Takarazuka Revue

Stardom vs. Academia When someone advises you to focus on your studies rather than chasing stardom, they might be onto something. Reality shows that becoming a star is significantly more challenging than getting into a prestigious university. Take, for instance, the University of Tokyo, Japan's top institution, with an acceptance rate of 22%. In contrast, the acceptance rate for the renowned Takarazuka Revue, a theater troupe blending song, dance, and drama, is a mere 3.7%. There's a catch, though: you must be female. Founded over a century ago, the Takarazuka Revue is an iconic all-female musical theater troupe. Each year, thousands of girls from across Japan vie for a spot at the Takarazuka Music School, with only about 40 to 50 making the cut. Once admitted, they undergo ...