Best of Takarazuka

A selection of classic Takarazuka stage plays adapted into comics by veteran authors. Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Takarazuka Revue, this limited edition reissue is available exclusively in the first edition!

A reprint of a best-of selection of lost masterpieces, perfect for both Takarazuka fans and shojo manga fans. Takarazuka's famous stage plays, performed countless times, are back in comic form. The adaptations are by renowned authors, a luxurious collaboration you'll never see again. This volume features four carefully selected works. The cover is a newly reissued edition with a beautiful illustration by Makoto Takahashi. Whether you're nostalgic for the old shows or have seen recent productions, read this and relive those moving moments!

▼Works Included "Hoshikage no Hito" (Illustrations by Kyoko Takeda, Story by Yukihiro Shibata) This work was once performed by the golden duo of Natsuko Minami and Rei Asami, and was also revived in 2007 with a stage performance starring Natsuki Mizu, Kei Otozuki, Yuri Shiraha, and Kaname Ouki. This is Kyoko Takeda's first attempt at a period piece. It tells the story of the fleeting love of Okita Souji, a genius swordsman who lived a short life.

"The Poppy" (Art by Masako Watanabe, Story by Tetsuzo Shirai) This masterpiece has been performed in the past by Yachiyo Kasugano, Kaoru Yachigusa, and Kayo Sumika, and for the Takarazuka Revue's 60th anniversary, it was performed by numerous stars, including Ran Ohtori, Jun Anna, Akira Matsu, and Mihachi Setouchi. In 2010, it was also performed by Sei Matobu, Ichiho So, and Mana Asagiri. This grand Chinese romance depicts the fate of a woman loved by two opposing heroes.

"The Rainbow Music Box Factory" (Art by Hiroshi Asuna, Story by Shiro Takagi) A rare Takarazuka musical set in modern Japan, this delightful piece is said to be groundbreaking, capturing the social climate of the early 1960s. The leading roles are played by the orthodox handsome Hoshizora Hikaru and Wataru Nachi. The artwork is by legendary manga artist Hiroshi Asuna, whose delicate, lyrical style has influenced many manga artists.

"My Love Is Beyond the Mountains" (Illustrations by Yoko Kosakabe, Story by Shinji Ueda) Based on Naoki Prize-winning author Keiichi Ito's "Elegy of the Setting Sun," this is Takarazuka's first Korean warlord story, written by Shinji Ueda and directed by Kazuo Hasegawa. This legendary stage production gave birth to the golden trio of Ohtori Ran, Ohara Masumi, and Anna Jun. Since then, top stars such as Mine Saori, Toshiyuki, Kiriya Taimu, and Ryu Masaki have played the roles. This masterpiece, which premiered in 1971 and won the Arts Festival Excellence Award in its 1984 revival, received rave reviews.