In this GRAPH feature from 2016, troupe members were asked to vote on their favorite on- and offstage things about their top stars. Asaka’s was published in the November issue.

Since this is a long feature it is being posted in 2 parts to make formatting easier and more readable. Part 1 contains the troupe’s ranking of their favorite roles and revue scenes that Asaka has performed. (Part 2 here.)

Note: Asaka’s commentary on the results is in italics.

Asaka Manato’s #1  – Part 1

What is your favorite of her onstage roles?

#1 – Jerry Travers, TOP HAT (23 votes)
Eh~! I’m surprised!

“It was a role that let Maa-sama utilize her natural brightness and flirtiness 💖 (I was so happy to be able to play Jerry’s shadow ✨ Her tap dance and moves with the cane were also perfect 💖” – Hoshizaki Rio
Hoshizaki-senpai! I wouldn’t have been able to do tap at all if it wasn’t for you!

“Maa-sama’s sunny aura made me so happy just being on stage with her!” – Kazuki Sora
I liked Jerry too~ Although I didn’t know I’d have to do so much tap (laughs). But it looks like everyone was watching me take on the challenge, so that makes me happy!

#2 – Johannes Brahms, People Who Have Wings (13 votes)

“Maa-sama’s beauty and sensitive heart…I was really moved to watch her.” – Sorahane Riku
I’m so happy!

“When I went to see it, my heart ached so much that I couldn’t get up right away…” – Akina Rui
For real… (laughs)

This was another turning point role, like Jerry. The script, the direction, the cast, everything fit together perfectly…I really love this show, and I keep thinking I’d like to do something to surpass it.

#2 – Radames, A Song for Kingdoms (13 votes)

“She was glittering like the sun, and there were a lot of things about Asaka-san that were reflected in the character” – Yuuki Shion

It’s not often that you can play the same role a second time after a year, like with the Grand Theatre and Hakata productions, so it was a lot of fun!

#4 – Der Tod, Elisabeth: The Rondo of Love and Death (8 votes)

“I’d happily go to the underworld with him.” – Setohana Mari

That’s not right! (laughs)

#5 – William Shakespeare, Shakespeare: The Sky is Full of Endless Words (5 votes)

Other: Daniel, Melancholic Gigolo

“1) She was able to show off how she looked in a suit 2) That ‘tsundere’ feeling 💖 3) Even though he’s a gigolo, he’s actually earnest and reliable – It was perfect for Maa-sama 💖 💖 💖” – Makaze Susuho

So funny~! (laughs) Stan (Makaze), you really love Daniel, don’t you (laughs).

From Misaki Rion

Jerry Travers, Top Hat
I like all of them, but this one especially. Her wonderful dancing and her charming acting would make me so happy to watch her; was Maa-sama Jerry, or was Jerry Maa-sama! I love it.

Ah~ Mirion (Misaki) would pick Jerry, wouldn’t you! Yes, yes. It was such a fun show!

What is a memorable revue scene of hers?

#1 – HOT EYES!! scene 18, Forever EYES – EYE (FOREVER) (18 votes)
I love it too!

“Her dancing by herself accompanied by the Chopin piano piece was so subtle and wonderful.” – Reimi Urara

It was difficult, but fun! The more I did it, the more I felt like I wanted to do things a certain way, so that was fun. Please look forward to the national tour starting in November as well!

#2 – Amour de 99!! – 99 Years of Love scene 15, The Passi Mansion – Gentleman Thief (13 votes)

“The tails of Maa-sama’s tuxedo moved so beautifully, and as she was smoothly dancing there she had the otokoyaku core and also a playful aspect, so it was the best.” – Sakuragi Minato

“THE PERFECT MIRACLE FLIRTY GENTLEMAN ✨” – Koharuno Sayo

Ahaha! What an amazing nickname I’ve earned! Thank you (laughs).

#3 – HOT EYES!! scene 15, Mysterious EYES – EYE (Mysterious) (7 votes)

The jaguar! I totally didn’t expect that!

“That beastly aspect was wonderful in a different way than usual 💖” – Mizuka Ichi

#4 – PHOENIX TAKARAZUKA!!: Love Reborn scene 9, Salamander – Salamander S (6 votes)

#4 – HOT EYES scene 12, Stylish EYES – EYE (MANATO) (6 votes)

“When she was coming back from the audience, the way she came up the stairs with those too-long legs left quite an impression.” – Hanayuki Rira

As for that, I actually got super into it… (laughs). At first I would just be standing on the stairs, but I felt like ‘that isn’t enough!’ and went all the way up onto the silver bridge, which ended up becoming a big conversation topic (laughs).

Other:

“There are too many, I can’t choose…Hm~m, Forever EYES, Energy For Tomorrow (from Citrus Breeze III), Salamander. I managed to narrow it down to 3… (laughs) 💖” – Makaze Suzuho

Ahaha, that’s so cute! (laughs)

From Misaki Rion

HOT EYES!! scene 18, Forever EYES

“So beautiful I would get totally caught up in it!! Her dancing… I loved watching her dancing peacefully in that large space.”

She keeps picking the #1 choice (laughs). What kind of fangirl stuff are you saying! (laughs)