The Souhoukai, which is officially called the Waseda University Takarazuka Revue Fan Club, is as the name implies a gathering of people who love Takarazuka theater.

The Takarazuka Revue is a theatrical company made up entirely of women. Although it has its own characteristic style and is said to be a unique cultural aspect of Japan, it is frankly quite difficult to say that Takarazuka is recognized as a theatrical genre. But even people not at all well-versed in theater tend to avoid Takarazuka, associating it with thick makeup, exaggerated dialogue, and repeatedly crying out "love, oh love!"

Most Takarazuka fans, known as "Zukafans," don't make their fondness for Takarazuka known. They're almost like the "Hidden Christians" in Japan during the Edo period that concealed their religion. The Souhoukai is one of the few places where its members can get together and talk with people like themselves. In addition to the discussions and video-watching sessions that are held in the club room, members also have the chance to participate in such events as visiting the theater and traveling to Takarazuka City, allowing them to indulge their love of Takarazuka in a laid-back way.

However, the members of the club don't just hang out together. They also release "Bouquet of Dreams," a magazine that contains critical reviews of Takarazuka, three times a year. Issue number 72 was released in March. Happily, this magazine is beloved by Takarazuka fans all over the country.

The club aims to make "Bouquet of Dreams" a magazine that fans can enjoy reading. However, the magazine also contains impartial performance reviews, and I hope that it is a place where we can occasionally express even our strong opinions about the present state of the Revue. We work to make "Bouquet of Dreams" a magazine for fans by fans, keeping in mind the fact that creating it involves more responsibility than just posting on a blog or bulletin board. And I think that the magazine has continued to exist because there are things that can only be expressed from the viewpoint of someone like a student, who in a way exists outside of regular adult society.

The foundation of the Souhoukai is enjoying Takarazuka. There are many members who know nothing about Takarazuka when they join. I hope that people who have even the slightest interest in Takarazuka try throwing out their preconceived notions and giving us a visit.

Souhoukai contact information: souhou2009@gmail.com