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.