A Yukata That Glows in the Night—Ex-Takarazuka Star Kanato Tsukishiro Unleashes a Mesmerizing Aura On Set

Her aura was incredible

In a space cluttered with tables, chairs, and plastic bottles, a woman in a yukata sits alone on a chair. A white towel is draped over her head, and only her large eyes stare sharply forward. The woman is actor Kanato Tsukishiro (34).

“She was the top star of Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe, affectionately known as Reiko. She became top star in August 2021, pairing with top musumeyaku Umino Mitsuki (32). Together they led many popular productions such as Tonight at the Romance Theater and The Great Gatsby. With her undeniably beautiful and glamorous looks and expressive singing voice, she was considered the perfect embodiment of the ideal Takarazuka otokoyaku.”

(Theatre magazine reporter)

She retired from Takarazuka along with Umino after the final performance of the Tokyo run in July 2024. In April this year, she made her first appearance in a serialized TV drama in TBS’s Sunday Theater Caster.

She played Nami Koike, a news anchor for the program News Gate, working alongside the protagonist Soichi Shindo (played by Hiroshi Abe, 61). Her portrayal of a calm and composed announcer constantly thrown off balance by Shindo’s behavior was well received. She is currently appearing in Shūmaku no Ronde — Mou Nidoto, Aenai Anata ni — (Fuji TV), playing the skilled PR director of a giant corporation, Ayame Mikuriya.

However, the filming this time appears to be for a completely new production. Shot at a plaza in a commercial facility in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, it involved more than 100 extras and a large number of staff—clearly a major project. Filming began after sunset, and the scene featured Tsukishiro walking in the rain wearing a yukata.

When cut was called, the rain-soaked Tsukishiro covered her head with a towel and dried her hair in the waiting area. The opening photo captures that moment. A local resident who watched the shooting said:

“Tsukishiro-san is tall, beautiful, and her aura was just overwhelming. In the darkness, it felt like only her figure was illuminated—she was breathtaking.”

The aura that captivated fans during her reign as a Takarazuka top star is clearly still intact. One year and three months have passed since her retirement from the Revue, and she is steadily building her career as a popular actor. Tsukishiro comments:

“I’m always giving everything I have. Different works demand different things from me, so every time I step into a role, I’m nervous and excited. I keep wondering if I’ll ever get used to it.”

(Crank-in!, October 26)

There is no doubt that this project—and whatever she tackles next—will continue to generate great anticipation.

Information Form: https://friday.kodansha.co.jp/tips
Official X: https://x.com/FRIDAY_twit