Takarazuka Revue’s Cosmos Troupe has announced its nationwide tour for autumn 2026, featuring the performances of “Encounter” and “Diamond IMPULSE” from October through November. The tour will visit major cities across Japan, beginning in Osaka and extending to Chiba, Aichi, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. This marks a significant cultural event as the troupe brings its acclaimed productions to audiences beyond the traditional Tokyo and Takarazuka theaters.
According to official announcements, “Encounter” is a romantic drama originally premiered by the Snow Troupe in 1999, with subsequent revivals in 2002 and 2009. The current iteration stars the Cosmos Troupe’s top pairing of Minato Sakuragi and Sakura Haruno, who are expected to bring a fresh interpretation to the beloved story. Meanwhile, “Diamond IMPULSE” is described as a vibrant, energetic showcase highlighting the troupe’s dynamic performance style, adapted for the national tour format.
The tour’s opening leg is scheduled to begin on October 27 at the Umeda Arts Theater Main Hall in Osaka. Subsequent engagements will follow in other regional cultural centers, allowing fans in various prefectures to experience the Takarazuka Revue’s signature blend of music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. Specific venue details for each stop beyond Osaka were not specified in the available announcements.
In related casting news, Kito Chiaki Takasho, a male role star in the Cosmos Troupe, has been cast in the lead role for “Drunkard’s Permission Exempt!” — a fantasy historical drama based on the legend of Shuten-doji. This production will be staged separately from the national tour, with performances planned for November 6–9 at the Umeda Arts Theater Theater Drama City in Osaka, followed by an engagement from November 16–23 at the KAAT Kanagawa Arts Theater in Yokohama. Notably, this marks Takasho’s first starring role in an upper-tier (Tokyo-area) performance, representing a career milestone for the actor.
The legend behind “Drunkard’s Permission Exempt!” draws from Japanese folklore, telling the tale of a heavy-drinking demon cursed by resentment expressed in a love letter. The story follows a teetotaler who becomes possessed by the spirit of the酒呑童子 (Shuten-doji), leading to a comedic and supernatural period drama. Takasho’s casting in this role underscores his growing prominence within the troupe and his ability to carry complex, physically demanding performances.
Additional context from earlier announcements confirms that the Cosmos Troupe’s spring/summer 2026 repertoire includes the productions “Black Lizard” and “Diamond IMPULSE,” which were staged at the Takarazuka Grand Theater from May 23 to July 5 and later at the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater from July 25 to September 6. These performances featured direction by Daiwa Ikuta for “Black Lizard” and Yuichiro Takeda for “Diamond IMPULSE,” establishing the foundation for the autumn tour’s programming.
As of the latest update, ticket sales for the nationwide tour had not yet opened, with general public sales expected to begin closer to the performance dates. Fans are advised to consult the official Takarazuka Revue website for precise scheduling, venue information, and ticket purchasing details as they become available. The troupe continues to maintain its reputation for high-quality, family-friendly entertainment that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern theatrical innovation.
For ongoing updates on the Cosmos Troupe’s 2026 national tour and other Takarazuka Revue activities, audiences should refer to official communications from the troupe’s management. As the autumn season approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable series of performances showcasing one of Japan’s most enduring and beloved theatrical traditions.