Entertainment Oct. 18, 2008 - 05:02AM JST ( 0 )

OSAKA —

Kei Aran announced this week that she will retire from the famous Takarazuka Revue next April and will work as an independent actress.

“I decided to retire when I was given the main role for the musical ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ in June. I thought it’s the right time to graduate from Takarazuka Revue,” said Aran, who is one of the troupe’s top stars. “Because I like singing, I would like to make use of my experience as an actress from now on.”

Aran will tour nationwide to perform in the Takarazuka Revue until December, and then will start a special show to mark her retirement.