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Takarazuka Revue, circa November 1954.

The Youngest Japanese Traditional Theater, Takarazuka Revue, Turns 100

Takarazuka Revue, circa November 1954.

When asked about Japan’s traditional theater, noh, kabuki, and bunraku immediately come to mind. But there is one other form of theater that has captivated the Japanese audience – Takarazuka.

Takarazuka Revue, circa November 1954.

It is considered Japan’s youngest form of traditional theater, and it turns 100 this year.

The Takarazuka Revue (宝塚歌劇団 Takarazuka Kagekidan) is an all-female musical theater troupe and is based in Takarazuka in Hyōgo Prefecture. Women play all the roles in performances as lavish as any Western Broadway-style musical production. At times, some acts are adapted from Japanese folk tales and shōjo manga but none lack the pomp and grandeur expected from any Takarazuka Revue act.

Cover of the Takarazuka Girls' Revue Plot Summary, vol. 181. Members of the troupe have to train for two

Ichizo Kobayashi, president of Hankyu Railways and a prominent industrialist-turned-politician, founded Takarazuka Revue in 1913. Takarazuka was already a popular tourist destination because of its hot springs. Adding another attraction would only boost ticket sales to the area. Western song and dance shows had become increasingly popular compared to kabuki, they were also considered fresh and something new. Kobayashi thought an all-female theater group would be welcomed by the Japanese people.

Cover of the Takarazuka Girls’ Revue Plot Summary, vol. 181.

Members of the troupe have to train for two years in the Takarazuka Music School, considered one of the most competitive performing arts schools in the world. Each year, thousands of aspiring young women come from all over Japan to try out for a place in the school.

Takarazuka Revue had its first performance in 1914 and a decade later, the troupe was so popular it merited its own theater in Takarazuka. The theater was named Dai Gekijō, or Grand Theater.  Women who play male roles are referred to as otokoyaku (“male role”) and women who play female roles are referred to as musumeyakuCover of the Takarazuka Girls' Revue Plot Summary, vol. 181. Members of the troupe have to train for two (“daughter’s role”).

The chosen few undergo rigorous training in dance, music, and acting. Gifted and deserving students are given seven year contracts.

Dance lesson at Takarazuka Music School in 1919.

The company is composed of five main troupes: Hana, Tsuki, Yuki, Hoshi, and Sora (Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and the Cosmos). Another troupe named Senka (Superior Members) is comprised of senior members who no longer want to be a part of the regular troupe. The performances of Takarazuka Revue are a spectacle to behold with its lavish costumes, lighting, and set designs. Today, the troupe performs for about 2.5 million people every year.

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Read all about Japanese immersion learning and studying abroad. Check out our eZasshi archives for more articles!