Hyogo Travel | Takarazuka Revue: Japanese Glamorous Stage Since 1914

Spacious, elegant lobby of the Takarazuka Grand Theater
Lobby of the Takarazuka Grand Theater

The Takarazuka Revue is a world-renowned all-female theater troupe based in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.
타카라즈카 가극단은 효고현 타카라즈카시에 본거지를 둔, 세계적으로 유명한 여성 전용 가극단입니다.

Since its first performance in 1914, it has continued to captivate audiences as a troupe composed exclusively of unmarried women. Currently, it is divided into five groups—Flower (Hana), Moon (Tsuki), Snow (Yuki), Star (Hoshi), and Cosmos (Sora)—along with a specialized group called Senka, whose members do not belong to any of the five main groups. The troupe is often simply referred to as “Takarazuka” or “Zuka.” 宝塚歌劇団 – Wikipedia
1914년에 첫 공연을 시작한 이후, 지금까지도 인기를 모으고 있는 미혼 여성만으로 구성된 가극단입니다. 현재는 꽃(花)・달(月)・눈(雪)・별(星)・하늘(宙) 5개의 팀과, 어느 팀에도 속하지 않는 전과(専科)로 나누어집니다. “타카라즈카”, “즈카” 등 생략해서 불리우는 경우도 많습니다.

Takarazuka performances are renowned for their glamorous staging, elaborate costumes, and exceptional acting and singing. They are particularly popular among female audiences. Tickets are often extremely difficult to obtain—I was only able to attend thanks to the help of a friend.
타카라즈카 공연은 화려한 무대와 의상, 뛰어난 연기와 노래로 유명하며, 특히 여성 관객들이 많습니다. 티켓 구매가 매우 어려울 정도로 인기가 높아, 저도 친구의 도움으로 겨우 관람할 수 있었습니다.

In the Umeda area, you’ll also find official shops that sell Takarazuka merchandise. They’re great spots for picking up exclusive souvenirs after the show.
우메다 지역에는 공식 굿즈를 판매하는 매장도 있어, 공연 관람 후 기념품을 구매하기에 좋습니다.

An exhibition area with Takarazuka star profiles and stage costumes
Takarazuka star profiles and costume exhibit

Unique Role System: Otokoyaku and Musumeyaku

All performers in the Takarazuka Revue are women. However, since they must play both male and female roles on stage, each actress trains in one of two distinct role types.
타카라즈카 가극단의 모든 배우는 여성입니다. 하지만 무대 위에서는 남녀 모든 역할을 소화해야 하기 때문에, 배우들은 크게 두 가지 배역 유형 중 하나를 맡아 훈련합니다.

Otokoyaku (男役) are actresses who specialize in portraying male roles. In Japanese, “otoko” means “man” and “yaku” means “role.”
오토코야쿠 (男役)는 무대에서 남성 역할을 전문으로 하는 배우입니다. “오토코”는 “남성”, “야쿠”는 “역할”을 뜻합니다.

They often portray an idealized image of masculinity—tall, deep-voiced, confident, and with a strong gaze. They are adored by many enthusiastic fans for this charismatic presence. Their appearance in elegant men’s suits on stage is considered one of the signature charms of the Takarazuka Revue.
키가 크고 낮은 목소리, 당당한 태도와 강한 시선 등 “이상적인 남성상”을 연기하며 많은 팬들의 열렬한 사랑을 받습니다. 남성 정장을 입고 무대에 서는 모습은 타카라즈카만의 매력 중 하나로 꼽힙니다.

In contrast, Musumeyaku (娘役) are actresses who perform female roles. They bring grace and emotional depth to the performances through their delicate acting. While “musume” literally means daughter, in this context it refers more broadly to “women”.
반면, 무스메야쿠 (娘役)는 여성 역할을 맡는 배우로, 우아하고 섬세한 연기를 통해 극에 감성을 더합니다. “무스메”는 직역하면 딸이지만 “여성”을 뜻합니다.

This role-based system is unique compared to typical musicals, where performers tend to rotate roles. In Takarazuka, each actress focuses deeply on her role type over many years, leading to highly refined performances.
이러한 배역 시스템은 일반적인 뮤지컬과는 달리, 배우 스스로가 오랜 기간 동안 특정 역할 유형을 집중적으로 연기하며 완성도 높은 무대를 만들어낸다는 점에서 독특합니다.

Although rare, some actresses do make the transition from otokoyaku to musumeyaku during their careers.
또, 드물지만 오토코야쿠에서 무스메야쿠로 전향하는 일이 있기도 합니다.

Visitors gathered in the Takarazuka Grand Theater foyer
Visitors gather in the foyer of the Takarazuka Theater
A busy scene of visitors exploring the spacious foyer before the performance
Foyer of Takarazuka Grand Theater filled with visitors
An elegant chandelier viewed from the base of the grand staircase in the theater foyer
View of chandelier from base of foyer staircase
A beautiful, large floral wreath decorating the Takarazuka Grand Theater foyer
Floral wreath in the foyer of Takarazuka Grand Theater
Photos of talented Takarazuka actors showcased along the theater walls
Takarazuka actor portraits exhibited on the wall
Portraits of performers hang proudly in the theater’s foyer
Portraits of Takarazuka actors displayed on the wall
Audience seated inside the Takarazuka Grand Theater waiting for the show to begin
Seated audience at Takarazuka Grand Theater before show

1. Book your tickets early
Performances often sell out, so check the schedule and performing troupe in advance.
1. 티켓은 미리 예매하기
공연은 조기 매진되는 경우가 많으니, 일정과 출연 팀을 미리 확인하세요.

2. Enjoy even without a show
You can enter without a ticket and explore attractions like the Stage Studio, where you can dress up like a Takarazuka star.
2. 공연 없이도 즐길 수 있어요
공연 티켓이 없어도 입장 가능하며, 스타처럼 변신해 사진 찍는 스테이지 스튜디오 등 즐길 거리가 많습니다.

3. Check out Umeda-only goods
Don’t miss the exclusive items sold only at the Umeda store—perfect for before or after your visit.
3. 우메다 한정 굿즈 놓치지 마세요
우메다 매장에서만 살 수 있는 한정 굿즈는 공연 전후로 둘러보기 좋아요.

■Official website of the Takarazuka Revue

宝塚歌劇公式ホームページ
宝塚歌劇の公演情報、宝塚大劇場・東京宝塚劇場に関する情報、花組,月組,雪組,星組,宙組,専科やスター情報をご紹介します。

■Takarazuka Grand Theater (Takarazuka Revue)

■Quatre Rêves Umeda – Takarazuka Revue official merchandise store

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