Overview

• Performers stopped singing the song beginning with the Sept. 24 performance at the Takarazuka Grand Theatre in Hyogo Prefecture.
• The troupe said the number will be replaced for the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre engagement opening Nov. 22.
• The piece appeared in Act 2 of the Sora Troupe show BAYSIDE STAR during a port-city scene tied to Kobe, sung by top star Sakuragi Minato.
• Criticism focused on the song’s history in wartime morale broadcasts and use as a requiem, with some describing it as a “second national anthem.”
• The announcement was posted on the company’s website and was reported by multiple regional outlets including the Mainichi and Chunichi newspapers.