1. Early Life and Background
Rei Dan's early life and formative experiences laid the groundwork for her eventual career in the performing arts. Her interest in being in front of an audience began at a young age, shaping her path towards a professional career.
1.1. Childhood and Education
Rei Dan was born Mayumi Yamazaki in Onsen-cho, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Her initial interest in performing was sparked during kindergarten when she received praise for her performance in a school play. This early positive reinforcement encouraged her to explore opportunities to be in the public eye. During her high school years, she gained experience as a reader model for fashion magazines. She attended Onsen-cho Municipal Onsen Junior High School and later graduated from Hyogo Prefectural Hamasaka High School. She is 64 in (162 cm) tall and has Type A blood.
2. Takarazuka Revue Career
Rei Dan's career in the Takarazuka Revue was a significant period that established her as a highly regarded performer, leading her to top roles within the prestigious all-female musical theater company.
2.1. Entry and Early Career
In 1990, Rei Dan entered the Takarazuka Music School, a highly selective institution that trains future Takarazuka performers. Following her graduation, she officially joined the Takarazuka Revue in 1992 as a member of the 78th class. She made her debut on stage with the Snow Troupe's production of Kono Koi wa Kumo no Hatemade. Notably, she graduated at the bottom of her class, ranking 40th out of 40 students. Her stage name, Rei Dan, was chosen with specific meaning: "Dan" (檀mayumiJapanese) is derived from the Japanese spindle tree, which is known for its flexibility, symbolizing her desire to be adaptable to any role. The name "Rei" was added to give it a neutral quality. After her initial performances, she was assigned to the Moon Troupe in 1993 and later transferred to the Snow Troupe in 1997.
2.2. Top Musume-yaku Roles
Despite her initial ranking, Rei Dan steadily rose through the ranks of the Takarazuka Revue. In 1998, in her seventh year with the company, she was cast as the heroine in the Newcomer Performance of Asaji ga Yado, marking her first leading role. The following year, in 1999, she achieved the prestigious position of Top Musume-yaku (leading lady) for the Moon Troupe, serving as the partner to Top Star Makoto Tsubasa. During this period, she participated in two significant performances in China, where her beauty and grace earned her the highest praise, with some calling her the "reincarnation of Yang Guifei". She also showcased her linguistic talents by performing a solo song in Mandarin during these tours.
After Makoto Tsubasa's retirement in 2001, Dan transferred to the Senka, a specialized group for veteran performers who can appear in any troupe's productions. Her versatility and continued appeal led her to be appointed as the Top Musume-yaku for the Star Troupe in 2003, partnering with Top Star Koshino Wataru. During her tenure as a top musume-yaku, her performances as Amneris in A Song for the King and Yang Guifei in Hana Mau Chōan became particularly acclaimed. She retired from the Takarazuka Revue in 2005, with her final performance being in the Star Troupe's production of Nagasaki Shigurezaka.
2.3. Key Takarazuka Stage Productions
Throughout her career with the Takarazuka Revue, Rei Dan performed in numerous notable stage productions.
- 1992: Kono Koi wa Kumo no Hatemade (Snow Troupe) - Her debut performance.
- 1993: Grand Hotel / BROADWAY BOYS (Moon Troupe)
- 1994: Gone with the Wind -Butler Chapter- (Moon Troupe)
- 1995: ME AND MY GIRL (Moon Troupe)
- 1996: CAN-CAN / Manhattan Fuyajō (Moon Troupe)
- 1997: EL DORADO (Moon Troupe) - Morgiana
- 1998: Asaji ga Yado / Raville (Snow Troupe) - Miyagi / Manago (Newcomer Performance heroine)
- 1999: Utakata no Koi / Million Dreams (Moon Troupe) - Marie Vetsera
- 1999: Nova Bossa Nova (Moon Troupe) - Adele / Lucille (play), Estrela (show)
- 1999: Yume Gen Hana Emaki / Bravo! Takarazuka (China Tour)
- 2000: LUNA -Tsuki no Dengon- / BLUE MOON BLUE -Tsukiakari no Akai Hana- (Moon Troupe) - Irene
- 2000: The Prisoner of Zenda / Jazz Mania (Moon Troupe) - Princess Flavia
- 2001: Ai no Sonata (Moon Troupe) - Zofie
- 2002: Gone with the Wind (Senka/Snow Troupe/Flower Troupe joint performance) - Melanie Wilkes
- 2002: Chō Koi / Southern Cross Review in China (China Tour, special appearance with Star Troupe) - Kirine
- 2003: A Song for the King (Star Troupe) - Amneris
- 2004: Hana Mau Chōan / Romantica Takarazuka '04 (Star Troupe) - Yang Guifei
- 2005: Nagasaki Shigurezaka / Soul of Shiva! (Star Troupe) - Oshima (Retirement performance)
3. Acting Career
Following her departure from the Takarazuka Revue, Rei Dan embarked on a successful acting career across various media, establishing herself as a versatile and acclaimed actress.
3.1. Film
Rei Dan made her cinematic debut in December 2006 with the film Love and Honor, a role for which she received numerous awards. She has since appeared in a variety of films, showcasing her range as an actress. In 2022, she took on her first lead film role in Sun and Bolero.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Love and Honor | Kayo Mimura | |||
| 2007 | Tsuribaka Nisshi 18: Hama-chan Su-san Seto no Yakusoku | Tamae Kiyama | |||
| 2008 | Kabei: Our Mother | Hisako Nogami | |||
| 2009 | Infection | Eiko Kobayashi | |||
| 2009 | Snow Prince | Kiyo Arima | |||
| 2010 | Kyoto Uzumasa Monogatari | Narration | |||
| 2011 | Ninja Kids | Rantaro's Mother | |||
| 2011 | Antoki no Inochi | Akane Okajima | Friendship appearance | ||
| 2012 | Gyakuten Saiban | Chihiro Ayasato | |||
| 2012 | Girl | Harumi Mitsuyama | |||
| 2012 | Chihiro Iwasaki - A 27-Year Journey | Chihiro Iwasaki | Voice | ||
| 2013 | Himawari to Koinu no Nanokakan | Chinatsu Kanzaki | Friendship appearance | ||
| 2013 | Kujikenaide | Toyo Shibata | 34-43 years old | ||
| 2013 | Ask This of Rikyu | Kita no Mandokoro | |||
| 2016 | Your Lie in April | Saki Arima | |||
| 2018 | Marmalade Boy | Rumi Koishikawa | |||
| 2018 | Laplace's Witch | Mina Habara | |||
| 2018 | Kasane: Beauty and Fate | Sukeyo Fuchi | |||
| 2021 | Caution, Hazardous Wife: The Movie | ||||
| 2022 | Sun and Bolero | Riko Hanamura | Lead role | ||
| 2022 | Silent Parade | Rumi Niikura | |||
| 2024 | The Dancing Okami | Harumi Higuchi |
3.2. Television Dramas
Rei Dan has established a significant presence in television dramas, taking on various roles, including lead characters. Her first lead role in a TV drama was in NHK's Rebirth in 2010.
| Year | Title | Role | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Kagerō no Tsuji Inemuri Iwane Edo Zōshi | Oen (Kichiemon's wife) | NHK General | |
| 2007 | Chichi kara no Tegami | Mamiko Akutsu | TV Tokyo | Lead role |
| 2008 | Ano Senso wa Nan Datta no ka | Kiyo Ishii | TBS | |
| 2009 | Soka, Mo Kimi wa Inai no ka | Noriko Inoue | TBS | TV movie |
| 2010 | AIBOU Season 8, Episode 10 | Yuiko Hosono | TV Asahi | |
| 2010 | Rebirth | Kiwako Nonomiya | NHK General | Lead role |
| 2010 | Uchūken Sakusen | Beautiful President | TV Tokyo | Friendship appearance |
| 2010 | Chūshingura: Sono Otoko, Ōishi Kuranosuke | Akuri (Yōzen'in) | TV Asahi | |
| 2011 | Utsukushii Rinjin | Eriko Yano | Kansai TV/Fuji TV | |
| 2011 | Inu no Kieta Hi | Shizuko Matsukura | Nippon TV | |
| 2011 | Zouka no Mitsu | Ran | WOWOW | Lead role |
| 2012 | Taira no Kiyomori | Taikenmon'in | NHK General | Taiga drama |
| 2012 | Platinum Town | Erika Nakazato | WOWOW | |
| 2013 | Last Dinner | Mariko | NHK BS Premium | Lead role |
| 2013 | Tales of the Unusual '13 Spring Special "Fushimi no Otto" | Mie Soejima | Fuji TV | Lead role |
| 2014 | Fukuie Keibuho no Aisatsu | Assistant Inspector Fukui | Fuji TV | Lead role |
| 2014 | Sono Hi no Mae ni | Kazumi Harada | NHK BS Premium | |
| 2014 | Roosevelt Game | Arisa Nakamoto | TBS | |
| 2014 | Higanbana: Onnatachi no Hanzai File | Yukino Minegishi | Nippon TV | |
| 2015 | Sezaimaru Beniko no Jikenbo | Beniko Sezaimaru | Fuji TV | Lead role |
| 2015 | Mother Game: Kanojotachi no Kaikyū | Marie Odadera | TBS | |
| 2015 | Osoi Shiawase | Omon | Jidaigeki Senmon Channel | Lead role |
| 2015 | Kono Mystery ga Sugoi! Bestseller Sakka kara no Chōsenjō "Fuyu, Kitaru" | Chiaki | TBS | Lead role |
| 2016 | Josei Sakka Mysteries Utsukushiki Mittsu no Uso "Moonstone" | Woman visiting me | Fuji TV | |
| 2016 | Kuro no Shamen | Keiko Tsujii | TV Asahi | Lead role |
| 2016 | Shizumanu Taiyō | Miki Mitsui | WOWOW | |
| 2016 | Higanbana: Keishicho Sōsa Nanaka | Yukino Minegishi | Nippon TV | |
| 2017 | Muyōan Inkyo Shugyō | Natsu | BS Asahi/TV Asahi | |
| 2018 | Sanbiki no Ossan Special | TV Tokyo | ||
| 2018 | Nikkei Drama Special Kohaku no Yume | Sato Narue | TV Tokyo | |
| 2019 | Kasōken no Onna SEASON 19, Episode 1 | Tsukasa Tachibana | TV Asahi | |
| 2020 | Shitto | Satoka Noguchi / Misato Shimura | TV Asahi | Lead role |
| 2020 | Donna Bianca: Keiji Uozumi Hisae | Hisae Uozumi | TV Tokyo | Lead role |
| 2020 | Kirin ga Kuru | Dota Gozen | NHK General | Taiga drama |
| 2020 | Tōkakushi | Sachiko Kuromatsu | TV Asahi | |
| 2021 | Chūzai Keiji SP2021 | Sayuki Wakamiya | TV Tokyo | |
| 2022 | Crosstail: Tantei Kyōshitsu | Riko Shinkai | Tokai TV/Fuji TV | |
| 2022 | Japanese Style | Momoyo Asatsuki | TV Asahi | |
| 2023 | Tenshi no Mimi: Kōtsū Keisatsu no Yoru | Takako Saito | NHK BS4K/NHK BS Premium/NHK General | |
| 2023 | Vivant | Eiko Nishioka | TBS | |
| 2023 | Tatoe Anata o Wasuretemo | Risako Aoki | Asahi Broadcasting Corporation/TV Asahi | |
| 2024 | Mountain Doctor | Shuko Matsuzawa | Kansai TV/Fuji TV | |
| 2024 | Isobe Isobee Monogatari: Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo | Mother | WOWOW |
3.3. Stage Plays
Beyond her Takarazuka career, Rei Dan has continued to perform in various theatrical productions, showcasing her stage presence and acting skills.
- 2005: Yashagaike - Yuri
- 2006: Hanayagu Otoko-tachi no Mai Buyō Shikyoku "Chiekoshō"
- 2008: Sasameyuki - Yukiko (Third daughter)
- 2008: LOVE LETTERS
- 2009: Zebra - Scheduled to appear as the second of four sisters, but withdrew due to iron deficiency anemia.
- 2010: Dai Nijūkai Kinen Senfūkai Chō no Michiyuki
- 2012: Furu Amerikani Sode wa Nurusaji - Kameyū
- 2013: Reading Drama "Re:" Session3
- 2013: Saraba Hachigatsu no Daichi - Meiyu Chen
- 2016: Gion no Shimai - Umekichi
- 2017: Reading Drama "Sister"
- 2018: Kari Nui - Takako Seike
- 2018: Othello - Desdemona
- 2020: Koi, Moyuru. ~ Akimoto Matsuyo Saku "Osan no Koi" yori ~ - Osan
- 2024: Uchōten Kazoku - Tōsen Shimogamo
3.4. Voice Acting and Dubbing
Rei Dan has also lent her voice to various animated productions and dubbed foreign films, expanding her acting portfolio into the realm of voice performance.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-2007 | Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto | Oryo | Web anime |
| 2011 | Tofu Kozo | Akane Murota | Animated film |
| 2011 | The Three Musketeers | Milady de Winter | Dubbing (portrayed by Milla Jovovich) |
| 2012 | Chihiro Iwasaki - A 27-Year Journey | Chihiro Iwasaki | Animated film |
| 2014 | Koyasan Kaiso 1200th Anniversary "Koyasan no Meiho" | Narrator | Audio guide |
| 2019 | Iwago Mitsuaki no Sekai Neko Aruki "Mongol" | Narration | NHK BS Premium |
| 2023 | Wish | Queen Amaya | Dubbing |
| Nihon Archives Kyoto Nijushisekki | Narration | Podcast |
4. Broadcast and Other Activities
Beyond her primary acting roles, Rei Dan has engaged in a diverse range of activities, including appearances in television programs, hosting, and commercial endorsements, showcasing her broad appeal and versatility.
4.1. Television Programs and Hosting
Rei Dan has been a regular presence on Japanese television, participating in various programs and taking on hosting and narration duties.
| Year | Title | Role/Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Dan Rei no Shiteki Document Art to Jibun ni Deau Tabi from Philadelphia | ||
| 2007 | Sekai Ururun Taizaiki "Renaissance" | ||
| 2008 | Meikyoku Album Collection ~Natsukashii Kyoku Natsukashii Basho~ | ||
| 2008 | Nippon Kokoro no Tabi SP | ||
| 2008 | Kyoto Mō Hitotsu no Rekishi Hikari to Yami ni Kakusareta Ōdo, Heiankyō no Himitsu | ||
| 2009 | Rekishi Tanbō Mystery Sekai no Pyramid Tettei Kaibō | Jinrui Shijō Saidai no Himitsu o Toku ra SP! | |
| 2010 | Sekai Ichi no SHOW Time ~Gallary o Kimeru no wa Anata~ | Host | |
| 2011-2013 | Nippon no Geinō | Yukino (Mistress of "Kachōfūgetsudō") | |
| 2011-2013 | Tewaza Koi Koi Wabimiguri "Dan Rei Meishō no Sato Kikō" | ||
| 2011 | Sekai Fureai Machiaruki Palma de Mallorca ~Spain~ | Narration | |
| 2012 | Dan Rei Meishō no Sato Kikō Tewaza Ōkoku Vietnam SP! ~Asia no Bi to Shoku no Roots ni Deau Tabi~ | ||
| 2012 | Bi no Saikōhō... Yume no Kyōen Bandō Tamasaburō × Dan Rei | ||
| 2012 | Shinshun Hinokibutai ~Shugyoku no Gei Kyōen~ | Host | |
| 2013 | Europe Suifūkei -Italy Capri-tō ~ Alberobello no Tabi- | ||
| 2013 | Takarazuka Ongaku Gakkō Sōritsu 100 Shūnen Kinen Shikiten | Host | |
| 2015 | Tōhoku Z Haisaichi ni Todoke! Kibō no Wa ~miwa to Wakamono-tachi Mirai e no Uta~ | Narration | |
| 2017 | Butsuzō Mystery Unkei to wa Nanimono ka? | ||
| 2019 | Dan Rei Hajimete no Spain! Miwaku no Basque... Bishoku & Zekkei Monogatari | Navigator | |
| 2019 | Otona no Terebi Ehon Iwasaki Chihiro no Sekai Dai 2 Shū "Senka no Naka no Kodomo-tachi" | ||
| 2024 | Chūgokugo! Navi | Student |
4.2. Commercials and Endorsements
Rei Dan has been a popular choice for commercial endorsements, appearing in campaigns for various major brands and even serving as a special ambassador.
| Year Range | Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2008 | Lion | Beauty drink "Cuplun" |
| 2007-2019 | Suntory | "Kinmugi" (beer-like beverage) |
| 2007 | Kinoshita Group | "Kinoshita no Mori" (tropical rainforest regeneration activities) |
| 2007-2008 | ANA | "LIVE/China/ANA" |
| 2008-2009 | Nissan | "Teana J32" |
| 2009-2013 | Shiseido | "Benefique" |
| 2012-2015 | Kintetsu Railway | "Mawaryanse" (image character) |
| 2015-2018 | Marugame Seimen | |
| 2015 | Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | Appointed "Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Promotion of Japanese Food" |
| 2016 | Toyo Securities | |
| 2016 | Kao | "Biore u Aroma Treatment Body Wash" |
| 2016 | WOWOW | "UEFA EURO 2016 Marche" |
| 2017-present | Dr. Devis Cosmetics | Image character for "Platinum Kern" and "Fresh PL GF100 Lisbon" |
| 2022-present | Almado | "Cellular Series" |
| 2022-present | Japanese Society of Nephrology, AstraZeneca | Chronic Kidney Disease awareness campaign |
4.3. Radio Appearances
Rei Dan has also been active in radio, hosting a regular program and participating in radio dramas.
| Year Range | Program | Role/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-2006 | Bonkura Higurashi | Ofuji (Radio drama) |
| 2014-2024 | ISUZU presents Dan Rei Kyō no 1 Page | (TBS Radio, within "Hiroshi Ikushima no Ohayō Icchokusen") |
4.4. Other Media
In 2012, Rei Dan participated in Mimori Yusa's album Awakening, marking her first CD album participation after retiring from Takarazuka.
5. Awards and Recognition
Rei Dan has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, recognizing her talent and contributions to both the Takarazuka Revue and the wider entertainment industry.
5.1. Takarazuka Awards
- 1998: Effort Award (Takarazuka Revue)
- 2002: Excellence Award (Takarazuka Revue)
5.2. Film and Television Awards
- 2007: Mainichi Film Concours - Sponichi Grand Prix Newcomer Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Kinema Junpo Best Ten - New Actress Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Blue Ribbon Awards - Newcomer Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Japan Academy Prize - Newcomer Actor Award and Excellent Lead Actress Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Golden Arrow Award - Newcomer Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Osaka Cinema Festival - Lead Actress Award for Love and Honor
- 2007: Japan Film Critics Award - New Actress Award for Love and Honor
- 2009: 32nd Japan Academy Prize - Excellent Supporting Actress Award for Kabei: Our Mother
5.3. Other Accolades
- 2007: Vogue Japan WOMAN OF THE YEAR
- 2008: Elan d'or Award - Newcomer Award
- 2008: The Beauty Week Award
- 2011: Best Formalist
- 2012: Jewelry Best Dresser Award - 40s category
- 2014: COTTON USA AWARD - Mrs. COTTON USA
6. Personal Life
Rei Dan was married to singer and actor Mitsuhiro Oikawa. They announced their marriage on July 27, 2011. However, the couple later divorced on November 28, 2018. They did not have any children together. She is affiliated with Ohta Production.
7. Influence and Evaluation
Rei Dan's career is marked by a remarkable transition from the highly specialized world of the Takarazuka Revue to mainstream Japanese entertainment. Her success in both spheres highlights her exceptional talent, versatility, and enduring appeal. Within Takarazuka, she was celebrated for her elegant and graceful performances, earning the highest praise and becoming a beloved Top Musume-yaku. Her ability to embody diverse roles, from romantic heroines to historical figures like Yang Guifei, demonstrated her range even in the revue.
Upon her retirement, she swiftly established herself as a formidable actress in film and television, garnering critical acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, particularly for her early film roles. Her ability to adapt to new acting environments and deliver compelling performances across different media, including stage plays, television dramas, and films, solidified her status as a respected and sought-after actress. Furthermore, her work in voice acting, dubbing, and various commercial endorsements showcases her broad reach and popularity as a public figure. Rei Dan continues to be an influential presence in Japanese entertainment, admired for her professional dedication and elegant demeanor.
8. External links
- [https://www.ohtapro.co.jp/talent/danrei.html Official profile] - Ohta Production
- [https://www.tbsradio.jp/personality/dan-rei/ Rei Dan] - TBS Radio