In 2019, the all-female Takarazuka Revue is celebrating its 105th anniversary. Takarazuka was created in 1914, when Japan was experiencing a growing interest in Western-style theater, which was unlike the traditional forms of Japanese theater. Kobayashi Ichizo (1873–1957) took this opportunity to create a new form of entertainment that combined song, dance, and drama. The original Takarazuka Revue was heavily influenced by French theater and American Broadway musicals. In 1927, the group’s Mon Paris became the first revue staged in Japan. It became the model for Takarazuka performances and introduced a different kind of performance, including high-kicking dance routines similar to those of New York’s Rockettes, which remain the group’s hallmark. Takarazuka Revue’s fame has spread beyond Japan, and the troupe frequently tours internationally to Europe, Asia, and North America.
Today the company has approximately four hundred performers in five troupes: Flower (Hana), Moon (Tsuki), Snow (Yuki), Star (Hoshi), and Cosmos (Sora). In addition, there is the “Superior Members” (Senka) group, who are part of the four hundred corps members and consist of experienced upperclassmen. They are not affiliated with any of the troupes, rather providing special performances and appearing in any of the troupe’s productions as needed. Every Takarazuka performance starts with a play that lasts for about one and a half hours, and in which every character is played by multiple women regardless of identity as the male lead (otokoyaku) or female lead (musumeyaku). This performance is followed by a short intermission after which spectators are treated to a musical cabaret with bright lights, live orchestra, and a show-stopping, eye-high-kicking dance performance.
Takarazuka has a profound influence in the Japanese entertainment industry, and many former Takarazuka actresses have moved into television and movies after they graduate from the Takarazuka Revue.