The renowned all-female musical theater troupe, Takarazuka Revue, has announced it will produce a brand-new stage musical adaptation of Moto Hagio’s seminal shōjo manga series, The Poe Clan (Poe no Ichizoku). This marks a highly anticipated return to the stage for the beloved vampire fantasy, with performances scheduled for summer and autumn 2026 in Japan.
Takarazuka’s Snow Troupe to Lead the Production
The new adaptation will be helmed by the Takarazuka Revue’s Snow Troupe, bringing a fresh interpretation to Hagio’s classic narrative. The production is slated to run from July 11 to August 23 in Hyogo, followed by a Tokyo engagement from September 12 through October 25. Acclaimed director and scriptwriter Shūichirō Koike, who was also behind previous successful adaptations of the manga, will return to steer this latest iteration. Starring in the lead roles will be Jun Asami and Yui Neiro.
A Return for the Acclaimed Director
Shūichirō Koike’s involvement is notable, given his history with The Poe Clan and the Takarazuka Revue. He previously directed the 2018 stage musical adaptation, performed by the Flower Troupe, and a separate stage play adaptation in 2021. His continued guidance suggests a deep understanding and appreciation for Hagio’s intricate storytelling and characters.
The Enduring Legacy of The Poe Clan
Moto Hagio’s The Poe Clan is a groundbreaking fantasy series that has captivated readers for decades. First serialized in Japan from 1972 to 1976, the manga revolves around the immortal vampire Edgar Portsnell, who has lived for over 200 years, perpetually appearing as a teenage boy. Set primarily in 19th and 20th-century Europe, the story follows Edgar and his younger sister Marybelle as they navigate eternity as “vampirnellas,” immortal beings who sustain themselves on the life force of others. The series explores themes of life, death, love, loss, and the melancholic burden of immortality.
A Pioneer of Shōjo Manga
Moto Hagio is celebrated as a “founding mother” of modern shōjo manga and a prominent member of the “Year 24 Group,” a collective of female artists who revolutionized the genre in the 1970s. Her work introduced complex psychological depth, unconventional narratives, and explored themes previously uncommon in girls’ comics, including elements of science fiction and shōnen-ai. The Poe Clan itself was a critical and commercial success, earning the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1976. Hagio has since received numerous accolades, including the Japanese government’s Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2012, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon in 2022, recognizing her significant contributions to arts and culture.
Takarazuka Revue: A Century of All-Female Spectacle
The Takarazuka Revue, founded in 1913 by Ichizō Kobayashi, is an iconic Japanese all-female musical theater troupe known for its lavish and melodramatic productions. A unique aspect of Takarazuka is that all roles, both male (otokoyaku) and female (musumeyaku), are played by unmarried women, a tradition dating back to its inception in 1914. The company has five main troupes—Flower, Moon, Snow, Star, and Cosmos—each with its own top stars.
The Revue performs a wide variety of shows, from adaptations of Western musicals to original Japanese productions and, notably, numerous manga and anime adaptations. Past successful manga adaptations include The Rose of Versailles, which became one of their most popular works, Rurouni Kenshin, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes. The grandeur of their costumes, set designs, and lighting, combined with the distinctive gender-bending performances, makes Takarazuka a unique and cherished part of Japanese entertainment culture.
The new adaptation of The Poe Clan by the Snow Troupe promises to continue this rich tradition, bringing the melancholic beauty and timeless story of Edgar Portsnell to life once more on the grand stage.
