Tokyo Takarazuka Theater — Attraction in Tokyo

Takarazuka is a cultural gem. The group consists of 5 acting troops, so there is a production being prepared and one being shown at all times. The entire theater company is all-women with a dedicated cast of actors that play only male parts (would be considered drag kings in the US). They play to a sold-out theater every single night. If you are in Tokyo and want same day tickets, you can go early in the morning to queue for the same day tickets (50 seats, 50 standing room). Same day tickets have two lines for the morning show and the afternoon show, you can only queue for one, and you can only buy one ticket per person standing in the line. Ticket sales for same day start at 10:30AM but people queue there as early as 5AM (with signs prohibiting overnight queueing!) I saw the El Japón/Aquavité double feature. The most breathtaking theater experience I have witnessed in awhile: acting, music, makeup, sound, lighting, stage direction, performance were all top notch. The show consists of a musical/theatrical production, followed by an intermission, followed by a song and dance revue. Production is in Japanese, but you can get an...

The Japanese Takarazuka performances are incredible, and an absolute must for any theatre lover (although tickets are difficult to get). Worth noting for non-Japanese speakers, there are no subtitles like in foreign opera. However, so long as you have a basic understanding of the story (a short English summary is available on the Takarazuka website and in the purchasable programs), it should be easy enough to follow along and get into the spirit. Another hint, if you want to catch a glimpse of the actresses after the show, just wait around outside...

Leaving the question of performances aside, the theatre itself is very beautiful - with red carpets, big stairs, a self-playing piano and a big chandelier. There are coin lockers, opera glass lending service, several buffets, a cafe, plenty of places to buy today's program, and plenty of restrooms. When you enter from the Quatre reves shop, you need to show your ticket (again, if you entered through the main doors before). If you have the print-at-home tickets don't forget to have them stamped before you leave the...