6 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, National Theatre, Asakusa Kôkaidô), 1 in Kyôto (Minamiza), 2 in Ôsaka (National Bunraku Theatre, Kintetsu Art Kan), 1 in Saitama (Rai BoC Hall) and 1 tour (Western Provinces)!

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Shidô, Nakamura Karoku, Bandô Yajûrô, Ichikawa Chûsha, Nakamura Hayato, Bandô Minosuke, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Kotarô, Kataoka Kamezô and Ichikawa Komazô perform at the Kabukiza!

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô and Kataoka Ainosuke perform at the Minamiza!

Nakamura Ganjirô and Kamimura Kichiya are tour in the Western Provinces!

All the others great Kabuki actors are on vacation ...

Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Shidô, Nakamura Karoku, Bandô Yajûrô, Ichikawa Chûsha, Nakamura Hayato, Bandô Minosuke, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Kotarô, Kataoka Kamezô, Ichikawa Komazô, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Omezô, Matsumoto Kingo, Sawamura Sônosuke, Bandô Shingo, Ôtani Hirotarô, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Nakamura Toranosuke, Ichikawa Somegorô, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Seiko, Nakamura Baika, Nakamura Kichinojô, Ichimura Hikaru, Ichikawa Danko, Nakamura Kantarô, Asano Kazuyuki, Kashima Noritoshi

The August Young Actors Kabuki performances at the Kabukiza.

Hadaka Dôchû: Katsugorô (Nakamura Shidô), who lives in Ogawa village in Owari Province, cannot stop gambling and lives in poverty. He wears only a short coat, while his wife Miki (Nakamura Shichinosuke) must go around in nothing but an undershirt and waistcloth. As usual, they are quarrelling again today, on the day of the annual autumn festival. Shimizu no Jirochô (Bandô Yajûrô), to whom he owes a debt of gratitude, visits them by chance with his wife Ochô (Ichikawa Komazô) and asks them for a night's lodging. Katsugorô is surprised at their reunion...

Ôeyama:
(The Demon of Mt. Ôe)
One of the most famous stories about demons is about Shuten Dôji, the demon of Mt. Ôe, who loved sake and terrorized Kyôto by kidnapping beautiful women and forcing them to serve him before he ate them. Finally, he is defeated by the famous demon-quelling warrior Minamoto no Raikô and his four followers. Starring Nakamura Kankurô as Shuten Dôji and Nakamura Senjaku as Raikô. Based on a classical Nô play, this is a dance that was created by Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII. Also featuring Matsumoto Kôshirô, Bandô Minosuke, Nakamura Shichinosuke and Nakamura Kotarô.

Shinmon Tatsugorô: this play is set at the end of the Edo period, when conflict raged between one faction that favored the opening of Japan to foreign countries, and another faction that favored the exclusion of foreigners. This dispute even continued between the Tokugawa shogunate and the Imperial Court. In the play, Shinmon Tatsugorô (Matsumoto Kôshirô), head of the "Wo" Group in Asakusa, the 10th firefighting brigade in Edo, has come to Kyôto at the request of the Mito Domain to which he is indebted, in order to accompany the Shôgun who hopes to open the country. The group led by Tatsugorô becomes popular among the people in Kyôto. The Aizu Domain which has defended Kyôto becomes jealous of this, and the two domains become further estranged. Tatsugorô shelters a young samurai of the Tengutô Party (literally 'the tengu party') from the Mito Domain at the house of the geisha Yaegiku (Nakamura Shichinosuke), with whom he is familiar. This results in an incident. Tatsugorô is thus involved in a political dispute in Kyôto. Featuring also Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Karoku, Kataoka Kamezô and Nakamura Hayato.

Dango Uri:
(The Dumpling Peddlers)
the mortar and pestle used for pounding rice cakes and dumplings are a symbol of a happily married couple. This short, lively dance shows a couple peddling dumplings with a series of songs and dances. Starring Bandô Minosuke and Nakamura Kotarô in the roles of the husband and the wife.

Shin Suikoden: "Shin Suikoden" was staged for the first time in August 2008 at Le Theatre Ginza (Tôkyô). The story is based on "Shin Suikoden", "New Tales from the Water Margin" in English, a novel written by Yoshikawa Eiji and published in Japan between 1960 and 1963. This novel was itself based on the famous Chinese novel "Water Margin" ("Shui Hu Zhuan" in Chinese). The story of this 14th century novel is set in the Song Dynasty and it tells of how a group of 108 outlaws gathers at Mount Liang to form a sizable army before they are eventually granted amnesty by the government and sent on campaigns to resist foreign invaders and suppress rebel forces. In 1805, Kyokutei Bakin released a Japanese translation of the "Water Margin" illustrated by Hokusai. The book, which was called "Shinpen Suikogaden", (the "New Illustrated Edition of the Suikoden"), was a success during the Edo period and spurred a Japanese "Suikoden" craze. This play is set in the 12th century in China during the Northern Song dynasty. Rin Chû (Nakamura Hayato), the most evil scoundrel in China, is imprisoned as punishment for committing many crimes. Chô Gai (Ichikawa Chûsha), who has brought together a band of villains under his leadership and who has a stronghold in Ryôzanpaku, hears rumours of Rin Chû's imprisonment and orders his right-hand man Kôson Shô (Ichikawa Monnosuke) to rescue him. However, Rin Chû does not get along with the comrades in Ryôzanpaku, such as Oyasha (Nakamura Kazutarô) and others, and spends day after day drinking alcohol. The young heir of the neighbouring town Dokuryûkô attacks them, supported by the tough Imperial army led by Kô Kyû (Asano Kazuyuki), a senior statesman of the Imperial Palace. Though his stalwart comrades head off to battle, Rin Chû remains unconcerned. Hô Ki (Ichikawa Danko), Rin Chû's former pupil while he was an instructor at the military academy and now a soldier of the Imperial army, secretly presents him with calligraphy that reads 'Be just and do Heaven's will', which Rin Chû had previously given him. He urges him to withdraw, but Rin Chû treats Hô Ki cruelly. Meanwhile, the Imperial army plans to destroy Rin Chû and Ryôzanpaku...

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Kataoka Ainosuke, Kamimura Kichiya, Nakamura Kamenojô, Kitamura Rokurô, Kawai Yukinojô

A special program starring the amazing Living National Treasure onnagata Bandô Tamasaburô in Kyôto at the Minamiza. The guest star is Kataoka Ainosuke.

Botan Dôrô: one of the most famous ghost stories in Japan shows the ghost of a beautiful young girl who visits the man she loves nightly, her way lit by a lantern decorated with peonies. The clatter of her wooden clogs announces her appearance, “…karannn…koronnnn…” Originally a Chinese story, it became a Japanese classic when it was transformed into a long rakugo story by San'yûtei Enchô (1839~1900). Otsuyu the daughter of a samurai family falls in love with a young samurai named Shinzaburô (Kitamura Rokurô), but she falls sick and dies when he stops visiting her. Her ghost begins to visit him nightly preceded by the ghost of her nursemaid carrying a lantern decorated with peonies and he welcomes these meetings, not realizing that she is dead. But a priest sees the signs of death and protects Shinzaburô with holy amulets and a powerful Buddhist statue. The ghosts then bribe Shinzaburô’s greedy servant Tomozô (Kataoka Ainosuke) and his wife Omine (Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô) to take the amulets away. The result is that Shinzaburô is killed by the ghosts and Tomozô and Omine run away with the money. But the money doesn’t bring them happiness. This version of the story is not just a tale of ghosts, but shows human treachery and the revolving ironies of fate.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

25th edition of the summer program of the association Ne no Kai (literally 'the Sound Association'). The first 3 items in this program are only musical performances.

29th edition of the common program for 2 associations, the Chigyokai (the Young Fishes Association) and the Kabukikai (the Kabuki Association), which stars stars' disciples in the leading roles of all the items in the program under the supervision of Nakamura Tokizô, Ichikawa Danzô, Ichimura Kitsutarô and the furitsuke master Fujima Kanso III.

Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Ganjirô, Bandô Minosuke, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Kangyoku, Nakamura Tanenosuke, Onoe Kikusaburô

7th edition of the Ken no Kai, a 2-day 4-performance gala starring Onoe Kikugorô VI's great-grandson Onoe Ukon. Ken no Kai literally means 'Ken's Association' with Ken being the first ideogram in Onoe Ukon's real first name Kensuke.

Natsu Matsuri: this grisly murder story became a smashing hit when it was first performed in 1745 because of the chivalrous spirit of the many Ôsaka characters appearing in this story, the contrast between a brutal murder and the jovial mood of a summer festival, and the splashing of real water used on the stage. Danshichi, a gallant fishmonger, does everything he can to protect the weak young son of his patron with the help of his companion Tokubê and the older Sabu. Although even Tokubê's wife Otatsu heroically helps out, in the end, Danshichi is betrayed by his evil father-in-law Giheiji and, in the most famous scene of the play, must kill him in a mud-covered fight in a lonely alley with the shouts of the local festival nearby. This program stars Onoe Ukon as Danshichi/Otatsu, with Bandô Minosuke and Nakamura Ganjirô as Issun Tokubê/Mikawaya Giheiji and Tsuribune Sabu.

Musume Dôjôji: a beautiful young woman dances under cherry blossoms at a dedication ceremony for a temple bell. She dances the many aspects of a woman in love, but is actually the spirit of a serpent, driven to destroy the bell out of jealousy. In addition to being the most famous of all Kabuki dances, "Musume Dôjôji" is considered to be the pinnacle of the art of the onnagata. The role of the shirabyôshi is played by Onoe Ukon.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Takanosuke

Kotobuki Shiki Sanbasô: Okina is the oldest ritual in the Nô theater. This Kabuki version shows Okina, an old man who symbolizes eternal youth, his attendant Senzai and the vigorous Sanbasô, who perform dances solemnly for good fortune. Sanbasô dances vigorously, stamping and shaking bells, praying for agricultural fertility and prosperity for all. This dances features Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Kinnosuke and Nakamura Takanosuke in the roles of the sanbasô, the okina and the senzai.

Shiokumi: in the classical Nô Theatre, there are few plays as evocative as Matsukaze, the story of a court noble exiled to the seacoast where he falls in love with two fisher women. The women make their living scooping up heavy buckets of sea water to make salt and this has become a famous dance. Starring Onoe Ukon as the shiokumi. Featuring also Nakamura Takanosuke as a fisherman.

Tsuri Onna: a dance based on a classical Kyôgen farce. A master (Onoe Ukon) longs for a wife and is told by the gods in a dream to go fishing for one. He is united with a beautiful princess (Nakamura Yonekichi). His servant Tarôkaja (Nakamura Kinnosuke) wants a wife as well, but when he goes fishing, is stuck with a very surprising companion, played by Nakamura Ganjirô in a rare, humorous, female role.

Sources: Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

A special 1-day 2-performance Kabuki Buyô program in Saitama at the Rai BoC Hall (Ômiya Civic Hall).

Kataoka Matsujûrô, Kataoka Senjirô, Kataoka Senju, Kataoka Tôjûrô, Nakamura Kansei, Kataoka Yûjirô, Kataoka Rikiya, Kataoka Toshiya, Kataoka Sentarô, Kataoka Aijirô

The 8th gala of the Sora no Kai (literally 'Sky Society'), in Ôsaka at the Kintetsu Art Kan, which stars mostly disciples of the Matsushimaya guild. These performances are entitled Abeno Kabuki (Abeno is the name of a famous district in Ôsaka). Two performances each day, one at 12:00 and one at 17:00.

33rd edition of the Kamigata Kabukikai (the Kamigata Kabuki Association), a summer program in Ôsaka which stars Kamigata Kabuki stars' disciples in the leading roles under the supervision of Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Kataoka Gatô, Nakamura Ganjirô, Kataoka Takatarô and Kamimura Kichiya for the 5th and 6th acts of "Kanadehon Chûshingura". The dance-drama "Tsuri Onna" is staged under the supervision of the furitsuke Yamamura Tomogorô III.

Nakamura Ganjirô, Kamimura Kichiya, Nakamura Kikaku, Nakamura Jûjirô, Arashi Kitsusaburô, Kamimura Kichitarô

The Grand Kabuki Tour in the Western Provinces.

Tsuchiya Chikara: this play is a specialty of the Nakamura Ganjirô family and features the distinctive flashy acting of Kansai actors. This month it will be performed by the younger members of this acting line. One of many stories set on the theme of the revenge of the forty-seven loyal retainers features a lord named Tsuchiya Chikara (Nakamura Ganjirô) who lives next door to the enemy of the loyal retainers and is disgusted because they do not seem to be interested in avenging the death of the lord. He learns from his haiku teacher that Ôtaka Gengo (Nakamura Kikaku), one of his students who should be part of the vendetta left a poem suggesting that he was forgetting his former lord and going to take service with another samurai lord. But in fact, this poem is a riddle hiding the secret of the vendetta.

Shiokumi: in the classical Nô Theatre, there are few plays as evocative as Matsukaze, the story of a court noble exiled to the seacoast where he falls in love with two fisher women. The women make their living scooping up heavy buckets of sea water to make salt and this has become a famous dance. Starring Kamimura Kichiya and Nakamura Kikaku.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website