In a remarkable achievement, 40 students have successfully gained admission to the prestigious Takarazuka Music School in Hyogo Prefecture, overcoming an acceptance rate of 11.75 to 1. This year's incoming class, known as the 113th cohort, includes only one successful applicant from Tochigi Prefecture, Sayako Sato, a graduate of Tochigi Girls' High School.
At the entrance ceremony held on April 18, 2025, Principal Hiromi Murasame emphasized the importance of adapting to changing times in education. He stated, "We want to change what needs to be changed to match the times," while encouraging the new students to "respect each other and work hard together." Sato, who served as the representative of the new students, expressed her determination with heartfelt words, pledging to uphold the school's values.
"In accordance with the teachings of purity, honesty, and beauty, we will respect each other, work hard together, and strive to make progress in the unlimited world of art so that we can become respectable stage performers," Sato declared during her speech. The ceremony was marked by smiles and excitement, as the students sang the school song with pride, marking the beginning of their journey in the performing arts.
Sato's path to Takarazuka was not easy. Her passion for performance ignited in elementary school when she participated in a citizen-participation musical, where she had the opportunity to perform alongside former Takarazuka stars. Inspired by their talent, she decided to pursue a career in the performing arts. In her fifth year of elementary school, she entered the research department of the 'Ashikaga Musical,' led by former Takarazuka star Kiwa Kozima. Sato trained rigorously, honing her skills in dance and singing.
However, the journey was fraught with challenges. The Takarazuka Music School only permits entrance exams from the completion of junior high school until the third year of high school, limiting candidates to a maximum of four attempts. Sato faced three consecutive failures before her final attempt in her second year of high school. Undeterred, she dedicated herself to improving her interview skills, which she had struggled with, while intensifying her practice in dance and singing.
Her hard work paid off, and she triumphed against the odds, successfully passing the rigorous selection process. "At first, I couldn't believe it," she exclaimed, reflecting on her acceptance. Following her success, Sato visited Kazuhiko Oshima, the Superintendent of Education for the Ashikaga City Board of Education, to share her achievement and aspirations. "I want to become a leading actress in Takarazuka," she stated passionately.
New student Nagatani Kawai also shared her excitement about joining the school, expressing her joy at finally singing the Takarazuka Music School song, which she had admired for so long. "I am very happy to be able to sing the Takarazuka Music School song, which I have always admired," she said with a beaming smile.
Another new student, Sarasa Aoki, expressed her amazement at being part of the esteemed institution. "When I was in my hometown (Chiba Prefecture), people would say, 'Takarazuka!? Takarazuka... But now that I'm here, it really says Takarazuka, so every day is a happy one,'" Aoki shared, reflecting on her journey.
The new students at Takarazuka Music School will embark on an intensive two-year training program, focusing on vocal music, ballet, and Japanese dance, all aimed at preparing them for their long-anticipated stage debut. This rigorous training is designed to cultivate their talents and transform them into skilled performers, ready to grace the stages of Japan.
As these young hopefuls take their first steps into the world of performing arts, they carry with them dreams and aspirations, united by their passion for theater and performance. The Takarazuka Music School, known for its unique all-female revue, has a storied history of producing some of Japan's most celebrated performers, and this new cohort is poised to continue that legacy.
With the support of their peers and mentors, these students will face the challenges ahead with determination and creativity, embodying the spirit of Takarazuka. Their journey is just beginning, and the world will be watching as they strive to make their mark in the vibrant world of Japanese theater.
