Takarazuka Revue has fascinated Japanese theater fans for more than 100 years and has its own theater in Yurakucho, Tokyo. Takarazuka" is not only about the acting and singing of the leading stars of each troupe, the fascinating script and direction, and the gorgeous stage sets, but also about the magnificent stage makeup and costumes that make up the world view. Did you know that there is a photo studio in Minato-ku, Tokyo, where you can "transform" yourself with makeup and costumes and have a professional photo shoot as if you were a Takarazuka Revue star? In this issue, we will introduce the actual experience, including a video!

With the permission of the Takarazuka Revue, a "dream experience" can be had at the Takarazuka Review Photo Studio Tokyo, located in the Daiichi Hotel Tokyo in Shinbashi, Minato-ku. The hotel is located about a 2-minute walk from the Hibiya Exit of JR Shinbashi Station. It is directly connected to the Shinbashi subway station by an underground walkway.

Once you arrive at the hotel, you can start by selecting your garments at the store reception on the first floor.

The replicas of costumes available are six types for the daughter roles: "Elisabeth (Tricolor)," "Elisabeth (Mirror Room)," "Marie Antoinette," "Rosalie," "Christine," and "One Love Woman," and for the male roles: "Tote," "Oscar," "Andre," "Felsen," "Phantom," "One Love Man," "Black The seven types of male roles are "Tote," "Oscar," "Andre," "Felsen," "Phantom," "One Love Man" and "Black Envy. Elisabeth", "The Rose of Versailles", "Phantom"...they are all characters from works that are very dear to my heart. I'd love to experience both male and female roles, and I can't pick just one!

...and if you are a Takarazuka Revue fan, you will probably have the same impression. You can decide in advance before the day of the photo shoot, or you can look at sample photos after you arrive at the studio. If you are really unsure, I recommend that you consult with the store staff on the day of the photo shoot to make your choice.

And as for which costume I chose after all the trouble... well, that's something you'll have to wait for later♪

Once costumes are chosen, we will go to a private make-up room. Here you will have your stage makeup applied to give you the "face of a star!

The studio offers two courses: the "Stage Makeup Course" (about 2 hours and 30 minutes) for full makeup, and the "Weekday Light Course" (weekdays only, about 1 hour and 30 minutes) for retouch makeup (fake eyelashes and lipstick for the stage, etc.). This time, I experienced the "Stage Makeup Course. I was really looking forward to having a professional hair stylist do my "stage makeup" just like on a real stage. (For more information on the differences between the two courses, please refer to the official website below.) ) The makeup will be done after you change into a gown provided by the studio, so you are free to wear whatever you like when you come to the studio.

I felt like a star just by having my makeup done in the luxurious illuminated makeup mirror. In fact, I had tried Takarazuka makeup before, but failed because of the difficulty level.... How can I do this part well? I was moved to tears as I watched my transformation with the use of stage cosmetics and doulant (but I don't shed real tears because if I cried, the makeup would fall off!) (But I don't shed real tears because if I cry, my makeup will come off! The students' (Takarazuka Revue members) distinctive double lines were also perfectly set, and I gradually began to feel like a star!

And once the wigs and costumes were put on, the transformation was complete within an hour or so of the start of makeup. Today, I became Elisabeth, a role I have longed for. What do you think, am I becoming her properly?

The photo shoot will take place in a magnificent studio where bridal shoots are usually held for couples who hold their weddings at Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo. When you enter, the photographer and his assistant are already standing by. Beyond them is a back screen reminiscent of a Western palace where Elisabeth would really live.

Of course, I was a little nervous at first since it was my first time to take such a photo shoot, but when I stood in front of the camera, the cameraman gently led the way and put me at ease. Thanks to the staff's lead, my stiffness gradually relaxed and I began to enjoy myself.

On the other hand, there was no compromise in the work of the cameraman, who gave detailed instructions on everything from body movements to hand positions, and the assistants, who worked diligently to make everything from head to foot look beautiful. I felt an atmosphere of professionalism at the site that transcended the impression of the term "impersonation experience.

Among the six shooting patterns in total, there was a cut of a screen that imitated the "Grand Staircase," an indispensable part of the Takarazuka Revue. In addition, a "shanshan" was handed to us as a prop. Oh, I've always wanted to hold one of these....

Some people bring pictures of their favorite stars and request to be photographed in this pose, while others say their lines from the stage," says the photographer. I see. This is a stage prepared for me, and I am the star of the show. It's a dream come true, so let's put aside our shyness and get into it with all our might!

On this day, I also had the opportunity to try on one more costume, that of Rosalie, especially for this interview. Please check out the video clip of this experience.

From the store staff to the hair stylist, and from the hair stylist to the photographer. The process of creating a piece of "me, a star of Takarazuka Revue," while passing the baton from professional to professional, was truly an extraordinary experience. It was a wonderful memory, but on the other hand, when I actually put on the costumes and wigs, I found it difficult to walk naturally and turn my head backwards, and I realized that Takarazuka students sing and dance in such difficult costumes every day. I was able to experience firsthand how amazing Takarazuka Revue is.

The photos selected after the experience were completed about two weeks later. I was enchanted to see myself looking like a star on a Takarazuka Revue poster.

For the stage make-up course, two cabinet-size photos with original violet-colored mounts are included in the course, and photos and goods can be ordered for an additional fee.

Note that this studio is for women only. Many Takarazuka Revue fans visiting from afar come to experience the studio on a two-day and one-night schedule in conjunction with a play at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre in Yurakucho. Although this time it was a one-person experience, it would be an unforgettable experience for a friend or close friend to experience the transformation as a pair.
For those who are looking for souvenirs other than the experience, we recommend the Takarazuka Violet Cookies available at the Le de Brique patisserie in the Daiichi Hotel Tokyo. The cookies made with edible flowers are cute, both the can packaging and the cookies inside, and are sure to win the heart of any Takarazuka Revue fan.

We would like Takarazuka Revue fans to experience the "Takarazuka Revue Star Experience" at least once. Reservations are required online or by phone. For details on reservation methods, fees, and courses, please refer to the Takarazuka Review Photo Studio Tokyo official website below.

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Takarazuka Review Photo Studio Tokyo
https://www.hankyu-hotel.com/hotel/dh/dhtokyo/contents/takarazuka_photo_studio