This was published in the May 2017 issue of GRAPH. As usual for this feature, it is being posted in 2 parts. In the first part, Maa-sama lists several of her likes and dislikes. (Part 2 here.)

Asaka Manato – ‘Anything’

Likes

Driving
When it’s sunset and I’m on the expressway driving from Nishinomiya to Kobe, the light of the setting sun is right ahead and it’s dazzlingly bright but so pretty!! I also like when I’m on Hanshin Expressway 11 and an airplane headed towards Itami Airport passes right overhead. I’m like ‘oh boy, here it comes~!!’ (laughs)

When I first set foot in Hawaii! …and since that’s the airport, the moment I arrive in Waikiki!
The air in Hawaii is so fresh and it feels so free – I never get tired of going there.

During rehearsals when even though it’s a drag everyone keeps working along and gradually I can see it coming together until Bam! There’s a moment when it all makes sense.
I never get tired of that feeling – ‘We’re all putting this show together!’

After the show when we’re chatting in the Leaders’ Room¹
We had tons of laughs during the last show, Chateau de la Reine. We’d talk about the goings-on of that day’s show and just take off from there. I enjoy those times that are just silly.

When I get something dealt with skillfully
I consider how I can get whatever it is done with the least wasted energy. Even if something totally unexpected comes up I’ll think of a spur-of-the-moment idea for what’s best to do in the current situation.

During the parade when I finish crossing the Silver Bridge and manage to gracefully switch directions on the intersection with the secondary Silver Bridge²
I like the moment when I have to change directions while wearing the feathers, with the orchestra pit in front of me and the junior actresses lined up behind me. Up until HOT EYES I would be show-offy about it, but in VIVA! FESTA! I had an adult composure about it at last (laughs) so I did it a lot more smoothly.

Going shopping in Kobe
Usually it’s for clothes. It’s fun just looking~

Dislikes

Waiting in the wings for the curtain to rise in the winter
I’m really bad with cold temperatures…

Cinnamon
Cinnamon isn’t something you really have many chances to try as a kid, right? But then I grew up and joined Takarazuka, and when I encountered a cinnamon roll for the first time I was like ‘what is this flavor?!?!’. It was as if my senses were being assaulted… I’m not a fan of intense flavors, so I don’t like cilantro much either…

Once it’s past 6pm on a day off
Once I think ‘oh, the holiday’s over’ I miss it a lot right away.

Dryness
It’s the arch-enemy of my throat so I really hate it. Therefore I always have to have a humidifier. If I feel like I’m not getting enough moisture then every time it turns on (laughs) I’ll be like ‘sniff-sniff-sniff’!

My costume room at home, where no matter how I clean and clean it never gets straightened up
I enjoy organizing, and I get rid of things according to a schedule, but I can never really catch up.

When there’s unforecasted traffic congestion
When I think it’s going to be clear but then I get on the road and it’s crowded. No matter my plans there’s nothing I can do about it…

Unpacking after I get back from Tokyo or National Tour performances
When I’m packing, I’m thinking ‘Oh, why don’t I take this, why don’t I take that’ so it’s pretty fun, but when it’s all over and I have to unpack there’s nothing to look forward to (laughs). At times when I get back from Tokyo and the next show is a national tour or whatever, I’ll just leave the luggage as is.

1 – A special dressing room reserved for the most senior members of the troupe.

2 – I think the ‘secondary Silver Bridge’ is the parts leading off to the side exits; this certainly matches her description but it’s not a term I have encountered elsewhere.