The development of New Town in the Ikeda area can be largely attributed to Ichizo Kobayashi, the founder of Hankyu Electric Railway. In addition to building Muromachi Residences, he constructed his own house in Ikeda. Today, this site is home to multiple facilities. The Kobayashi Ichizo Memorial House showcases his achievements, the Itsuo Art Museum houses his collection, and the Ikeda Bunko Library is where visitors can explore Hankyu Railway relics, theater, Kabuki, and notably, the Takarazuka Revue. Kobayashi not only developed the Ikeda New Town but also created various forms of entertainment.
He founded the Takarazuka Revue, a pioneering theater company featuring only female performers. His passion for baseball led him to create the Toyonaka Athletic Field, which hosted a baseball tournament that eventually became the foundation for the current National High School Baseball Championship. Later, he also founded a professional baseball team.
Ichizo also opened the world’s first terminal department store operated by a railway company, which featured curry rice, a popular dish at the time. It was offered at a bargain price of 25 sen, a quarter of one yen today, including coffee. During the global recession, some customers would order just rice and use the sauce provided. Although it wasn’t profitable to serve only rice, Ichizo welcomed these customers, believing they wouldn't forget the happy memories associated with his store. He expressed hope that one day, when they had more money, they would return with their families.
Ichizo Kobayashi was a pioneer of entertainment. He even wrote scripts for the Takarazuka Revue. Originally an aspiring novelist, he pivoted to banking and business, his efforts ultimately leading to success. He transformed his written stories into engaging entertainment, allowing the masses to enjoy movies and plays.