Takarazuka Shopping
These days getting Takarazuka videos and CDs is exceedingly difficult outside Japan - they are not carried by regular distributors (believe me, I've tried) and the company itself doesn't want them sold overseas (For more info and shopping suggestions, go to my Misc. Page.)
What I have here is a listing of books, mooks, OG (retired star) goods, etc. that ARE carried by regular distributors - but still aren't always easy to find. In addition, recently SOME current Takarazuka CDs have started showing up through regular websites (lets hope this continues!)
I chose to work with YesAsia because their site is in English, they ship worldwide, and they have a decent selection. However, they don't have a Takarazuka goods "section" and their romanization can make things hard to find (takarazuka pa sonaru butsuku, anyone?) I hope the links below will be helpful.
Go to YesAsia
NEWEST RELEASES
Aran Kei Stage HistoryThis small (in height, anyway) book features information on Aran Kei's Takarazuka career, including brief info on every show she's ever been in. There's also a few rehearsal photos, but the main draw of the book is the long interview (divided into five sections) that discusses her entire Takarazuka career.
Fever: Mizu Natsuki Photo Book
Offstage photo book featuring Snow Troupe top star Mizu Natsuki. The book blurb promises the photos show off her "danydism".
Aqua Feel Aqua Soul (Aqua 5 CD single)
The second release from Snow Troupe otokoyaku "boy band" Aqua 5. Three tracks, plus karaoke versions of each: "Aqua Feel Aqua Soul", "You are my Precious", and "Kotoba ni Dekinai." Availabe in either a regular CD-only release, or in a Special Edition with a bonus DVD.
Le Cinq 100th Issue Commemorative Special
For the 100th issue (!!) of Takarazuka's stage photo magazine, they did a special issue with collections of cover photos, spotlights on all the top stars and "seconds", and more.
The Takarazuka IV: Moon Troupe
Second in the latest series of books focusing on individual troupes: Moon Troupe! And luckily photographed early enough to include recently retired top musumeyaku Ayano Kanami! Stage photos, interviews, surveys, and profiles on every single troupe member. Preview on Hankyu Books.
Sen no Kaze ni Natte: AYANO Kanami Crystal Dream CD
This CD was released in honor of the retirement of Moon Troupe top musumeyaku star Ayano Kanami - it's very rare for a musumeyaku to get a release like this (Ayano may well be the first...) Includes 5 tracks: "Sen no Kaze ni Natte", "Once You Lose Your Heart", "Grown-Up Christmas List" (in English), "Itsumo Nandemo", and a bonus track of "Grown-Up Christmas List" sung in Japanese.
Takarazuka Revue 2008
Every year these follow the same basic formula, yet still manage to be endlessly fascinating to fans: Photoshoots and interviews with each troupe's major stars, show guides, and so on. Preview on Hankyu Books.
CD single with studio recordings of the theme songs for the two shows - two tracks, plus two karaoke tracks.
2007 Takarazuka Revue Theme Songs Collection
If you like the single songs, but don't want to have a whole stack of little tiny disks (and don't care about getting karaoke tracks...) waiting for the annual theme song collection to come out is a good plan, if you can handle the wait. Every year the Collection includes all the studio tracks from the single releases for shows from that year. The 2007 collection features Snow troupe's Elisabeth, Star Troupe's El Halcon/Revue Orchis, and many more! So many, in fact, that this year it's being released as two-disk set (usually it's only one disk)!
Miroir: Grand Theater Live CD
Full-length live recording of the 2008 Snow Troupe revue "Miroir", starring Mizu Natsuki and Shirahane Yuri. It's still a bit of a thrill to see live CDs of current shows available on YesAsia.
Me and My Girl Theme Song CD
This is the single, with studio recorded versions of the main songs, rather than the full live CD. There are four songs, plus karaoke versions of each: "Me and My Girl" sung by Sena Jun & Ayano Kanami, "Love Makes the World Go 'Round" sung by Kiriya Hiromu, "Leaning on a Lamppost" sung by Sena Jun, and "Lambeth Walk" sung by Sena Jun and Ayano Kanami. This is a great show with great music!
Piano Sounds CD: Reimei no Kaze/Passion: Ai no Tabi
Well, this would have been exciting if there weren't real CD single releases already on YesAsia. This is a CD of the theme songs to the 2008 Cosmos show Reimei no Kaze/Passion: Ai no Tabi - but beware! It is the "Piano Sounds" version, which means it is just the songs played on piano, with no vocal tracks. I'm really not into these CDs myself, but I suppose it'd tide you over until the "real" CD was released...
Revue Orchis: Ran no Hoshi: Star Troupe Grand Theater Live Performance CD
Even better than CD singles, is this live full-length CD of Revue Orchis, performed in late 2007 by Star Troupe. Features Aran Kei, Toono Asuka, Yuzuki Reon, Tatsuki You, Suzumi Shio, and many more. This show had a tango theme, so expect some good tango music, in addition to Aran's always phenomenal singing. (Note: a couple songs were cut from the disk for copyright reasons.)
Star Troupe Theme Song Single: El Halcon/Revue Orchis
If I was excited when the Snow Troupe single (below) became available, I was in thrills of ecstacy to see that the trend was indeed continuing, and that this single of my favorite play by my favorite actress was available for pre-order. This CD single features songs from the Star Troupe show El Halcon/Revue Orchis, performed in late 2007/early 2008 by Star Troupe. It features the songs "El Halcon", sung by Aran Kei, "Nanatsu no Umi, Nanatsu no Sora" sung by Aran Kei, Toono Asuka, and Yuzuki Reon, and "Revue Orchis" sung by Yuzuki Reon. I may be biased, but these are all great singers, so I expect this to be a very enjoyable CD.
Snow Troupe Theme Song Single: Kimi o Aishiteru: Je t'aime/Miroir
I was very excited to see this CD available on YesAsia - this is the first time I've seen a CD single for a current Takarazuka show listed! I hope it continues to be a trend. This is the CD single for the show Kimi o Aishiteru: Je t'aime/Miroirs performed in early 2008 by Snow Troupe. The CD contains the songs "Kimi o Aishite iru" sung by Mizu Natsuki & Shirahane Yuri, "Saakasu Tamashii" sung by the whole troupe, "Miroir" sung by Ayabuki Mao, and a special Aqua5 song "AQUA no Hoshi" that was featured in the revue. It's very unusual for a theme song CD to contain so many tracks!
Christmas Present CD
Released in time for X-Mas 2007, this sweet CD has songs by all the current top and "second" otokoyaku, the top musumeyaku, and a couple group numbers. I was surprised by how many of the songs were sung in English, and there were some good Japanese songs that I hadn't heard before, as well as a couple songs I don't normally associate with Christmas (like When You Wish Upon A Star, sung by Ayabuki Mao). This disk comes in both a regular CD-only release, and a special edition with a "making of" DVD with interviews and footage of the performers recording in the studio.
Time to Love: Aqua 5 CD Single
The top five otokoyaku of Snow Troupe have recently been formed into a J-Pop singing group, with a sound similar to Japanese "boy bands." Time to Love is their first CD single, and it's available in a regular version, with just the CD, and a special edition, that includes a 25 minute "making of" DVD. Both versions include the title track in regular and "ballad" versions, as well as a karaoke track of each.
The Takarazuka IV: Star Troupe
This is the fourth series of these Troupe "guidebooks", thus the "IV" in the title. The first release is Star Troupe's, and it features not just the usual (but always enjoyable) top star bios, but profiles on every single member of Star Troupe! A must if you're a fan of a younger performer, or just want to know more about them. Preview on Hankyu Books.
2007 Takarazuka Stage Album
The stage photo book covering the year 2007 includes photos of shows such as Snow Troupe's Elisabeth, Star Troupe's El Halcon/Revue Orchis, Flower Troupe's Black Lizard/Tuxedo Jazz, and everything else performed during the year.
Takarazuka Revue Otome 2007
Takarazuka's annual publication featuring plain portrait-style photos of every performer, along with basic bio information. This year's features Moon Troupe topstar Sena Jun on the cover. Preview on Hankyu Books
Takarazuka Revue 2007
Yet another in the annual guidebooks to Takarazuka, this year's promises the usual interviews with all the top stars and "seconds" as well as a survey of many younger stars, both otokoyaku and musumeyaku. Preview on Hankyu Books
Takarazuka Revue 2005
Part of the series of annual guidebooks. 2005 features a special interview with Todoroki Yuu, musumeyaku "wedding dress" photos with interviews, and the usual Takarazuka info - including tons of photos.
Includes an interview with Todoroki Yuu, another with top "combi" Sena Jun and Ayano Kanami, info on Rose of Versailles and Elisabeth, and the usual "and more".
2005 Takarazuka Otome
THE book for keeping track of current troupe members - but not very visually exciting otherwise. Every member of every troupe gets a passport-esque photo, and a brief bio with nicknames, starting year, favorite color, and so on. I use my Otome to help me read the kanji in the names of stars I don't know well (all the names are spelled out in hiragana.)
Takarazuka 90th Anniversary Daiundoukai
What's "Daiundoukai"? It's like the Olympics for Takarazuka performers - all five troupes, senka, and even the music school students compete in sports events in front of an audience of hundreds. Glory goes to the troupe that wins. This book covers the most recent Daiundoukai and features interviews with the "heros" and photos - including the opening and half-time ceremonies.
Takarazuka Revue 90th Anniversary Book: Sumire Hana Toshi o Kasanete
This is a nifty book if you're completely obsessed with Takarazuka like me. It doesn't have any nice photo shoots or interviews, just lots of data on the last 90 years of Takarazuka. Want to know the name of every single performer ever to enter Takarazuka? They're here listed by year, including which year they retired (kanji only, sadly). How about every show that's been performed in the last 10 years? Here, complete with a little picture of the poster and a list of the major performers. Great fun for the obsessive compulsive.
Takarazuka Revue 2004
Takarazuka's annual series of guidebooks is always an enjoyable mix of star photos, stage photos, and interviews. This year's features a special on the new Takarazuka Sky Stage channel, including an interview with retired star (and now Sky Stage host) Makoto Tsubasa.
Features stage photos from all the year 2006 productions, including Bow Halls and shinjin-kouen.Preview on Hankyu Books
Rose of Versailles Commemorative Book II
Album for the 2006 productions of Rose of Versailles by Star and Snow Troupes. Promises lots of stage photos. Preview on Hankyu Books
Special issue of Takarazuka's stage photo magazine, dedicated to the 2007 TCA Special.
Le Cinq: Sky Stage 5th Annniversary Special
Special issue of Takarazuka's stage photo magazine in honor of Sky Stage's (their dedicated satellite channel) 5th anniversary.
Elisabeth II Book
This book focuses on the recent second production of Elisabeth by Snow Troupe, starring Mizu Natsuki, but also features some information on earlier productions. Preview on Hankyu Books.
Le Cinq: Oklahoma
Special edition of Takarazuka's photo magazine for the recent Moon Troupe Nissei Theater production of "Oklahoma." This showed starred former Snow Troupe top and current senka powerhouse Todoroki Yuu as Curly.
2005 Stage Album
Collection of stage shots from all the 2005 shows - including the TCA Special, Bow Halls, etc.
Le Cinq: TCA Special 2006
Special edition of Takarazuka's photo magazine, this time dedicated to the 2006 TCA Special. This year's theme was "Wonderful Dreams: Hito wa Yume Miru."
Le Cinq: Copacabana (Cosmos)
Special edition of Takarazuka's photo magazine dedicated to the 2006 Cosmos Troupe show, "Copacabana."
Le Cinq: Copacabana (Star)
Special edition of Takarazuka's photo magazine dedicated to the 2006 Star Troupe show, "Copacabana."
2005 Takarazuka Revue in Korea
Memorial album for Star Troupe's recent trip to Korea, during which they performed "Rose of Versailles."
Le Cinq: Golden Steps 1975 kara 2005
Special edition of "Le Cinq" for Takarazuka's special 30th anniversary dance recital for Hayama Kiyomi.
Le Cinq: Ernest in Love
Special edition of "Le Cinq" for the 2005 produciton of Moon Troupe's "Ernest in Love"
2004 Stage Album
Takarazuka's annual photo album of stage shots - everything is here, from all-country tours to shinjin kouens. 2004's highlights include Cosmos Troupe's productions of "Phantom" and "Boxman," and Flower Troupe's "La Esperanza."
Le Cinq: "Gone With the Wind" All Country Tour
Special issue of "Le Cinq" (Takarazuka stage photo magazine) featuring the 2004 Cosmos Troupe tour of "Gone With the Wind" (Kaze to Tomo ni Sarinu).
Le Cinq: Special 90th Anniversary
Special issue of "Le Cinq" (Takarazuka stage photo magazine) featuring both the Grand Theater and Tokyo Theater 2004 TCA Specials in honor of Takarazuka's 90th anniversary.
Le Cinq: "Jawa no Odoriko" All Country Tour
Special issue of "Le Cinq" (Takarazuka stage photo magazine) featuring the 2004 Moon Troupe tour of Jawa no Odoriko.
Moment: Haruno Sumire Sayonara Photo Book
Final photo book for recently retired top star of Flower Troupe, Haruno Sumire. Haruno is an immensely photogenic person, so expect this to be a beautiful book. Preview on Hankyu Books
Personal Book Series Three: Yuzuki Reon
The fifth in the latest series of "Personal Books" for up-and-coming otokoyaku features the popular Yuzuki Reon of Star Troupe. Preview on Hankyu Books
Personal Book Series Three: Otozuki Kei
Fourth in the latest series of Personal Books - this time featuring Otozuki Kei of Snow Troupe. Preview on Hankyu Books
Personal Book Series Three: Matobu Sei
The third in the latest series of personal books features Flower Troupe's Matobu Sei. Preview on Hankyu Books
Personal Book Series Three: Ayabuki Mao
The "Personal Book" series for up-and-coming otokoyaku has been so popular, that we're now on the third set. The first in the new series features my second-favorite-est performer, Ayabuki Mao. This is probably one of my favorite photo books - Yumiko is photographed in a variety of shoots, from sultry pool-shark to grocery shopping, yet her personality shines through in every shot. Preview on Hankyu Books
New Generation
A new photo book featuring many of the up-and-coming young performers in the five troupes. Group and individual interviews and photo sessions. Preview on Hankyu Books
Asami Hikaru Memorial Book
Commemorative book for the now-retired Snow Troupe top. Asami always had an intensity of emotion in her performances that was surprising considering her petite appearance.
Kozuki Wataru Memorial Book
Commemorative book for the retired Star Troupe top star. Promises lots of Wataru pics, from her debut in 1989 right through her retirement. Preview on Hankyu Books
Ayaki Nao digi + Kishin DVD
A special photo DVD for the retired top star of Moon Troupe. Ayaki is probably the most naturally beautiful woman I've ever seen, so expect the photos to be gorgeous.
2002-2005 Kishin Takarazuka Graph
2nd volume of the famous Graph cover and calendar shots by popular photographer Kishin.
2006 Young Star Guide: Musumeyaku
One of the very rare book releases dedicated to musumeyaku. Each musumeyaku gets an interview, short photo shoot, and a few stage photos. A nice chance to learn more about the up-and-coming Takarazuka stars! Preview at Hankyu Books
Mellow: Asami Hikaru Photo Book
2004 Photobook for the now-retired topstar of Snow Troupe. Shot in Kiyosato.
Ayaki Nao Memorial Book
A (mostly) photo book in honor of Moon Troupe top-star Ayaki Nao's retirement. Lots of photos from her 15-year Takarazuka career, as well as personal shots and such. Honestly, memorial books are really fun to look at, because you can see how a performer developed over the years. I'm not quite sure what's up with that swan on the cover, though...
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Kiriya Hiromu
The 7th in the second series of personal book stars one of my favorite performers - Kiriya Hiromu of Moon Troupe. Promised photo shoots include a "Middle School First Love Break-Up" (???) series, as well as the usual monochrome shots and such. She also talks with the much-transferred Mizu Natsuki (now top star of Snow Troupe). Kiriya's quite a character and always takes a good photo.
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Takashiro Kei
The sixth in the second series of star photo books features Snow Troupe's Takashiro Kei (later briefly top star of Cosmos Troupe). We're promised on-location shots at the Hotel Montore Kobe, Spanish "flamenco" shots, a black and white "Christmas Date", and a talk session with Aran Kei (her former Snow Troupe senpai, now top star of Star Troupe.)
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Oozora Yuuhi
The fifth in the second series of star Personal Books is for Moon Troupe's Oozora Yuuhi. Features interviews, photos, and a talk session with Takashiro Kei, then in Snow Troupe.
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Mizu Natsuki
Fourth in the second series of star Personal Books. Mizu Natsuki was once in Flower Troupe, then Cosmos, and finally moved on to Snow Troupe (where she is now top star). This book promises that it's used lots of her ideas for photo sessions. Of course, it also has the usual stage photos and interview. For her talk session, she chats with Sena Jun - who used to be her underclassman in Flower Troupe (and now is top star of Moon Troupe.)
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Yamato Yuuga
The third in the second series of photo books features Cosmos Troupe's Yamato Yuuga. I haven't gotten to see this one yet, but it promises a shoot as Tony from "West Side Story" and a conversation with Kiriya Hiromu from Moon Troupe.
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Sena Jun
The second of the second series of star "Personal Books" features (now) Moon Troupe top star, Sena Jun. This second series of photo books is in a little larger format than the first, with about the same number of pages. Sena photographs marvelously - intense and sexy, or cute and funny by turns. The book features several photo shoots - including a "photo comic" in English - an interview with Sena, and a "Talk" between Sena and her friend Oozora Yuhi from Moon Troupe.
Takarazuka Personal Books Series 2: Aran Kei
The first in the second series of star photo books features my own favorite, Aran Kei of Star Troupe. Lots of gorgeous photos of Touko, including in a wedding tux, along with stage photos, an interview, and a "Talk" with Yamato Yuuga of Cosmos Troupe - who had recently been her co-star for "Singing in the Rain".
Something Cross: Sumire Haruno in UK
Flower Troupe top star Haruno Sumire's exclusive photo book. As suggested by the title, the photos were shot in England.
Wasurena Kimi: Portraits of Takarazuka Revue 1966-2003
Akiyama Shotarou has been taking photographs for fan magazine "Kageki" for nearly 40 years. This book features 81 of his portraits of Takarazuka stars, as well as a gallery of each of his 448 cover shots.
Kishin Takarazuka Graph
This is the book you want if you're after off-stage photos of performers. It is nothing but cover photos from the fan magazine "Takarazuka Graph" reproduced in large format on glossy paper. Beautiful shots of Takarazuka stars taken between 1998 and 2001.
Love and Honor DVD
This recent samurai movie was the film debut for retired top musumeyaku Dan Rei. This Japanese disk is Region 2, but does include English subtitles.
Shizuki Asato: Shizuki Mania Volume 1
Truly a DVD set for the Zunko obsessed. This 4-disk set features several of Shizuki's post-Takarazuka performances and vocal concerts. Includes the 2004 90ths anniversary "Angels in Harmony" concert she performed with a selection of younger Takarazuka stars. (Expect these DVDs to be Region 2.)
Shizuki Asato: Shizuki Mania Volume 2
Yet more Zunko DVD-Boxset goodness. Volume 2 includes a selection of "Takarazuka Memories" as well as recordings of post-Takarazuka concerts.
A new book of essays by Ichiro Maki, former Snow Troupe top otokoyaku, and since then a popular stage actress known for playing both the male (with Takarazuka) and female (with Toho theater) leads in "Elisabeth." The book's description promises lots of details on her "Elisabeth" experiences, as well as lots of "private photos." Okay, I'm curious...
A new CD-single from the former Cosmos Troupe top star. 2 song tracks and two matching instrumental tracks.
Amami Yuuki: Genji - A Thousand Year Love
Amami Yuuki was a top otokoyaku in the mid-90's - now she's a TV and movie actress. "A Thousand Year Love" sees her back in a male role - in this all-female production, she plays the shining princess, Hikaru Genji himself. This version is the official Hong Kong release, which features ENGLISH SUBTITLES. (It is also a Region 3 DVD, so be prepared.)
Amami Yuuki: Inugami
Another movie featuring Amami Yuuki - to be honest, I know little else about it. This version is the official Hong Kong release, which features ENGLISH SUBTITLES. (It is also a Region 3 DVD, so be prepared.)
Shibuki Jun: Play Without Words
A DVD from retired star Shibuki Jun of Moon Troupe. This 50 minute disk features Rika both being "masculine" and "feminine." Also has an interview (Expect this DVD to be Region 2).
Maya Miki: Aka to Kuro no Cabaret
A 2004 CD from former Flower Troupe top star Maya Miki. This is a full length (11 tracks) CD featuring a variety of cover songs.
Shizuki Asato: Yasashii Bali Watashi ga "Watashi" ni Kaeru Shima
A book from Shizuki Asato. The title means "Gentle Bali: The Island Where I Can Be Me Again" and the book is advertised as her "Report" on her three years living in Bali. I haven't been able to figure out how much of the book is photo and how much is text, but the cover has a sweet picture of Zunko on it (A couple more of which are here, in an interview she did for the book's release.)
Makoto Tsubasa: everyone
Full length 2003 CD from Mami. Includes "Wish" and "KIRA".
Makoto Tsubasa: Kiseki no Tsubasa
2003 CD single from Mami. Two songs and two karaoke tracks.
Shizuki Asato: Gokushiteki Bali Hai Collections!
A DVD from Zunko. After retiring from Takarazuka, Shizuki got married and now lives in Bali. This DVD features her in her new home. Extras include photo shots and a location guide.
Makoto Tsubasa: KIRA
2002 CD single. Two songs, a remix, and a karaoke track.
Note: Shopping was set up in association with YesAsia.com. Although I probably won't be able to help you with a specific complaint, please let me know if you have any difficulties with them.
(Full disclosure: If you buy through my links, I get a 5-10% commission through YesAsia's affiliate program.)