Comrades in Arms: Fun, Lively, and Ready to Fight!

TodaOf course, I knew Kato from before, but our first time co-starring was five years ago, in the revival of "Okepi!" I played Hachiko, the violinist, and Kato played Tokachi-san, the housewife and cellist.

SetoThat's right. The first time I knew of Nee-nee was her role as Senno Nokko in Koki Mitani's film "The Time of Radios." She played an incredibly intense enka singer, so when I first met her in rehearsals, I thought, "Nokko is here..." and I was a little scared (laughs).

TodaThat influence extended elsewhere; it seems even Makiko Esumi was intimidated by me (laughs).

SetoThat just goes to show how brilliant your performance was. In my case, I was cast as Hachiko's close friend in the "Okepi!" revival, surrounded by incredibly talented people. I worried it might be a tense atmosphere entering the dressing room, but she was such a friendly older sister. And during the touring performances, I was sandwiched between Nee-nee and Yuki Amami in the dressing room. When I closed my eyes, it felt like being transported back to Takarazuka performances I saw as a middle and high school student, with the voices of Anpanman playing – a truly wonderful environment (laughs).

TodaThinking back, we've been through so much.

SetoI suppose we have, but I'm the type of person who doesn't really notice those things.

TodaThat's precisely why I always feel supported by your presence, Kato! You're everyone's mood maker. You rarely show when you're unexpectedly down, and like Shin-san in this play, your default is "Smile!"

SetoI'm happy to hear you say that. But somehow, others probably think I'm more perceptive of the atmosphere than I actually am (laughs). My off-stage and on-stage personas are quite different.

TodaIn my mind, you're a source of comfort, I've almost come to think of you as a pet (laughs).

SetoA "Kato-dog" then (laughs). In my early twenties, I didn't feel like I had a place on variety shows and was quite shy, often lingering at the edges. But unlike TV, stage productions involve spending a lot of time together. Perhaps that's why emotional barriers break down.

TodaAlso, the experience of spending so much time together and fighting alongside each other in many productions – the "Okepi!" revival, the first "The Hit Parade," "The Fearless Otojiro Kawakami Troupe," and this one – is significant.

SetoHonestly, I feel like we must have been sisters in a past life (laughs). But on stage, I love watching Nee-nee, the great actress, from the wings.

TodaShin-san?

Will Roles Be Switched in the Next Revival?

SetoActually, this was my first experience with a revival.

TodaIs that so? Perhaps opportunities are rare.

SetoI felt like I had given my all in the first run, and there was a part of me that was avoiding it, but that was a mistake. Especially this time, with Yukiko Ikeda taking over the role of my counterpart, I feel like I've gained even more through the character and the songs.

TodaThe first run was overwhelming, wasn't it? I believe the significance of a revival lies in the depth that emerges.

SetoNee-nee's performance is also amazing! Her relationship with Shin-san and her hidden emotions come across even more clearly.

TodaI have no idea what I'm doing myself (laughs).

SetoNo, no, your stage presence has definitely improved! Another thing I noticed is that while the cast of this production is overwhelmingly male, the women are clearly the aggressive ones, and the men are the passive ones.
It feels like the energy is different.

TodaPerhaps. I think it might also be related to the fact that in this company, the women are primarily stage actors, while many of the men come from different genres. It's a good balance and interesting. But even among these 'stage-type aggressive women,' I find myself particularly soothed by you, Kato. It's like... you and Go Ueki (PaniCrew) have this way of finding the gaps in my seemingly impenetrable facade, and like slime or a soft-bodied creature, you effortlessly slip in. Before I know it, we're having dinner at my place (laughs).

SetoEven when I visit your home, you're a rare senior who makes it feel naturally comfortable! If only we were the same height, I could have gotten hand-me-downs... that's my only regret. Though I do wear the B.G. T-shirts until the color fades (laughs).

TodaThank you for your patronage (laughs). But I think I can be considerate when necessary, which is why I feel at ease with you, Kato. You know when to be serious.

SetoI believe Nee-nee still has many sides yet to be revealed. There's a girlishness she doesn't usually show, and a charm that goes beyond her 'great actress' persona. She has so much more to offer.
When I joined OSK at 17 or 18, the hierarchy was incredibly strict. There were many intimidating senior women, and I used to think I'd become like them when I became a senior myself. But thanks to meeting people like Nee-nee and others afterwards, I can be myself at my own pace now. I was lucky.

TodaYou never know! When I might unleash my 'Senno Nokko' side on you (laughs).

SetoBut your fashion is always a bit rebellious, in a black, edgy style. Meeting the 'Black Nee-nee' might be interesting (laughs). Whether black or white, the magnitude of energy Nee-nee possesses is extraordinary. After all, Nee-nee taught me that energy is what's most important in a person. You're like a candle whose wax has melted away, but the wick still burns – that's the amazing thing about Nee-nee.

Toda(Laughs) I don't want to burn out like that! I want to burn more gently!!

SetoBeing with you is a learning experience in every way. But just being a slime won't lead to progress, so from now on, I'll look for opportunities to learn your techniques. First, I'll start by imitating Nee-nee. I actually do a lot of imitating when you're not around (laughs).

TodaI'm honored that you would imitate me. So, will you play the role of Misa next?

SetoIn that case, you'll be The Peanuts, Nee-nee.

TodaYes, of course, it will be Yukiko Kitamura and me! We'll sing our hearts out! (laughs).

SetoAh, but Misa-san has an incredibly long script. My stomach might start hurting...

TodaSee, you're healing me again!!

Musical "The Hit Parade"
http://www.hit-parade.jp/