Photo/Illutration Kenshi Koba, chairman of the Takarazuka Revue Company, speaks to reporters in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, on Oct. 7. (Ai Tanabe)

TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo Prefecture--Rocked by the apparent suicide of one of its performers, the Takarazuka Revue Company said it had formed an investigative team with cooperation from an independent law firm to investigate the incident.

The lawyers will hold hearings with people inside the hugely popular all-female musical group to learn about the background to her death.

“We want the team to investigate extensively without any prejudgment,” company chairman Kenshi Koba told reporters here on Oct. 7. “We want to ensure that a tragic loss like this will never happen again.”

The 25-year-old member of the Cosmos Troupe was found dead in the grounds of her apartment building in Takarazuka on Sept. 30, according to police.

Police suspect she committed suicide. A handbag was found in a passageway on the top 18th floor of the building.

The investigative team, which does not include anyone from the company, will take statements mainly from those in the Cosmos Troupe.

Performances of the Cosmos Troupe, one of the revue’s five troupes, remain suspended until Oct. 22. The company hopes the team’s investigation will be over by then.

In February, the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine reported that the member was bullied by a senior member.

Koba said the company concluded at the time, based on hearings with those allegedly involved, that no bullying had occurred. He said he still sticks to his finding.

Koba said the performer did not appear to be distressed before her death and that a nurse was always on standby to provide help.

(This article was written by Ai Tanabe and Mamie Kawai.)

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