TAKARAZUKA BIG THEATER

Takarazuka was founded in 1914 by Ichizo Kobayashi, one of the leaders of the Hankyu railway company. To get passengers to use the newly opened railway line, he opened a water center in Takarazuka in 1911. However, after only two summers, the establishment was closed because swimming at the time was prohibited. It was then that Kobayashi had the idea of creating a theater troupe and the first performance was given in the pool, rearranged in the showroom. Kobayashi wanted to present a show only of young women, in opposition to Kabuki, which was composed only of male actors and inspired by the choirs of young boys. Today, to be part of the troupe, you must first integrate the theater school and follow the training for 2 years. Forty girls between the ages of 14 and 18 are accepted each year. There is no age limit to be in the troupe, however, once married, actresses must leave the scene. Indeed, as training is very intense, it is considered impossible to focus at the same time on theater and family life. The popularity in Japan of the Takarazuka Grand Theater is now no longer in doubt, and it is more than 1 million people who come each year to emerge in front of the proposed shows. Nine shows are presented each year, each taking place over a little over a month. These are original creations or are inspired by existing fictions. Composed of 450 members, the troop is divided into five groups, each composed of 80 members, making it possible to present performances without interruption, both in Takarazuka and on tour in Japan. The Takarazuka Grand Theater is really to be seen for all lovers of musicals. The stakes are settled at the millimeter, the makeup and costumes are majestic, the actresses are invested in their character. A show that cannot be seen anywhere else and although it is given in Japanese, it is not necessary to understand the language to take full advantage of the performance.