The identity of the woman who died from an extreme decision in Japan was revealed to be an actress from a famous Japanese theater company. The affiliated theater company determined that this actress had been subjected to ijime (group bullying) by her members and began an investigation.
According to Japanese media such as the Japanese Weekly Shukan Bunshun on the 17th, a woman in her 20s was found dead in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture, around 7 a.m. on the 30th of last month.
After checking her belongings, it was confirmed that the woman was Aria Kii (25), an actress at the Takarazuka Opera Company.
It was confirmed that the day before he died, he sent a message to his mother to the effect that he was “mentally collapsing.”
Additionally, there was testimony that Aria was subjected to group bullying during practice on the 28th of last month, two days before her death.
In an interview with the media, a theater company official said, “During practice, four seniors were verbally abusive, saying things like, ‘You are responsible for all the juniors’ mistakes,’ and ‘You lack mental strength.’”
Last year, suspicions were raised that Aria had been subjected to group bullying, such as when a senior member of the theater company said he would teach her how to curl her bangs and burned her forehead with a curling iron.
As the incident grew, the Takarazuka Opera Company canceled the performance and formed its own investigation team to investigate the circumstances of Aria’s death.
At a press conference on the 7th, an official of the theater company said about the reports related to the curling iron, “According to the internal investigation, it is said that no such incident occurred. However, there is testimony that the iron accidentally touched the face, so we are verifying it.”
The Takarazuka Opera Troupe, where the incident occurred, is a musical troupe comprised entirely of women. This place is characterized by the fact that male roles are also played by actresses, and the members are all students and graduates of Takarazuka Music School, and are known to live under strict school rules.
Aria entered Takarazuka Music School in 2015 and has been working as an actor since joining in 2017.
Choi Jae-ho,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.