TAKARAZUKA, Hyogo -- Takarazuka Music School held a graduation ceremony for its 106th students Monday, with 39 students, who completed two years of theatrical acting, dance and vocal training, leaving the school to become "Takarasiennes," or members of the all-female Takarazuka Revue.
In response to the spread of the new coronavirus, the school took such measures as limiting the number of attendees.
Principal Koichi Kobayashi applauded the graduates clad in traditional black crested montsuki kimono and green hakama trousers by saying, "Please continue your efforts to become a performer who gives people dreams and passion."
The school limited the number of family members who could attend the ceremony to two per graduate. All participants, except for graduates and current students who sang the school song, wore protective masks, and seats were spaced with adequate distance between them. A ceremony where flowers are presented to the graduates was cancelled.
Kana Hirano from Tokyo represented the graduates and said, "We will keep in mind the school's motto of 'Purity, Honesty, Beauty' and devote ourselves to the pursuit of the lesson."
The graduates will perform on the Moon troupe stage at Takarazuka Grand Theater starting April 24 in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture.
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