Mori Keaki published this essay book the month before her retirement as Top Star of Snow Troupe. It is mainly a memoir of her personal journey in Takarazuka, as well as her early life. Her writing/formatting style is kind of unique, and I tried to reproduce or reflect it as much as possible. 

This is the final post for 120% Darling.

It’s a really lovely book, that ended up making me cry many times. I hope you enjoy it!

For a table of contents with links to all the chapters, go here.

Epilogue

Thank you so much for reading this far.

I never thought that the role (?) of a writer is one I would have in real life.

But, this is a good experience too. (This is my personal philosophy.)

That it made me so happy (but it was tough too, hahaha) still delights me.

By the way, speaking of the circumstances of writing this…

It was after my last Western-style musical, Valentino, had started its tour of Tokyo and Nagoya,

And my life in Takarazuka was coming to an end.

Since I gave this work a try in that kind of situation,

It went on sale very late, and I ended up causing trouble to so many people. Also, to everything who had been waiting for this book to go on sale, “I made you wait such a long time.”

I’m sorry.

However,

Thanks to that, I was able to write about my time in Takarazuka up to the very, very end…

I was able to experience things firsthand that I could feel only because it was the end, and then record some approximation of them in this book, so I’m happy about that,

Is what I think (It sounds like I’m making excuses, doesn’t it…Hahaha).

My skill as a writer…

I know I’m the one saying this, but it isn’t all that…

When I first heard the proposal for this book,

They told me,

“It would be about 200 sheets of 400-character composition paper.”

Honestly, I couldn’t grasp the real volume of that.

It wasn’t as if I didn’t like writing letters.

“I’m the kind of person who can fill 5 sheets of stationery before I know it, but…”

“Well then, you’ll be fine!”

The person from Editing told me, with a smile.

‘Hm, well, if a Pro is promising me I’ll be fine…’

This is so like me, I think.

‘Well then, I’ll try it.’

Just like that, I didn’t think about any of the consequences, with my usual optimism.

“Then, I’ll accept this responsibility,”

I said…but.

I was so busy, and the time went by in a rush.

I took the composition paper into my dressing room,

And put my pen to work during intermissions…

But, it’s not as if I was suffering.

I though, “Yes. If I just try my best, it will all end up alright!!”

And I was also thoroughly able to experience what it feels like to be ‘a novelist pursued by deadlines’. (I know this caused a lot of difficulty for the people in Editing, too… I’m sorry!!)

That’s how I wrote this book.

If you enjoyed 120% Darling, I’m very happy.

I’ll give it my all so that someone can live with a smile!! That is my family’s way of living, starting with my father…

If I was able to create that, even a little, through the publication of this book,

I’m very happy…

Although it’s completed now,

To all the people who put forth so much effort to help get this book published…

Thank you so much.

Tamura Akisho, who took such wonderful photographs.

Also, my whole body (my heart just isn’t enough) is full of gratitude for my co-ordinator, who gave me so much advice and support, kind big sister-teacher Kawai Aiko.

Also, to all my readers,

If you would like to let me know your thoughts and opinions after reading 120% Darling, Mori Keaki would be awfully happy. The address is below.

[T/N: The publishing house that released this book is now defunct and the book is out of print. Therefore, the address is not included.]

So.

Be well, everyone!

I have so much gratitude for everyone.

See you again!

1993, Spring, Unspecified Date

Mori Keaki