Important: as already reported, there will be a great shûmei in May and June 2025 at the Kabukiza for the Otowaya guild with Onoe Kikunosuke V and his son Onoe Ushinosuke VII respectively taking the names of Onoe Kikugorô VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI. It has also been reported that the shûmei will also be celebrated in July 2025 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza, in October 2025 in Nagoya at the Misonoza, in December 2025 in Kyôto at the Minamiza and in June 2026 in Fukuoka at the Hakataza.

In May 2025 at the Kabukiza, Onoe Kikugorô VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI will perform together in "Kyôganoko Musume Ninin Dôjôji". Onoe Kikugorô VIII will also play the role of Benten Kozô Kikunosuke in "Shiranami Gonin Otoko", in the "Hamamatsuya", "Inasegawa Seizoroi" and "Gokurakuji Yane Rippuku" scenes. His son will also perform in "Inasegawa Seizoroi".

In June 2025 at the Kabukiza, Onoe Kikugorô VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI will perform together in "Terakoya" and "Renjishi".

For Kabuki fans abroad: there will be live streaming of the newly-created Kabuki drama "Rupan Sansei" [] to 28 countries from the 11th of August 2024 [more details]. It is based on Monkey Punch's famous manga/anime "Lupin the Third", which was premiered in December 2023 at the Shinbashi Enbujô, with Kataoka Ainosuke (Lupin III), Ichikawa Chûsha (Inspector Zenigata Kôichi), Ichikawa Emiya (Mine Fujiko), Ichikawa Emisaburô (Jigen Daisuke) and Onoe Matsuya (Ishikawa Goemon XIII):

Trailer for "Rupan Sansei" on YouTube

Streaming site: Shôchiku Kabuki On-Demand

Overseas Cost: 4,000 JPY + 200 JPY for the system usage fee.

Countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, UK & US.

The 8th edition of of a Kabuki program called Shinshû Matsumoto Grand Kabuki (Shinshû is an old name for the province of Nagano, whose main city is Matsumoto) will happen in July 2024 in the city of Matsumoto at the Matsumoto Performing Arts Centre [more details]. It stars the Nakamuraya guild and happens every 2 or 3 years since July 2008. It will be the same program as the program of the 1st edition of the Kabukichô Grand Kabuki right in Tôkyô in May 2024.

The three programs for the August Cool-Breeze Kabuki at the Kabukiza in August 2024 have been published [more details].

Ichikawa Danjûrô XIII will celebrate his shûmei in October 2024 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza [more details]. His son Ichikawa Shinnosuke VIII will celebrate his hatsubutai.

There won't be any classic kaomise programs in Nagoya in October 2024 this year but a special Kabuki program starring young actors [more details].

The famous Sûpâ Kabuki drama "Yamato Takeru" will be staged in October 2024 in Fukuoka at the Hakataza [more details]. In the absence of Ichikawa Ennosuke, the eponymous role of Yamato Takeru will be played by Ichikawa Ennosuke III's grandson Ichikawa Danko. The non-Kabuki guest star will be Kashima Noritoshi.

Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke will be on tour in 11 cities in October 2024. This tour is the Kinshû Tokubetsu Kôen ('Autumn Brocade Special Performances') [more details]. It will commemorate the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII.

Waterways occupy as much as ten percent of Ôsaka's city area, and have played a crucial role in its development as a strategic point in land and water transportation. One of the most picturesque among the city's numerous rivers and canals is the Dôtonbori, which flows today through Ôsaka's vibrant entertainment district. From the Edo period in the 17th century, rows of theaters formed along the river, and the area became the center for both Kabuki and Bunraku. It is a custom to do funa norikomi before July Grand Kabuki at the Shôchikuza [more details]. Actors in the July casting, led by Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon, arrived at the theater the 29th of June 2024 in a colorful boat parade, applauded by fans and spectators on the bridges or the banks:

Sankei News (video)

Nishi Nippon Shinbun (article)

Chûnichi Shinbun (article)

Asahi Shinbun (article)

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô will perform the 25th of July 2024 in Tôkyô at the Kabukiza with the rakugo storyteller Shunpûtei Koasa in a special program mixing the two arts [more details].

The 8th edition of the Ken no Kai, a gala starring Onoe Kikugorô VI's great-grandson Onoe Ukon, will happen from the 31st of August to the 1st of September 2024 in Ôsaka at the National Bunraku Theatre [more details] and from the 4th to the 5th of September 2024 in Tôkyô at the Asakusa Kôkaidô [more details].

The 9th edition of the Shô no Kai, a gala program which stars Nakamura Tomijûrô V's son Nakamura Takanosuke, will happen in Tôkyô at the National Nô Theatre the 12th of August 2024 [more details].

The 9th edition of the Abeno Kabuki, a gala of the Sora no Kai (literally 'Sky Society'), will happen from the 1st to the 4th of August 2024 in Ôsaka at the Kintetsu Art Kan. This program will star Kataoka Matsujûrô, Kataoka Senjirô, Kataoka Senju and others Kamigata Kabuki disciples. They will perform in 3 acts from "Igagoe Dôchû Sugoroku" under the supervision of Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon and the dance master Yamamura Tomogorô III. There will be two performances each day, one at 12:00 and one at 17:00 [more details].

The program for the 30th 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 has been published [more details].

The program for the 34th edition of the Kamigata Kabukikai (the Kamigata Kabuki Association), a summer program in Ôsaka at the National Bunraku Theatre in August 2024 which stars Kamigata Kabuki stars' disciples in the leading roles has been published [more details].

There will 2 special events related to the educational Kabuki program, Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki appreciation class") in July 2024, not at the National Theatre but at the at the Tiara Kôtô [more details] and the Chôfu City Green Hall [more details]:

"Beginners' Kabuki for Business Person" the 5th and the 18th of July, with a special session starting at 18:30 instead of the usual 11:00 or 14:30.

There will a special Family Festival, called Oyako de Tanoshimu Kabuki Kyôshitsu, from the 21st to the 27th of July at 11:00 and at 14:30. This festival will aim at gathering together children and parents to enjoy Kabuki.

5 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

Summer Kabuki in Ôsaka Kansai Kabuki Lovers Society

1 Actor, 13 Roles Danjûrô's Senbon Zakura

Kabuki's Greatest Living Onnagata

Two Kikugorôs!!??

Kabuki Horror Stories in Fukuoka!

3 posters for the July 2024 performances in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza have been published and will be sold within the theater:

Nakamura Manju & Nakamura Baishi in "Shigenoi Kowakare"

Kataoka Nizaemon in "Sushiya"

Nakamura Tokizô in "Komochi Yamanba"

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 18th of June 2024, we could have celebrated the 275th anniversary of the passing away of the actor and playwright Hayakawa Denshirô (1698~1749). He died the 4th day of the 5th lunar month of the 2nd year of the Kan'en era, which was the 18th of June 1749 in the western calendar.

The 16th of June 2024, we could have celebrated the 225th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Ichikawa Danjûrô VI (1778~1799). He died the 13th day of the 5th lunar month of the 11th year of the Kansei era, which was the 16th of June 1799 in the western calendar.

The 26th of June 2024, we could have celebrated the 125th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Onoe Taganojô II (1849~1899). He died the 26th of June 1899.

In June 2024, we could have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the premiere at the Ichimuraza of Okamura Shikô's Nagauta-based matsubamemono "Akutarô" [more details]. The opening day was the 7th of June 1924.

Important: there will be a great shûmei in May and June 2025 at the Kabukiza for the Otowaya guild!

Onoe Kikunosuke V and his son Onoe Ushinosuke VII will respectively take the names of Onoe Kikugorô VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI.

From May 2025, there will be two Onoe Kikugorô performing in Japan, Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô VII and his son Onoe Kikugorô VIII. The former star has decided not to take any "retirement" name.

The UH Mânoa Kabuki troupe will perform in Japan in Gifu, the 1st of June 2024 at the Gifu Seiryû Bunka Plaza and the 2nd of June 2024 at the Aioiza. The drama "Benten Musume Meo no Shiranami" will be staged in English [more details].

The two programs for the July Grand Kabuki in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza in July 2024 have been published. Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Tokizô VI and Nakamura Baishi V will celebrate their 3-generation shûmei/hatsubutai [more details].

In August 2024, the third program will be made up of a newly-created Kabuki drama written by the popular mystery writer Kyôgoku Natsuhiko. It will be entitled "Kitsunebana Ha-mo Mizu-ni ano Yo no Michiyuki" and it will star Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke and Matsumoto Kôshirô [more details].

The newly-created Kabuki drama "Arashi no Yoru ni", the childish story of an unusual friendship between a wolf named Gabu and a goat named Mei, which was premiered in September 2015 in Kyôto at the Minamiza [more details], will be revived in the same city and the same theater in September 2024 [more details]. The two stars will be Nakamura Shidô and Nakamura Kazutarô.

Ichikawa Danjûrô performed the 30th of May 2024 a ceremonial Kabuki pose called nirami no mie in Ôsaka at the Dôtonbori on May 30th (Thu), prior to his name succession performance in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza in October 2024 [October 2024more details]. A few online documents related to this Naritaya event:

Pictures (oricon.co.jp)

Short video (mainichi.jp)

Long video

Onoe Ukon, who will perform in "Yotsuya Kaidan" in June 2024 at the Hakataza, went at the Oiwa Inari Yôunji Temple, a temple dedicated to the spirit of Oiwa, in Yotsuya (Tôkyô) the 16th of May 2024 to pray for the success of the coming performances and to get some protection from the spirit of Oiwa. Kabuki actors do believe that there is always the risk of Oiwa curse when they perform "Yotsuya Kaidan". To avoid the curse, the only way is to go to the Oiwa Inari and pray for safe acting [pictures and more details in Japanese].

4 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

Great News from the Tokizô Family!

The Art of the Kikugorô Family, Part 1

Great Kabuki Dancers, Part 2: Ichikawa En'ô I

The Kikugorô Legacy: Otowaya's Dankikusai

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 2nd of May 2024, we could have celebrated the 325th anniversary of the passing away of the actor and zamoto Iwai Hanshirô I (1652~1699). He died the 3rd day of the 4th lunar month of the 12th year of the Genroku era, which was the 2nd of May 1699 in the western calendar.

The 16th of May 2024, we could have celebrated the 175th anniversary of the passing away of the star Ôkawa Hashizô I (1784~1849), who held the name of Onoe Kikugorô III from the 11th lunar month of 1815 to the 3rd lunar month of 1848. He died the 24th day of the 4th lunar month of the 2nd year of the Kaei era, which was the 16th of May 1849 in the western calendar.

The 16th of May 2024, we could have celebrated the 175th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Bandô Zenji III. He died the 24th day of the 4th lunar month of the 2nd year of the Kaei era, which was the 16th of May 1849 in the western calendar.

The 5th of May 2024, we could have celebrated the 75th anniversary of the premiere at the Tôkyô Gekijô of the dance-drama "Higaki" [casting]. The opening day was the 5th of May 1949.

Kabuki panda in Ueno? At the Hirokoji exit of Ueno Station, there is a symbolic large-scale vision media system set up. The panda is the symbol of Ueno as it is the star of Ueno zoo. Videos created in 3D of animated pandas performing Kabuki are displayed on this station media system. Nakamura Shidô was involved in supervising the creation of this video:

More on YouTube!

19 actors passed the nadai exam in 2024: Bandô Yafû, Ichikawa Chûsha, Ichikawa Dan'ichirô, Ichimura Hikaru, Ichimura Takematsu, Kamimura Kichitarô, Kataoka Sennosuke, Nakamura Chôzaburô, Nakamura Gan'yô, Nakamura Haruki, Nakamura Kyôsumi, Nakamura Shiichi, Nakamura Takanosuke, Nakamura Takechô, Nakamura Tamatarô, Nakamura Umeaki, Nakamura Utanosuke, Onoe Otozô and Onoe Sakon. Congratulations to all of them!

There will 2 special events related to the educational Kabuki program, Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki appreciation class") in June 2024, not at the National Theatre but at the Sunpearl Arakawa [more details]:

"Beginners' Kabuki for Business Person" the 5th and the 6th of June, with a special session starting at 18:30 instead of the usual 11:00 or 14:30.

"Discover KABUKI" the 20th of June, with a presentation "how to appreciate Kabuki" in English. the audio guides in English and Japanese will be available for free. There will be subtitles in English displayed on a screen above the stage. Moreover, there will be multilingual booklets for free in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French and Japanese.

1 poster for the June 2024 performances at the Hakataza has been published and will be sold within the theater:

Onoe Ukon & Onoe Matsuya in "Tôkaidô Yotsuya Kaidan"

There was an important funa norikomi on the Hakata River in Fukuoka the 30th of May 2024, before June Grand Kabuki at the Hakataza [more details]. The 13 main actors, led by Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku were on colorful boats, applauded by fans and spectators on the bridges or the banks of the Hakata River [more details with pictures].

The programs for the June Grand Kabuki in June 2024 at the Kabukiza have been published [more details]. It will celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Manju and his son Nakamura Tokizô VI and the hatsubutai of Nakamura Baishi V, Nakamura Haruki and Nakamura Natsuki. The highlights will be:

"Mikasayama Goten" to celebrate the shûmei of Nakamura Tokizô VI (playing the role of Omiwa) with Onoe Shôroku in the role of the fisherman Fukashichi (in reality Kanawa Gorô Imakuni) and Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon in the role of Omura. There will be a kôjô offered within the staging of "Mikasayama Goten".

The most important act of "Hakkenden" with height young actors.

"Yamanba" with the Yorozuya on stage. There will be a kôjô offered within the staging of "Yamanba".

"Sakanaya Sôgorô" with Nakamura Shidô and his two sons.

Nakamura Manju, Nakamura Tokizô VI and Nakamura Baishi V will celebrate their 3-generation shûmei/hatsubutai in July 2024 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza [more details]. The guest star will be Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon. The highlights will be:

Nakamura Manju and Nakamura Baishi V playing the role of Shigenoi and Shigenoi's son Sankichi in "Shigenoi Kowakare".

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon playing the role of Igami no Gonta in "Sushiya".

Nakamura Tokizô VI playing the role of Oginoya Yaegiri in "Yaegiri Kuruwa Banashi".

The two programs for the July Grand Kabuki at the Kabukiza in July 2024 have been published [more details]. The highlights will be:

Ichikawa Danjûrô performing 13 roles in a digested-version and spectacular revision of the classic "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura".

The revival of "Ura Omote Taiheiki", which was staged for the last time in July 1981 at the Meijiza.

The educational Kabuki program, Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki appreciation class") in July 2024 has been published. As the National Theatre is no more available, two substitute venues will be used: the Tiara Kôtô in Tôkyô from the 5th to the 12th of July 2024 [more details] and the Chôfu City Green Hall in Chôfu from the 18th to the 27th of July 2024 [more details]. The drama "Kawatsura Hôgen Yakata" will be staged with two different castings.

The program for the 30th 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 has not yet been published but we know so far that it will happen from the 15th to the 18th of August 2024, not at the closed down National Theatre but at the Asakusa Kôkaidô [more details].

Ichikawa Danjûrô XIII will celebrate his shûmei, along with Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, in 18 cities from the 31st of August to the 27th of September 2024 [more details].

The program for the 34th edition of the Kamigata Kabukikai (the Kamigata Kabuki Association), a summer program in Ôsaka at the National Bunraku Theatre in August 2024 which stars Kamigata Kabuki stars' disciples in the leading roles has not yet been published but we know for sure that it will happen from the 24th to the 25th of August 2024 [more details].

Matsumoto Kôshirô and Ichikawa Somegorô are part of the casting of Sugita Shigemichi's movie "Onihei Hankachô: Kettô", which will be released all over Japan the 10th of May 2024.

Nakamura Tokizô was the award-winner of the 'Grand Prize' (Taishô) of the 45th Matsuo Artistic Awards (Matsuo Geinô Shô).

Nakamura Kotarô was the award-winner of the 'New Face Award' (Shinjinshô) of the 45th Matsuo Artistic Awards (Matsuo Geinô Shô).

4 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

Carrying the Torch: Sadanji IV's Memorial at the Dankikusai

Danjûrô at the Dankiku Festival!

The Magic of Kabuki Stage Tricks

A Quick Guide to Kabuki Acting Houses·Part 2

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 2nd of April 2024, we could have celebrated the 400th anniversary of an important event in Kabuki history : the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month of the 10th year of the Genna era, which was the 2nd of April 1624 in the western calendar, Nakamura Kanzaburô I received a license from the authorities to open a theater in Edo.

The 14th of April 2024, we could have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Asao Kuzaemon IV (1853~1924). He died the 14th of April 1924.

The 1st of April 2024, we could have celebrated the 25th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Bandô Mitsugorô IX (1929~1999). He died the 1st of April 1999.

4 posters/visuals for the May 2024 performances at the Kabukiza have been published and will be sold within the theater:

Kenuki

Kiwametsuki Banzui Chôbê

Meiboku Sendai Hagi

Shisen Ryô Koban no Ume-no-Ha

The programs for the great yearly Dankiku festival for the Naritaya and Otowaya guilds at the Kabukiza in May 2024 have been published [more details]. The highlights will be:

"Kenuki" with Ichikawa Omezô in the role of Kumedera Danjô.

"Yudono no Chôbê" with Ichikawa Danjûrô and Onoe Kikunosuke in the roles of Banzui Chôbê and Mizuno Jûrôzaemon.

"Meiboku Sendai Hagi" with Onoe Kikunosuke and Ichikawa Danjûrô in the roles of Masaoka and Nikki Danjô.

"Shisen Ryô" with Onoe Shôroku and Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku in the roles of Yashû no Tomizô and Fujioka Tôjûrô.

The famous Sûpâ Kabuki drama "Yamato Takeru" will be staged in May 2024 in Nagoya at the Misonoza [more details]. In the absence of Ichikawa Ennosuke, the eponymous role of Yamato Takeru will be played by Ichikawa Ennosuke III's grandson Ichikawa Danko. The non-Kabuki guest star will be Kashima Noritoshi.

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô will perform in "Botan Dôrô" in Nagoya at the Misonoza in June 2024 [more details]. The guest star will be Kataoka Ainosuke.

The educational Kabuki program, Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki appreciation class") in June 2024 has been published [more details]. As the National Theatre is no more available, the Sunpearl Arakawa will be used as a substitute venue. Nakamura Ganjirô and Ichikawa Komazô will perform in "Fûin Giri". There will be performances in two others venues, from the 23rd to the 24th of June in Yokohama at the Kanagawa Prefectural Youth Center Momijizaka Hall [more details] and the 26th of June in Shizuoka at the Shizuoka Convention & Arts Center Granship [more details].

The drama "Hoshi Awase Jûsandan (Narita Senbon Zakura)", which was premiered in July 2019 at the Kabukiza, will be revived in July 2024 in the same theater. It was a completely revised, digested-version and spectacular revision on high octane of the classic "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura", with Ichikawa Danjûrô performing 13 roles in the 13 scenes of this drama. Jûsandan has two meaning, either 13 scenes (jûsandan) or a shorter way to say Ichikawa Danjûrô the thirteenth (jûsandaime). The Narita in "Narita Senbon Zakura" is in fact the Naritaya guild of the Ichikawa clan [more details].

Nakamura Shidô will be on tour in July 2024 [more details]. Will this tour replace the usual tour in the eastern provinces in the same period of time? So far, we don't know.

The signed handprint of Nakamura Jakuemon was taken the 16th of March 2024 and set into the Plaza of Stars (Sutâ no Hiroba in Japanese) on Orange Street (Orenji Dôri in Japanese) near the Asakusa Kôkaidô in the heart of Asakusa. Nakamura Jakuemon was one of the 5 artists selected for the 5th year of the Reiwa era (2023). The others were the actress Ôtake Shinobu, the singer Nakajima Miyuki and the two rakugo storytellers San'yûtei Kôraku and Hayashiya Shôraku III (who died the 21st of January 2024!) [picture].

There will 2 special events related to the educational Kabuki program, Kabuki Kanshô Kyôshitu ("Kabuki appreciation class") in June 2024 at the Sunpearl Arakawa [more details]:

"Beginners' Kabuki for Business Person" the 5th and the 6th of June, with a special session starting at 18:30 instead of the usual 11:00 or 14:30.

"Discover KABUKI" the 20th of June, with a presentation "how to appreciate Kabuki" in English. the audio guides in English and Japanese will be available for free. There will be subtitles in English displayed on a screen above the stage. Moreover, there will be multilingual booklets for free in English, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French and Japanese.

5 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

A Quick Guide to Kabuki Acting Houses Part 1

No Spring at the Kabukiza?

How Do Kabuki Actors' Names Work?

Bad and Good News for the Kabuki World

The Duty of Remembrance Jakuemon IV's Kabukiza Memorial

Matsumoto Hakuô and Nakamura Shinobu received the 27th of February 2024 an award from the 31st Yomiuri Engeki Taishô (the Yomiuri Theatre Awards), sponsored by the famous paper Yomiuri Shimbun. Matsumoto Hakuô received the Geijutsu Eiyoshô, the 'Art Honor award'. Nakamura Shinobu received the Senkô Iin tokubetsushô, the 'Selection Committee Special Award'.

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 20th of March 2024, we could have celebrated the 225th anniversary of the passing away of the zamoto Ichimura Uzaemon X (1748~1799). He died the 15th day of the 2nd lunar month of the 11th year of the Kansei era, which was the 20th of March 1799 in the western calendar.

In March 2024, we could have celebrated the 125th anniversary of the premiere at the Meijiza of the drama "Kurotegumi Kuruwa no Tatehiki", which gathered the main scenes from the sukerokumono part of Kawatake Shinshichi II's 1858 drama "Edo Zakura Kiyomizu Seigen" [casting]. The opening day was the 3rd of March 1899.

The 2nd of March 2024, we could have celebrated the 75th anniversary of the passing away of the star Sawamura Sôjûrô VII (1875~1949). He died the 2nd of March 1949.

2 posters for the April 2024 performances at the Kabukiza have been published and will be sold within the theater:

"Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami"

"Osome Hisamatsu Ukina no Yomiuri" & "Kanda Matsuri"

Exhibition of Kabuki costumes at the 9F of the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Ginza from the 27th of March to the 8th of April 2024 [more details].

For tourists in Tôkyô eager to get more information about Kabuki and others Shôchiku-related performances, a new office has just opened, the SHÔCHIKU INFORMATION, which is located on the 1st floor of the Tôgeki building (Shôchiku Head office building) [more details].

It seems that there won't be any Chôkabuki (literally Ultra-Kabuki) in April 2024 at the Makuhari Messe for the Niconico Chôkaigi 2024 event, an important yearly event for the otaku tribes.

The two programs for the April Grand Kabuki performances at the Kabukiza in April 2024 have been published [more details]. There will be 5 Living National Treasures on stage: Kataoka Nizaemon, Bandô Tamasaburô, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Karoku and Nakamura Tôzô. The highlights of these performances will be:

"Hikimado" with Nakamura Baigyoku, Onoe Shôroku and Nakamura Senjaku in the roles of Nan Yohê (later Nanpô Jûjibê), Nuregami Chôgorô and Ohaya.

"Natsu Matsuri Naniwa Kagami" with Kataoka Ainosuke, Onoe Kikunosuke and Nakamura Karoku in the roles of Danshichi Kurobê, Issun Tokubê and Tsuribune Sabu.

Two acts of Tsuruya Nanboku IV's masterpiece "Osome Hisamatsu Ukina no Yomiuri" with Kataoka Nizaemon and Bandô Tamasaburô in the roles of Kimon no Kihê and Dote no Oroku.

Revival of Kujô Takeko's dance-drama "Shiki" in 4 parts, one for each season of the year.

The program for the Kabuki Appreciation Class in May 2024 in Kyôto at the Minamiza has been published [more details].

The two programs for the June Grand Kabuki at the Hakataza in June 2024 have been published [more details]. The highlights will be:

"Shuzenji Monogatari" with Bandô Yajûrô and Onoe Matsuya in the roles of the mask-carver Yashaô and Minamoto no Yoriie.

"Ninokuchi-mura" with Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku and Nakamura Senjaku in the roles of Kameya Chûbê/Magoemon and Umegawa.

"Yotsuya Kaidan" with Onoe Ukon, Matsu2 and Ya1 in the roles of Oiwa, Tamiya Iemon and Naosuke Gonbê. Onoe Ukon will also play the roles of Kobotoke Kohei and Satô Yomoshichi.

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô will perform in "Akoya" in Kyôto at the Minamiza in June 2024 [more details].

The famous Sûpâ Kabuki drama "Yamato Takeru" will be staged in June 2024 in Ôsaka at the Shôchikuza [more details]. In the absence of Ichikawa Ennosuke, the eponymous role of Yamato Takeru will be played by Ichikawa Ennosuke III's grandson Ichikawa Danko. The non-Kabuki guest star will be Kashima Noritoshi.

The 2nd edition of a gala for Nakamura Fukusuke and his son Nakamura Kotarô will happen in Tôkyô at the Tôkyô International Forum the 27th of March 2024 [more details].

Ahead of the Kabuki performances in February 2024 in Nagoya at the Misonoza [more details], Ichikawa Danjûrô and his son Ichikawa Shinnosuke went the 1st of February 2024 to the Manpukuin, a Nagoya branch of the Narita-san Shinshôji Temple, to pray for the success of the shûmei performances [pictures and more details in Japanese].

Ahead of the staging of "Keisei Dôjôji" in March 2024 at the Kabukiza to commemorate the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Jakuemon IV, Nakamura Jakuemon, Ôtani Tomoemon, Ôtani Hirotarô and Ôtani Hiromatsu went the 21st of February 2024 to the tombstone of their father/grandfather in Aoyama Cemetery to pray for the success of the performances [pictures and more details in Japanese].

There were mamemaki ceremonies for setsubun the 3rd of February 2024 in 3 theaters:

At the Kabukiza (pictures and more details in Japanese)

At the Shôchikuza (pictures and more details in Japanese)

At the Hakataza (pictures and more details in Japanese)

The 10th of March 2024, in Tôkyô at the Shinbashi Enbujô, the role of Yamato Takeru in the eponymous drama will be played for the 1000th time! It was played for the first time the 4th of February 1986 in Tôkyô at the Shinbashi Enbujô and it was the beginning of Sûpâ Kabuki in Japan. Here is the list of performers for the role of Yamato Takeru (calculated the 10th of March 2024):

In order to celebrate this 1000th performance, two special posters have been published:

Yamato Takeru 1

Yamato Takeru 2

5 posters for the March 2024 performances at the Kabukiza have been published and will be sold within the theater:

Terakoya

Keisei Dôjôji

Ohama Goten Tsunatoyo-kyô

Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba

Kisen

3 visuals for the March 2024 performances at the Minamiza have been published:

Nakamura Kazutarô in "Masakado"

Onoe Ukon in "Kawashô"

Nakamura Hayato in "Abura no Jigoku"

4 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

Who Are the Greatest Kabuki Dancers?

The Rebirth of Kamigata Kabuki?

Who Are the 6 Living National Treasures in Kabuki? (2024)

Kanzaburô XVIII Memorial & The Legacy of the Nakamuraya

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 4th of February 2024, we could have celebrated the 100th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Jitsukawa Yaozô II (1880~1924). He died the 4th of February 1924.

Important: there will be shûmei/hatsubutai performances in June 2024 at the Kabukiza for the Yorozuya guild!

Shûmei: Nakamura Tokizô V and his son Nakamura Baishi IV will respectively take the names of Nakamura Manju and Nakamura Tokizô VI. The new Tokizô will play the role of Omiwa in "Mikasayama Goten". The new Manju will play the role of Yamanba in the eponymous dance-drama. Interesting to note that the name Manju, in which the ideogram for man is the same as yorozu in Nakamura Tokizô's yagô Yorozuya, was not an old haimyô used by ancestors of Nakamura Tokizô. It was created by the actor and there is a hint at the Manju Era, which started the 19th of August 1024, almost 1000 years ago.

Hatsubutai: Nakamura Tokizô's grandson and Nakamura Baishi's son Ogawa Hiroharu (born the 28th of October 2015) will make his hatsubutai and receive the name of Nakamura Baishi V. He will perform with his grandfather in "Yamanba". Nakamura Shidô's sons Ogawa Haruki (born the 18th of December 2017) and Ogawa Natsuki (born the 27th of June 2020) will also make their hatsubutai and receive the names of Nakamura Haruki and Nakamura Natsuki. They will play the roles of decchi in "Sakanaya Sôgorô" (the role of Sôgorô will be played by their father Nakamura Shidô).

The two programs for the March Grand Kabuki performances at the Kabukiza in March 2024 have been published [more details]. The highlights of these performances will be:

"Keisei Dôjôji", which will be staged to commemorate the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Jakuemon IV. His son Nakamura Jakuemon V will play the leading role.

Living National Treasure Kataoka Nizaemon in the role of Tokugawa Tsunatoyo in "Ohama Goten".

The rarely-staged "Daidaikô" act in a tôshi kyôgen production of "Ise Ondo Koi no Netaba". This act was staged for the last time in October 2015 at the National Theatre and, before, in July 1962 at the Kabukiza.

Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke will be on tour from the 26th of March to the 1st of April 2024 [more details]. They will perform in 6 venues to commemorate the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII.

Nakamura Kankurô and Nakamura Shichinosuke will be on tour in April 2024 [more details]. This is the 5th edition of a Spring Tour called Shungyô Kabuki Tokubetsu Kôen, literally 'The Dawn of Spring Kabuki Special Performances'. They will perform in 15 venues, including 7 traditional wooden-built theaters (listed below), to commemorate the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII:

The Yachiyoza in Yamaga the 5th of April 2024.

The Uchikoza in Uchiko the 10th of April 2024.

The Gomôza in Gifu Prefecture the 12th of April 2024.

The Azumaza in Nakatsugawa the 13th of April 2024.

The Kashimo Meijiza in Nakatsugawa the 14th of April 2024.

The Aioiza in Mizunami the 15th of April 2024.

The Kôrakukan in Kosaka (Akita Prefecture) the 18th of April 2024.

Grand Kabuki right in the heart of the Kabukichô entertainment district near Shinjuku Station! The Nakamuraya guild will perform at the Theater MILANO-Za in May 2024 [more details].

The Zenshinza will perform in May 2024 at the Tôkyô Tatemono Brillia Hall (Tôshima Arts and Culture Theatre), instead of the usual Kabuki performances at the National Theatre [more details].

There will be a Kabuki Appreciation Class in May 2024 in Kyôto at the Minamiza [more details].

The Duty of Remembrance:

The 19th of January 2024, we could have celebrated the 275th anniversary of the premiere of "Kanadehon Chûshingura", which was originally written for the puppet theater and staged for the first time in the 8th lunar month of 1748 in Ôsaka at the Takemotoza, which was adapted for Kabuki for the first time, in Ôsaka at the Kado no Shibai [casting]. The opening day was the 1st day of the 12th lunar month of the 1st year of the Kan'en era, which was the 19th of January 1749 in the western calendar.

The 16th of January 2024, we could have celebrated the 125th anniversary of the passing away of the star Nakamura Shikan IV (1830~1899). He died the 16th of January 1899.

The 27th of January 2024, we could have celebrated the 75th anniversary of the passing away of the star Matsumoto Kôshirô VII (1870~1949). He died the 27th of January 1949.

The 5th of January 2024, we could have celebrated the 50th anniversary of the passing away of the actor Fujikawa Buzaemon IV (1906~1974). He died the 5th of January 1974.

Members of the Edo Firefighting Memorial Association performed kiyari ritual dances within the Kabukiza the 5th of January 2024 [more details in Japanese].

A new release of Shinema Kabuki ("Cinema Kabuki") all over Japan from the 5th of April 2024. It will be "Tôken Ranbu ~ Tsuki no Tsurugi Enishi no Kiri no Ha", a newly-created Kabuki drama based on a ... free-to-play collectible card browser video game named "Tôken Ranbu". It was shot live in high definition in July 2023 at the Shinbashi Enbujô. It starred Living National Treasure Nakamura Baigyoku, Onoe Matsuya, Onoe Ukon, Nakamura Kangyoku and Nakamura Takanosuke [more details].

4 new videos on the YouTube channel Kabuki In-Depth: In Praise of Shadows:

A Guide to Kabuki Costumes Part 1: Roles of the Kaomise & New Year

The New Danjûrô Family

The Present of Kabuki?

Danjûrô II's Greatest Aragoto Masterpiece? The Arrowhead (1729)

1 poster for the February 2024 performances at the Hakataza has been published and will be sold within the theater:

Matsumoto Kôshirô & Ichikawa Somegorô in "Akechi Kogorô to Ningenhyô"

The 13th of January 2024, there was a memorial meeting held in a Tôkyô hotel with the heirs of the Nakamuraya guild: Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Nakamura Kantarô and Nakamura Chôzaburô. It was the beginning of a coming long series of performances commemorating the 12th anniversary (13th memorial service) of the passing away of Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII [pictures and more details in Japanese].

Interesting exhibition at the Minamiza related to the collaboaration of the world of Kabuki with the world of anime. It started the 20th of January 2024 and it will end the 18th of February 2024. The two anime series Macross Frontier and Macross Delta, which celebrate in 2024 their 40th anniversary, have collaborated with the Shôchiku Company to produce Kabuki design and costumes related to these two series [more details].