KIRIYA: Well then, this time is there something each of you would like to ask me?

KAZUKI: Yes. As an otokoyaku, is there something that you feel at the very least you absolutely must convey?

KIRIYA: Some things that I keep in mind are generosity, kindness, open-mindedness, etc. I think these things are tied to the greatness of an otokoyaku.

SORANAMI: In the current performance, it doesn’t seem as though you play Percy and Grappin the same way at all, so how to you go about putting together roles like that?

KIRIYA: It’s truly the first time I’ve played a role like Grappin, and it was really trial and error up till the end, but I used things like movies and Disney animation for reference. I gathered examples of magicians/wizards from Disney movies, and afterwards also ones who appear in ballet performances.

YUUNAMI: Since I’m seeing the parade feathers from so close by, on the opening day of your first Grand Theater show, please tell us what it felt like to have those feathers on…

KIRIYA: That sounds like an ordinary fan question (haha). Let’s see. The first time I wore them, I felt like I mustn’t let these feathers defeat me, but then when I stood before the applauding audience, all of a sudden I forgot about their weight. Standing on a stage where everyone comes out to see me makes me incredibly happy. Hmm… yeah, in one word, it’s “happiness.” And then, having to work hard at my own lead roles from here on out, I felt a new kind of determination.

OTOHANE: Please tell us the number one thing you remember from the run of your hatsubutai performance.

KIRIYA: Mine?! It’s the distant past so I don’t feel like I have many memories left…(haha). Since I felt so strongly that I wanted to become a stage actress, I was very eager, like “I want to be an otokoyaku now! I want to look sharp in suits and tailcoats!”

YUMEKA: On stage and in normal life, is there a method you use to cope with difficult times?

KIRIYA: If I can overcome this now, there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel! That’s something I continue to keep in mind. There’s nothing to do but look forward! When Takarazuka is at its best everyone is truly warm, and the upperclassmen and teachers may speak harshly, but that comes from a place of tremendous love. Therefore, the things they say to me are things for which I am extremely thankful, and if I can thoroughly digest that information within myself, I’ll be able to grow up and I’ll step into the next task. If I lose to myself it’s useless.

YUMEKA: Yes!

KIRIYA: As for current Moon Troupe, taking on various challenges as a reborn Moon Troupe, since the fact that everyone still comes in times of such upheaval gives all of us incentive, I’d like it if everyone could be proud that we all worked together to make this production of “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” And, in each of your troupes to which you’ll be assigned after this, please continue to nurture your stage personas warmly. With your own power, right? Everyone, do your best in this world overflowing with love, Takarazuka!

EVERYONE: Yes! Thank you so much!