Photo/Illutration Members of Takarazuka Revue Company’s Snow Troupe on Nov. 30 at the Takarazuka Grand Theater in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture (Mihoko Takizawa)

TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo Prefecture--The Takarazuka Revue Company on Dec. 1 resumed the troupe’s shows here for the first time in two months after suspending the performances following the death of a 25-year-old member in late September. 

Prior to the opening of the show at the Takarazuka Grand Theater, Koji Murakami, new chairman of the company, who took office that day, addressed the audience.

“I would like to again express my deepest apologies for the fact that the opening day of the Snow Troupe is today, and for the great concern that we are causing regarding the current situation of the Takarazuka Revue Company,” he said. 

The Snow Troupe is performing the musical, “Boiled Doyle on the Toil Trail,” and a revue, “Frozen Holiday,” which celebrates the 100th anniversary of the troupe to be marked in 2024.

The show was supposed to open Nov. 10. But it was delayed for three weeks.

The theater was full and standing room tickets were also sold out.

A company employee, 39, who has been a fan of Takarazuka for 35 years and came from Kyoto to see the opening day performance, said, “The passion of the performers to be on this stage and to dance was evident in the performance. At the end, both the performers and the audience were in tears, and they were all on their feet and excited.”

The fan said, “Excessive guidance and bullying are not good. I hope that good traditions will be maintained while improving those that are out of step with the times.”

A woman, 55, who owns a salon in Sayama, Osaka Prefecture, said that tears welled up in her eyes as the performers shed tears during the finale and top star Sakina Ayakaze greeted the audience in a choked voice.

“I think there was some anxiety even as they practiced. I was also conflicted about whether it was good or bad to watch the show, but now I feel like I want to support those who are doing their best,” she said.

The Takarazuka member was found dead on the morning of Sept. 30 on the grounds of her apartment complex in Takarazuka. Police believe her death was most likely a suicide. 

The woman's family has accused the Takarazuka Revue of overwork and power harassment. An investigation into reports of abuse was inconclusive.

In the meantime, performances of the Cosmos Troupe, to which the deceased member belonged, scheduled at the Takarazuka Grand Theater, have been canceled since Oct. 1.

The troupe’s shows scheduled to open at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater on Nov. 25 have also been canceled until Dec. 14.

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

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