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Takarazuka is a Japanese all-female drama school and performance company that specializes in Broadway-like musicals. Founded in 1913, the troupe consists exclusively of women and features both male and female characters. The training is disciplined and exclusive, and each year approximately 50 girls are selected for the Academy from thousands of applicants. The productions explore gender roles and are closely followed by serious fans, with many fan clubs closely following the stars’ lives.
Takarazuka is an all-female drama school and performance company based in the city of Takarazuka, Japan. The module specializes in Broadway-like musicals with an emphasis on song and dance. The plays feature both male and female characters, although all the actors are female. The crew’s Japanese fans are almost exclusively female, and the stars are treated like Hollywood celebrities.
In 1913, a Japanese railroad tycoon named Ichizo Kobayashi founded the drama school to promote tourism in the area. Rejecting the styles of Kabuki, Japan’s premier theater, Kobayashi decided to focus on musicals and love stories. As it was not socially acceptable for unmarried women to have romantic scenes with male actors, the troupe consisted exclusively of women to appeal to a conservative audience.
Training for Takarazuka is disciplined and exclusive. Each year, approximately 50 girls are selected for the Academy from thousands of applicants. The early formative years involve menial tasks specific to the tradition, such as mopping floors and wiping mirrors. These tasks are done with extreme care and are micromanaged by older students. After the first year, students are divided into otokoyaku and musumeyaku (boys and girls) training categories.
Many factors such as height, appearance and vocal range determine which actress, or Takarasienne, plays male or female parts. Those trained to play male parts usually cut their hair, deepen their voice, and speak with masculine pronouns when referring to themselves. Top star otokoyaku generally have the largest fan following. Male characters in Takarazuka performances are usually romantic, charming, and loyal. Some cultural studies suggest that female fans who idolize otoyoaku are drawn to this fantasy or heroic version of men.
While some of the plays Takarazuka uses are drawn from traditional Japanese tales and legends, Western musicals such as Guys and Dolls and Oklahoma are hugely popular. The cast may include dozens of extras and dancers, made up of Takarasiennes or lower-level students. The production values of major plays are usually huge, with elaborate sets and costumes. Comedies generally end with extravagant dance numbers, which often include stage-length kick lines.
An interesting aspect of Takarazuka’s productions is their occasional exploration of gender roles. Because otokoyaku are generally made to look as androgynous as possible, the games are often based around men dressing as women or women dressing as men. One of the most popular comedies performed by the company is The Rose of Versailles in which a girl raised as a boy by her soldier father is constantly torn between the freedom of her male existence and the desires of her female self. Experts speculate that the hero of this game is appealing to fans as he portrays “confident” androgyny with masculine characteristics, but no roughness and a deep understanding of women.
Takarazuka is closely followed by serious fans, and many fan clubs closely follow the star’s life. Productions take place year-round in the theatre’s hometown, as well as a new theater in Tokyo, Japan. If you’re visiting the country, a show from this hugely popular theater is well worth the price of admission.
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