What this is
Black Lizard is a production by the legendary Takarazuka Revue, Japan's iconic all-female musical theatre company founded in 1914 and based at the Takarazuka Grand Theater in Hyogo Prefecture. The programme features two distinct shows: the main musical romance 'Black Lizard', adapted from Ranpo Edogawa's classic mystery novel by the celebrated playwright Yukio Mishima, and the dazzling revue 'Diamond IMPULSE'. The Takarazuka Revue is internationally recognised for its extraordinary production values — elaborate costumes, stylised choreography, and emotionally charged romantic storytelling performed entirely by women, with male roles played by specialist otokoyaku performers. Attending a Takarazuka production is considered one of Japan's most distinctive and irreplaceable theatrical experiences, with a devoted fanbase spanning generations.
Who should go
This is ideal for theatre lovers, fans of Japanese popular culture, and anyone curious about one of Japan's most unique and enduring performance traditions. The combination of a literary classic adapted by Mishima and a glittering revue finale makes this programme particularly appealing to those with an interest in Japanese literature and visual spectacle alike. The atmosphere inside the Takarazuka Grand Theater is formal yet electric, with a predominantly female audience dressed smartly and deeply invested in the performance. First-time visitors to Takarazuka will find this a genuinely unforgettable introduction to the art form. Book tickets well in advance as Takarazuka productions sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
Good to know
Tickets are sold via the official Takarazuka Revue website and eplus.jp; foreign credit cards are generally accepted online, though the official site is Japanese-language only — eplus.jp is slightly more navigation-friendly for overseas visitors. The Takarazuka Grand Theater seats approximately 2,550 and is a fully seated, tiered venue with excellent sightlines from most sections. Official merchandise — programmes, photo sets, and character goods — goes on sale before the show and sells out rapidly, so arrive 45–60 minutes early if you want to browse. The venue is cashless-friendly at the box office but bring some cash for smaller merchandise counters. Re-entry after leaving the auditorium is not permitted, so plan accordingly.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.