Cover & Gravure & Interview: Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe Top Star Minato Sakuragi / AERA on sale May 11
The May 18 issue of AERA, on sale May 11, features Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe top star Minato Sakuragi on its cover. The issue includes an interview, gravure photos by Mika Ninagawa, a special feature on 'Finding Life's Answers at 50,' and articles on Jiro Sato, Yuzuru Hanyu, and THE ALFEE.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 9, 2026 at 02:02
- 🔍 Collected: May 8, 2026 at 17:32
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 8, 2026 at 19:12 (1h 40m after Collected)
Minato Sakuragi, the top star of the Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe, will appear on the cover of the May 18 issue of AERA, which goes on sale on May 11. In the interview, she talks about her feelings as a top star, her journey so far, and her mindset when she is unsure about choices. The photos were taken by Mika Ninagawa, AERA's cover photographer. Please enjoy the photos that convey Sakuragi's strength and kindness.
The main feature is "Finding Life's 'Right Answers' at 50." The AERA editorial department is launching the "New Adults" project, aiming to address the concerns and challenges faced by readers in their 50s and help them resolve them positively. Starting with this issue, the feature will be published monthly. It seeks hints for living the latter half of life without regrets and with enjoyment. Other contents include an interview with actor Jiro Sato, who says, "I've been working diligently and realized I'm 57," a report on Yuzuru Hanyu's ice show "REALIVE," and THE ALFEE's series "Miraculous Trajectory." This issue is packed with diverse articles. Please take a look!
Cover + Gravure & Long Interview: Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe Top Star Minato Sakuragi
Minato Sakuragi, the top star of the Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe, appears on the AERA cover. What has been the nourishment for Sakuragi's growth? What is her mindset when she is unsure about choices? And who is her "ideal leader"? The interview, which conveys her straightforward beliefs, is a must-read. The beautiful gravure photos were taken by Mika Ninagawa, AERA's cover photographer. Stories from Sakuragi that could not be included in the magazine can be read on AERA DIGITAL via the QR code in the magazine. Furthermore, three lucky people will win an autographed colored paper from Sakuragi in a lottery! Details can be found via the QR code in the magazine.
Main Feature: Finding Life's 'Right Answers' at 50
This main feature delves into the reality of people in their 50s who feel anxiety and impatience, thinking, "It wasn't supposed to be like this." In an era where traditional life courses have collapsed, it visualizes the challenges faced by the 'around fifty' generation, such as money, health, and social security. Through the voices of the employment ice age generation and the Dankan Junior generation, pressing concerns such as children's education expenses, their own retirement funds, menopausal discomfort, and unreliable social security systems are highlighted. Experts also point out the anxiety of future "isolation" as lifestyles diversify. On the other hand, it also explores hints for surviving the latter half of life from a positive perspective, such as new work styles and service options that emerge precisely because of this era of change.
New Adults Interview: Jiro Sato
This issue marks the start of a bi-weekly interview series where prominent figures from various fields reflect on their lives and talk about their hopes for the future. The first installment features Jiro Sato, who is active as an actor, screenwriter, and film director. He talks about how overcoming the "dark 20s" when he once gave up on acting and diligently facing his craft has led to where he is today. He expressed his desire to always pleasantly betray people's expectations, without distinguishing between comedy and seriousness, and spoke about his future way of being.
Yuzuru Hanyu "REALIVE" Report
Writer Takaomi Matsubara reports on Yuzuru Hanyu's solo performance "REALIVE an ICE STORY project," held for the first time in approximately 1 year and 2 months. The performance showcased carefully selected programs from past ICE STORYs, captivating the audience with dynamically evolved performances. Furthermore, a new story, "Prequel: Before the WHITE," which serves as the prologue to the fourth ICE STORY installment, was also unveiled. Hanyu described the period leading up to this performance as "maintenance," stating that he re-examined his body usage from scratch and is currently undergoing rapid evolution. The report conveys the excitement of a stage filled with Hanyu's determination and resolve for the future, as he constantly evolves.
THE ALFEE Series "Miraculous Trajectory"
This installment of "Miraculous Trajectory," which unravels the history of THE ALFEE, focuses on 1982. In this year, they released the single "Nakanai de MY LOVE" and the album "doubt,". The three-day consecutive concert held at Kubo Kodo was said to be a groundbreaking attempt that highlighted each member's musical roots. The three members vividly recount that time, which became a major turning point for the band.
Also featured:
- "Breaking the Wall of Pregnancy" - The "Revolution" Star Athletes Caused in US Women's Basketball
- Predicting Japan's World Cup Soccer Team - Who will be the "Joker" to change the flow?
- "Yuru Gym" Chocozap, expanding globally
- Aoi Omae x Yu Shinada: Discussing contemporary diary literature
- [Media in 2050] Susumu Shimoyama: The perspective of genetic disease sufferers that was not depicted
- [Reading the Times] "盛れる" (Moreru) processing and SNS regulations: Banned in Australia, huge lawsuits in the US
- [Source of Top Leaders] Kanoko Oishi, President of Mediva
- [Women x Work] Nobuko Kan, wife of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, talks about child-rearing and politics
The main feature is "Finding Life's 'Right Answers' at 50." The AERA editorial department is launching the "New Adults" project, aiming to address the concerns and challenges faced by readers in their 50s and help them resolve them positively. Starting with this issue, the feature will be published monthly. It seeks hints for living the latter half of life without regrets and with enjoyment. Other contents include an interview with actor Jiro Sato, who says, "I've been working diligently and realized I'm 57," a report on Yuzuru Hanyu's ice show "REALIVE," and THE ALFEE's series "Miraculous Trajectory." This issue is packed with diverse articles. Please take a look!
Cover + Gravure & Long Interview: Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe Top Star Minato Sakuragi
Minato Sakuragi, the top star of the Takarazuka Revue Cosmos Troupe, appears on the AERA cover. What has been the nourishment for Sakuragi's growth? What is her mindset when she is unsure about choices? And who is her "ideal leader"? The interview, which conveys her straightforward beliefs, is a must-read. The beautiful gravure photos were taken by Mika Ninagawa, AERA's cover photographer. Stories from Sakuragi that could not be included in the magazine can be read on AERA DIGITAL via the QR code in the magazine. Furthermore, three lucky people will win an autographed colored paper from Sakuragi in a lottery! Details can be found via the QR code in the magazine.
Main Feature: Finding Life's 'Right Answers' at 50
This main feature delves into the reality of people in their 50s who feel anxiety and impatience, thinking, "It wasn't supposed to be like this." In an era where traditional life courses have collapsed, it visualizes the challenges faced by the 'around fifty' generation, such as money, health, and social security. Through the voices of the employment ice age generation and the Dankan Junior generation, pressing concerns such as children's education expenses, their own retirement funds, menopausal discomfort, and unreliable social security systems are highlighted. Experts also point out the anxiety of future "isolation" as lifestyles diversify. On the other hand, it also explores hints for surviving the latter half of life from a positive perspective, such as new work styles and service options that emerge precisely because of this era of change.
New Adults Interview: Jiro Sato
This issue marks the start of a bi-weekly interview series where prominent figures from various fields reflect on their lives and talk about their hopes for the future. The first installment features Jiro Sato, who is active as an actor, screenwriter, and film director. He talks about how overcoming the "dark 20s" when he once gave up on acting and diligently facing his craft has led to where he is today. He expressed his desire to always pleasantly betray people's expectations, without distinguishing between comedy and seriousness, and spoke about his future way of being.
Yuzuru Hanyu "REALIVE" Report
Writer Takaomi Matsubara reports on Yuzuru Hanyu's solo performance "REALIVE an ICE STORY project," held for the first time in approximately 1 year and 2 months. The performance showcased carefully selected programs from past ICE STORYs, captivating the audience with dynamically evolved performances. Furthermore, a new story, "Prequel: Before the WHITE," which serves as the prologue to the fourth ICE STORY installment, was also unveiled. Hanyu described the period leading up to this performance as "maintenance," stating that he re-examined his body usage from scratch and is currently undergoing rapid evolution. The report conveys the excitement of a stage filled with Hanyu's determination and resolve for the future, as he constantly evolves.
THE ALFEE Series "Miraculous Trajectory"
This installment of "Miraculous Trajectory," which unravels the history of THE ALFEE, focuses on 1982. In this year, they released the single "Nakanai de MY LOVE" and the album "doubt,". The three-day consecutive concert held at Kubo Kodo was said to be a groundbreaking attempt that highlighted each member's musical roots. The three members vividly recount that time, which became a major turning point for the band.
Also featured:
- "Breaking the Wall of Pregnancy" - The "Revolution" Star Athletes Caused in US Women's Basketball
- Predicting Japan's World Cup Soccer Team - Who will be the "Joker" to change the flow?
- "Yuru Gym" Chocozap, expanding globally
- Aoi Omae x Yu Shinada: Discussing contemporary diary literature
- [Media in 2050] Susumu Shimoyama: The perspective of genetic disease sufferers that was not depicted
- [Reading the Times] "盛れる" (Moreru) processing and SNS regulations: Banned in Australia, huge lawsuits in the US
- [Source of Top Leaders] Kanoko Oishi, President of Mediva
- [Women x Work] Nobuko Kan, wife of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, talks about child-rearing and politics