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Izuru AMASE

Izuru AMASE was one of the stars of the Takarazuka Revue and Japan Expo is delighted to welcome her again and to invite you to discover shows halfway between musicals and theatre, which she will be performing alongside several other members of the troupe!

Posted on March 18, 2019

Biography

Izuru AMASE used to be one of the stars of the Takarazuka Revue. It has existed for more than a hundred years and is part of Japan’s cultural heritage. It is unique all over the world, being only composed of women.

In 1995, at her third attempt, Izuru AMASE passed the entrance exam for the music school belonging to the Takarazuka Revue and ranked first. After two years, she joined the 83rd promotion of the Takarazuka Revue.

Takarazuka has five troupes: Hana (flower), Tsuki (moon), Yuki (snow), Hoshi (star), Sora (cosmos). The members are all sent to one of them. In 1998, Izuru AMASE joined the Yuki (snow) troupe.

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After only two years, she was chosen for many important parts. Her male parts most of all made her very popular: she became the star of otokoyaku. In 2004, she performed her first female part, musumeyaku, which was also a success.

Izuru AMASE left the Takarazula Revue in 2009 and now works with several theatres. She presided over the school preparing girls to join Takarazuka and shared her knowledge as a lecturer.

Come admire Takarazuka theatre with one of its stars performing on stage: Izuru AMASE is back at Japan Expo, with several actresses to introduce you to this unique show, halfway between musical and theatre! She will also be meeting you at signings and a panel.

Takarazuka

You may know about kabuki theatre, only played by male actors. In this way, Takarazuka is its exact opposite, the troupe being only composed of women playing both female and male parts.

The plays and musicals of the troupe are inspired from various sources, Japanese or Western, ancient or modern. Many plays are even set in France! Why is that so? Simply because Takarazuka theatre finds its roots in French literature and theatre.

In Japan, there are two types of shows: musicals of about 90 minutes and theatre plays of about 60 minutes. The company now has about 400 members (called "students"), divided into five troupes performing all year round.

The Revue’s cradle is set in the city of Takarazuka, in Hyôgo prefecture. There is also a Takarazuka theatre in Tokyo, in Hibiya district. All year long, plays and musicals are featured with troupes of about 70 members, all dressed up in costumes and wearing the makeup so special to Takarazuka.

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