The kanji 宝 specifically means “treasure” when its on-yomi, HŌ, is used. The character takes on the broader meanings of “treasure,” “precious thing,” “riches,” “wealth,” or “money” when its kun-yomi, takara, is used.
You may have heard of Tokyo’s Takarazuka Revue, a popular type of Japanese theater in which all-female performers play both the male and female roles in musicals and revues. The full name is Takarazuka Kagekidan, which is written this way: 宝塚歌劇団. Here’s the breakdown:
宝 Takara treasure
塚 zuka mound
歌劇 Kageki opera
歌 song
劇 drama
団 -dan troupe
Hey, look at that! Opera = song + drama! Very cool!
In 1914, the group formed in Takarazuka, a city in Hyōgo Prefecture on Honshū.
Pop Quiz: The kanji for “Takarazuka” contains 宝. The kanji for another place name contains 玉. (Hint: It’s the name of a prefecture on Honshū.) Which prefecture is it?
