What is the Takarazuka Revue?
(Bite-sized Version)

The Takarazuka Revue was founded by Kobayashi Ichizō, whose contributions include growing the Hankyu Railway, opening the Hankyu Department Store (which was also Japan’s first department store built inside a train terminal), and assisted in the establishment of the Toho Group. He opened the Takarazuka Shin-Onsen hot spring resort in 1911 as an effort to increase domestic tourism along the Hankyu train lines. Unfortunately, the resort had to close after two months. That is when the idea of using this venue to provide theatrical entertainment struck Kobayashi, and the Takarazuka Revue was born.
The first performance was held on April 1, 1914 in Paradise Theater, the indoor pool that was converted into a theater hall.

“Modesty, Fairness, Grace” comes from the teachings of Kobayashi Ichizō, whose goal with the revue company was to offer “popular theatrical entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together.”
His words were meant as an instruction for each Takarasienne to have proper etiquette, good manners, and not to forget their dignity as individual women and members of society.
Although the world has changed a lot since the founder left these instructions behind, the spirit of these words is still deeply ingrained in every Takarasienne and staff member as they navigate their everyday lives.

One of the most unique aspects of the Takarazuka Revue is that all theatrical company members are women. As such, women play both male and female roles on stage.
Actresses who specialize in male roles are called otokoyaku, while their female counterparts are the musumeyaku.
The otokoyaku specialize in presenting as men on stage, while the musumeyaku help the masculine traits stand out more by emphasizing their own femininity.

While “The Rose of Versailles” is most often associated with the revue company, the world of Takarazuka is much more vast than that. In addition to performing original pieces, the revue adapts works from a wide range of sources. Among the adaptations, you can find everything from foreign musicals like “Me and My Girl,” “Guys & Dolls,” and “Elisabeth,” through plays based on famous novels like “GONE WITH THE WIND” and comics such as “Lupin the Third,” to “The Tale of Genji,” a great piece of classical Japanese literature. No matter how many times you watch a play, you can always find new details to marvel at.

Most Takarazuka Revue performances are split into two parts: play and show (or revue). In some cases, a performance even has three different sections. With each trip to the theater, you are in for a completely new experience.

Revue shows are an important part of the full Takarazuka experience: You cannot talk about Takarazuka without mentioning the show segment! Watching the elaborate dance scenes and glittery costumes will make you understand why Takarazuka is often called the world of dreams, a phenomenon that can only be created by an all-women troupe.

No matter where your eyes wander on stage, the exquisite details will take your breath away.
From flamboyant costumes through detailed props, the Takarazuka Revue offers countless things to marvel at.
This well-equipped stage would be nothing without the marvelous costumes, props, and the actresses themselves. As the pinnacle of the Takarazuka Revue’s aesthetics, they make the dream world come alive on stage.

Since 1921, Takarazuka has had its own orchestra, first called "Takarazuka Girls' Opera Music Department." Currently, the orchestra members belong to Takarazuka Revue Arts and are responsible for performances in the Takarazuka Grand Theater. They play across all genres such as classical, jazz, chanson, latin, rock, folk, pop music, and traditional. The instrumental recording for national tours are also done by this orchestra.
For the Tokyo Takarazuka performances an external group is contracted.

Takarazuka Revue performs year-round at the Takarazuka Grand Theater (Hyogo) and the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater (Tokyo), where it is based, and also plays at theaters in various cities throughout Japan and occasionally overseas.
In addition, outside of the theaters, mainly in Japan, you can enjoy live broadcasts and live streaming services at movie theaters, as well as past performances and original programs on “Takarazuka Sky Stage”, a television channel dedicated to Takarazuka Revue, available in some partner hotel guest rooms and other locations.

On its hundredth anniversary in 2014, Takarazuka Revue opened the Takarazuka Hall of Fame, a museum that introduces the most notable stars and staff from Takarazuka's long history through pictures and other related items. You can also view a costume exhibit here.
In addition, you can visit restaurants operated by Takarazuka Hotel, the official hotel, and the "REVUE SHOP" where you can buy limited edition sweets as souvenirs. At the official shop, Quatre Rêves, you can purchase Blu-ray discs and programs of the Revue, as well as a wide variety of original items, such as photos of stars, themed stationery, and other goods inspired by a troupe or performance.

*Japanese website