reijou (礼状): literally, "thank-you card"
In Japan, the tradtition of hand-writing letters and sending thank-you cards is still very much alive. Within the Takarazuka fan culture, a fan will often receive a reijou after writing a letter of support to a star. This is not always the case, however, especially with popular stars who have large fan clubs. Also, the rule is not "one reijou per letter". The general pattern is one reijou per performance; sometimes but not always one for the Takarazuka run and another for the Tokyo run.
Again, particularly among formalized clubs for top or nibante stars, there may be additional requirements for a club member to receive reijou. For example, they may be expected to order tickets through the club (see kaiseki), contribute sashi-ire, and/or actively participate in iride in order to get one. Due to these and other reasons, international fans may or may not receive reijou.
The older and more popular the star, the less likely it is that the reijou will be signed. Some, however, may have a pre-printed signature and message. Younger stars may include hand-written messages. On the other hand, young stars can be more irregular about sending reijou, as opposed to the reliable efficiency of a club.
Organized fan clubs may also send birthday cards, New Year cards, summer cards, etc. All of these can be considered "reijou".
Related Links:
aisatsu
In Japan, the tradtition of hand-writing letters and sending thank-you cards is still very much alive. Within the Takarazuka fan culture, a fan will often receive a reijou after writing a letter of support to a star. This is not always the case, however, especially with popular stars who have large fan clubs. Also, the rule is not "one reijou per letter". The general pattern is one reijou per performance; sometimes but not always one for the Takarazuka run and another for the Tokyo run.
Again, particularly among formalized clubs for top or nibante stars, there may be additional requirements for a club member to receive reijou. For example, they may be expected to order tickets through the club (see kaiseki), contribute sashi-ire, and/or actively participate in iride in order to get one. Due to these and other reasons, international fans may or may not receive reijou.
The older and more popular the star, the less likely it is that the reijou will be signed. Some, however, may have a pre-printed signature and message. Younger stars may include hand-written messages. On the other hand, young stars can be more irregular about sending reijou, as opposed to the reliable efficiency of a club.
Organized fan clubs may also send birthday cards, New Year cards, summer cards, etc. All of these can be considered "reijou".
Related Links:
aisatsu