The iconic Takarazuka Revue featuring an all-female cast and lavish stage productions gained widespread popularity among U.S. servicemen during the post-war Occupation of Japan. It was founded as a music and dance school in 1914 by industrialist and railroad magnate Ichizo Kobayashi to help promote tourism to the resort city of Takarazuka, near Osaka. In 1934, he opened the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater across the street from the old Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Imperial Hotel. During the Occupation, the theater was renamed the Ernie Pyle Theater and served to entertain G.I.s.
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