Asami Hikaru Interview – ASAMI LIVE

- carlyas

From Musical, June/July 2014

What’s the story behind this live show?

The idea that I’d like to set up an opportunity to dance at least once a year has always been inside me. Since the year began I hadn’t danced yet, so I thought, “It would be so nice if I could do something all by myself in an atmosphere like a small live house,” and that was my motivation.

What’s it about?

It’s a show in which I uncover some commonalities between my own life and the histories of three legendary Hollywood actresses—Audrey Hepburn, Ginger Rogers, and Judy Garland—and follow what piles up. As referred to in the title ASAMI LIVE, the concept is that rather than simply performing as these three actresses, I’m telling the story of “Asami Hikaru” through their lives and familiar musical numbers. There will be singing and some drama, but I think dance will become the main component of this live.

About the director, Daniel Kutner

When I had the privilege of working with him during All My Sons, I thought it would be really great if we had the opportunity to work together again. I’m so happy that it’s becoming a reality for this show. He has different taste compared to works produced by Japanese directors, and it seems like this live will be a design unlike any we’ve seen before; I’m looking forward to it.

What are your impressions of the three actresses who will be making an appearance?

Hepburn is someone I’ve admired as an actress for a long time, and I have a photo book of hers. No matter where you look she’s adorable, isn’t she. As for Ginger Rogers, I longed to be like Natsume-san (former Takarazuka Hanagumi top star Ooura Mizuki, who was dubbed “Takarazuka’s Fred Astaire”), so I began to watch some Fred Astaire movies, and the beauty of the figure dancing next to him stole my gaze. She aroused an interest in me as a dancer. I’ve loved Judy Garland since I watched The Wizard of Oz; she’s a woman who is synonymous with stylishness. In “Easter Parade,” et cetera, she gave me a real feeling of “that’s a broadway musical.” In this live, I think I’ll be able to convey each differently in her own scene. Please look forward to it.

What is the concept behind the costumes?

Iwata Yuuko (Koshi Haruki), who was with me in Takarazuka, is handling the art and the costumes for me. We’re coming up with ideas together, and I think the live will be loaded with a hand-crafted feeling. Also by not disappearing from in front of the audience to change costumes and such, I hope the live atmosphere comes through that way. I want to create a stage we can all physically experience together while everyone’s imaginations expand.

What are your impressions of co-director Minato Yurika?

I’m indebted to her as a choreographer for two OG performances now, and in the previous show DREAM, A DREAM, she let me dance a lot. Her choreography is extremely difficult, but it’s cool, and dancing to it feels really good. She expresses songs through her performers so well, and I really wanted to borrow that power.

In Act 2, you’ll be holding talks with Shirota Yuu, Shizuki Asato, Aran Kei, and Otozuki Kei.

It’s not just an after talk; they’ll also be watching Act 1 together with the audience, and we plan on talking while I ask for their impressions.

After this, do you want to continue doing lives?

It would be great if I could do a part 2 and a part 3. I keep thinking, “I wonder if there are too many things to depict this time that I could carry over to next time.”

Lastly, give us a message!

Since it’s composed and directed by Daniel, I think this will be a show that carries the fragrance of Broadway in a number of places. Look forward to that too, and please definitely come see it!

Special Talk: Yuzuki Reon x Kozuki Wataru

- carlyas

From Graph, July 2014.

YUZUKI: When I first met you, Wataru-san, it was Rose of Versailles 2001, wasn’t it?

KOZUKI: That was when I made a special appearance as Andre while I was in Senka.

YUZUKI: I was still only ken-3, but I wanted to talk to you at all costs, so I started the conversation with “So, about how you hold that cloak…” during the part where you were gradually ascending.

KOZUKI: Oh yeah! (haha)

YUZUKI: Even though it was so random, you taught me very politely!

KOZUKI: Well, I’d heard there was this really promising young otokoyaku named Yuzuki Reon…

YUZUKI: Seriously??

KOZUKI: Yep! Things like how your dancing was extraordinary, and that the hope was you’d carry us in the future!! So I thought, “Eeeh, you’re asking ME?” (haha)

YUZUKI: No way no way, it wasn’t like that at all. Afterwards you became top of Hoshigumi, and in your debut show A Song for Kingdoms the troupe settled nicely with laser focus on you at the center.

KOZUKI: Ahh, you guys… It was because everyone welcomed me so warmly…

YUZUKI: My memories of putting on your shows are really passionate… The upperclassmen felt as if you’d left on a trip and were so glad you’d returned, and we underclassmen were truly happy about all the things we got to learn from you. How long had you been apart from Hoshigumi?

KOZUKI: I moved to Soragumi, and then went to Senka, and I think it was about 5 years. As a member of Senka, I got to perform with each troupe’s top without belonging to a particular troupe, and it was so worthwhile and I got to study so many different things. From there it was decided that I’d return to Hoshigumi, and when the upperclassmen said “welcome home” to me, I teared up, and in my heart I really felt like I’d come home after all… So I was extremely happy. I thought alright, together with this Hoshigumi I’ll give it everything I’ve got left.

YUZUKI: That’s so moving! During A Song for Kingdoms it felt like Hoshigumi came together as one, and that’s still continuing even now.

KOZUKI: And it wasn’t really a show where everyone played the same role all the way through. At rehearsal for the last scene of act 1, even though I was facing front and singing, I really wanted to turn and face everyone and sing, and when I did everyone reciprocated so much and I remember that really clearly.

YUZUKI: (shy smile)

KOZUKI: I looked at everyones sparkling eyes, and that was the moment I felt like we were going forth, starting out together…

YUZUKI: Because you were like the sun in how much you shone your love onto us, each and every one of us was trying to receive that love, and we all wanted to reciprocate somehow, and collectively as a troupe we were able to. I wonder if I’m able to create that kind of atmosphere now… Even now I’m constantly thinking wow, Wataru-san was really amazing back then.

KOZUKI: Whenever I have a chance to meet with a Takarazuka choreography teacher through work, they tell me, “You’ve bestowed your energy even on current Hoshigumi,” and it makes me happy to think about it.

YUZUKI: Eeeeh?!

KOZUKI: They say “Chie is leading with everything she’s got!” I answer, “I’ll cheer her on next time I see her!” (haha)

YUZUKI: I’m so happy! You’ve also said you can feel Hoshigumi’s passion when you come to watch us… I want to make sure that continues forever. But, even if it’s mental, there are times when I can do my best and times I can’t… during those times I think back. What would Wataru-san have done? Because when you were watching us from close by, you were always the sun… But if I think about it now, you had so much going on…

KOZUKI: Hahaha. Me too, when I watch you sparkling on stage, I think, “You’ve got so much going on, keep it up Chie～” (haha). Of course, when I think about it everyone must have that same experience.

YUZUKI: Yes, they must. As for me, more than anything, I have so much respect for your attitude and your sincerity when you went out on stage!

KOZUKI: What?! What’s this all of a sudden! (haha)

YUZUKI: You taught all of the troupe members that there is a mountain’s worth of work to do before you have fun on stage!

KOZUKI: Hehe.

YUZUKI: Everyone in the troupe could feel your precision as you faced the audience. So, I want to make absolutely sure I place a lot of importance on that part.

KOZUKI: Right now everyone is looking at your back and giving it all they’ve got!

YUZUKI: (shaking her head) I’m looking at your back…

KOZUKI: No no, I had the opportunity to look at the backs of many fabulous senpai too. During the show DREAM, A DREAM a little while ago when I met with all those past generations of senpai, I remembered standing behind them and doing my best, and my heart filled up with feelings of gratitude. It’s these kinds of relationships that made me into the person I am today.

YUZUKI: Definitely.

——————————————

KOZUKI: There’s a sports festival this year too, isn’t there. I’ll never forget the sight of you going mad with rage when we lost the tug of war in the 90th anniversary sports day (haha).

YUZUKI: (bursts out laughing)

KOZUKI: Even your cute aspects will become overzealous on sports day. You’ll even get fired up about the after party.

YUZUKI: Haha.

KOZUKI: So, I was in charge of a group trip at the time of my retirement, right? So, so I did this cute maid cosplay (hehe). I learned in Hoshigumi that even just doing something like that with all my might and no regrets is really important. There might come a time when it proves useful.

YUZUKI: Eeeeh!? Seriously!?

KOZUKI: Yeah! It’s been tremendously useful to me. Maybe not really something I could put to use as an otokoyaku top star though (haha).

YUZUKI: Of course.

KOZUKI: Life is long! So nothing is pointless! Not even your after party performance!!

YUZUKI: (Haha).

——————————————

YUZUKI: In my shinjin kouen performances, I had the privilege of playing your roles. I learned so many things, and I feel nothing but gratitude.

KOZUKI: Really! Thank you!

YUZUKI: It allowed me to form my foundation, I’m really thankful for that fate. I recognized that I couldn’t have been more fortunate in my roles! Because you really spoke with what was best for me in mind, your words always left a sharp impression in my heart.

KOZUKI: Although it was difficult to decide when and how to convey certain things, because there are so many things I was glad my superiors said to me too, I thought I had to pass that on. And you’d listen so obediently!

YUZUKI: Aaahh, nooo, really…

KOZUKI: At those times I’d watch your eyes, your behavior, and the way you’d take on the performance, and I’d be so happy you gave me the sense that you’d actually gotten the message.

YUZUKI: You’d tell me things not just on the level of how to sing and dance.

KOZUKI: Really?

YUZUKI: I wonder if I’d call it the root motive or something… You just taught me so many things back then and I’m so glad you did.

KOZUKI: I don’t remember that clearly, but when I was in Soragumi, during rehearsal for a soran bushi* (*traditional song/dance) scene, I was saying things to everyone like, “Become fishermen in your hearts and cast your nets!!” (haha).

YUZUKI: Hahaha. But that’s the sort of thing I’m talking about! Motive!

KOZUKI: Even in the first national tour upon my return to Hoshigumi, the cheer during the line dance was really on my mind. Everyone was saying “hyuuu～” but I thought it should be different. You could also do it like “HYUUUU!!” with great joy, and I wondered if you weren’t going to put the feeling in there, what’s the point of saying anything at all?

YUZUKI: (nodding deeply) That’s true, isn’t it. The things I’ve been giving my careful attention lately might all be like that. As long as you understand those things, it opens the way for everything.

KOZUKI: Yes!

YUZUKI: I love the “Homage” scene in Neo Dandyism, and I usually watch it when I’m feeling down, but it moves me every time. If I think of what’s so great about it, of course it’s that everyone’s motivation is amazing!

KOZUKI: Thank you, that makes me happy.

YUZUKI: Just thinking of you appearing in that scene, my feelings toward you are already overflowing.

KOZUKI: It was made so that I could get involved with everyone little by little, wasn’t it. The end required so much energy and stamina!

YUZUKI: It was tough… But in the end, you walk to the back. You look at everyone and then, the way you leave!

KOZUKI: My emotions from that time are still carved in my heart. I’ll never forget it.

YUZUKI: I really love that scene!

KOZUKI: Speaking of scenes, it seems like my love scene rehearsal has gotten around too (haha). I heard that from Ryu-san when I ran into her during work recently, and I thought, huh, they were even doing it in Tsukigumi (haha).

YUZUKI: (Haha) you taught me so much too!

KOZUKI: You guys like me, don’t you (haha)

YUZUKI: Well you know, because the fans’ hearts ache at those parts.

KOZUKI: That’s right!

YUZUKI: So now I…

KOZUKI: Are you taking care of that?!

YUZUKI: Yes! I made sure to take care of it!

KOZUKI: Ooooh! (applause). It’s a very serious matter, of course!

YUZUKI: What you taught me, even in regard to dancing, was about the part of your feelings that dictate why you move a certain way.

KOZUKI: Your ability to leap is amazing, and so is your instep (haha).

YUZUKI: Yeah, I’m always destroying my shoes (haha).

KOZUKI: (haha). Now that you’ve added those skills to your heart, it’s like you’re unstoppable. So every time, I see that you’re dependable, and that even since you’ve become top you haven’t been stingy with your effort, and I really understand: this is the grand sum of what you’ve been aiming for as an otokoyaku, and it’s dazzling.

YUZUKI: I feel warm… I’m so moved!!

——————————————

KOZUKI: By the way, when I saw the 100th anniversary poster, it filled my heart so much I wanted to tell you about it. I thought wow, Chie is one of the representatives of Takarazuka… without thinking I snapped a picture!

YUZUKI: Thank you so much.

KOZUKI: I’m happy that the Chie I’ve watched since she was an underclassman has become this handsome!

YUZUKI: But, I’ve got to work harder… When we did “Eternal Prayer”, Junko-san (Ema Naoki) and the other upperclassmen worked together with those of us who played the “dream cross” roles in the rehearsal room and showed us how to dance.

KOZUKI: That did happen, didn’t it!

YUZUKI: Even though they told us so much, probably because I couldn’t get the heart of it, I couldn’t do it at all.

KOZUKI: Often you can only understand half at a time, and you’ll look at each other in rehearsal but it’s only the underclassmen who aren’t doing very well.

YUZUKI: Yes. But, since I hadn’t been shown many examples, I was really moved. I may not be able to do it like that… I’m teaching people and also learning myself, there are so many good things.

KOZUKI: Yeah, definitely!

YUZUKI: So I’ll work harder.

KOZUKI: You’re working hard enough though (haha)

YUZUKI: But Wataru-san, after you’d show us things, you’d stay late doing your own rehearsal, and you’d even come to the morning lessons. It was truly amazing! I always felt like when the heck does she sleep.

KOZUKI: Ahaha, I was really energetic, wasn’t I (hehe).

YUZUKI: No matter what, if I don’t get a good night’s sleep…

KOZUKI: That’s good, isn’t it?! It’s obvious! (haha). When I was in rehearsal I pushed myself to my limits. If I did that, during the actual performance I got more time to sleep, which made it feel really easy.

YUZUKI: Eeeeeeeh! (earnestly) Ahh…I’m glad I got to meet such a stoic person.

KOZUKI: What?! (haha)

YUZUKI: When I met you, you taught me the joy of stoically persevering all over again.

KOZUKI: I think I learned it from a lot of different people too. My Hoshigumi upperclassmen were like that, and then I was transferred to Soragumi, and I saw that Kotobuki-san and Yuuki Kaoru-san and others took lessons even on their days off, and I remember feeling a sense of impending crisis, like even though I dance with them I’m going to get left behind! From there I increased my efforts.

YUZUKI: Is that so.

——————————————

KOZUKI: You got to put on the revival of “Too Short a Time to Fall in Love,” didn’t you.

YUZUKI: I did! At the time of the first performance, I’d already graduated from shinjin kouen. I watched Kazu Ryouka who played your role darting around by your side, and I said “I was always the one doing that!!” (hehe)

KOZUKI: Hahahahaha

YUZUKI: I’d thought about how that was the only role of yours I did not have the pleasure of playing, so when the Chunichi performance was decided I texted you “It’s like fate!”

KOZUKI: I remember that.

YUZUKI: I was so happy.

KOZUKI: I also learned so many things from the real performers of my shinjin kouen roles like Shion Yuu-san and Asaji Saki-san, and even now they shower me with affection, but I think being able to build connections like that is not so common.

YUZUKI: I agree.

KOZUKI: So being able to hold on to my bonds with you up until now, for me that’s such a treasure… What I mean is, you make me so happy!

YUZUKI: Iyaaaaa!!

KOZUKI: It really makes me happy, going to see you perform.

YUZUKI: You come every time even though you’re so busy.

KOZUKI: I remember so well, when I had my debut performance, Hyuga Kaoru-san, Shion-san, Asaji-san, everyone came and they were so glad…

YUZUKI: Yes.

KOZUKI: Now I wonder if they were watching me with these kinds of feelings and I feel thankful all over again, and the fact that I also have someone like that makes me really happy… Aaah, I want to stay in Takarazuka forever!!

YUZUKI: (haha)

KOZUKI: Like, don’t snatch away my fun! (haha). It really makes me so happy.

YUZUKI: It’s love, isn’t it, your relationship with Takarazuka.

KOZUKI: It really is!

YUZUKI: The relationship between us and the fans is also like this, but the bonds of affection between upper and underclassmen in the company are so profoundly deep. We’re taught so much love, we’re all brought up with it.

KOZUKI: That’s really true.

YUZUKI: Moreover, how considerate you are to all your fans and your staff is so magnificent. I’m always thinking about how each and every thing about you is so impressive!

KOZUKI: No no, stop it. Every bit of it I learned from my senpai.

——————————————

YUZUKI: All the way up until the 100th anniversary, so that the fans have a good time, during their time everyone put out their very best to the point of exhaustion, yet there are people who say, even if it’s only a little something, is that really enough? I think it’s because people continue to say this that we are here currently, so I resolutely want to leave that behind too. And more than anything, I want to feel the happiness of being able to exist in Takarazuka at this moment, and I want to have fun!

KOZUKI: I think Takarazuka resembles a long-distance relay race. Everyone runs eagerly through her era, and then passes the sash on to the next person. The fact that it continues in this way despite various difficulties, that’s the power of everyone with this connection, the passion of the actresses, tied together by the love of the fans. I’ve gotten to wear that sash, and I passed it on to the next person, and now you’re wearing it, Chie!

YUZUKI: Yes.

KOZUKI: When I heard that we’d be doing this talk I was glad. It’s part of the charm of Takarazuka that we’re linked by these bonds, and I think that’s the reason we’ve been able to continue to the 100th year. I want everyone to continue running, tied together without breaking the chain.

YUZUKI: Ahhhh… Now I want to cry. Thank you so much for today!

KOZUKI: Thank you!

Shizuki Asato x Asami Hikaru Chicago Talk

- carlyas

From Asahi newspaper Nov. 7 2014

SHIZUKI: When we were in Takarazuka, Asami was always quiet. On stage she was brilliant though.

ASAMI: I was erasing my existence. In TMS as well, when I was a first year, it was to the point where the second years would say “oh, you were there?” I’m not very good at talking to other people, and I push forward doing only what I can.

SHIZUKI: You’re a very hard worker.

ASAMI: Zunko-san, when you became the very first top of the new Soragumi, as a Hanagumi kid I was proud. Because all of us underclassmen recognized your talent. Your singing was extraordinary and you were able to dance well, and your acting had an interesting flavor. I thought I’ll be damned if she doesn’t become famous. This is rude but it was kind of like parental love.

SHIZUKI: It’s the first I’ve heard that. I feel that way too. People connected by fate are linked in so many different ways, huh. This time, what I can hope for is a realistic man. I’m tackling something totally different from an otokoyaku. What is a man, I wonder. I’m agonizing over it, and when it’s over how much will I have changed? I feel nervous. It’s Takarazuka’s 100th anniversary, but I have to build whatever’s next. I think I have to create a new style. The single battle is how can we have the stereotype of Takarazuka eliminated.

ASAMI: Those are the values of women who play men, aren’t they. Takarazuka otokoyaku are the men of dreams. We play them beautifully. This time, I’m playing a female role, and I have to take on my male counterparts with the same stance. When we clash I get to hit them with all my strength. Roxie is a fun part.

SHIZUKI: It suits you! It’s the perfect role you were destined to have. In Takarazuka you played Rudolf, and you changed, didn’t you.

ASAMI: I think it was a turning point. I went through the experience of Rudolf and now my current self is here. Roxie might be that way too.

SHIZUKI: Komu-chan’s charm and dance technique is coming out to an extent beyond even what I was aware of.

ASAMI: I’m happy to hear you say that.

SHIZUKI: Yay! Komu-chan, I love watching you enjoy yourself.

ASAMI: Am I normally that gloomy? Since you play the “silver-tongued” lawyer, you’ve got a staggering amount of dialogue. Zunko-san, you talk and talk without breathing. When you’re singing too. When do you breathe?

SHIZUKI: I take long breaths. Anyway, Billy has to manipulate everything.

ASAMI: That’s true. I wonder how you’ll manipulate me.

“What is the source of your energy?”

- carlyas
[Translated from here]

MIZU: This was also true while I was in Takarazuka, but recently the number one source of my energy has been strength training and having my body change.

ASAMI: You’re strength training? Now?

MIZU: I am, I’m doing it. I’ve been doing it since my previous show “Argentango,” but if I do it as much as possible my muscles won’t betray me (haha).

ASAMI: I’ve heard that before (haha)

MIZU: But really, because it’s tied to good health, and it’s tied to being able to get through performances without injury.

ASAMI: Weight training?

MIZU: I don’t use weights, but there’s this thing called a stretch ball, and I do things like raising and lowering my leg on it, sit-ups, etc. Since I sweat so much just from dancing in Chicago too, I’m looking forward to the gratification of the body training I get through Chicago exercise.

ASAMI: Amazing〜!

MIZU: It puts me at ease. It’s reduced the times I feel worn out. Because my base stamina is rising. So it’s become the source of my physical and mental energy. What about you, Komu-san?

ASAMI: The source of my energy is………I guess it’s work, at the moment. When I have that I feel alive.

MIZU: Work and play are the same for you aren’t they.

ASAMI: Yes they are. I really look at Chicago as fun. Because I love it.

MIZU: Well then, of course it’s your energy right now.

ASAMI: So every day is fun! Even just listening to the music and watching the choreography is fun. Of course when I get involved myself, it’s not only fun, but there are feelings and other emotions that I have to put into it. Anyway, work is fun. The thing that makes me the happiest is, since I’ve had the privilege of being called on by a number of different fields, I’m amusing myself in a good way and really enjoying my work. But on the other hand since I’m a workaholic I don’t have any hobbies at all (haha). So just going to see shows is a hobby, I love it.

MIZU: I see a lot of shows for work, but as a hobby, I don’t really do it much.

ASAMI: Ehhh, seriously? Of course I only go see the shows that interest me too, but I love seeing different types of performances, and while I’m there I often think things like, “This play was interesting. I want to try working with that director next time. I want to do this kind of show.” Since that ties back in with work again, it seems like work is the source of my energy. But that’s a little too cool isn’t it (haha).

MIZU: No no, it’s wonderful.