To be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of translating "Aida" related interviews, as they tend to be along the same general lines. I did this one, though, because it's from "Mindan" (The Korean-Japanese newspaper) and so touches just a bit on Touko's Korean heritage.

Available online at: http://www.mindan.org/shinbun/news_bk_view.php?page=1&subpage=2065&corner=6

Published: 2009-07-01

The Journey from Takarazuka Top to Actress: Aran Kei-san


Never Forgetting Her Roots

This April, 3rd generation Zainichi Korean Aran Kei retired as top star of Takarazuka Revue's Star Troupe and stepped forward on a new path as an actress. Her debut work will be “The Musical Aida” (Tokyo Performance August 29 – September 13, Osaka Performance September 18 – October 4th), based on “A Song for Kingdoms”, which she appeared in with Takarazuka in 2003. Six years since she first performed the part, she has taken on the task of recreating the role of Aida.

A Memorable Role, Once Again. Replying to the Expectations of her Fellows “It's a New Me”

“There's something refreshing about not having the label of Takarazuka anymore, but there's still a bit of a feeling inside me of Takarazuka, like I'm just on vacation.” It's been two months since her retirement, but on the day of our interview, this is the first thing out of her mouth. She starts rehearsal this month. She's been passing the time in between with relaxation.

She debuted with the Takarazuka Revue in 1991. Her first show was Moon Troupe's “Rose of Versailles: Oscar”, after which she entered Snow Troupe; later she was transferred to Star Troupe. She became top star of Star Troupe in November of 2006.

Her actress debut as Aida in “The Musical Aida” is quite a showing. In 2003, when she performed in “A Song for Kingdoms” (which was based on the opera “Aida”, and tells the story of a young Egyptian general named Radames and his forbidden love with a princess of the enemy nation of Ethiopia and how they put their lives on the line for the sake of their eternal love) it was listed in the monthly magazine Musical's “Year's Best Musicals” and chosen as number one.

Furthermore, at the Agency for Cultural Affairs' art festival, she won an award for her beautiful soprano voice and superior acting ability. Aran, who performed the role of Aida with such passion, became the first active sienne in the Takarazuka Revue to win Matsuo Entertainment's award for “Rookie of the Year”. This could be considered one work representative of Aran-san.

“It was a role I really loved, so I'm thrilled to get to do it again. But this time my partner is a man, so I'm nervous and excited. With a different co-star, this time I hope to make a different Aida than before." And her big eyes glowed with increased radiance.

She was enrolled in Takarazuka for 19 years. All that time, in her heart she felt, “I shouldn't forget my original resolution.” After all this time, a life on stage became something “ordinary”, though she never felt that she got used to this “ordinariness”. But every time something happened, she would remember the feeling of, “I entered Takarazuka because I love it.” When she looks back at herself now, she realizes how her perspective has changed.

The treasures she acquired from her Takarazuka years were her companions and courtesy. In particular, the Takarazuka Music School is famous for its etiquette and discipline. Those who entered the school in the same year, 1989, experienced the same strict etiquette. Afterward, they understood the usefulness of that courtesy on stage. Takarazuka has a long, 95 year history, in which there are many senior members through whom they inherit the tradition of courtesy, and it's a heavy burden to hold in one's heart.

Treasuring the Priceless Life She's Inherited

“I learned a lot relating to aisatsu (formal greetings) and hierarchical relationships. But that's not just Takarazuka, but Korea too, and Japan too; each country has its form of etiquette. Protecting and passing on this tradition, and treasuring that country, is part of its advancement.

Aran-san herself says plainly, “I don't want to forget my Korean blood. The reason I exist is because I inherited this priceless life through my ancestors. I understand that.”

This Aran-san has many fellow Zainichi fans who have looked over her. She's received many letters saying, “You've given me courage.”

“There were fans who were disappointed that I quit Takarazuka, but they accepted my decision.” She still receives regular calls to “Do her best!”

“I achieved my dream of becoming top , but it wasn't so simple a thing. The dream I had was truly very big.” And so she is thinking of the many challenges she wants to face from now on, as an actress.

“Changing from an otokoyaku into a woman is the first goal. After that, I don't know how I'll change further, but I look forward to seeing the changes I go through.”