Translated from the article at Sanspo, originally published on November 5, 2008.
(I was in a hurry to get this translation done, so skipped all the "she was wearing a pretty sleeveless one piece" and the descriptions of her career to focus on the quotes.)
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"It wasn't long after I became top musumeyaku that I began thinking about when I would retire. After a year, when we were performing The Red and the Black in March, I felt very settled in my mind, that I would retire the next spring, and informed (the company)."
"I didn't make the decision after learning of Aran-san's retirement. However, with the information we received while we were off, we shared the feeling (that we would retire). I was overjoyed when it was decided I would be Aran-san's partner. I'm very happy that we'll be able to continue together until the end."
Since the troupe is split between the two shows right now, she informed the Rose of Versailles cast in person the day before the announcement, and the Buenos Aires cast by fax.
"I was fortunate to work in so many troupes, as it gave me the chance to make many good friends. I think it also brought me the awareness that a professional has. As for favorite shows, not surprisingly, I would say my first top musumeyaku roles in Hayes Code and Secret Hunter."
"Since becoming top musumeyaku, each day has been a battle. It takes a tremendous amount of energy, and so I think two years is the right amount of time. I have no regrets for the life I've led in Takarazuka over the last eleven years; rather, I'm overflowing with feelings of gratitude. Until the end, I want to be myself, blooming like a new variety of flower, and through the power of my performance leave an unforgettable impression as a musumeyaku."
"It would be great to continue in entertainment!" but she said she had no firm plans. One plan? "It's a very personal thing, but I'd like to cut my hair quite short," and they say she laughed, embarrassed.
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A minor tidbit is different in a notice at another site: http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/2008/11/06/0001555698.shtmlThis site has the quote about her hair as, "I want to cut it really short. It's been long ever since I was in middle school, so it's been such a long time that I can't remember what (short hair) is like..." And they add that she intends to say goodbye to the "young girl" symbolism of long hair.
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The translations on this site were done by me. I reserve all applicable copyright on them and DO NOT give permission for them to be redistributed, published, retranslated, used as fansub scripts, etc.