This book is a memoir of Aran Kei’s time as a member of Takarazuka, as well as her post-Takarazuka career and memories of her childhood. It was published in 2010 to commemorate the 20th year of her stage career. It also features messages from Takarazuka classmates and other colleagues and theatre artists she has worked with.
Some paragraph breaks have been added to make it more readable in English. I have also collected archival images from many sources.
Message from Urai Kenji – “Aran’s laugh creates a nice atmosphere in the whole rehearsal space”
Urai is a Tokyo native. He made his acting debut in 2000’s Kamen Rider Kuuga. In 2004 he was selected to play Crown Prince Rudolf in the musical Elisabeth. Since then he has appeared in a large variety of stage works. He won the Kikuta Kazuo Theatrical Award for his performances in the musical Flowers for Algernon, etc. in 2006. In 2009 he won the Kinokuniya Theatrical Award for Individuals for his performances in Henry IV, etc. He has also won the Yomiuri Theatrical Award and the Sugimura Haruko Award.
My first impression of Aran Kei is that she was someone who could really break through the walls to peoples’ hearts. This is because, when we were rehearsing for the first show I was able to appear with her in, ARK 2010, she apparently loved my movements and expressions as the traveler I played, and suddenly burst into peals of laughter (laughs). Thanks to Aran’s laughter, I was also able to relax and get into the rehearsals.
After that, when we worked together in Edith Piaf, she would tell me “Looking at your face is soothing somehow, Urai” when we acted in close-up scenes. I’m really grateful for her saying things like that to her junior in such a friendly way. Everyone is drawn in by Aran’s bright personality, and that naturally creates a nice atmosphere in the whole rehearsal space; it makes me so, so happy to have been part of a cast like that.
No matter her circumstances, or no matter how she’s feeling, she’s always particular about the quality of her work, and never slacks off. During a performance, she’s always aiming for even better singing: today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today, and I feel such a powerful attitude from her. Aran’s voice seems to resonate through her whole body, and it has an energy that feels like it could shake the earth. I think it’s definitely because she uses her whole spirit every day that she’s able to have that voice.
I respect Aran so much and I also want to keep working hard so that I can be a presence that can face up to her on stage.