Rei Dan

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.

2.1. 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_mayumi^Japanese) 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)

3.1. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4.3. Radio Appearances

Rei Dan has also been active in radio, hosting a regular program and participating in radio dramas.

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.

5.1. 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