宝塚歌劇団 / Takarazuka Revue : 風と共に去りぬ / Gone with the Wind

Today I went on a field trip! We went to see a musical by the Takarazuka Revue. It's a troupe that puts on performances and has been around for many decades. There are several things that are unique to Takarazuka, such as the fiercely competitive and strict school as well as the hugely dedicated and involved fan clubs that sound extreme, but the main thing Takarazuka is known for is that all its performers are women. Women play both male and female roles. Those who play men become very popular. Most of Takarazuka's fans are women. Some of these women are crazy about the women who play men.

There's a lot more to Takarazuka and its school and training ways and history and so on. I'm not going to explain everything here, but I found some links:

Takarazuka Revue (English)

Takarazuka History

I just realized they don't actually provide much background either...

There's always Wikipedia

The performance we saw was Gone with the Wind.
I was impressed by the realistic sets, extravagant costumes, and the complicated synchronized dancing. The whole performance was dramatic and elaborate. It was cool. Maybe it's because I wasn't close to the stage, but just by looking I wouldn't be able to tell that the male characters are all played by women. Until they speak, that is, though I'll note that their singing does usually sound different from that of the female characters.

Universal Studios Japan

Since I didn't have class on Monday, I decided to go to Universal Studios Japan!

I've been to Universal Studios in Florida and in California before.

I wasn't that excited about going, but then I freaked out once we actually entered the park because I love theme parks!!! They're so cool! I like roller coasters, I like attractions, and I like the celebration atmosphere of these kinds of parks. I was so glad to be there once I was inside.

Like with Disney World: I'm not really a fan of Disney but the theme parks fascinate me and I love going.

there are many shops and restaurants on the way to the entrance of USJ

there's already a Halloween theme

Such parks are a lot of fun.

What I was the most excited about was seeing Hello Kitty perform!!! I like Sanrio but I wasn't crazy about Hello Kitty until I saw her dance o(≧▽≦)o

Hello Kitty as a popstar

she also sings!

This was the highlight of my day. of my week. OF MY LIFE SHE IS SO CUTE TT____TT

I AM A FAN

I LOVED HER PERFORMANCES!!!!! ＼(*T▽T*)／

But then we moved along

I will!

Honestly, when I was there I only went on one ride. I like big roller coasters and fun rides, but we had waited more than two hours to go on the Hollywood Dream roller coaster. We were exhausted and not in the mood for waiting in another long line.

That's ok though, because we'll be back :)

ads for the Harry Potter park that will open here in 2014