JLPT N5 test information part 1

As I mentioned before in my recent update, I would like to focus more on Japanese. More specifically on the JLPT N5 test. This because some of my friends wantend to take the exam and wanted information. I myslef have taken 2 exams, N2 which I passed in 1 try. And N1 which unfortunetly I failed by just 1 point T^T. But this means that I can also explain how a typical test day would look like/ For the last I think I wil write a seperate blog. To share my experience about taking a test.

So this will be a general blog about the JLPT test and it wil be divided in in several parts.

Part 1 About the JLPT in general

What is JLPT?
Different levels of JLPT.
What is in the test? (what are the subjects)
How can you prepare for it?

Part 2 application process

Are there any requirements to take it?
How do you apply?
Where can you take them? (and how it works with the COVID regulations now)
How much does it cost?

Link to part 2.

Part 3 test day preparations / my experience

What do you need to bring?

What are the do's and don'ts?

How does it work at the location?

Personal experiences.

Link to part 3.

JLPT

What is JLPT?

To start of let's explain what the JLPT actually is. JLPT stands for: Japanese Language Proficiency test. This test is one of the most taken wolrdwide to measure your mastery of the Japanese language. You might have come across that some universities or companies in Japan state that you need at least N3 level Japanese or N2. And these are actually different levels of the JLPT test.
Just to show how well known this test is.
The test itself is managed and set up by the Japan foundation. And is held in many countries. But more of that later in section 2.

Different levels of JLPT.

The JLPT tests is divided over 5 different levels. Of which N5 is one of them. The lowest level is N5 and the highest is N1. So for most of us the chronological order of the numbers is backwords.
So i'll give a brief explanation of which capabilities are credited to each level starting from N5.

N5

You can read and understand basic sentences of Japanese in hiragan, katakana and basic kanji.
On top of that you can listen to and understand conversations about subjects that are usually encounterd in daily life. (For example in a classroom at the supermarket.) And you can get the needed in formation from slowly spoken conversations.

So you are able to understand some basic Japanese.

N4

You can read texts that you encounter in regularly in daily life. And you can read basic vocabulary and kanji.
Next to that you can listen to and understand conversations which regularly occur in daily life. And generaly understand them when they are spoken slowly.

You are able to understand basic Japanese.

N3

You can read texts with specific contents that are about daily topics. And also understand newspaper headlines (just headlinses though, the artile itself maybe not 100%). However you should be able to grasp some information from a written text with the vocabulary and grammar that you actually mastered.

And with this level you can follow everday conversations at near natural speed, and are also able to understand most of the content. On top of that you are also more used to the Japanese language that you can distinguish better who are involved ot mentioned in conversations. (not everything is explicitly mentioned).

You are able to understand Japanese in everyday situations to a certain degree.

N2

You are capable to understand written materials (articles, magazines, books, blogs etc.) and understand the meanning of said text. On top of that it is expected that you can also understand written content on specific topics and pick up on the writer's intention. (basically what is the informtion and what is the writer's opinion, or what doe he/she want to say?).
Next to that you have sufficient listening skills to follow conversations at natural speed. (for example newsreports, daily conversations, lectures etc.) And also conprehend its content and distinguish various relations among people.

You are able to understand Japanese in everyday situations and in various circumsatnces to a certain degree.

N1

You are able to read and understand written text with complex and abstract writings on a variety of topics. (for example newspapers, critues, novels etc.) But also understand the structures and content of said texts.

As for listening comprehension. For N1 you should be able to undestand conversations at natural speed on a broad variety of subjcts. In other words you can basically understand in pretty much any envirognment.

You are able to understand Japanese used in a variety of circumstances.

And this is just a guideline of what are the expected capabilities credited to each level.

What is actualy on these tests?

Let's start of with what is not tested, and that is verbal skills. Your spoken Japanese is not tested in the JLPT exams. The tested subjects here are as followed:

1. Language knowledge
1. vocabulairy
1. kanji reading (note down the correct hiragana reading)
2. orthography (give the kanji for the underlined hiragana)
3. contextually defined expressions
4. paraphrases
5. usage
2. grammar
1. Selecting correct grammar form
2. sentence structure
3. text grammar (fill in the blanks)
3. reading
1. short text comprehension
2. medium text comprehension
3. long text comprehension
4. integrated comprehension
5. thematic comprehension (long passage)
6. information retrieval
2. listening
1. task based comprehension
2. comprehension of key points
3. comprehension of general outline
4. verbal expressions
5. quick response
6. integrated comprehension

These are the subject divided by group and question types. Not all subject ar included for all tests. Some only apear at the lower levels (mostly N5 and N4) while others are only used with the higher levels N1 and N2.

These subjects ar also devided over 2 seperate test (language knowledge and listening) for N2 and N1.
For N5, N4 and N3 these test are divided over 3 seperate tests ( vocabulary, grammar and listening).
Each test has a time limit, and after that there are also short breaks in between tests.

But for additional information also check the official JLPT site. It has more info on the test, example questions among others.
JLPT official site

How can you prepare for the test?

For th various level there are different requirements about to what extend you need t have studied. At the end of the blog I will leave some links for detailed information. For this part I will provide a global outline for the N5 level because this is currently my main focus.

First things first, what is actually on the N5 test?

There are no official listings about what materials are actually used for the tests. Therefore I can not be 100% sure if I can list everything that might be covered, however I looked into a lot of lists and made a selection. This to give you somewhat of an idea what you need to cover.

Vocabulary

You will need an estimated vocabulary of basic japanese words (verbs,nouns, adjectives and counter words) which contains around 700-800 words.
There are various sites whith example questions to practice I will list them down below.
But for some of my friends I made a list on a word site to study the words. Sadly not everyone will be able to use these cause the meaning of the words are listed in Dutch. For that I will apologise in advance. But you could still look up the words and see what is listed on them. And maybe find some you haven't seen or heard before.

Vocabulary word test

Word lists for study

List of words (English)

Practice material

vocabulary exercises

vocabulary exercises 2

vocabulary exercises 3

The last one can be used to try practice questions of other sections as well.

Kanji

For kanji you are expected to study the reading and meaning of the most basic kanji. (around 80 - 100). With all the kanji combined that ever appeared on a test, it came around 100. 

List of 100 kanji

Practice material

kanji exercises

Kanji exercises 2

kanji execises 3

Grammar

For the grammar part you need to grasp the use of particles and grammatical structures.

The particles are as followed:

1. は
2. の
3. か
4. へ
5. に
6. が
7. と
8. で
9. も
10. を
11. から
12. まで
13. や
14. ので
15. けど
16. でも
17. よ
18. ね

Some of these have multiple uses so keep that in mind.

For grammatical structures only the most basic types are required. Verb conjugation is a important part which most people struggle with. I advise to practice those, because you might need them.

Practice material

grammar exercises

grammar exercises 2

grammar exercises 3

grammar exercises 4

This site also gives a walkthough with sample questions and answers. Might come in handy for reference.

grammar test questions walkthrough

A grammar list

grammar list

Reading

All of the above skills are combined in the reading tests. The JLPT has a certain type of questions formation which might be handy to practice before the test. This skill is better mestered through a lot of practice.

Though not all kanji are used in texts, and some of them still give furigana. You do need to be able to read hiragana and katakana! All the questions and answers are eiter written as numbers or in hiragana/katakana. There is no other language used on the test besides Japanese.

Practice material

reading exercises

Reading material

online reading material

online reading material 2

Online reading material 3

online reading material 4

Various

example questions

Listening

Listening comprehension is another skill that is only mastered by practice. So I wil list some sites below with practice material so you can:

1. get used to the type of questions
2. get familiar with the speed/type of speech
3. train how to aquire the right information for the questions

And hopefully you will be able to gain enough experience an dcnfidence for the N5 test1

Practice material

listening excercises

listening exercises 2

listening exercises 3

No sample question but conversations. These are good for standard phrases and expressions.

example conversations

Mock tests

These are example test with all of the subject combined. These are good to test the set time limit for each test as well. 

practice test 1

practice test 2

For others who would like extra materials theres are some books that are recommended that you could buy. This is totally optional, but I thought I should list them in case anyone is interested. These are just my humble opinion. If you find any other methods or books that work for you be free to use them.

A series I recommend and have used myself (for higher levels, but they also have N5 books)

Speed master (スピードマスター)

They have books for reading, grammar, vocabulary and listening.

This is a typical speedmaster cover

Another good series is the matome series. They have books on any level so look for the one corresponding to your desrided test level. They usually have a simular design and/or characters.

Mina no nihongo books are also ideal to practice reading or listening skils with. They also have gramar explanation and such, but I would reccomend the yomeru topikku and choukai tasuku for listening and reading. You can recognise them by this design. Though I heard that they can also be found online in PDF format. So before buying search them up online.

This book might come in handy if you want to get more familiar with standard expressions used in Japanese.

These books are ideal to master kana and kanji.

Books with practice tests
Note that these are best used when you have already studied a decent amount of the material. Because they usually only have the questions and answers, no explanations.

Official Japan foundation JLPT test books

Of the next series I have used one for the N1 one level. And found it quite neat to test your knowledge and skils. And they now also have a N4/5 level.

And some another mock test books.

If you want to purchase any of these books, look them up on sites as amazon, OMG japan and white rabbit express. These sites usually offer some books to a reasonable price. Presonally I get them most often at OMG japan, since they have a very great selection and good and fast shipping (yes even during COVID times).
Or if I want a title that is not easily purchased in a foreign country, white rabbit express provides a proxy service.

So I hope is have provided you with enough information and materials to help you on your way. Good look with your studies and hopefully I will see you for part 2 of the JLPT series.

Long time no see

It has been a while since I started this blog. And I haven't really posted anything new in years.
Most of the things that I wanted to put on my blog are not that relevant, or much practised hobbies anymore. So most of it feels not up to date.
Though I'm still very much interested in most of them, like books and Takarazuka. But alas I am no longer a student and seem to have lost most of my spare time, which I devoted to these subjects.

However I still do a lot with Japanese. This is also one of my bigger passions in life. And I was thinking that maybe I could devote some of my intrest to Japanese on my blog.
Like do some grammar explanations, vocabulary that would come in handy, basic sentences and such.

The reason fot this is mostly, because I know a few people who are currently thinking of taking a JLPT N5 test. And were in search of materials to practise with. Or needed some extra information.
So I ind of remembered this place and thought I could devote some time and space to help them out.

AN who knows maybe other people will find some use for it ass well ^^.

So that is basiscally the plan for my blog now. Maybe when I stumble upon some interesting finds I could still oncorporate them here. But I guess my main focuss now will be on Japanese.

So I hope that it will help some of my friends (you know who you are ^^) will get some benefit from this and it will help their study. So on the way to pass JLPT N5!

New collection material

So I have been really busy trying to write a book review. I started it but I also had some new additions to my doll family ^_^. And of course I have to share that, so without further a do let me introduce to you these three lovely ladies :).

First up Princess Stargazer by BOB Mackie

I Love this doll because she combines some elements that I adore into one. You can follow the link to the official collector site for a better picture ^^. She has a fairy like appearance, including the ears and the flower petals are made to look like wings. As the name mentions the flower resembles a Stargazer Lilly in pattern. The colours though are quite unique and I love the combination with her hair colour. This just makes her perfect for me ^_^.

Next up is Wizard of OZ, Fantasy Galmour, Wicked Witch of the West

And here she is the famous Wicked Witch of the West. And I just love what they did with her costume, it is so dramatic and stylish. And not to mention her facial expression and the green skin, it makes her just perfect. With me being into all the fantasy stuff I just could not miss out on her :). Now I just have to get my hands on the Dorothy version of this series as wel. That would make the family complete XD. 

And last but not least The Faraway Forest Elf

And I have to say she really is my favourite ^^. I mean which sane fantasy loving person would not want her in their collection. She is like a perfect image of an elf complete with the staff, cape and dress in earthy tones. And let´s not forget those boots ( seriously I wish I had a pair of those ). The hair is also a very lovely shade of red, if I have to think of a perfect hair colour for an elf it would either be red or blonde. I am really proud to welcome this doll into my family ^_^.

Well so far the new doll update. I'll keep on working on the book review and look for other interesting stuff that I come across.

See ya next time!

静夢　龍

Coming Soon ....

Ok since I'm really trying to make an effort this time, I thought it would help if I wrote down some ideas of what I wanted to do. So if I put them down here then I kind of have to stick to them more so I can write about them ^^. That way you guys can also see what's coming up :). Unless some unexpected things come up which I have to rant about XD.

So First of all I will be posting something about a book I read. And I totally loved by the way. It is called: "Fairytales for the grimm and gruesome" . And it is basically a book with collected stories of several authors and they are all based on fairytales. I don't know if any of you have ever heard or read about the original versions of the Grimm fairytales? Well if you have then you get the idea what kind of fairytales are in the book. If not ..... let's just say that you wouldn't read these stories to any of your kids unless you want to give them nightmares ^^;

Second I am currently watching another anime. Yess I can't get enough of anime. And this one is called : "それでも世界は美しい" (sore demo sekai ha utsukushii). Which means "The world is still beautiful". And I really like this one, so a review is in order I think.

And lastly I am also watching a series, which I think is pretty awesome ^_^. It is a series called Dracula, and is about one of the moest famous vampire characters that our world knows. But well it is kind of different than the original story but still a great series. So I certainly will write about that as well ^^.

And here ends my short update on future plans for my blog :D.
So stay tuned ...

静夢　龍

A round of retirements

Ok a bit much posting in one day maybe XD. But yeah I 've been really busy with working and looking for a actual full-time job. I didn't have the time and energy to write much.
Ok the anime review post was actully almost completely written besides a paragraph or so. I think that doesn't really count as much ^^.

So again another zuka post :). Well I guess I had to this time cause well a lot has been going on to be honest. Almost an entire generation of top star are to retire from Takarazuka. So I'm just going to name the ones that already retired, the stars that are to retire, and the next line, or possible next top stars.

Let's start with Snow troupe. The top stars Sou Kazuho and Manaka Ayu are now retired. Really sad since I really liked Ayu as a Musumeyaku. I never even got to see her live as a top star T^T, luckily I got to see her perform in another Takarazuka play once. So that makes it a bit easier then not haven seen her at all.

Left Manaka Ayu at her press conference, Right Sou Kazuho leaving the theatre on her last day.

And not long after hearing that this combi would retire we got another shocking announcement. Yet another top star would retire. And this it was none other then Ouki Kaname! Big shock because we didm't expect her to retire that soon actually. Though her partner Misaki Rion wil stay in sora gumi as top musumeyaku.

Ouki Kaname during her press conference

Here is the official anouncement (Japanese):

http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/c1fac9560d0bbf2bf0444e1e5010db20.html

Also the top musumeyaku of flower troupe  Ranno Hana announced she is to retire after the Elisabeth performance. She was already a top musumeyaku for some years. She got the position after the Matobu Sei's first partner retired, and stayed after Matobu retired and also Ranjyu Tomu. She is currently a combi with Asumi Rio. She became the new Hana gumi otokoyaku top star after Ranjyu Tomu Retired. Sad new because I also really liked her, and she can sing so well! But luckily a friend of mine is in Japan and is going to get the Elisabeth DVD for me. So I have some comfort. And I have seen her live once as well. Bye Bye Hana chan!

 Ranno Hana's press conference

And the link to the official announcement:

http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/4f5f91247b1f6772748245d6a251bbb0.html

And then the one I have been dreading actually, my favourite top star and Takarasienne is going to retire T^T. And her top musumeyaku partner is going to retire with her.　Well at least they are　going together, but I will be very sad to see them go. And it is really such a shame, if they had stayed Yuzuki Reon would have broken the record for mainting a top star position. But I guess we can't have everything right. Luckily we still have till may 2015 before they actually retire so yeah. But I'll really miss Yuzuki Reon and Yumesaki Nene star troupe will never be the same withou them!

Yuzuki Reon's press conference

Official announcement link:

http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/04024a6971fd8f7b5d6ac8ca47e7d431.html

Yumesaki Nene at her press conference

Link to official announcement:

http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/b96d87a9d886e47b03385c14a7080bfd.html

And now on to the new top stars! Since the Snow troupe stars already retired this pair is already rehearsing for their debut as top stars.

And I do say I predicted them right ^^, and I also love this musumeyaku again :). So without further ado the new topstars of Snow troupe :

Right Otokoyaku: Sagiri Seina ,早霧せいな

Left Musumeyaku: Sakihi Miyu,  咲姫みゆ

So Congrats to the new top pair!
And ofcourse the official statement:
http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/8c0a5b3a2f856cad82a6425f8633d9bc.html

And then finally the new musumeyaku of Flower troupe is also announced, she will take over Ranno Hana's position. And she was also on my list for possible new musumeyaku top stars, and she was transferred from cosmos troupe to flower troupe, so that was kind of a big hint already.

So the new musumeyaku top star will be :

Kano Maria （花乃まりあ）

I hope she will make a great combi with Asumi Rio ^_^, since that is one of my other top favourite otokoyaku at the moment. Please have some very nice performances together!

So and that was the zuka rant, I don't think I will have another one anytime soon. I'll make sure to post a review of Elisabeth as soon as I watched the DVD. But my friend will not be back in The Netherlands until January. So that will have to wait, and the DVD will also not be released until november XD.

So Bye again and until next time!

Oh and I recently (well about a month or so) read a really great book. It's not a Japanese one but still really awesome. So the next time I have time to sit down and write, I'm really going to try and make an effort this time, there will be a review of that one.

静夢　龍

Anime Dantalian no Shoka (Mystic archives if Dantalian)

Ok I promised to write something about anime, since that is also a hobby of mine. Though I do tend to like the less main stream or not so popular ones. At least among other friends or fans most never or rarely heard of the titels I watch. So I would really like to introduce you to one of my favourite anime: Dantalian no shoka.

Plot

When it comes to this anime's genre it fits right up my street, so if you like mystery, historical, supernatural with action added to the mix this serie might be just the thing for you. Though a slight hint of fantasy is also part of the mix, but that is my personal opinion.

So what is the story about? It starts out with our male protagonist Hugh ( or Huey ^^) Anthony Disward, who is a former military pilot. The one day he receives a message that his grandfather passed away and legt him his mansion. And with that mansion comes his book collection ^^ ( I wish I had that many books XD). And unexpectantly he encounters a young girl reading in the basement named Dalian, our female protagonist.

Here Huey opens the passage way to the Dantalian Archives by using the lock that is connected to Dalian. He then actually reaches into her chest to retrieve the books. (I know it sounds creepy but it doesn't look gross, and it as actually portrayed as a very loving gesture.)

Then it turns out his grandfather was the girl's key keeper, since the young Dalian is not really human. She is in fact a gateway to the archives of Dantalian and that can only be opened by her keykeeper. Besides collecting books his grandfather was also responsible for finding and collecting rare "Phantom books" or Gensho in Japanese. These are books which contain knowledge that really shouldn't be known by men, and not everyone can read them. Though when they are able to use them tragidy usually enfolds.

Hugh's first encounter with Dalian, he actually thought she was a doll... untill she turned a page. Ofcourse his grandfather mentioned Dalian in his will ... but he thought she was a pet -.- so surprise !

Not long after they meet a book seemed to have been stolen from his grandfather's collection. And it's a phantom pop-up book about a circus. This is a lion turning to dust.

Yes imagine that, running into a dragon in the middle of the hallway. Like the lion this is a pop-up figure from the book.

A Phantom book ... looks very appealing right?

Here Hugh and Dalian seal the phantom book again, making sure the powers of the book are back in it;s papers.

Characters

Dalian : 

Also called the kuro yomihime (litterally black reading princess), or as the English translation says: Black Bibliotheca Princess. Besides Dalian there are also 2 other princesses. She looks like a young girl in her early teens, though her actual age is unknown. She does however often in a manner which sugests that she older than any of the other characters.She also loves reading, which is not so surprising because of her role as Bibliotheca Princess. Even when she travels with Huey to recover phantom books she drags along stacks and stacks of books. She is also really strict on the handeling of books, once there is a break in, in their mansion, and some of the burglars manhandles a book. She really gave that one a scolding. But she also has a really endearing side, she loves anything with sugar. She even has a single lock of hair that actually shows her enthusiasm for sweets.

She the small lock indicated by the arrow, that is the part that springs up when she's eating sweets. Or sometimes just mentioning a treat will make her react that way ^^.

Hugh (Huey) Anthony Disward : 

Huey as he is called by most of his friends, is former lieutenant of the military, and faught in the war as a pilot. After his grandfather passes away he comes to inherrit his house and his grandfather's famous collection of rare books. However he is not aware of the duty his grandfather carried with him and what it entails. He sure is surprised when he finds a "doll" in a dark and room with little light surrounded by books. Imagine his surprise when the doll turns out to be our girl Dalian.

Camilla Saur Keynes :
She is a chilhood friend og Hugh. She adores western style clothing and Dalian doens't seem to be too fond of her in the beginning.

Flamberge :
Not much information is given about her during the series. She travels with Hal Hambout and a rather intersting choice of clothes. She also bears a simular lock like Dalian. However they do not seem to want to store away the books, instead they burn them and use their power. Bit for hat ends ... Who knows?

Hal Kambout : 

Flemberge travel companion, he is very strict and rude towards Flamberge. What and how their companionship came to be is unknown. I guess more details on that can be found in the novel on which this series is based on. (wich unfortunatly I dod not posses -.-). He does seem to look like a sort of wizzard and battles phantom books by using the power of other books.

Professor :

This mysterious guy seems to be up to no good. Though whatever the reason or what is purpose is stays unknown in the series. You do however see him handing out phantom books to others with rather disastorous outcomes. He has a connection to Raziel.

Raziel : 

Another girl who seems to have a connection to the Dantalian archives. Dalian and Raziel seem to have so huge argument going on, since their meeting in the series is anything but pleasurable. And other background information is not given in the series.

My verdict:

Well I already mentioned I absolutely love this show. I guess I should mention my main reasons. Let just line them up.

Raziel & Dalian, they really can't stand each other

1 Historic appearance.

I have always loved history, and I like old and antique stuff. So the style of the buildings the interiour and the clothes really apeal to me. The feel of the setting the characters are in I just love that sort of thing.

2 Costumes.

The costumes actually came to be by a collabortion of a Japanese Fashion brand called Alice and the Pirates. Which I think are rather marvelous. And just look at what Dalian wears <3. 

The keeper of the Dantalian archives, she never leaves the library though

This is how Hugh meets her in the archives, he appears as a small boy.

3 Mystery / Fantasy

I really am big fan of mystery genres. And the slight hinge of fantasy with the phantom books and getting acces to a library through another person (in the litteral sense). And of course books, not to mention books XD, me and books is a combination made in heaven ( I really get Dalian's attitude towards books). 

So those are my main reasons why this show is so awesome to me. It has action, mystery and some fantasy thrown into one. And the style in which they desingend everything is just so wonderful, it feels like you step into a known and yet comepletely unknown world at the same time.

And evethough the means of getting acces toward the library seem rather vulgar, when you watch the show it seems really delicate and elegant in the actual shots, so I say job wel done to the artists. 

And just the story seems like something I could come upt with. I always had a very huge imagination and could come up with anything, the more impossible it seemed the better to me. That makes this series so much more appealing, to think that books can grant you abillities and powers. And you seal them away in a mysterious library to keep them from causing harm.

So if you have become curious about the series here is a site where you can watch it ^^.

http://kissanime.com/Anime/Dantalian-no-Shoka

Or if you have any sites that you know maybe you can find it there.

Hope you enjoyed !

静夢　龍

New top stars announced !!!

Ok just had to share this. Well since I had the intention to post more things on my blog anyway guess it is as good an excuse as any ^^.

Well just recently there was a press conference concerning the curent topstars of Takarazuka's snow troupe, Sou Kazuho, and her retirement. Which came as quite a shock since she had the position of top star after Otozuki Kei (音月　桂) retired in 2012. So for her to go after such a short time was really shocking to read. Especially since I actually liked her ^^.

Former Snow troupe stop star Otozuki Kei 音月　桂

(13 th September 2010 - 24th December 2012)

Current Snow troupe topstar Sou Kazuho 壮　一帆　

retires : 31st August 2014

And then of course her partner Manaka Ayu followed. It seems to have become a tradition for pairs to retire together. Besides Flower troupe that is I can only think of a few that actualy retired together, as far as I can see. It kind of adds a charm I guess to have a pair become topstars together and also retire at the same time. The only thing is that I seem to lose all my favourite musumeyaku this way. I adore Manaka Ayu, I really like her style so I'm really sad to see her go after she finally made it to top musumeyaku.

Current Snow troupe topstar Manaka Ayu　愛加　あゆ 

retires: 31st August 2014

But I do have to say that the musumeyaku that is going to fill the position of next top star does make her retirement a little more bearable. I kind of assumed that Ranno Hana （蘭乃　はな）the current Hana gumi musumeyaku top start would retire with her partner  Ranju Tomu (蘭寿　とむ), since she got the position after the musumeyaku retired and her then partner retired as well. So this means that Asumi Rio (明日海　りお) is going to be her third partner. Not that I mind her staying she is really amazing <3. 

Current Hana gumi topstar Ranju Tomu　蘭寿　とむ 　

retires: 11th  May 2014

 Current Hana gumi topstar Ranno Hana 蘭乃　はな

She stays topstar after her current partner retires

One of my favourite actresses (together with Yuzuki Reon, 柚希　礼音 ,see furter down this post for picture) Asumi Rio　明日海　りお. 

Becoming topstar : 12th  May 2014

But well I kind of thought that other musumeyaku might have replaced her, but in the end it really is the actresses their own decision to retire with their partners or not. And I actually made a list of possible musumeyaku who might be on the list of next possible top stars ^^. And one of my favourites got the position once again. 

So without further a do the bext topstar cmbi of Snow wil be..... (with link to the official site)
http://kageki.hankyu.co.jp/news/detail/8c0a5b3a2f856cad82a6425f8633d9bc.html

 Sagiri Seina  早霧　せいな

becoming topstar : 1 st September 2014

Sakihi Miyu 咲姫　みゆ

Becoming topstar : 1st September 2014

Well the otokoyaku was kind of obvious, since most of the nibante were already gone. They seem to have this system where you first obtain the position of nibante at a topstar's side for at least 2 years, before you actually get the topstar position ( for the otokoyaku only ). Since Otozuki Kei left and Sagiri Seina became her official Nibante but did not have the 2 years yet she had to wait and Sou Kazuho was taken from Flower troupe to become Snow troupe's top star, and Asumi Rio was Ryu Masaki's sort of nibante  (she was a demi topstar, translated as half so they shared main roles) in Moon troupe and she was placed in flower troupe afterwards to become top after Ranju Tomu Retired, Ouki Kaname was appointed top star of Cosmos in 2012 after the then topstar Oozora Yuuh retired, and in Star Kurenai Yuzuru was officially made nibante after Suzumi Shio retired in 2012. So there really were no other nibante left with the right amount of experience ^^. And even though she might not be my favourite I know Sagiri Seina will make a great top star, please take care of my Miyu ^_^ !

And well as mentioned before I actually looked at the current musumeyaku and I came up with some possible topstar candidates myself ^^. And this girl was really high on my list :D (well she was at the top actualy XD), I mean just look at her doesn't she make the most adorable musumeyaku lead ever? And being a Mirio (Asumi Rio's nickname) fan I got a good glimpse of her during her Bow hall performance. She played the female lead role in that play. And she really is just to die for. So please do your best Miyuchan and become a great combi with Sagiri Seina, I'm rooting for you ^_^!

Well maybe for the unfamiliar ones I might as well list the other current topstars as well. Just so you might have an idea who's who. For the hardcore fans just to add some nice pictures to look at XD. We can never have enough zuka pictures now can't we.

I already added Flower and Snow troupe, so that leaves the troupes : Moon, Star and Cosmos ^^.

Current Moon troupe topstars:

Ryuu Masaki　龍　真咲

 Manaki Reika　愛希　れいか

Current Star troupe topstars :　

 Yuzuki Reon　柚希　礼音

Yumesaki Nene　夢咲　ねね

(btw she is also the elder sister of  Manaka Ayu, the current top of Snow)

Current Cosmos troupe topstars :

Ouki Kaname　鳳稀　かなめ

Misaki Rion　実咲　凛音

And now for the time being I don't think this list will change. Most of them have only been topstar for a short time, and the current one are quite popular. The only one who have been topstars for a number of years now are Yuzuki Reon en Yumesaki Nene of Star troupe. They were appointed topstars in 2009. They're unbelievebly popular combi and it doesn't seem like they are going to retire this year ^^. Which relieves me since I am a big fan and hope to enjoy them for a long time to come ^_^. Well there have been topstars that held the position for like 6 years, and if they are popular enough they let them stay for that long ^^. So I'll keep my fingers crossed.

So far the quick topstar update :), I just had to rant about that again. Since that is about the only thing I can check currently. Though I have to say I have an anime which I really adore, so maybe I'll just introduce you to it next time. Just so that I have something different to talk about, otherwise I might just have well started a Zuka blog XD.

See ya, hope you enjoyed ~! 

静夢　龍