This article about Matsumoto Yuri’s retirement announcement was published by Daily Sports Online (no listed author) on September 7, 2019.
There are a couple photos in the article so click through if you want to see them! (Archive link here.)
Takarazuka – Senka member Matsumoto Yuri will retire in January – Record-setting 9 international performances, 30 years on Board of Directors until last year
On the 7th, the Takarazuka Revue announced that Senka member and Special Advisor Matsumoto Yuri will retire with the conclusion of Moon Troupe’s Tokyo performance of WELCOME TO TAKARAZUKA – Snow and Moon and Flowers/A Capriccio in Pigalle, on January 3 of next year.
Matsumoto entered the Takarazuka Revue in March of 1957, debuting in Spring Dance. She was assigned to Snow Troupe, and took part in the second European tour in 1965. In 1975 through 76 she performed in the third European tour, and in 1978 she performed in the South American tour. In 1989, during the New York tour, the ‘Snowstorm’ scene she performed received high praise.
In 1989, she became a member of the Takarazuka Revue Board of Directors. In 2014, she became the only current performer to be chosen for the Takarazuka Hall of Fame, which honors the most distinguished performers in the history of the company.
In June of 2019, she stepped down from the Board of Directors, and became a Special Advisor. Over the years, she has performed as a complete master of the art of Japanese traditional dance, and holds the record for number of international performances. With 30 years on the Board of Directors, she has made huge contributions to the development of the company.
Matsumoto gave this statement: “I was able to take part in 9 international tours, and perform in many different countries and cities to promote international goodwill and cultural exchange. Being able to have these international performances made me realize how wonderful the Takarazuka Revue is. After celebrating the centennial, I am happy to retire with all of these beautiful memories in my heart.”