The all-female Japanese musical theater company Takarazuka Revue has released an investigative report on the death of one of its members in September.

The 25-year-old performer, who had joined the singing and dancing troupe 6 years ago, was found dead in the city of Takarazuka in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan. She appears to have taken her own life.

A team of third-party lawyers compiled the report, after questioning more than 60 people, including troupe members. The troupe released it at a news conference on Tuesday.

The report said investigations could not confirm if the woman was bullied or harassed.
But it said the possibility that she had suffered severe mental stress cannot be denied as she had been subject to excessively long work hours and instructions from senior performers.

The head of Takarazuka Revue, Koba Kenshi, expressed condolences for the bereaved family members at the news conference. He said he apologizes for not being able to protect a precious member of their family, and promised to sincerely respond to them.

Koba also said he will step down on December 1 and that he feels heavy responsibility as the head of the organization.

The woman's family is demanding an apology and compensation from the troupe, claiming that her death was caused by excessive work hours and harassment by senior performers.

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