5 shows in Tôkyô (Shinbashi Enbujô, National Theatre, Theatre Cocoon, Asakusa Kôkaidô), 2 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza), 1 in Matsumoto (Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre) and 2 tours (Eastern Provinces, Central Provinces)!

Ichikawa Ennosuke, Ichikawa En'ô, the Naritaya guild (Ichikawa Danjûrô and his son Ichikawa Ebizô), Bandô Takesaburô, Bandô Yajûrô and the actors of the Omodakaya guild perform at the Shinbashi Enbujô!

Nakamura Kichiemon, Kataoka Nizaemon, Nakamura Baigyoku, Kataoka Gatô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Matagorô, Nakamura Kashô, Kataoka Takatarô, Nakamura Kinnosuke and Nakamura Karoku perform at the Shôchikuza!

Kataoka Ainosuke performs at the National Theatre!

Young actors perform at the Theatre Cocoon!

Young actors perform at the Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre!

Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kikaku and Nakamura Kazutarô are on tour in the Central Provinces!

Onoe Kikugorô, Nakamura Tokizô, Onoe Kikunosuke, Ichikawa Danzô and Onoe Shôroku are on tour in the Eastern Provinces!

Ichikawa Ennosuke, Ichikawa En'ô, Ichikawa Danjûrô, Ichikawa Ebizô, Ichikawa Danshirô, Bandô Takesaburô, Bandô Yajûrô, Ichikawa Chûsha, Ichikawa Danko, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Ukon, Ichikawa Tsukinosuke, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa Shun'en, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Kôtarô

Second month of the great 2 shûmei / 2 hatsubutai for 3 generations of Omodakaya actors! Ichikawa En'ô II and Ichikawa Ennosuke IV celebrate their shûmei. Ichikawa Ennosuke III's son Ichikawa Chûsha IX and Ichikawa Ennosuke III's grandson Ichikawa Danko V celebrate their hatsubutai.

Yamato Takeru: first performed in 1986, "Yamato Takeru" was the first Sûpâ Kabuki ("Super Kabuki") play that Ichikawa Ennosuke III created. Sûpâ kabuki combines the acting techniques of Kabuki with modern stage technology and techniques borrowed from other genres of theatre. With gorgeous costumes and sets, exciting fight scenes and a final flight through the air as Yamato Takeru is transformed into a great white bird, this is the most famous and spectacular of all the creations of Sûpâ Kabuki. The script is by philosopher Umehara Takeshi and describes Yamato Takeru (the new Ichikawa Ennosuke), the legendary hero from the historical chronicles of early Japan. Yamato Takeru is sent by his father the emperor (the new Ichikawa Chûsha) to go and conquer the outlying territories of Japan, first the fierce fighters of Kyûshû. Takeru vanquishes them by disguising himself as a seductive woman. Then he goes to the eastern provinces and fights fire and water and only succeeds when his wife sacrifices herself. Finally Takeru tries to return to the imperial capital, but fights with the god of Mt. Ibuki in the form of a gigantic boar. Takeru is punished for this hubris and falls sick and dies, but bursts out of his grave in the form of a giant white bird. As the centerpiece of this program to celebrate the nametaking of the new Ennosuke, this performance marks Ichikawa Ennosuke IV taking on the most famous of his uncle's spectacular creations of Sûpâ Kabuki. Featuring also Bandô Takesaburô, Bandô Yajûrô, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Ukon, Ichikawa Tsukinosuke, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Shun'en, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Kôtarô and the new Ichikawa Danko.

Shôgun Edo o Saru:
(The Shôgun's Surrender)
This modern play by Mayama Seika is part of a trilogy about the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The shogunate official Yamaoka Tetsutarô (the new Ichikawa Chûsha) has already pleaded successfully to the imperial forces for the life of the Shôgun in return for his surrender. But the Shôgun Tokugawa Yoshinobu (Ichikawa Danjûrô) begins to reconsider and now Yamaoka must plead with the Shôgun to surrender without a struggle as he promised or he will run the risk of having the entire country fall into civil war. Featuring also Ichikawa Ebizô in the role of Takahashi Ise-no-Kami.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by these stage announcements, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, all the stars of the cast assemble to celebrate the second month of the shûmei of both Ichikawa En'ô II and Ichikawa Ennosuke IV and the hatsubutai of both Ichikawa Chûsha IX and Ichikawa Danko V.

Kurozuka: a woman has grown bitter at the world after being rejected by her husband and now loves in seclusion, killing travelers and becoming a kind of demon. However, when she gives shelter to a holy man and his party, she rejoices at this opportunity to find salvation. She goes to get firewood to keep her visitors warm, cautioning them not to look into the back room, where the bodies of her victims are. She dances in joy among the dry autumn grasses under the full moon at her chance for absolution. But the porter in the holy man's party looks in the back room and they all leave in a panic. The old woman is furious at being betrayed and this transforms her into a demon, which is finally vanquished by the power of the holy man. Starring the new Ichikawa Ennosuke as the old woman and Ichikawa Danjûrô as the holy man. Featuring also Ichikawa Ukon and Ichikawa Monnosuke.

Sanmon: though short, this play is one of the most visually spectacular in Kabuki. The famous villain Ishikawa Goemon (Ichikawa Ebizô) enjoys a sea of cherry blossoms while sitting on top the large gate of Nanzenji Temple. His enjoyment of the scene is cut short, though, by the appearance below of his arch-nemesis, the general Mashiba Hisayoshi (the new Ichikawa En'ô).

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kichiemon, Kataoka Nizaemon, Nakamura Baigyoku, Kataoka Gatô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Matagorô, Nakamura Kashô, Kataoka Takatarô, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Tôzô, Ichikawa Somegorô, Sawamura Yoshijirô, Nakamura Matsue, Kataoka Shinnosuke, Ôtani Keizô, Nakamura Kichinosuke, Nakamura Tanenosuke, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Hayato

21st edition of the Kansai Kabuki Lovers Society July Grand Kabuki in Ôsaka. Nakamura Matagorô III and his son Nakamura Kashô IV celebrate their shûmei at the Shôchikuza!

Hikimado: originally written for the puppet theater, this play shows a tragedy of commoners caught between their duty and their feelings toward their loved ones. A sumô wrestler named Nuregami Chôgorô (Kataoka Gatô) has killed a man and takes refuge at the home of his mother. Unfortunately, her son (Nakamura Baigyoku) has been ordered to arrest him. All of these complicated conflicts are symbolized by the lightness and darkness created by the humble skylight (hikimado in Japanese) as a rope is pulled to move a wooden shutter. Featuring also Kataoka Takatarô in the role of Ohaya.

Bô Shibari:
(Tied to a Pole)
A dance play based on a classical Kyôgen farce. A master (Nakamura Kinnosuke) is irritated that his two servants always drink his wine while he is out. He plots with his servant Tarôkaja (Ichikawa Somegorô) to trick the other servant Jirôkaja (the new Nakamura Matagorô) into demonstrating his skill at stick fighting, tying him to the stick. The master then ties up Tarôkaja as well. But he is outsmarted when the two still manage to drink his wine while tied up. Their happy singing and dancing while tied up is a dazzling display of virtuoso dancing and star two of the finest young dancers in Kabuki.

Arakawa no Sakichi: a modern classic by Mayama Seika, this play set in the late Edo period combines tears and laughter as it focuses on a gang member caught between the bitter territorial battles of the people around him, and his fierce determination to raise his child. Starring Kataoka Nizaemon and Nakamura Kichiemon in the roles of Arakawa no Sakichi and Sagamiya Masagorô. Featuring also Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Shibajaku, the new Nakamura Matagorô, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Kataoka Takatarô and Nakamura Karoku.

Tokaiya/Daimotsu no Ura: these are two scenes from one of the greatest classics of the puppet theatre, which has also become a classic of Kabuki. After the wars between the Genji and Heike clans, the Genji are victorious and their leader Yoritomo is now Shôgun. But there is a falling out between Yoritomo and his brother Yoshitsune, the brilliant general responsible for the victory. Now Yoshitsune is fleeing through the country and this play fancifully has him encounter several famous warriors from the Heike clan, who are not dead, as history has it. Yoshitsune (Nakamura Baigyoku) books passage on a boat to Kyûshû, but the captain is actually Taira no Tomomori (Nakamura Kichiemon), a general of the Heike clan that Yoshitsune helped to defeat. Tomomori was supposedly killed by Yoshitsune in the final battle of the war, but in this play, Tomomori is shown as surviving, living in disguise with the child emperor Antoku and his nursemaid (Nakamura Kaishun). At one moment the captain is a gallant commoner, but in the next, he is Tomomori, a high ranking general close to the emperor. His wife as well is a cheerful commoner who shows her true identity as a high-ranking lady-in-waiting in the magnificent robes of the imperial court. Tomomori uses the opportunity to try to get his revenge on Yoshitsune but is defeated again. Finally Tomomori holds a giant anchor and plunges into the sea. Featuring also Nakamura Kinnosuke and the new Nakamura Kashô in the roles of Sagami Gorô and Irie Tanzô.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by these stage announcements, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, all the stars of the cast assemble to celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Matagorô III and his son Nakamura Kashô IV.

Yoshinoyama: a dance travel scene from the epic "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura". Now in exile and disgrace, Yoshitsune has left his lover Shizuka in the safekeeping of his trusted retainer Tadanobu. But she is unaware that this Tadanobu is actually a magical fox who has disguised himself to be near the treasured drum that Shizuka carries, a drum made from the skins of his fox parents. Starring the new Nakamura Matagorô as Tadanobu, with Nakamura Shibajaku as Shizuka. Featuring also Kataoka Nizaemon as Hayami no Tôta!

Kôchiyama: the tea priest Kôchiyama (Ichikawa Somegorô) is a skilled thief and extortionist, but cannot turn down a request to help those in need. He disguises himself as a high-ranking priest to try to gain the freedom of a girl held by a powerful samurai lord (the new Nakamura Kashô) because she will not become his mistress. Using the famous poetic cadences of the late 19th century playwright Mokuami, Kôchiyama not only succeeds in his mission to rescue the girl, but he manages to extort a fair amount for himself. Featuring also Nakamura Kinnosuke in the role of the karô Takagi Kozaemon.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Shidô, Ichimura Manjirô, Kataoka Kamezô, Bandô Minosuke, Bandô Shingo

13th edition of the original Cocoon Kabuki performance, which recreates the atmosphere of the Edo koshibai and brings the actors closer to the audience.

Tennichibô: Cocoon Kabuki began in 1994 in the bustling district of Shibuya, enrapturing the audience and continuously evolving since its first presentation. The thirteenth project is based on a work by Kawatake Mokuami (1816~1893) who is known as one of the greatest Kabuki playwright of the Tokugawa Period (1603~1867). Since its premiere 150 years ago, the play is rewritten by the modern popular Japanese scriptwriter Kudô Kankurô and directed by the original founder of Cocoon Kabuki, Kushida Kazuyoshi. The story is centered on Hôsaku, later to be known as Tennichibô (Nakamura Kankurô), who heads towards Kamakura posing as the illegitimate child of the Shôgun Yoritomo. During this journey, he encounters a thief, Jirai Tarô (Nakamura Shidô) and his wife Oroku (Nakamura Shichinosuke) and thus the story unfolds his fateful destiny. Full of hopes and dreams and aiming to be conquerors, the young characters battle their way through. This production features core members of the new generation of Kabuki actors: Nakamura Kankurô returns to Cocoon Kabuki under his newly inherited stage name, with co-stars Nakamura Shichinosuke and Nakamura Shidô. A unique collaboration across diverse theatrical genres, this performance will be another epic addition to the repertoire of Kabuki presented at Cocoon Kabuki.

Source: Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website website

Kataoka Ainosuke, Kataoka Hidetarô, Kataoka Ichizô, Ôtani Tomoemon, Ichikawa Komazô, Bandô Shûchô, Matsumoto Kingo, Sawamura Sônosuke, Ôtani Hirotarô, Ôtani Hiromatsu

Educational program at the National Theatre called Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki Appreciation Class"). This is a very interesting formula for the beginners because there is lively presentation of Kabuki (or some aspects of the art like music, stage tricks or fighting scenes) on stage, followed by the bombastic drama "Kenuki".

Kenuki: in this play, which retains the light, festive atmosphere of early-period Kabuki, a princess has a mysterious ailment that makes her hair stand on end, an ailment that prevents her from carrying out her long-awaited marriage. Kumedera Danjô comes from the groom's household to investigate and finds a plot to take over the household when his tweezers float in mid-air. Kataoka Ainosuke stars in a play that features the bombastic aragoto style of acting. Featuring also Kataoka Hidetarô and Ôtani Tomoemon as the koshimoto Makiginu and Ono no Harumichi.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Shidô, Ichimura Manjirô, Kataoka Kamezô, Bandô Minosuke, Bandô Shingo

3rd edition in the city of Matsumoto (first time in July 2008; second time in July 2010) of a Kabuki program, which is called Shinshû Matsumoto Ôkabuki (Shinshû is an old name for the province of Nagano, whose main city is Matsumoto). Same program as the 13th edition of the Cocoon Kabuki in Tôkyô:

Tennichibô: "Tennichibô" is based on a work by Kawatake Mokuami (1816~1893) who is known as one of the greatest Kabuki playwright of the Tokugawa Period (1603~1867). Since its premiere 150 years ago, the play is rewritten by the modern popular Japanese scriptwriter Kudô Kankurô and directed by the original founder of Cocoon Kabuki, Kushida Kazuyoshi. The story is centered on Hôsaku, later to be known as Tennichibô (Nakamura Kankurô), who heads towards Kamakura posing as the illegitimate child of the Shôgun Yoritomo. During this journey, he encounters a thief, Jirai Tarô (Nakamura Shidô) and his wife Oroku (Nakamura Shichinosuke) and thus the story unfolds his fateful destiny. Full of hopes and dreams and aiming to be conquerors, the young characters battle their way through. This production features core members of the new generation of Kabuki actors: Nakamura Kankurô returns to Theatre Cocoon under his newly inherited stage name, with co-stars Nakamura Shichinosuke and Nakamura Shidô.

Source: Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website website

Sakata Tôjûrô, Nakamura Kanjaku, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kikaku, Nakamura Kazutarô, Arashi Kitsusaburô, Nakamura Jûjirô

The Chikamatsuza tour in the central provinces to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this troupe!

Goaisatsu: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by this goaisatsu (literally greetings) kôjô, lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. In this case, the goaisatsu is performed by Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô as an extension in the central provinces of his 2005/2006 shûmei. This is also a good opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chikamatsuza troupe.

Yûgiri Nagori no Shôgatsu: the roots of this play go back to the earliest days of Kabuki. The young lover Fujiya Izaemon has been disowned by his family for loving a courtesan and now has nothing but a paper kimono. This role is a classic example of wagoto, the gentle style of acting that was popular in the Kansai region. Sakata Tôjûrô stars as Izaemon, a role that is a specialty of his family's Kansai acting style. His lover Ôgiya Yûgiri, the fabulous courtesan who falls ill pining away with love for him is played by Nakamura Senjaku. This particular version of the play was originally written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon and shows Izaemon with the ghost of Yûgiri. But since the original script has long been lost, this month features a newly written version of the story. Sakata Tôjûrô IV will also wear a real paper kimono, the trademark of Sakata Tôjûrô I.

Sonezaki Shinjû: a young merchant named Tokubê has long been in love with the courtesan Ohatsu and is diligently trying to buy out her contract. But he is swindled out of his money by someone he considered a friend. Then he is beaten and humiliated in the precincts of the Ikutama shrine. He sneaks into the teahouse where Ohatsu is and she hides him under the veranda. At this point, Tokubê's "friend" comes and calls him a criminal. Ohatsu fiercely defends Tokubê and asks whether he is prepared to defend his honor by committing love suicide. Silently, from under the veranda, he holds her bare foot and draws it across his neck. The journey to the forest where they commit love suicide is like a dream, half-way between this world and the next and has some of the most famous lines in Japanese theatre: "Farewell to this world and to this night, farewell. To what should we who go to our deaths be likened? We are like the frost on the road leading to the graveyard, vanishing with each step". Starring Nakamura Kanjaku and his son Nakamura Kazutarô in the roles of Tokubê and Ohatsu.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Onoe Kikugorô, Nakamura Tokizô, Onoe Kikunosuke, Ichikawa Danzô, Onoe Shôroku, Kawarasaki Gonjûrô, Bandô Kamesaburô, Bandô Kametoshi, Nakamura Baishi, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Mantarô

Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura:
(Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees)
This play was first performed in the Bunraku puppet theatre and is an epic story about the famous 12th century general Yoshitsune fleeing from the wrath of his brother Yoritomo, after the end of the war. Although Yoshitsune is the title character, the main characters of the play are actually different and this month features the three acts of the play about the magical fox Tadanobu.

Torii Mae:
(In Front of the Fushimi Inari Shrine)
Yoshitsune (Onoe Ukon up to the 15th of July;Nakamura Baishi from the 16th of July) is forced to flee from the troops sent by his brother Yoritomo. The trip will be hard and he decides that he must leave behind his lover Shizuka Gozen (Nakamura Baishi up to the 15th of July;Onoe Ukon from the 16th of July), despite her passionate pleas to remain with him. As a reminder of himself, he presents her with a precious hand drum that he had received from the emperor. Yoshitsune's retainer Tadanobu (Onoe Shôroku/Onoe Kikunosuke in alternance) rescues Shizuka from Yoritomo's troops and Yoshitsune decides to leave her in his care. Featuring also Kawarasaki Gonjûrô in the role of Benkei.

Michiyuki Hatsune no Tabi:
(Mt. Yoshino)
The story continues with a musical travel scene. Hearing that Yoshitsune has taken refuge in the mountains of Yoshino, Tadanobu (Onoe Kikugorô) and Shizuka (Nakamura Tokizô) go to try to meet him there. Although Tadanobu keeps disappearing, he always appears when Shizuka plays the precious drum that she received from Yoshitsune. In dance Tadanobu recounts episodes from the Genpei war, including the battle in which his brother died. Featuring also Ichikawa Danzô in the role of Hayami no Tôta.

Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata:
(The Mansion of the Priest Kawatsura)
Yoshitsune (Onoe Ukon up to the 15th of July;Nakamura Baishi from the 16th of July) has taken refuge in the mountains of Yoshino at the mansion of an old ally. Tadanobu (Onoe Shôroku/Onoe Kikunosuke in alternance) arrives but has no recollection of Shizuka being placed under his care. Shizuka (Nakamura Baishi up to the 15th of July;Onoe Ukon from the 16th of July) herself soon arrives with the other Tadanobu and after an investigation they discover that he is actually a fox (Onoe Shôroku/Onoe Kikunosuke in alternance). In a touching story, the fox tells how he took on human form to be close to the hand drum which is made from the skins of his fox parents. Moved, Yoshitsune grants him the drum.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Kataoka Takatarô, Kataoka Sennosuke, Nakamura Kankurô, Fujima Kanjûrô

First edition of the Sen no Kai, a 1-day gala program of the Support Association for Kataoka Sennosuke, the youngest heir of the Matsushimaya guild. Guest stars will be Sen's father Kataoka Takatarô, Nakamura Kankurô and the dance master Fujima Kanjûrô VIII:

Kusazuri:
(the Tug-of-War Over the Armor)
A short dance in the oldest style of Kabuki, leisurely and full of humor, combining the charm of an onnagata female role specialist with the larger-than-life heroism of the bombastic aragoto style of acting. Kobayashi no Asahina stops the powerful, but rash, warrior Soga no Gorô from rushing to a fight by pulling on the set of armor he is carrying. Starring Nakamura Kankurô and Kataoka Sennosuke as Asaina and Gorô.

Kisen: "Kisen" is part of a series of dances showing the six poetic geniuses of ancient Japan. The five male poets are all shown as being in love with the sixth, Ono no Komachi, one of the most famous beauties of Japan. The other dances are set in ancient Japan, but this dance suddenly jumps to the Edo period where the poet-priest Kisen wanders intoxicated by the beauties of the cherry blossoms and of Okaji, a tea stand waitress. Starring Fujima Kanjûrô as Kisen and Kataoka Takatarô as Okaji.

Tomo Yakko: a samurai footman rushes after his master in the pleasure quarters, but loses sight of him. He dances with pride in his master and enjoys his dance so much that he begins emphasizing it with vigorous foot stamping. Starring Kataoka Sennosuke in the role of the yakko.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website