This article about Hana Yuuki’s retirement press conference was published by Nikkan Sports on November 17, 2020 and can be found here (no credited author). Please click through to see photos! (Archive link here.)

Flower Troupe Top Musumeyaku Hana Yuuki’s retirement press conference – ‘I was given so much love’

Takarazuka Revue Flower Troupe’s Top Musumeyaku Hana Yuuki, who held a press conference about her retirement this July at the company’s headquarters in Takarazuka on the 17th, said that though she had resolved to retire ahead of the long pause in operations caused by the coronavirus, her decision did not waver.

“Being in this position, I was able to be in a production bursting with love, as well as being given so much love by everyone. Until the day I graduate from the company, I will continue to devote myself.”

She wore a white dress, and did not cry during the event. She discussed her feelings towards her retirement with a refreshed expression, though she sometimes hesitated.

Hana became former Top Star Asumi Rio’s partner musumeyaku in April of last year, and after seeing off Asumi Rio in her own retirement, she became partner to current Top Star, Yuzuka Rei.

She resolved to retire during rehearsals for her first show as a couple with Yuzuka, DANCE OLYMPIA. She said that she told Yuzuka about her decision on January 30th at the beginning of rehearsals for their debut in the main venue, Here Comes Miss Modern.

In Takarazuka, as soon as someone is appointed to the position of Top Star or Top Musumeyaku, the countdown to their retirement commences. Hana said that while “when I was told of my appointment I was overjoyed at this huge honor,” she also recollected that she felt “at the same time, since I would be in a position of such responsibility, I needed to also consider when I would graudate.”

After seeing off Asumi came the first day of rehearsals for the debut show in Takarauka’s main venue for her and Yuzuka as partners. When she told Yuzuka how she felt, she said “she was so kind, and heard me out until the end, and then told me ‘in the time we have left let’s be even closer than before’.”

However, after that, due to the effects of the new coronavirus, their debut show, which was originally scheduled to open in April, was delayed. The postponement extended until July. During that time, Hana revealed “I wavered. I started to feel lonely.” However, she became determined: “(at the same time), since I was given the change to make this decision, I feel I want to do everything I can personally (in preparation for retirement).”

The current show, Miss Modern, is full of memories for her, as she performed in it together with Yuzuka in 2017, before Yuzuka’s ascension to Top Star. “I met the person (role) called Hanamura Benio three years ago and she encouraged me. I feel like in this time (of coronavirus) also, we got through it together,” she said.

Carrying out her original resolution, she announced her retirement after Miss Modern closed in the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre three days ago, on the 14th. She was thankful for the warm words from the other troupe members when she told them. Though she is leaving after 3 productions in the Grand Theatre, her feelings towards the two Top Stars she was partnered with are intense.

“Being able to be the partner of two such wonderful people has given me so much happiness that I can’t come close to using it all.”

She said she was awestruck by Asumi, who was already Top Star of Flower Troupe when Hana was assigned to the troupe—”She was just too outstanding a person, (but) poor little me was able to be by her side as her partner, and it made me so happy to be onstage.“

Regarding Yuzuka, who she was partnered with even when Yuzuka was still a junior actress, she has great respect. “She accepts all of my strong points and weak points and gives me guidance. She’s such a deeply loving person. She understands me even better than I understand myself.” They promised to rely on each other completely as they accompany each other to Hana’s final day in Takarazuka.

Hana’s retirement production, Augustus – The Majestic One / COOL BEAST!! will open in the Takarazuka Grand Theater, Hyogo, on April 2 of next year. She will retire with the close of the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre run, on July 4 of next year. Her career after retirement is undecided.