Photo/Illutration Students at the Takarazuka Music School pin school badges on the uniforms of members of the 111th class on April 15. (Provided by the Takarazuka Music School)

In her seminal work “Tate Shakai no Ningen Kankei” (literally, “Personal relations in a vertical society”), anthropologist Chie Nakane (1926-2021) noted to the effect, “We cannot even sit down or speak without being aware of hierarchy.”

Published in 1967, the book sharply illustrated the flaws in Japanese society resulting from its deeply entrenched “vertical” structure that puts every human relationship through the filter of “senior” and “junior.”

That was more than half a century ago. But, then, why does Nakane’s discourse still feel so contemporary today?

It’s because of the death--or more likely suicide--of a 25-year-old woman who was a member of the Takarazuka Revue, an all-female musical theater troupe.

Her bereaved family claimed she had been subjected to power harassment by a senior member of the troupe, including having a hot hair iron pressed to her forehead.

But the allegation could not be confirmed, according to an investigative report disclosed by the Takarazuka Revue during a news conference on Nov. 14.

Listening to the briefing, I kept shaking my head.

The victim was said to have become psychologically stressed from being given “guidance” and “admonition” from a senior member, who repeatedly questioned her honesty and even called her a liar to her face, according to one person to whom the victim had confided.

The Takarazuka Revue was aware of all that and yet did not acknowledge power harassment.

The troupe is a rigidly hierarchical organization, at the apex of which are its top stars. Until a few years ago, I am told, there was even an unwritten rule that forbade junior members from showing facial expressions or uttering words other than designated ones in the presence of their seniors.

In the name of a “beautiful tradition,” did the closed vertical society condone despicable bullying?

No matter how breathtakingly gorgeous the performances put on by its stars are, I could not possibly enjoy them if there are members weeping and struggling to live with irrational abuse.

Such behavior is the last thing I would expect from the Takarazuka Revue.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 16

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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