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Hyogo Prefecture Planning a Statue to Celebrate Takarazuka Revue's 100th Anniversary
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, the home of Japan's famous all-female Takarazuka Revue musical troupe is planning a commemorative statue to celebrate the troupe's 100th anniversary. Three designs were voted on by city residents. A total of 698 votes were cast and the winner received 497 votes. The local government will install the winning design (pictured right) near the Hankyu Railway's Takarazuka Station.
The station plays an important part in Takarazuka history. Hankyu Railways founder Ichizo Kobayashi also founded the Revue in 1913. Kobayashi wanted to bring more visitors to the hot-spring town with the promise of an all-female singing and dancing group and thus raising his own profits through selling more train tickets. The group would perform its first number, "Donburako" based on the folktale "Momotaro" — and the rest is beautiful, costumed history.
The bronze statue depicting a top star with her hand around the waist of her elegant co-star will measure 2.3 meters (about 7.5ft) high, including the base. Construction should be finished in August after construction delays to the whole location pushed the date back from this spring.
In total, the project will cost 12 million yen (about US$101,915). The local government will accept donations from Takarazuka citizens and fans of the Revue.
The iconic Revue has put on shows based on anime and manga properties with its all-female cast including Legend of Galactic Heroes, Sengoku Basara, Jin, and The Rose of Versailles. The group is adapting Lupin the 3rd for the first time this year.
Source: The Asahi Shimbun
