. 'Edward VIII' which portrayed a 'love that cost the crown' between Edward VIII and American married woman Wallis Simpson, was a dramatic performance, though not overly romantic, but was a very Kiriya-like play showing a lot of wit and smartness, with intellectual and bright characters, which Kiriya matched so well. On the other hand, the scene with the king broadcasting his decision to abdicate the throne was overlapping with the image of Kiriya standing on the top of a kingdom called Takarazuka, who was about to embark on a journey, so the show was a very suitable one. Moreover, the show was created so that the audience would enjoy to their heart's content the charm of Kiriya as an outstanding dancer and singer, and the combination with Aono, who performed in tune with Kiriya.
During the press-conference Kiriya made a short address - 'This is the last performance for the two of us, but because of this very fact I am determined to make a performance which all the guests can enjoy here in Tokyo, not 'anyhow', but the same way as we did before.' Aono also said - 'During the rehearsal before the Tokyo performance I noticed that nothing has changed. I want to do my best and to develop myself to the very end.' About the two parts of the show Kiriya said - 'Though the traditional image of Takarazuka is a male role player standing straight and female role player clinging to him, if I think about us - we were a pair standing together and quarrelling. In reality, it is not as if before this performance Aono would give me advice, or pick up a fight like in the play *laughs*, but these characters are extremely well expressed, so it is very interesting. I want to create a performance that can be called our collection, because a very suitable work was kindly prepared for my last performance.' To that she added her passionate memories of her 18 years of enrollment in a place called Takarazuka - 'When I first attempted to enter Takarazuka, I failed, but I managed to do it the next time. During a year, I was studying hard in order to improve myself, filled with the will to become a male role player here. It is a place I devoted all my passion to, with this only feeling, to the extent that I could almost give my very life. I want to go on moving to the closing night because this feeling does not change.'
_____
translator's remarks

1. how come they almost read my mind??? the thing I noticed best in 'Edward' as well as in other musicals was that the Top Combi of Moon was completely different from the usual image - and Kiriya-sama repeats it... >___<
2. the phrase I translated as 'to perform in tune' means literally 'to adjust one's breath', and it can be applied to their Top Combi in both meanings. I chose a more general one, because it suits the text of the article better, but I remember AYAKO, the choreographer of 'Misty Station', describing Aono-sama as a magnificent and skilled dancer who really adjusted her breath to Kiriya-sama so that the Combi had very good timing and synchronicity
3. I used the usual 'male role player' and 'female role player', but Kiriya-sama used the word 'onnayaku', not 'musumeyaku'. this seems a bit strange for me, because 'tis exactly 'musumeyaku' image which implies a fragile girl standing near strong and tall man, but well, perhaps my dear Kiriya-sama is filled with a sense of justice and equity? ^.^

sayonara show... sayonara hide

the last performance has ended. the ending performance has started

fabulous dances, ephemeral sparkling of the stage, voices rising high in the hall

and several thousands of people watching - probably with penlights in their hands again

they show their smiles. and I hide my tears

ready, steady, go

the curtain has risen 10 minutes ago. on the stage there are people mourning, who suddenly hear David's voice. Wallis and David exchange biting remarks. the audience is giggling

half an hour left

they are probably making the last checks on their makeup and clothes, the Moon Troupe members
the public will be admitted to the seats in 5 minutes. for now they are drinking or eating something in the lounge, or visiting Quatre Reves
the ticket counter can still give 32 standing tickets to those who want to watch the performance today
a lot of people are probably crowding the Toho cinemas which are to broadcast the performance
the last day is about to start
ザ・ラストデイ, that is

I wonder if I could be there somehow

you know what? exactly now some two thousands and several hundred people are watching KiriMari's farewell show

the tomorrow's performance still offers from 11 to 50 tickets to standing places

some time ago I though it would be impossible for me to stand for 3 hours watching the performance, but now I understand 'tis not an impossible thing to do. first thing, I could have a 30 minutes break while I could find a place to seat. secondly, if 'tis farewell show...

my God... what am I doing here? watching TV, doing my arubaito as if everything is all right... I should be there, there behind the last rows of the balcony, having a huge crowd of people in front of me, standing on my tiptoes to see anything

why am I here???

translation. a short article about retirements in Moon Troupe

for the link to this article I should thank http://katfaceonaplanet.tumblr.com

original article 
all images from the article

On March, 5th, Top Star of Moon Troupe of Takarazuka Revue, Kiriya Hiromu, said goodbye to the Grand Theatre where she spent 18 years having created a lot of memories. After the performance in Tokyo (March, 23rd - April, 22nd) she retires together with Aono Yuki, Top Female role player.

The farewell show which followed 'Edward VIII ~ Misty Station' started with the speciality duet dance 'Prologue - Gypsy Baron'. Theme songs from main Kiriya's performances where she played the leading part like 'Yukariko', 'Scarlet Pimpernel' were performed, and in the end she sang 'Hitogomi no Naka no Kodoku', enveloped in the light of penlights raised by people in the audience of the theatre which was full to capacity.
Together with Kiriya and Aono 8 actresses retire after the performance, including Aoki Izumi, Isshiki Ruka and others. Wearing the uniform of black crested haori and green hakama they descended the Grand Staircase, and Aono with tears in her eyes said 'These 8 years were all happiness. If I were not beside ms Kiriya, I could not be myself'. In the end all the members of Moon Troupe greeted Kiriya and she made an address 'One by one my small dreams came true, and standing here now when the atmosphere is full of love became my big dream. I can graduate from my home ground with a feeling of happiness, and the courage to start the journey towards a new dream I received from all of you. I thank you a lot'.

Though unfortunately it looked like raining after the Parade ended, 4500 passionate fans with balloons and penlights farewelled Kiriya who left her stronghold holding in arms her beloved dog, Finch.

_____

translator's remarks

I cannot say for sure that the translation is 100% correct, or that the news source quoted my beloved Top Combi without any overstatements, but if we are to believe their words then Aono-sama's 'I could not be myself' moves me to tears. 'tis exactly what I wanted to hear from her

Also, I simply fell in love with the fact that Kiriya-sama's name is constantly used in connection with her graduation. Perhaps most fans are aware of this fact, but I would like to remind that though pronounced like 'Hiromu', her name consists of characters 'big' and 'dream', which make 大きな夢 - 'ooki na yume' with their usual readings, and this particular phrase I can see everywhere on banners, retirement photos - just as on the photo above (with the car), and even Kiriya-sama herself exploits it. When I just read her name for the first time in my life, I thought it to be boring, but the more I know about her, the more I love her choice of name (though she made it with the help of a book about how to name a child)

final countdown

5 days left until the end

final countdown

we are on the straightaway

a week until the end

Moon Top Combi retirement - translations from the official web-site

somehow I have forgotten to translate the main part of the info considering my beloved Top Combi retirement. I wonder why... I can only suppose it took me a long time to finish the translations from the web-newspapers, so when I finished, I was so happy that I did not check what was ready and what was no

this time I would like to translate the articles which obviously provide the best imformation. well, I daresay they do, as they are from the official web-site...
let me start with Aono-sama

press-conference of Moon Troupe Top Female-role Player Aono Yuki about her retirement

On November, 11th (Tuesday), there was held a press-conference dedicated to the announcement of Moon Troupe Top Female-role Player Aono Yuki retiring after the musical 'Edward VIII' ~The Love that Cost Him the Crown~, and brilliant stage 'Misty Station' (Takarazuka Grand Theatre: from February, 3rd, till March, 5th, 2012, Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre: from March, 23rd, till April, 22nd)

Kobayashi Kouichi (board chairman of Takarazuka Revue)

'After she was transferred to the Moon Troupe to become the Top Female-role player, the true strength she cultivated before blossomed at once, so I think she became a magnificent Top Female-player for us. The Top Combi with Kiriya Hiromu was extraordinately perfect and splendid, so I think, she is an outstanding talent who supported the Moon Troupe and Takarazuka Revue. Until she, whom I described now, graduates on April, 22nd, next year, on the closing day of the Tokyo performance, I humbly beg you to bestow her with your support, so that she shines even more'

Aono Yuki

'On April, 22nd, next year I shall have your permission to graduate from Takarazuka. I want to keep doing my best on the stage until the closing day of the performance, so I humbly beg your support till the end'

Some details which led to the decision to retire? 

'After I was granted with the position of Top Female-role player, I was thinking about the time to retire vaguely, and when I heard of mrs Kiriya retiring, I decided I would like to retire the same time'

something from Kiriya?

'She said to me 'Let us keep training until the last performance the way we did before, in our style''

Any plans after the graduation? 

'I am absolutely not thinking of anything particular. I am absorbed in training with all my might, so when I settle down [after the graduation], I think it would be good if somewhen the time comes when I am able to think over'

The greatest reminiscence about the life in Takarazuka?

'After I was enrolled, I did not have any big dream, but I had a lot of smaller ones, like that I wanted to try this kind of thing. Among them, I was wishing I could participate in a performance abroad, and I remember distinctively the fact that on the 2nd year (the performance in Korea in 2005) I had the permission to participate in such performance'

The role which became a turning point?

'Performing 'Anna Karenina' was the time when I changed as a performer, and as a person, and I am grateful from my very heart that I was bestowed with the role of Anna in that period and timing'

_____

well, I believe this translation to be a little better than the previous ones as I have gained some experience (is it not?), but its content frustrates me. does she really consider her trip abroad and Anna's part the greatest achievements? I am a bit disappointed