Takarazuka Revue Troupe member dies, measures such as reviewing overcrowded schedules

Regarding the death of a 9-year-old member of the Takarazuka Revue in September, the opera company released the contents of an investigation report on the 25th, stating that it cannot be ruled out that the company may have been subjected to a strong psychological load due to long hours of activity.
The opera company has been deemed to have "not sufficiently fulfilled its duty of care for safety" and will take measures such as reviewing its overcrowded schedule in the future.

A 25-year-old member of the Takarazuka Revue was found dead in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture in September, seven years after joining the company, and is believed to have committed suicide.

The opera company held a press conference on the 7th to announce the contents of the report compiled by an investigative team of outside lawyers.

The bereaved family claims that the cause was long hours of work and power harassment from senior students, but the report says that the investigation did not confirm any bullying or harassment of the deceased troupe member.

On the other hand, it cannot be ruled out that there was a strong psychological load due to the long hours of activities while taking on the role of organizing rehearsals and newcomer performances, as well as guidance from senior students.

At the press conference, Chairman Takeyuki Kiba announced his intention to resign as chairman on December 9, saying, "I deeply regret that I did not sufficiently fulfill my duty of care for safety, and I take my responsibilities as the head of the organization seriously."

The report also points out that the overcrowded schedule has created an overall lack of leeway, citing voluntary rehearsals conducted by troupe members before and after official rehearsals as issues that need to be addressed.

In response to the report's findings, the opera company will review its rehearsal and performance schedules to reduce the burden on its members, and will take measures to prevent recurrence, such as establishing a new external reporting hotline dedicated to the theater company.