Takarazuka Grand Theater — Attraction in Takarazuka

I'm a fan of manga and anime, and I read loads of theory books about it’s origins. The influence of theater on the work of Osamu Tazuka is notable. I went to the theater and was scared by the volume of women running there! Very popular place! There is a museum on the 2nd and 3rd floors dedicated to the history of the main actresses, historical administrators and costumes. But none of the information is translated into English - which is a shame, as anime like Kageki Shoujo or Shoujo Kegeki revue starlight, which address the world of Takarazuka theater, are translated into other languages ​​and shown on streaming platforms and does advertising for the Takarazuka Theather.

I somehow felt like “foreigners can pay to get inside, but you aren’t really welcome here as none of the texts are avaible for your reading”. I used the google translator camera to at least try to understand what was happening and an employee reprehended me. I explained myself and I asked: where are the English texts? I was authorized to use the translator and received a panflet in…Japanese.

None of the staff speaks English. I asked some questions using google translator and they were ignored.

Later on the same day I went to Osamu’s Tezuka’s museum and WOW: I was received by an English fluent employee.

Being honest: Takarazuka’s Theather isn’t prepared to receive foreigners and does not seem worried to...

At first, I thought the ticket prices were exorbitant. The show I was going to see was about the French Revolution and I was more interested in Japanese period dramas or plays. Still, because of timing and because tickets are so insanely difficult to get, I decided to go ahead to see a show, and I'm glad I did. I couldn't get first class tickets and had to settle for second class. These were not cheap either. But considering the 3 hour extravaganza with one intermission, the very lavish costumes, the pomp, pageantry, marvellous mechanical sets, the beautiful women and equally beautiful voices, I'd have to say the money was well spent and I wouldn't hesitate to see another show in future. I remember my father saw a show in the Tokyo Theater and he raved about it - that was over 40 years ago. Now, I understand why. If you can make a show and pay for the best seats, go ahead and give yourself a treat. It's light hearted entertainment that will charm...

Incredible experience, especially if you know Japanese. If you don't I recommend watching the plays or movies that have the subs online. Or the material it's based on so you can follow the context.

It is like 95% female attendees and the female washroom lineup at intermission is an experience.

If you are a tall gaijin and don't wanna get in the way of the view pick the hard left or right seats, potentially the aisle or the one by the wall. They'll make you lean as far back as the gods allow if you are tall and that can be rough for some of us taller folks who end up sliding down the seats and almost off them due to trying not to get in the way.

Takarazuka concerts have a cult following and would reccomend it for anyone who loves theater. The production and set design is out of this world. If you want to go really crazy and have the money, go get the Takarazuka binoculars before...