Tanki Shutsujin 2018 | Touken Newsletter

Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2018

- Fan Interviews -

This is a special part of our Newsletter. We will be interviewing fans that attend the musicals from now on. If you attend any musicals and want to tell us about your experience, let us know.

For now, these are the highlights and exclusive interviews with fans who attended Kashuu's Solo Live show this year! Thank you to all who let us interview you! :)

WARNING: THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILERS, IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE SPOILED, PLEASE TURN BACK NOW.

Nadya (@egushota)

Q1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?

Before going, I actually felt anxious over the fact that I'm seeing Toumyu in real because this was my first time attending a Toumyu show - or anything from 2.5D for that matter. Afterwards, it was just a mix of emotions... I had a lot of fun seeing him perform to the fullest, but at times I was just too caught up with my emotions because I was actually there, really seeing him live.

Q2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?

I was expecting it would be quite similar to last year's Tanki, but the new outfits blew me away. I love how Satokiyo emulated different styles in one show and his stamina amazes me as always because there was very little break in between the songs. **(Spoiler)** Also his sexiness went up SO much during that Jackal performance because his hip sways and everything was so similar, if not amplified compared to Sengo's original performance. Yes.

Q3: What was the most memorable part for you?

That bondage scene in Utsukushii Higeki (lol) because this scene struck me the most in the last Tanki... for reasons... but they made subtle changes to this year's performance and I liked it. I also like his Higawari song because he came down to the audience (not to our area as I was in 2F, sadly) and I think it was also the song with bittersweet lyrics... I love it when Toumyu hurts me.

Q4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite outfit?

My favorite outfit was the suit in the end! He looked like a dashing host with it. I expected his dress-like outfit to be the last because it felt fancy, but then he switched to a clean, dark-colored suit and for a moment I really thought I was seeing in a prince in front of me.

Q5: Any other thoughts about the show?

When Ryuuji said huskily, "kowaindarou?" in Jackal I really felt That

Jocelyn(@LilyEvans)

Q1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?

Before going for the show, I was extremely keyed up with excitement. Sato Ryuji as Kashuu Kiyomitsu has a special place in my heart because this was the role that introduced me to Ryuji, and he is the main reason why I tumbled down the TKRB rabbit hole and never looked back (as a Kashuu Kiyomitsu fan, I was, am still, amazed at how perfect Ryuji is as the character, and at how much he has brought to the character through his own performance). So, to have been able to get tickets to the "Musical Touken Ranbu Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2018" was truly a dream come true!

How did I feel after the show? I was crying so hard I couldn't see straight. LOL! I was lucky enough to be able to attend two performances, and both times, I was just overwhelmed by HOW GOOD Ryuji was. I went in with super high expectations because of how much I loved him in this role (and because it's hard not to have such high expectations when he's consistently given us such amazing performances), but I was completely blown away. He showed such incredible improvement and growth as a performer, and I was just so impressed by the level of performance he gave for how much he had to do. Above all, live and in the flesh, he was Kashuu Kiyomitsu.

Not Sato Ryuji, but Kashuu Kiyomitsu.

Q2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?

IT WAS SO GOOD *coughs* To be honest, my thoughts were in a complete disarray? LOL!

For the first performance I attended, I had a pretty good seat where I could see Ryuji very clearly, so just being able to be there and watch him live was more than a little overwhelming. He is so incredibly beautiful, and it's not just his physical appearance, but also his aura and the way he just sparkles onstage (and the way he dances is just, man, the way he *dances*). And, his voice was seriously to die for; hearing him live is so different, and his voice, the way he uses his voice, always just *gets* to me. It wasn't the first time I had experienced his live performance, but man, that surreal feeling that "he actually exists" will never go away, I think. And, on top of that, that surreal feeling that Kashuu Kiyomitsu is very much alive, breathing, standing, dancing and singing, right in front of me.

So, as you can probably tell, the first performance I attended was very much me being incredibly mind blown by him. LOL! The second performance was where I was able to better appreciate the other details and the performance as a whole. One of the things that stood out to me was the high level of synergy and chemistry between the cast members. Due to an unfortunate bout of ill health, the full team wasn't present during the Tokyo performance run, and I'm sure this must've been challenging for them, but you wouldn't have known it from their performance.

Also, the contents of the live as a whole is a major step up from the "Musical Touken Ranbu Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2017". Rose fubuki and magic tricks, a more complicated taiko (drum) performance and that light baton performance during "Kemono", a more substantial musical non-idol live portion during the battle medley, and those costumes (an actual dress for "Jounetsu no Symphonia"!). As you can tell, it's been days/weeks since I watched it, and I'm still not over it. LOL!

Q3: What was the most memorable part for you?

I will resist saying "the entire live". LOL!

If I had to choose one part in particular, it'd be the battle medley. I won't go into detail as to why it was the most memorable part because I really don't want to spoil it, but experiencing his sword-fighting live is definitely one of the reasons. Man, he's so incredibly fast and agile yet so powerful. There's also the fact that the additional songs this time were "Erabarenu Mono" and "Hitohira no Kaze", which... MY WEAKNESS. The way he performs these songs are, ugh, MY HEART.

In general, I think there were highlights scattered throughout the whole live and there were performances, like when he performed "Utsukushii Higeki", "Mitsumete Kureru Nara", "Jackal", "Kemono" (plus the taiko performance leading up to "Kemono"), "Jounetsu no Symphonia" and "Tokenai Mahou", which, uh, made quite the impression on me for, uh, *reasons*. LOL!

Q4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite outfit?

Can I mention more than one? *hides*

I've only been talking about the dress for "Jounetsu no Symphonia" since forever, so I'm going to be predictable and mention that first. LOL! I don't think I'll ever be over the fact that it's a genuine true-blue gothic lolita dress (complete with a lace hat pin)?? During "Tanki Shutsujin 2017", frills were attached to his coat, but for "Tanki 2018", it was a full dress! When the dancers took the dress off him, they actually took off the entire outer layer, unbuttoning the top and everything.

I also really loved the first outfit, which I dub the "prince outfit". When the performance began and the spotlight shone on him, it was quite a sight to behold. It's a more royal version of his already prince-like outfit in the "Musical Touken Ranbu ~Atsukashiyama Ibun 2018~ Paris", and I feel that this is probably the idol outfit that best represents the development of idol Kiyo pre and post kiwame.

The outfits that killed me for the same reason were his inner idol outfit and the vest suit before he put his jacket on. Uh, let's just say that he has an incredibly sexy figure and body line with curves that are to die for, and these two outfits really highlighted this (and when he danced in them, yeah, the distraction was real *coughs*)

Bonus mention goes to the actual Kashuu Kiyomitsu costume because seeing him in it, live and up close, gave me a whole new appreciation for it. LOL!

Q5: Any other thoughts about the show?

Nothing to add, except that the show was just really, REALLY good!

Brumal(@algidwind)

Q1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?

Since I was going to the first show for this performance, I was incredibly excited and nervous for it. There had been so much hype for it, and I couldn't wait to see what they changed and added.

When it ended, I felt just as if not more excited than before. It had been such a powerful and amazing show, and there were so many parts that blew me away. I was also feeling a bit deafened, because the music was so loud, but that's another story. Lol

My friend and I couldn't stop gushing about Satou-san's performance, and I kept squealing every time I remembered something from the show even hours later.

I went to see the show again the next day, and I think I was even more excited than the first time, since I knew more or less what to expect. I wasn't disappointed at all the second time around either. I felt so happy after watching him perform!

Q2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?

Succinctly put, the only thing I was really thinking during the show was, "Oh my god! He's so cute!" Lol

Satou-san was incredible, and I loved seeing how he put 100% of himself into each of his dances and routines. Every time he smiled, I felt my heart leap, and when he pulled off more of his spicier moves, I absolutely died. So I guess I was just thinking about how much I loved him and how impressed I was by him.

Q3: What was the most memorable part for you?

Ooh, this one's hard.... This is really general and vague, but I guess one of the things I remembered most was just how happy Satou-san looked. I'm sure part of it is just him acting, but he looked like he genuinely enjoyed performing on the stage with the other dancers. I really appreciated his energy too. Like, that boy did not skimp on any part of his show!

If it's a specific scene we're talking about, then I guess it's the water break he had halfway through the show. The first day, he was only talking to his backup dancer, but he was so adorable! I found it hilarious that the fur from his coat got stuck in his mouth, so he had to keep pulling strands from his lips, even as he transitioned into the audience song.

The next day was when the audience began talking to him, and the fact that he responded to their calls was so endearing! I loved the self-assured and flippant air he gave off as Kiyomitsu. I also loved the part where he straight-up told us to wait because, "the fur [from the coat] got in [his] mouth." Lmao

One other scene that really stuck with me was the part where he got beat up by the Retrograde Army and was stumbling around. That was a heart-wrenching scene. He started singing Erabarenu Mono near the end of that sequence, and I was surprised to hear Torigoe-san's voice singing through the speakers! They had only used Satou-san's voice in all his other songs for the backup vocals except this one. The fact that Kiyomitsu sang Yasusada's parts got me hyped too.

Also, while it wasn't part of the performance itself, I found it hilarious that the audience kept clapping for an encore call after the show ended, even though we knew he wouldn't come out. The staff actually had to play the ending announcements twice to get us to leave. This happened both nights I went! Lol

Q4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite outfit?

Ooh, this one is hard too, but I think I liked his second-to-last outfit, right after the dress part of his clothing was removed. It was a simpler design, but I enjoyed how elegant and gentlemanly he looked. The shirt, vest, and slacks accentuated his silhouette well. The color combination was nice too.

Q5: Any other thoughts about the show?

I'm really glad I was able to see this performance live. Satou-san is so wonderful, and I'm happy that so many other people think the same too. I don't know what he will do in the future, but I hope that he can continue being Kiyomitsu and hold more concerts from now on!

Nike(@acolyptic)

Q1: How did you feel before going to the show? And how did you feel after?

I was really nervous because this is my first time watching a stage play directly. I like both Kashuu Kiyomitsu & Sato Ryuji so this is a package deal where I can fangirl at them both. I also feel antsy because I’m a kind of vocal-type-fans while Japanese fans are mostly silent-type-fans who only speak or reacting when it’s allowed so I had to swallow all of my screams & it’s a little bit hard.

After the show finished I feel happy but a little bit confused because of the language barrier since I’m not really fluent in Japanese. Deep down inside I feel immense sadness because I had to part with both my favorite character & my favorite actor. 90 minutes flew so fast, it was an amazing once in a lifetime experience & I will definitely come again if I can. Please come watch them if you had the chance. I swear you won’t regret it at all, it’s worth every single pain & suffering.

Q2: Overall, what were your thoughts during the show?

Everything amazingly got beyond my expectation that I spend the 90minutes show by crying.
Let’s start from the stage props, some props used were the same as the previous Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2017. But they upgrade the props & add a lot of fancy animation in the background screen. The animation contains beautiful patterns & effects which suited Kiyomitsu. Some screen animation even have matrix looking effects to match the up-beat new song. It feels like you are watching a music video directly LOL. The assemble cast moved swiftly, always supporting each other including Ryuji. You can feel how they work as a team even if there’s no choreography to be done; it feels natural for them.
Ryuji did a lot of great job in singing while dancing & acting. His breathe are much more stable & his voice is crystal clear while doing all of the heavy complicated moves. His voice didn’t even waver a little between the difficult choreography transitions. I swear his voice sounds like the studio recording but even better than. This guy stamina really is amazing & I swear every single thing of him has improved a lot from Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2017.
The costumes set which designed by Element H are beautiful. They successfully make costumes which represent Kiyomitsu & comfortable for Ryuji to wear. It fits both Kiyomitsu & Ryuji images perfectly. They also give a lot of surprises on these costume set, really.

Q3: What was the most memorable part for you?

The most memorable part of this show is when ‘Tokenai Mahou’ aka the ‘Inextricable Magic’ was played. They open the show with Jazz ‘Tokenai Mahou’ & it feels like I’m right under spell once I enter the Akasaka ACT Theatre. The way Ryuji sing this song as Kiyomitsu really pulled my heart string. Every single line he sung, send chills down to my spine. This was where I get emotional the most because ‘Tokenai Mahou’ is my favorite song ever since the first time I discover Toumyu 3 years ago. To think that finally I see it with my own eyes & heard it with my own ears.
Also his choreography mostly has a gesture where he reached out to the sky. I got second floor middle seating, so every single time he raises his hand to reach out it feels like he’s reaching out to me & this broke me so bad.

Q4: *spoiler question* What was your favorite outfit?

I’m trying my best to describe his outfit as SFW as possible because Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2018 costume sets are a little bit NSFW in my opinion.
My favorite outfit is this one oversized fur coat which hung loosely on his shoulder. The fur coat gave him a sexy boyfriend shirt vibe. His pants was the hardest one to take a look at because he keep moving & the designer thinks it’s a great idea to put some fine lace on the crotch area. We also can see the inner outfit when the fur coat flings because it’s surprisingly light too.
The inner outfit of this fur coat costume is ‘Kemono’ outfit where we can peek at his slim & beautifully built body. I was a little bit disappointed because I’m looking forward to see some skins. But wow I don’t even care about the skin anymore because boy he looks so sexy & NSFW even if he’s properly clothed until the end of the show. Here’s a little drawing to give you an idea how the fur coat costume looks like:

Q5: Any other thoughts about the show?

This is my first time riding an airplane & went overseas. This was once in a lifetime experience where I can see both my favorite character & favorite actor for the first time in everything. The whole show was captivating & it worth every single penny I’ve spent. Everything exceeds all of my expectation & I swear he looks even better in real life. Also they have a lot of beautiful merchandises which can’t be missed. I even bought more than what I’m originally intended.
Standing applause to Ryuji, the assemble cast, & all of the Kashuu Kiyomitsu Tanki Shutsujin 2018 staff because they have done an outstanding job. I will never forget the day I watch this performance & I will cherish this magical experience forever! I will definitely come back again if I got the chance.