This interview with Minami Maito about her then-upcoming Bow Hall show, Senhor CRUZEIRO, was published by Everyday Discoveries (Mainichi ga Hakken), a web magazine which seems to be aimed at older women, on April 29, 2018; however, the page has now been taken down. An archived version (including photos) can be found here.

Interview with Flower Troupe Otokoyaku Star, Minami Maito: ‘Right now I’m training fiercely at Argentine Tango’

Minami Maito, otokoyaku star from the Takarazuka Revue’s Flower Troupe, possesses outstanding popularity due to her beauty and her dynamic dance skills. In Takarazuka, there is the saying ‘10 years to otokoyaku’ which means that to become a fully polished otokoyaku it takes 10 years – Minami has just reached her 10th year. In this memorable year, she has the opportunity to show off her dance specialty to the fullest with a lead role in the Takarazuka Bow Hall: Senhor CRUZEIRO ~ The man beloved of the Southern Cross. Minami told us, cheerfully and full of smiles, about her enthusiasm for the upcoming show, which opens on May 10, and her thoughts about Takarazuka.

“In my 10th year, I hope to use this opportunity for a lead role to expand my horizons…”

Subtle beauty combined with powerful dance ability…Flower Troupe otokoyaku Minami Maito displays new appeal with each show, capturing the hearts of fans. In the previous show, the popular production The Poe Clan, she fascinated audiences by portraying two distinct characters: Beich Braun IV, who researches the Vanpanella, and the editor of a spiritual magazine, Beich Braun.

‘The readers of Everyday Discoveries are certainly part of the generation that was obsessed with the original manga of The Poe Clan. I think perhaps its popularity, and the way a work that conquered one generation was able to last and have a stage adaptation so much later, is perhaps linked to the theme of the Vanpanella, who live without being constrained by time. I also think the character of a boy who lived through so many centuries could only be possible for a Takarazuka otokoyaku.’

She is in her 10th year with the company. This turning point year is highlighted by her Bow Hall lead role in Senhor CRUZEIRO ~ The man beloved of the Southern Cross. Perfect for Minami, who is known for her dancing abilities, it displays a passionate ‘revue world’ with a variety of musical styles.

‘Right now I’m training fiercely at Argentine Tango, which I’ll be performing for the first time in this show. Since I’ll be dancing the man’s part, I need to do it with a real man’s size and attitude. It’s difficult, since it’s so different from otokoyaku dance style and movement, but I’m grateful for this opportunity to challenge myself. The theme of the show is this man’s ephemeral lifestyle, so I’m working hard to be able to show everyone a cool, mature side of Minami Maito.’

Minami’s grandmother was also a Takarazuka fan, and they would go to see Takarazuka performances together. In going to see shows herself, she is still learning about the fascination Takarazuka has.

‘When I see people, no matter how old they are, going to see Takarazuka shows and returning to their girlish personality and being so energized by it, I think ‘I have such a wonderful job’. My source of energy is good sleep and being able to laugh a lot. I want to make sure I’m charged up and delve deeply to show you the appeal of 10th-year otokoyaku Minami Maito!’