Suffocating hierarchies don't just plague Japanese entertainment

Death of Takarazuka actress holds lessons for companies in changing environments

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20240126 Takarazuka stage

Takarazuka Revue, the all-female Japanese musical theater troupe, was hit by the suicide of a young actress in 2023. (Photo by Sayo Yamamoto) 

Nobuko Kobayashi co-leads the Japan consumer practice of global strategy consulting group EY-Parthenon.

Last year, the Japanese entertainment industry was rocked by two high-profile incidents: an eruption of sexual abuse allegations against highly acclaimed J-pop boy band producer Johnny Kitagawa and the suicide of a young actress belonging to Takarazuka Revue, an all-female theater troupe known for its dazzling musicals.

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