This is a slightly older version of To the Future, so the questions vary a bit from its current form.
This young star introduction feature was published in the September 2010 issue of GRAPH.
To The Future
Saotome Wakaba (Star Troupe)
Debut: ME AND MY GIRL, 2008
Major roles: Treasure Sword of the Hapsburgs (junior performance) – Adelheide/Maria Terese; Passion – Conchita
Your motivation for taking the entrance exam
I loved singing and dancing ever since I was little, so the moment I saw Takarazuka for the first time I thought “In this world I could do everything I love every day!!”, and longed to be on that dreamlike, gorgeous stage, so I decided to try out.
The first Takarazuka show you saw
Snow Troupe’s Shunoufu/LET’S JAZZ.
Your treasure(s)
My classmates and my family. They always encourage and support me. I want to make sure I always treasure them.
A costume you want to wear
Since the first show I saw was a Japanese-style production, I would love to wear an elaborate trailing kimono.
Your qualifications or special talents
I have an English certification.
Your school clubs
The chorus club. I figured I had to study singing if I wanted to join Takarazuka, so I decided on the chorus club. Basically I was thinking of Takarazuka every day.
Memories of your debut
I was so happy to be on the stage of my beloved Takarazuka. Every day in rehearsals we classmates would tell each other ‘We won’t lose to ourselves!’ as we practiced. When I remember my debut it lets me go back to my roots.
Your dream as a performer
I want to remember ‘I love Takarazuka! I love theatre!’ forever, and keep an honest and greatful heart as I keep growing as a performer.
Seniors you admire
Koto Marie. The way she approaches the otokoyaku is so beautiful, and I admire the way she has the perfect charm for a Takarazuka musumeyaku.
Ayanagi Shou (Snow Troupe)
Debut: NEVER SAY GOODBYE (2006)
Major roles: The Dawn at Solferino (junior performance) – Handel; Roget (junior performance) – Klaus
Your motivation for taking the entrance exam
Ever since I was little I liked being on stage, and when I was in the 2nd year of middle school, I went to see a Takarazuka show a former member of my ballet company was in. I was so moved by my first Takarazuka show and I wanted to perform on the same stage.
The first Takarazka show you saw
Moon Troupe’s At the End of a Long Spring/With a Song in my Heart.
Your treasure(s)
The group photo with all 10 of us classmates in Snow Troupe. It helps me relax, so I always have it with me in my planner.
A costume you want to wear
Uniforms. Especially a white one.
Your qualifications or special talents
A driver’s license.
Your school clubs
Since I went to ballet practice every day, I couldn’t join any clubs 😅
Memories of your debut
On the last day [of the Takarazuka run], when we went into the wings after finishing the last rockette we would all do together, we were all crying. That left such an impression on me.
Your dream as a performer
I want to be a performer who keeps challenging herself without being afraid of different approaches, growing every day, and having a broad range of experience.
Seniors you admire
Ouki Kaname. I have so much respect for her feelings for the stage, her aesthetic as an otokoyaku, and her pursuit of her own ideals.