寶塚少女歌劇團. [TAKARAZUKA SHŌJO KAGEKIDAN].

渡米記念アルバム. [Tobei kinen arubamu].
[Commemorative Photographic Album of U.S. Tour].

大阪. [Osaka]. 引田一郎. [Hikita Ichiro]. Showa 14 [ 1939]. Stock ID #219402

Illustrated throughout with profuse black and white photographic illustrations, 26.5 x 20cm, [103] + 30pp, light even browning throughout the text block, endpapers more heavily browned, tide marking at the edges of the front free endpaper, attractive paper covered boards lightly soiled and marked, some general wear to boards and a little chipped at head and tail of spine and some neat repairs lower joints. Nevertheless a sound and pleasing copy of a scarce item.

The Takarazuka Revue, the renowned all-female theatre and musical troupe, was founded in 1913 in Takarazuka. This commemorative photographic album documents their first tour of the United States, undertaken between April and July 1939. The troupe had travelled the previous year to Germany, Italy and Poland; in America they performed in major West Coast cities, Chicago and New York, where they were warmly received by audiences.

The album captures their journey from beginning to end, recording not only their stage performances but also their leisure visits to American cities and Hollywood studios, where they met film stars. The images highlight the members’ fashionable appearances, both in kimono and in Western dress.


Although the visit coincided with a moment of rising political tension, none of this is reflected in the album. While productions in Japan were increasingly nationalistic, the American programme focused on traditional Japanese dance and musical performance, emphasising cultural display rather than politics.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 219402.

Price: $750.00 AU

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