2 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza), 5 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, National Theatre, Shinbashi Enbujô, Asakusa Kôkaidô), 1 in Kyôto (Minamiza) and 1 tour (Eastern Provinces)!

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Kataoka Takatarô and Bandô Yajûrô perform at the Shôchikuza!

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Nakamura Jakuemon, Nakamura Kaishun, Ichikawa Ennosuke, Nakamura Kotarô, Ichikawa Udanji and Nakamura Matagorô perform at the Kabukiza!

Nakamura Shikan, Nakamura Kinnosuke and Ichikawa Komazô perform at the National Theatre!

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô performs at the Minamiza!

Onoe Shôroku and young actors are tour in the Eastern Provinces!

Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Onoe Matsuya, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Kangyoku and Nakamura Takanosuke perform at the Shinbashi Enbujô!

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô performs at the Minamiza!

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Kataoka Takatarô, Bandô Yajûrô, Nakamura Hayato, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Kikaku, Ôtani Hirotarô, Kataoka Sennosuke, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Toranosuke

31st edition of the Kansai Kabuki Lovers Society July Grand Kabuki in Ôsaka. It celebrates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Shôchikuza in Ôsaka, which was built in 1923, modelled after the famous La Scala in Milan. After WW2, it became a movie theater. It was completely refurbished while preserving its appearance to reopen in 1999 as a theater, replacing the Nakaza for Kabuki performances.

Soga no Ishidan: In the Edo period, the medieval Soga brothers, who endured eighteen years of hardship before they avenged the death of their father, became popular guardian gods and hundreds of plays about their exploits appeared. This particular rarely performed play shows the brothers confronting the two men who killed their father in a fight scene on a set of stone steps, then the set turns over in a spectacular transition to reveal the next scene which takes place in the pleasure quarters. Starring Bandô Yajûrô as Kudô Suketsune, the man that had the father of the Soga brothers killed, Kataoka Sennosuke as the wise and restrained Soga no Jûrô and Ichikawa Somegorô as the impetuous Soga no Gorô. Featuring Nakamura Yonekichi as the courtesan Ôiso no Tora (Jûrô's lover). Featuring also Nakamura Hayato (Ômi no Kotôta) and Nakamura Toranosuke (Yawata no Saburô) in a spectacular fight scene on a stone stairway.

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 Kikunosuke.

Numazu: a dramatization of one of the most famous historical vendattas of the Edo period. "Numazu" is one act that tells of the sacrifices of those not directly involved in the vendetta itself but members of the same family who are indebted to the two opposing sides. The kimono merchant Jûbê (Nakamura Senjaku) meets a porter Heisaku (Nakamura Ganjirô) as he travels west on business. They find that not only are they long-separated father and son, but that they also lie on opposite sides of the vendetta. Their loyalties prevent them from openly acknowledging their relationship. Heisaku sacrifices his life to get information from his son essential to his side's cause. Featuring Kataoka Takatarô in the role of Heisaku's daughter Oyone.

Shunkan: the priest Shunkan (Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon) has been exiled to Devil's Island for plotting against the dictator Kiyomori. A pardon is given to his fellow conspirators, but Shunkan is only saved by an additional pardon given by Kiyomori's compassionate son. Even so, he gives up his place on the boat to freedom so his companion's new wife can accompany her husband back to the capital. The boat leaves and Shunkan is left watching is disappear in the distance, knowing he will be left on the island forever. Featuring Bandô Yajûrô as the evil emissary Senoo and Onoe Kikunosuke as the merciful envoy Tanzaemon. With Kataoka Sennosuke as the island girl Chidori and Matsumoto Kôshirô as Fujiwara no Naritsune, Shunkan's fellow exile who has fallen in love with her.

Yoshiwara Gitsune: a modern play by Murakami Genzô, which is about Izumiya Okichi (Nakamura Yonekichi), a geisha in the Yoshiwara who is talented and brave, but when she falls in love with a man, acts as though she is possessed by a magical fox. Also starring Nakamura Ganjirô, Nakamura Senjaku, Matsumoto Kôshirô, Kataoka Takatarô and Nakamura Hayato.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Ichikawa Danjûrô, Nakamura Jakuemon, Nakamura Kaishun, Ichikawa Ennosuke, Nakamura Kotarô, Ichikawa Udanji, Nakamura Matagorô, Ichikawa Chûsha, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa Kudanji, Kawarasaki Gonjûrô, Ichimura Manjirô, Ichikawa Sai'nyû, Sawamura Yoshijirô, Ichikawa Omezô, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Kotarô, Nakamura Kashô, Nakamura Tanenosuke, Ôtani Hiromatsu, Ichikawa Shinnosuke, Ichimura Takematsu, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Nakamura Tamatarô, Ichikawa Otora, Ichimura Hikaru, Asano Kazuyuki, Ichimura Kitsutarô, Ichikawa Botan

The usual July Grand Kabuki programs at the Kabukiza.

Kiku no En Tsuki no Shiranami: a year has passed since the 47 masterless retainers of En'ya Hangan avenged their lord's death by killing Kôno Moronô. While they are praised as loyal retainers, in contrast, Ono Kurobê, the chief retainer of En'ya's clan, suffers disgrace for his disloyalty. Kurobê's son Sadakurô (Ichikawa Chûsha) wants to demonstrate his loyalty in his father's place. En'ya's brother Nuinosuke is ordered to dedicate a short sword, which is an heirloom of the En'ya clan, while Moronô's adopted son Moroyasu is ordered to dedicate Kan Shôjô's own handwriting to restore their respective clans. Nuinosuke presents the short sword to the envoy, but it turns out to be a fake. Nuinosuke intends to commit ritual suicide by disembowelment to atone for this, but Sadakurô offers to be his substitute. As he is about to cut open his stomach, he slays Moroyasu who has been there to witness his suicide. He asks his father to hand over the scroll in which the art of the ninja is handed down. Now that Sadakurô has obtained the art of the ninja, he names himself the thief Akatsuki Hoshigorô and vows to restore the En'ya clan. He sets out searching for the short sword, which is thought to have been stolen by the Kôno clan, and the scroll in Kan Shôjô's own handwriting. People related to both clans who have their own objectives appear, such as Sadakurô's wife Kakogawa (Ichikawa Emiya), the chivalrous woman Okaru with golden hairpins (Nakamura Kazutarô) who once served En'ya's clan, the geisha Ukihashi who is pregnant with Nuinosuke's child and Ukihashi's brother-in-law Hotoke no Gonbe.

Tonbê Sumika: this play was written by Hiraga Gennai, an Edo inventor, explorer and writer of comic fiction. Young Ofune is the obedient daughter of her evil father Tonbê, the keeper of a river crossing. She meets and falls in love with a young fugitive. Unfortunately, her father wants to capture the fugitive for a reward and Ofune can only save his life by sacrificing her own. Starring Nakamura Kotarô and Ichikawa Omezô in the roles of Ofune and Tonbê.

Megumi no Kenka: they used to say that fights and fires were the flowers of the city of Edo and many plays feature the gallent members of firefighting troupes, who were popular heroes. This particular play depicts a rivalry between the members of the Megumi firefighting band and a group of sumô wrestlers, which ultimately is a confrontation between the firefighters, who represent the commoner class and the samurai patrons of the sumô wrestlers. The fight begins with a minor incident, but grows into a situation of such tension, that when Tatsugorô, the leader of the firefighting gang, goes to his final fight, he goes with the full intention that this may be a fight to the death. Before he leaves, he has an emotional parting from his family. Featuring Ichikawa Danjûrô as Tatsugorô and Ichikawa Udanji as the leader of the group of sumô wrestlers. Featuring also Nakamura Jakuemon (Tatsugorô's wife Onaka), Nakamura Kaishun and Nakamura Matagorô.

Shizuka no Hôrakumai: This dance is included as one of the Shin Kabuki Jûhachiban, 'The New 18 Favourite Kabuki Plays' that were chosen by Ichikawa Danjûrô IX. Ichikawa Danjûrô IX was praised as a gekisei (Holy Actor). This work has been reconceived for this occasion. 5 types of Kabuki music will be performed together in this dance play. The Priest Ninshô and his attendants visit a desolate temple in Kamakura because he has heard a rumor that a specter is appearing there every night. Suddenly, a threatening wind blows and an old woman appears. As she says she was a court dancer in days gone by, they ask her to perform a dance. After she disappears and they go into the inner room, specters gather one by one. Starring Ichikawa Danjûrô in the roles of Shizuka Gozen, Minamoto no Yoshitsune, the Old Woman, the zôsu Haku, the priest Abura, the boatman on the River of the Dead and Keshô (a mighty demon).

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Shikan, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Ichikawa Komazô, Bandô Hikosaburô, Nakamura Matsue, Nakamura Baika

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 on stage (Kabuki no Mikata) of Kabuki or some aspects of the art like music, stage tricks or fighting scenes. It is followed by "Hikimado".

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 (Nakamura Kinnosuke) has killed a man and takes refuge at the home of his mother. Unfortunately, her son (Nakamura Shikan) 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 Ichikawa Komazô in the role of Ohaya.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Onoe Shôroku, Bandô Kamezô, Nakamura Baishi, Nakamura Mantarô, Bandô Shingo, Onoe Sakon

The July Grand Kabuki Tour in the Eastern Provinces.

Kikubatake: it is a great classic of period play Kabuki originally adapted from the Bunraku puppet theatre, full of larger-than-life characters and a stage full of dazzling color. In a garden of brilliant yellow and white chrysanthemums, there is Kiichi (Onoe Shôroku), an elderly strategist working for the dictator Kiyomori, his beautiful daughter Minazuru (Bandô Shingo) and two footmen, the elegant young Torazô (Nakamura Baishi) and the powerful Chienai (Bandô Kamezô from shonichi to the 15th of July/Nakamura Mantarô from the 16th of July to senshûraku). But in fact, Torazô is a young general from the enemy side here to steal Kiichi’s secrets of strategy. Chienai is his retainer. But Kiichi has realized why they are there and also knows that Chienai is actually his younger brother. At the same time, Minazuru has fallen deeply in love with Torazô.

Tsuchi-gumo: a dance play adapted from the classical Nô theatre. The samurai Lord Minamoto Raikô is famous in legend for ridding Kyôto of demons. While Raikô is confined to bed with illness, a priest (Onoe Shôroku) from a prominent temple comes to pray for his health. In fact, the priest is actually the spirit of the earth spider which has caused Raikô's illness in the first place and hopes to destroy him. The spider's plan to kill Raikô is defeated by his retainers (the famous shitennô) in an exciting fight. Featuring Nakamura Baishi as Raikô.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Onoe Matsuya, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Kangyoku, Nakamura Takanosuke, Ôtani Keizô, Nakamura Kamenojô, Kamimura Kichitarô, Kawai Yukinojô, Ôtani Ryûsei, Sawamura Kuniya, Ichikawa Tsutanosuke

A newly-created Kabuki drama based on a ... free-to-play collectible card browser video game named "Tôken Ranbu" and developed by DMM.com LLC at the Shinbashi Enbujô.

Tôken Ranbu:
Crescent Moon Sword associated with Paulownia' from 'Swords Boisterous Dance'
"Tôken Ranbu" is a popular online browser game. Players bring famous historical swords to life as 'tôken danshi', 'sword warriors', to defeat evil forces that are trying to change the course of history. The game gave rise to a sword boom, which were the models for the 'tôken danshi', and it has been adapted for different genres such as the theater, anime and movies. It is now one of the most popular entertainment phenomena. This month, "Tôken Ranb" is at last adapted as a brand-new kabuki production. The 'tôken danshi' who appear in Kabuki's central castle compound are Mikazuki Munechika (Onoe Matsuya), Kogitsunemaru (Onoe Ukon), Dodanuki Masakuni (Nakamura Takanosuke), Higekiri (Nakamura Kangyoku), Hizamaru (Kamimura Kichitarô) and Kogarasumaru (Kawai Yukinojô). The story is based on the Eiroku Incident, an historical event in which Ashikaga Yoshiteru (Onoe Ukon), the 13th Muromachi Shôgun, was assassinated. Evil forces that are trying to change the course of history attempt to assassinate the next shogun Ashikaga Kikudômaru and his sister Princess Kôbai, but Mikazuki Munechika and others guard them against their wicked schemes. In time, Kikudômaru comes of age and assumes the shogunate as Ashikaga Yoshiteru, assisted by Matsunaga Danjô (Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku), but he is possessed by an evil spirit. Danjô son Matsunaga Hisanao (Nakamura Takanosuke) remonstrates with Yoshiteru.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Fukunosuke, Nakamura Utanosuke, Nakamura Baika

1st edition of a gala for Nakamura Shikan's three sons. It is entitled Kamiyachô Shôkabuki ('Kamiyachô Little Kabuki'). Kamiyachô was the name of late Nakamura Shikan VII's neighboorhood in Tôkyô and it was used as an original way to appraise this great actor (kakegoe).

Goaisatsu: greetings on stage.

Benten Musume: this play is a sewamono (realistic play about commoners) written by the late 19th century playwright Mokuami who is famous for his plays about thieves. The thief Benten Kozô dresses up as a woman to commit extortion, but his plans are ruined when his disguise is seen through. In the highlight of the play, he undresses, showing his colorful tattoos and introduces himself in a famous poetic speech. Afterwards, he is joined by the members of his gang on a riverbank, and, using the playwright's famous poetic rhythms, in turn, they each boast of their careers as thieves. Nakamura Utanosuke stars as Benten Kozô, with Nakamura Hashinosuke as Nippon Daemon and Nakamura Fukunosuke as Nangô Rikimaru.

Takatsuki: in this relatively modern dance-comedy adapted from the style of classical Kyôgen farces, the servant Jirôkaja (Nakamura Hashinosuke) is ordered by his lord to buy a takatsuki, which is a kind of ceremonial sake cup on a stand. Jirôkaja does not understand his lord's orders and is persuaded by a fast-talking geta clog salesman to buy a pair of clogs instead, thinking that this is the stand for which he was sent. After drinking a good amount of sake, he brings his purchase to the lord and responds to the lord's anger with a dance on the clogs, a virtuoso routine inspired by tap dancing, showing off the dancing skills of Nakamura Hashinosuke.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô

A special program starring Living National Treasure onnagata Bandô Tamasaburô in Kyôto at the Minamiza with the rakugo storyteller Shunpûtei Koasa.

Taidan: a conversation on stage with Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô and Shunpûtei Koasa.

Kazutoyo to Chiyo: A rakugo told by Shunpûtei Koasa.

Yukari no Tsuki:
(The moon of Karma)
A dance about a courtesan's sad mental state. While watching the moon, she is lamenting that she has to separate from her lover and to marry another man because of her poverty. Starring Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website