Mao Ayabuki to leave Snow Troupe

The latest Takarazuka star to announce her retirement is Mao Ayabuki of the Snow Troupe. She plans to leave the group next April.

The Snow Troupe’s current top stars are Mika Aihara (musumeyaku) and Natsuki Mizu (otokoyaku), but Ayabuki is considered to be the “2nd otokoyaku.” She made her Takarazuka debut in 1994 with the Flower Troupe. She was briefly assigned to the Snow Troupe, then returned to the Flower Troupe in 1998. In 2006, she again joined the Snow Troupe.

Ayabuki’s last performance will be on April 25, 2010, at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater.

Source:
Sankei Sports