This article about the pre-opening performance of Nozomi Fuuto’s solo OG concert SPERO was published by Sports Hochi on August 1, 2021. The original article can be found here (archive link here).

Nozomi Fuuto’s excitement for first solo concert after Takarazuka Revue retirement: “I plunged into a new world”

Nozomi Fuuto, who retired as Top Star of the Takarazuka Revue’s Snow Troupe in April, held a preview performance of her first concert after retirement, SPERO, which will tour through Osaka, Fukuoka, Aichi, and Kannagawa in the Umeda Arts Theatre, Osaka, on the 1st.

The title, SPERO, means ‘to hope’ in Italian. Nozomi said “It finally feels real that I’ve plunged into a new world. Whether I’m an otokoyaku, or just one human being, that I love singing won’t change!” The concert is arranged in 4 ‘salons’, featuring songs she’s been familiar with since her time in Takarazuka, jazz, pop music, foreign musical numbers, and more. Her effortlessly expressive voice echoed through the hall.

Osaka has declared a state of emergency starting on the second. Amidst the gloomy news, Nozomi was in high spirits singing the title song from the musical Dream Girls in a pink costume. “Even while we’re in all this uncertainty from the Corona situation, if there is someone who is thinking of taking their first step on a new path and this concert becomes the motivation for them I’ll be so happy, and I want to give everyone looking forward to this concert the best possible gift and put all my heart into each and every song,” she said vigorously.

Her synchronicity with her classmates from Takarazuka, as well as the other dancers and chorus group members, was also perfect. She commented “I’m also looking forward to spending this dream-like time with these absolutely incredible cast members and special guests, as well as with everyone in the audience!” The Osaka performance is scheduled to take place in the Umeda Arts Theatre from August 2-11, the Fukuoka performance in the Kitakyushu Soleil Hall from August 20-22, the Aichi performance in the Tokai City Arts Theatre from September 16-17, and the Kanagawa performance in the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theatre from September 26-October 5. A livestream broadcast is also scheduled for the 1pm performance on August 9th.