Takarazuka Revue Fan Podcast

As mentioned in my last post, we’re still having bandwidth issues. Indeed, we went down again for a large chunk of February. So we will be stopping the podcast feed on iTunes and other podcast aggregators in about 5 days. Apologies if you enjoy listening to the show that way. Instead, please consider subscribing to … Continue reading The podcast feed is going down, but you can find new episodes on our blog and YouTube channel

Happy New Year, everyone!! Join Julie, Kitty, Jen, and Kate as they talk about what they enjoy about Takarazuka revue shows, their directors, and some of their favorite shows. (Jen is a liiiitle late getting this posted, so you’ll see the news section is out of date. Ahahahah.) We’d love to hear from you about … Continue reading Episode 50: Revue Reviews

Join Kate and Jen as they talk about things and shows from Takarazuka that give them comfort and distraction. Then let us know how Takarazuka has been comforting you over the past few months! Happy Things: Haikara-san: Here Comes Miss Modern Miyume Himari’s Twitter Cher’s 1-man West Side Story Shows Mentioned: Guys and Dolls (2002) … Continue reading Episode 49: Takarazuka – Comfort and Distraction

Join Julie, Kate, Kitty, Jenn, and Jen, as they tackle the toughest question of all: “Cuddle, marry, or ignore?” How about you? Would you answer any of these tough questions any differently? Or do you have a challenging trio of your own? Please share with us below in the comments! Happy Things Mentioned in This … Continue reading Episode 48: Cuddle, Marry, Ignore

We would like to make a clear statement regarding information that has come to light about a former member of our podcast. We believe that all individuals are free to hold beliefs of their choice and vote as their conscience dictates. However, we also stand against racism and discrimination in all forms, and for all … Continue reading A statement from the members of the podcast

Join Jenn, Julie, Kate, and Kitty as they translate and talk about some of the “Messages from the Stars” that the Takarazuka Revue has been posting lately: YouTube Playlist. (Please excuse a somewhat “noisy” recording. As always, things are a bit crazy in Quarantine.) What have been some of your favorite messages so far? Please … Continue reading Special 19: Messages from the Stars

Thanks to many requests here in the blog, on Tumblr, and on Twitter, we have some quiz games headed your way. First up: Play along with Lella, Kitty, Jenn, and Julie and test your esoteric Takarazuka revue show theme song knowledge! Don’t cheat, but if you want to double-check your answers after playing, here is … Continue reading Special #18: Revue Theme Song Quiz Game!

Join Heidi and Lella as they talk about a favorite small-theater show and give it some tough love. (Warning: Plot spoilers) Have you seen The Robbers? What did you think of it? Things Mentioned in This Show: Die Räuber (TakaWiki) Emao Yuu (TakaWiki) Instagram live with Sakiko Takarazuka Revue Company Official YouTube Channel Takarazuka chat … Continue reading Episode 47: Die Räuber

Join Kate and Jen as they talk about the many definitions of a “Golden Combi”, and some of their favorite otokoyaku and musumeyaku pairs. We won’t give them away ahead of time. See if you can guess from the sound clips!

Join Becca, Julie, and Jen as we talk about the movie “Casablanca”, the Takarazuka musical “Casablanca”, the controversies, stories about the show, the shinko, H1N1, engagements, and lots of other things I’m no doubt forgetting. Then drop a line below to let us know your Casablanca stories or thoughts! Things We Mention In the Podcast: … Continue reading Episode 45: Looking Back at “Casablanca”

Julie and Jen chat about all the recent show and actress news, speculate, and ramble a bit. Join us for a lighthearted break in the World of Dreams! Please join in in the comments below! We’d love to know what you are all thinking as well. Links to things mentioned in this podcast:Clip of Anastasia … Continue reading Episode 44: Spring 2020 News and Speculation

Just a quick check-in on how the Coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting the Takarazuka Revue, officially and unofficially, and a quick comparison to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in Japan. If you have more news to share, please do in the comments below!

Happy New Year! (The year of the Rat is almost here!) In this episode, Heidi, Jen, and Lella talk about Mirio’s career in Takarazuka. Please share your memories and thoughts in the comments! Links: KEN-ON ( 研音 ) talent agency website (Japanese only – She doesn’t have a profile page up yet)Asumi Rio profile on … Continue reading Episode 43: Farewell to Asumi Rio

Carly, Jenn & Julie talk about Kurenai Yuzuru and Kisaki Airi’s Takarazuka careers, leading up to their retirement on 10/13/19. LINKS: Ranno Hana’s Twitter & InstagramGOD OF STARS Script (Translation by hoshigomi)Kurenai YuzuruKisaki Airi

Although it was recorded in May, due to bad audio the posting of this episode was postponed until now. We were unable to correct the bad audio, but have now decided to post the episode in spite of this. However, as a result, all of the ‘happy things’ and news are outdated. Yuzuka Rei has … Continue reading Episode 41: Casanova and Farewell to Senna Ayase

Sadly, award-winning playwright and director Shibata Yukihiro passed away on July 19th. We recorded a short episode to honor him. Do you have any Shibata-sensei shows you particularly enjoy? Or memories of the man? Please share them in the comments! Links to things mentioned in this Podcast: FNS “USA” DA PUMP x Takarazuka Revue Houzuki … Continue reading Episode 40: Farewell Shibata Yukihiro

Join Carly and special guest/Hoshigumi fan Maizy for a discussion of Hoshigumi’s 3 most recent productions! LINKS: Nanami Hiroki’s InstagramYuzuki Reon’s upcoming show on ice “Hyoen” SHOWS DISCUSSED: Beside the Foggy Elbe/EstrellasBeside the Foggy Elbe (1983)Man from Algiers/EstrellasKamatari

The 1960s saw the Takarazuka Revue reach its 50th anniversary. It also saw the first Broadway musicals performed by the Revue, and an influx of all things 60s! Photos from “70 Years of the Takarazuka Revue” publication (1984) Songs Used in This Podcast All songs from the “Takarazuka Revue – After the War” CD Collection … Continue reading Special #16: “The Flowering of the Musical” (1960s)

Sorry this one is so late coming out! We originally recorded it back at the end of November, which is why some time references may seem a little off. But even late, we wanted to share our love! Join Kitty, Lella, and Jen as they discuss Star Troupe news and then share their love of … Continue reading Episode 38: Farewell Manaki Reika (and Touka Yurino)

We bring you this episode at long last after many rounds of re-dos and technical difficulties! Join Lella, Julie, Heidi, and Jenn for an extensive chat about Cosmos Troupe’s Spring Grand Theater show ‘The Sky Is On The Banks Of The Red River’ and ‘Citrus Breeze: Sunrise’. It’s kind of a long one, but it’s … Continue reading Episode 37: Red River / Citrus Breeze -Sunrise-

Hi everyone! On this episode, Carly and guest violetposies talk about understudies in Takarazuka, and the understudy performances that took place during this year’s Elisabeth. CLARIFICATION: we mention that Grand Hotel was at the same time as Rurouni Kenshin, but they weren’t running simultaneously; they took place at roughly the same time of year but … Continue reading Episode 36: Understudies

Hi all! A short episode continuing the history of the Takarazuka Revue, this time focusing on the 1950s. Please enjoy, and don’t forget to join the conversation on the blog, Facebook, or Twitter! Thanks! Sources for this podcast episode: 「夢を描いて　華やかに」(Painting Dreams Gloriously: Takarazuka Revue’s 80th Anniversary)  ISBN 4-924333-11-5 「すみれ花歳月を重ねて」(Gathering Up the Years of the Violets: … Continue reading Special #15: The Golden Age of Takarazuka (1950s)

Here is a very tired but enthusiastic bunch of fans reporting on the latest “World of Dreams” North American tour. It was so much fun! Thank you to Sakiko, Aube, J. College, and all of the people who made this show possible. Including, of course, the lovely ladies who came back to perform yet again … Continue reading Special #14: Montréal “World of Dreams”!

Join Carly and Jen as they talk about the shows Carly has seen over the last few months. Shows Discussed in This Podcast: Company / Baddy The Sky Is on the Banks of the Red River / Citrus Breeze -Sunrise- Another World / Killer Rouge Arch of Triumph / Gato Bonito!! Messiah / Beautiful Garden … Continue reading Episode 35: Catching Up on 2018!

This was such a fun episode to put together, and I hope some of our listeners enjoy it! Sorry for the long wait, but hopefully we’ll have some more new episodes for you soon! In the 1920s, otokoyaku (male-role players) had not yet begun to cut their hair short, and instead bound it up out … Continue reading Special #12: The War Years (1930s and 1940s)

Aaaand, we’re back with more quiz show goodness! This time we are super excited that we managed to get a lot of the crew together, so please join Anna, Carly, Elin, Jen, Kitty, and Julie and play along at home. Apologies, there were a lot of technical difficulties, which means that although we recorded this … Continue reading Special #11: Trivia Quiz!

(Correction: Senka really got rid of the sub-categories in the early 80s, not late 60s.) Links to Things Mentioned In the Podcast: Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Wikipedia) Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (Japanese site) OSK Revue (official site) OSK Revue fan blog (tumblr) Jen’s ancient and out-of-date OSK … Continue reading Episode 34: Senka （専科）

Join Carly, Heidi, and Lella for a recap of recent news and an in-depth report of Cosmos Troupe’s recent production of West Side Story in Tokyo. LINKS: West Side Story: Tokyo International Forum cast Takarazuka Journal review of West Side Story (Japanese) Carly’s translation of the program special talk West Side Story special edition Le … Continue reading Episode 33: West Side Story

Join Jen and Julie for some top star musumeyaku love. Present and past star love, with a bit of talk about musumeyaku fandom. (This was recorded the weekend just before Chapi’s retirement was announced, which is why we don’t mention it at all.) PS – Okay! Email us with trivia questions for our game at … Continue reading Episode 32: Musumeyaku

A round table episode with a bunch of the fans who came to see World of Dreams in Seattle, recorded live at the after party. Along with Carly, Jen, and Heidi, a special appearance of Erin’s voice! Also many thanks to Al, Amelia, Connie, Gen, Karin, Maizy, Megan, Rachel and everyone for sharing their many … Continue reading Special #10: World of Dreams

Come join Carly, Heidi, and Jen and pit yourself against some crazy Takarazuka song trivia! Can you name the singer, year, show and (toughest of all) song title? All are from Grand Theater shows from 2000-2017, sung by the top star. Don’t be shy, let us know how you did in the comments! (Don’t cheat… … Continue reading Special #9: Quiz Game!

Join Julie, Kitty, Heidi, and Carly for a love-filled tribute to retiring Cosmos Troupe top star Asaka Manato! WARNING: contains Land of the Gods/Classical Bijoux spoilers. LINKS: Kitty’s translations Rose scene – Dream Kingdom Asaka Manato/Misaki Rion farewell talk translation ACTRESSES MENTIONED: Asaka Manato (Maakun) Serika Toa (Kiki) Misaki Rion (Mirion) Kotobuki Tsukasa SHOWS MENTIONED: … Continue reading Episode 31: Asaka Manato

This week Heidi, Lella, and Carly talk in-depth about traveling to Japan to see Takarazuka and the various ways you can procure tickets, both official and secondhand. Helpful links: Transportation: airfarewatchdog.com Hopper japan-rail-pass.com willerexpress.com/en/ PASMO/SUICA cards General Accommodations: booking.com APA Hotels MyStays Airbnb Hostels in Takarazuka: Takara-ya Renoir Pucchi House Official tickets: English ticket site … Continue reading Episode 30: Visiting Japan and Buying Tickets

Join Carly, Julie, and Jen as they tackle that most exotic of Takarazuka musical genres: the nihonmono. A bit of a rambling summary of Japanese history, a bit about favorite motifs, what’s to love about nihonmono, and a loooong bit about some of our favorites! (Jen apologizes for her incoherent rambling in this episode.) Things … Continue reading Episode 29: Nihonmono

Becca, Carly, Jen, and Soragumi expert Julie (in her first recorded episode!) talk about the history of Cosmos troupe! Correction: Julie mentioned that Aran Kei only guest starred in Soragumi during Phantom, but she also appeared in Lightning in the Daytime. Links to things mentioned in the podcast: Visual for Ryuu Masaki’s album Official Takarazuka … Continue reading Episode 28: Cosmos Troupe (宙組)

Carly, Jen, and Julie talk TakaWiki: Where it came from, why we love it, why English-language fandom is awesome, and why you should not be scared to contribute! Fandom meta splurge❤ (Julie is a new member of the podcast. Check out up-coming ep #28 for her self intro. She wants to add an apology for … Continue reading Special #7: TakaWiki

A farewell to Snow Troupe’s Top Stars Sagiri Seina and Sakihi Miyu. Let us know what you love about Chigi and Miyu in the comments below! (And stay with us through the very end of this ep, because Carly and Chems added an addendum!) Links to Things Mentioned in the Podcast: “Matoyakyoku” commercial (Sou Kazuho … Continue reading Episode 27: Sagiri Seina & Sakihi Miyu

Join Becca, Lella, and Jen as they try to stay on topic and … mostly succeed? PLUS, fun news out of Seattle! Let us know your thoughts on the upcoming shows! Links: Addams Family Arkadia Embraced by the Seas of Calista Fashionable Girl Passing By Golden Desert (Konjiki no Sabaku) Land of the Gods Om … Continue reading Special #6: Upcoming Schedule Chatter

Additions: We mentioned Shion Yuu being ill or injured. Research on Wikipedia says that what happened was that she injured her Achilles tendon during rehearsals for Ephemeral Love. She was out for that entire Grand Theater run and the following national tour, but after rehabilitation came back for the Tokyo run. Wikipedia also confirms that … Continue reading Episode 26: Star Troupe (星組)

Lella has no excuses to offer as to the lateness of this episode, so all the happy things are from February. Kitty, Lella and Garnet talk about the colourful Cosmos Troupe show Oohi no Yakata / VIVA! FESTA! Links: Oohi no Yakata @takawiki Shonichi video @youtube (first day) Stage photos [1] [2] [3] [4] @tumblr Wind Over Yamataikoku promos … Continue reading Episode 25: Oohi no Yakata (Chateau de la Reine) / VIVA! FESTA!

A little late now, but here’s a roundup of all the big news in Takarazuka recently! NOTE: Lella mentions that Kurenai Yuzuru said doing Scarlet pimpernel was “hitokakera no yume.” This is a reference to Percy’s big song in the show, “Hitokakera no Yuuki” – “A Piece of Courage.” So Beni was saying this role … Continue reading Episode 24: March News

This episode of Moon Troupe flail is brought to you by Garnet, Kitty and Lella. Links: Grand Hotel @takawiki [ad] [press conference] @youtube Stage Photos [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] @tumblr Grand Hotel Film @wikipedia The Legend of King Arthur @takawiki Passion: Jose and Carmen @takawiki Grand Hotel (1993) @takawiki Alice’s Lover @takawiki … Continue reading Special #5: Grand Hotel / Carousel Rondo

Some not-at-all-official advice and gossip from Elin, Lella, Becca, and Jen. Finally managed to get all our time zones lined up again!

Join Becca, Carly, and Jen for a discussion of Snow Troupe, past and present! Correction: Jen refers to a “Junko in Hoshigumi,” by which she means Ema Naoki who is now in Senka, not Hoshigumi. XD Habit…. Links to things mentioned: Scarlet Pimpernel cast comparison chart (via @cotoyumi_star on Twitter) Otozuki Kei’s OG reunion Instagram … Continue reading Episode 22: Snow Troupe (雪組)

Links: Elisabeth 2014 @takawiki e-meersie‘s Musical Analysis of Elisabeth (leitmotifs) (part 1) (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5) (part 6) (part 7) (part 8) H.P. Lovecraft @wikipedia Takarasiennes: (listed in the order of first mention) Asumi Rio ‘Mirio’ @takawiki Ranno Hana @takawiki Hokushou Kairi ‘Micchan’ @takawiki Nana Kurara @takawiki Nozomi Fuuto ‘Daimon’ @takawiki Serika Toa ‘Kiki’ @takawiki Yabuki … Continue reading Elisabeth Revue Corner Special #8: Flower 2014

Links: Elisabeth 2009 @takawiki Takarasiennes: (listed in the order of first mention) Sena Jun ‘Asako’ @takawiki Nagina Ruumi ‘Kacha’ @takawiki Ryuu Masaki ‘Masao/Masaki’ @takawiki Kiriya Hiromu ‘Kiriyan’ @takawiki Ryouga Haruhi @takawiki Aoki Izumi @takawiki Asumi Rio ‘Mirio’ @takawiki Hazakura Shizuku @takawiki Shirosaki Ai @takawiki Seijou Kaito ‘Magee’ @takawiki Koshino Ryuu @takawiki Ranno Hana @takawiki Shimon Yuria @takawiki … Continue reading Elisabeth Revue Corner Special #7: Moon 2009

Links: Elisabeth 2007 @ TakaWiki The Brothers Karamazov @ TakaWiki Takarasienne: Mizu Natsuki @ TakaWiki Shirahane Yuri ‘Tonami’ @ TakaWiki Ayabuki Mao ‘Yumiko’ @ TakaWiki Otozuki Kei ‘Kimu’ @ TakaWiki Ouki Kaname @ TakaWiki Mirai Yuuki ‘Hamako’ @ TakaWiki Miho Keiko @ TakaWiki Saou Kurama ‘Koma’ @ TakaWiki Ootsuki Sayu ‘Nacchan’ @ TakaWiki Aihara Mika … Continue reading Elisabeth Revue Corner Special #6: Snow 2007

CORRECTION: The first PUCK was in the 90s, not the 80s. XD In This Podcast: Tamaki Ryou love (+ Manaki Reika) Top Star stats What’s making us happy in Takarazuka lately Short Sendai travelogue (not really, kinda) Addendum to our discussion, as promised: Tamaki Ryou is listed as having gone to Hikarigaoka Girl’s High School … Continue reading Episode 9: Tamaki Ryou is the Next Top Star of Moon Troupe!