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In April 1914, this unique review troup, consisting only of young girls, was born in Takarazuka. Since their first performance given by only 20 girls, the Takarazuka Revue has created so many much loved stages. At present, more than 400 actresses, who belong to 5 troups such as Flower, Moon, Snow, Star and Cosmos, give performances all year around. It has large-scale sets that feature, among others, a grand staircase, a sinking stage, an elevated runway, and a silver bridge, as well as the leading actresses who shine on the stage with their gorgeous costumes. Looking ahead a few years to its 100th anniversary, the Takarazuka Revue pursues ever more enthralling stage productions.

When I was little, my favorite holiday course was “to see the Takarazuka review and get on the boat in the Family Land amusement park” with my parents. At that time, they gave performances of famous Broadway musicals such as “the West Side Story” and it was natural that I fell under the spell of the Takarazuka Review.

When talking about the Takarazuka Review, itsexcellence of the staff such as playwrights, stage directors, choreographers, costume designers and stage carpenters should not be forgotten. Live performance by the orchestra adds glamour to the review. I see in Takarazuka town the students of the music/dancing academy, neatly-dressed in their uniforms and hats, as well as the actresses in their green ceremonial skirts, with orderly behavior. A line of many fans in front of the stage door of the main theater, waiting for their favorite actresses, is also a scene unique to Takarazuka.

The Takarazuka Review will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The Takarazuka Review is what it is because it is located in Takarazuka. I hope that the Takarazuka Review will continue to cultivate dreams forever, by carrying on the idea of the founder Mr. Ichizo Kobayashi, and taking over the great traditions that the old stars have built.

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