[On-site Report vol.01] Hankyu Corporation (Takarazuka Revue) ~To a “stage open to everyone”~

The present and future of Takarazuka Revue’s appreciation support
Hankyu Corporation (Tokyo Takarazuka Theater)

Takarazuka Opera is working to enhance viewing support based on the philosophy of “I want a wide range of audiences, young and old, men and women to see it.” In FY2025, using the Tokyo Arts and Culture Appreciation Support Subsidy System, new support for the deaf and hard of hearing was introduced for the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater performance “GUYS AND DOLLS”.

The center of this initiative was the introduction of hearing aids (FM-based magnetic induction loops). Three types of assistive devices, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, are available for loan at all 56 performances. It is now possible to have a uniform sound experience in all seats in the theater, greatly improving convenience compared to the conventional infrared method. Users have commented that “the sound has become louder and I can hear the lines” and “I enjoyed the stage more”.

In addition, a rental service for viewing support tablets that allow you to view text information such as performers’ lines is also continuously provided.

This tablet is used at both Takarazuka Grand Theater (Hyogo Prefecture) and Tokyo Takarazuka Theater (Tokyo), and in 2025, there will be about 200 uses from January to October, and some of them will be loaned out for more than 40 theaters in the East and West theaters combined. The text information contains not only dialogue, but also sound effects and chorus singing, making it an important means of understanding the flow of the stage for audiences who cannot obtain sound information.

As a response to the visually impaired, the Sapie Library (an Internet library that provides audio and Braille books for the visually impaired) is providing audio for the performance program. The system that allows you to obtain performer information and scene overview by voice functions as an information guarantee before visiting the theater. In addition, the official Takarazuka Revue website has a barrier-free information page, which includes information that can be checked before visiting, such as the presence of ramps and the height of tables in the restaurants (Takarazuka Grand Theater) and café corners (Tokyo Takarazuka Theater) with photos.

Behind these efforts is Takarazuka Revue’s attitude of aiming to be a “theater where everyone can come with peace of mind.” Yoshiaki Kurihara, general manager of the opera division of Hankyu Corporation, said in an interview:

“Since the theater attracts more than 2,000 people in a single performance, we want to be a theater where everyone can come with peace of mind, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.

Kurihara positions viewing support as “not just an aid, but a foundation that supports the future of theater culture.” If you introduce a new service, you will receive a voice saying “I want you to do more like this” next time. It is also proof that the audience has high expectations for the theater.

“We are conscious of a system that can be imitated by other theaters by using things that can be used by anyone and anywhere, rather than special equipment.

Takarazuka Opera offers a variety of viewing forms, including not only theater performances, but also live streaming, on-demand distribution, and live viewing at movie theaters. Currently, support is not provided for all of them, but we are looking for ways to provide support according to each of them. Recently, UD Talk has been used to transcribe stage greetings in real time, and by registering words in advance, the accuracy has been improved, and the same information has been delivered not only to theaters but also to live streaming viewers.

“In order to somehow realize that ‘there is support at any time’, we are preparing with an emphasis on speed, using data and deliverables generated during the production process so that we can provide support from the first day of the performance.”

Kurihara’s words show an awareness of the problem of how to deliver performances to everyone who visits the theater. Takarazuka Opera’s appreciation support is not just technical support, but also an attempt to re-examine the very nature of theater services. We are steadily advancing our efforts to realize a society where everyone can experience art and culture with peace of mind.