8 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, Shinbashi Enbujô, National Theatre, NHK Hall, Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall), 2 in Nagoya (NTK Hall), 1 in Yamaga (Yachiyoza), 1 in Ôsaka (Shôchikuza) and 1 in Kyôto (Minamiza)!

Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô, Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Kataoka Hidetarô, Bandô Yajûrô and Nakamura Shidô perform at the Kabukiza !

Matsumoto Kôshirô, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Nakamura Kaishun, Ôtani Tomoemon, Nakamura Tôzô and Ichikawa Komazô perform at the National Theatre!

Ichikawa Ennosuke and the Omodakaya guild perform at the Shinbashi Enbujô!

Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô, Nakamura Tokizô, Onoe Kikunosuke, Ichikawa Sadanji, Onoe Shôroku and Ichikawa Danzô perform at the NTK Hall!

Kataoka Ainosuke performs at the Shôchikuza!

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô performs at the Yachiyoza!

Ichikawa Ebizô performs at the Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall and at the Minamiza!

Kataoka Nizaemon, Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô, Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô, Nakamura Baigyoku, Nakamura Hashinosuke, Nakamura Senjaku, Nakamura Kankurô, Nakamura Shichinosuke, Kataoka Hidetarô, Bandô Yajûrô, Nakamura Shidô, Kataoka Ichizô, Kataoka Kamezô, Bandô Shûchô, Ichimura Kakitsu, Nakamura Kamenojô, Nakamura Kosanza, Ôtani Keizô, Kataoka Matsunosuke, Bandô Minosuke, Nakamura Kotarô, Bandô Shingo, Nakamura Toranosuke, Nakamura Tsurumatsu, Nakamura Kunio

These programs commemorate the 26th anniversary (27th memorial service) and the 2nd anniversary (3rd memorial service) of late Nakamura Kanzaburô XVII and late Nakamura Kanzaburô XVIII.

Nozaki-mura: a farm girl Omitsu (Nakamura Shichinosuke) is busy planning her marriage to Hisamatsu (Nakamura Senjaku) who has just returned to the country after leaving his post in the city in disgrace. Suddenly Osome (Nakamura Kotarô) appears. She is the daughter of the rich merchant Hisamatsu served and their love affair was the cause of his disgrace. Despite the best efforts of Hisamatsu's father Kyûsaku (Bandô Yajûrô), the course of true love cannot be changed. Omitsu decides to sacrifice her own love and to become a nun to save the young couple who would rather die than be separated. All four of the main actors are Living National Treasures and this act shows mature Kabuki acting at its finest.

Ômi no Okane: Okane was a famous strong woman living on the shores of Lake Biwa and is known for stopping a runaway horse with her bare hands. This has become a Kabuki dance that combines strength and charming femininity. This production stars Nakamura Senjaku as Okane.

Sanja Matsuri: a vigorous dance starring Nakamura Hashinosuke and Nakamura Shidô. It is based on dolls at the Sanja festival showing the founding of the temple at Asakusa when two fishermen found a golden image of the Kannon in their nets. In this case, the holy spirits that they encounter are two spheres with the characters for "good" and "evil" on them, and the spirits possess the two and animate them into a lively dance.

Ise Ondo: this play is famous for its classical depiction of a woman who must pretend to reject her lover for his sake and for the beautiful and gruesome dance-like killing scene at the end, done to the music of the Ise pleasure quarters. Fukuoka Mitsugi (Nakamura Kankurô), a young apprentice at the holy Shrine of Ise tries to help find the stolen treasured sword of his clan out of duty to his former lord. Mitsugi has the sword in his possession, but must now find the certificate of authentication and in order to get it for him, Okon (Nakamura Shichinosuke), a courtesan who is in love with Mitsugi must pretend to forsake Mitsugi. But he believes that she has truly betrayed him and further angered by the humiliating accusations of Manno (Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô), the head maid of the Aburaya brothel, Mitsugi inadvertently draws the sword, said to be cursed, and the rampage begins. Featuring also Kataoka Nizaemon and Nakamura Hashinosuke in the roles of the cook Kisuke and the ugly courtesan Oshika.

Terakoya: Genzô and his wife Tonami run a small school and are protecting Kan Shôjô's son and heir, saying that he is their son. However, word has gotten out Kan Shôjô's son is there and Genzô has been ordered to behead him. Moreover, Matsuômaru is to come to inspect the head. Their only alternative is to kill one of the other students as a substitute, but all of the students are farmer's children who could never pass for the son of a court aristocrat. However, a new boy arrives that day and Genzô makes the terrible decision to kill him in the place of his lord. As it turns out, Matsuômaru has sent his own son to be sacrificed, because of his family's long loyalty to Kan Shôjô. But he must face the most terrible situation for a father, inspecting the head of his own son and lying when he says that it is the genuine head of the son of Kan Shôjô. Finally Matsuômaru reveals his true feelings to Genzô and he and his wife Chiyo mourn their dead son. Starring Kataoka Nizaemon as Matsuômaru, Nakamura Kankurô as Genzô, Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô as Chiyo and Nakamura Shichinosuke as Tonami. Featuring also Kataoka Kamezô and Nakamura Senjaku as Shundô Genba and Sonoo-no-Mae.

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 Nakamura Baigyoku as Tadanobu, with Living National Treasure Sakata Tôjûrô as Shizuka. Featuring also Nakamura Hashinosuke as Hayami no Tôta.

Iwashi Uri:
(The Princess and the Sardine Seller)
A modern play by novelist Mishima Yukio, this recreates the leisurely, comic atmosphere of early 18th century Kabuki. A sardine seller famous for his vigorous chanting falls in love with a beautiful courtesan and disguises himself as a wealthy patron, only to discover that she is actually a princess that ran away from her family after falling in love with the call of a sardine seller. Starring Nakamura Kankurô as the sardine seller and Nakamura Shichinosuke as the princess.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Ichikawa Ennosuke, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Karoku, Ichikawa Ukon, Bandô Takesaburô, Ichikawa Monnosuke, Ichikawa Omezô, Nakamura Kikaku, Ichikawa Emisaburô, Ichikawa Emiya, Ichikawa Juen, Ichikawa En'ya, Ichikawa Shun'en, Ichikawa Kôtarô, Nakamura Yonekichi, Nakamura Hayato

The Omodakaya guild strikes Tôkyô in full force and full regalia this month at the Shinbashi Enbujô and in next month at the Meijiza [more details]. Led by Ichikawa Ennosuke, they perform large scale spectacular dramas full of keren which belong to the Ennosuke Shijûhassen (the Best 48 of Ennosuke) collection of plays [more details] or classics for the Omodakaya guild or the Ichikawa clan. These performances are called Ichikawa Ennosuke Funtô Renzoku Kôen, literally Ichikawa Ennosuke's Continuous Struggle Performances.

Shunkan: the priest Shunkan (Ichikawa Ukon) 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 Ichikawa En'ya as the evil emissary Senoo and Ichikawa Omezô as the merciful envoy Tanzaemon. With Ichikawa Emiya as the island girl Chidori and Ichikawa Emisaburô as Naritsune, Shunkan's fellow exile who has fallen in love with her.

Kin no Zai Sarushima Dairi: first performed in 1829, this Tsuruya Nanboku IV's spectacular drama mixes the sekai of the rebel warriors Taira no Masakado and Fujiwara no Sumitomo, and the sekai of Princess Kiyo and the priest Anchin (dôjôjimono). After the defeat of both Masakado and Sumitomo, the angry spirit of Masakado takes possession of the body of Princess Takiyasha. Both Masakado's sister Princess Nanaaya and the ama Nyogetsu's daughter Princess Kiyo are in love with the priest Kitashirakawa no Anchin (in reality Minamoto no Raikô). The latter girl is put under a giant bell and, burning with hate and jealousy, transformed herself into a demon. Fujiwara no Tadabumi, whose mission is to chase Masakado, falls in love with Princess Nanaaya. Pursuing her and Anchin to the Kizugawa river, he is killed and becomes a revengeful ghost. "Kin no Zai Sarushima Dairi" was revived in January 1964 at the Nissay Theatre (more details) and was put by the star Ichikawa Ennosuke III in his collection of plays called Ennosuke Jûhachiban. Starring Ichikawa Ennosuke, who does a chûnori, in the roles of Princess Kiyo and Fujiwara no Tadabumi. Featuring also Nakamura Kinnosuke, Nakamura Karoku, Ichikawa Monnosuke and Nakamura Yonekichi in the roles of Tawara no Tôta Hidesato, Nyogetsu, Kitashirakawa no Anchin (in reality Minamoto no Raikô) and Princess Nanaaya.

Futa Omote Dôjôji: a spectacular futa-omotemono which concludes "Kin no Zai Sarushima Dairi". Featuring the young promising actor Ichikawa Kamejirô in the roles of the shirabyôshi Hanako (in reality the ghost of Princess Kiyo) and the kyôgenshi Masuroku (in reality the ghost of Tadabumi).

Hitori Tabi Gojûsan Tsugi:
(Traveling Alone to the Fifty-three Stations)
"Hitori Tabi Gojûsan Tsugi" was first performed in 1827, and was written by the famous playwright Tsuruya Nanboku IV (1755 - 1829). It built on the popular explosion of fascination of travel on this highway seen in the bestselling comic novel "Hizakurige" ("Shanks Mare") about the adventures of Yaji and Kita on the road and lavish series of multi-colored woodblock prints showing all fifty-three stations along the highway. But in addition to the expected travel scenes and comedy of Yaji and Kita, audiences also got a spectacular series of scenes scary, sexy and comic reworking all Nanboku's favorite themes including a monstrous cat. Ichikawa Ennosuke III long specialized in reviving Nanboku’s plays, each production including his trademark fast-changes and flight through the air. Featuring the young actors of the Omodakaya troupe headed by their new zagashira Ichikawa Ennosuke IV (who plays 18 roles!) in a full-length performance of this exciting and entertaining spectacle. Guest stars are Bandô Takesaburô, Nakamura Kinnosuke, Ichikawa Omezô and Nakamura Kikaku.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Matsumoto Kôshirô, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Nakamura Kaishun, Ôtani Tomoemon, Nakamura Tôzô, Ichikawa Komazô, Nakamura Matsue, Sawamura Sônosuke, Matsumoto Kingo, Ôtani Hirotarô, Ôtani Hiromatsu

"Futatsu Chôchô Kuruwa Nikki" is staged in a tôshi kyôgen production (4 acts; 5 scenes) at the National Theatre. The rarely-staged "Shinkiyomizu" is the opening act. Others scenes are the same ones as the January 2003 production in the same theater: "Sumôba", "Komeya", "Nanba Ura Koroshi" and "Hikimado".

Futatsu Chôchô Kuruwa Nikki: first performed in 1749 in the puppet theatre, this is a popular play in Kabuki as well. However, usually only two scenes are performed, the climactic "Hikimado" ("the Skylight") scene and, less frequently, "Sumôba" ("the Sumô Bout"). This production shows not only "Hikimado" but scenes that make clear the complex relationships among the main characters. "Futatsu Chôchô" means "two butterflies" and also comes from the fact that two sumô wrestlers who play important roles in the full length play have names beginning with "chô": Chôkichi and Chôgorô.

Shinkiyomizu: the opening act is rarely-staged nowadays. Nan Yohê and Yamazaki Yogorô (both played by Ichikawa Somegorô) are in love with the courtesans Miyako (Nakamura Shibajaku) and Azuma (Ichikawa Komazô). Others rival in love are plotting to get rid of the two men. Yohei kills a man and escapes from the Kannon stage at the Kiyomizu temple by jumping with an open umbrella as a parachute.

Sumôba: in order to help his master Yamazaki Yogorô buy out the contract of Azuma, the senior wrestler Nuregami Chôgorô (Matsumoto Kôshirô) throws a match, letting the younger wrestler Hanaregoma Chôkichi (Ichikawa Somegorô) win, hoping to get his help. But Chôkichi loses his temper and the two end up competing in a test of pride.

Komeya/Nanba Ura: we see Chôkichi's home in a rice store owned and managed by Chôkichi's sister Oseki (Nakamura Kaishun) and the tragic intrigues that force Chôgorô to kill a man and flee.

Hikimado: finally, in the "Hikimado" scene, Chôgorô takes refuge with his mother (Nakamura Tôzô) who lives with her stepson Nan Yohê, now married to Ohaya (who used to be the courtesan Miyako). Unfortunately, Nan Yohê, the son of late Nanpô Jûjibê, has succeeded to his late father's duties (he has also taken the name of Jûjibê) and is ordered to capture Chôgorô. The new Jûjibê is caught between his duties and his loyalty to his stepmother while his mother is caught between her loves for her two sons. These conflicts are symbolized by the humble wooden skylight which opens and closes, showing both sides of the dilemma.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Nakamura Matsue, Ôtani Hirotarô, Ôtani Hiromatsu, Matsumoto Kôjaku, Matsumoto Kin'ichi, Matsumoto Kinsei

14th Training Recital at the National Theatre produced by the Organization for the Preservation of Kabuki. "Kabuki he no Izanai" (literally "Invitation to Kabuki") is a stage speech delivered by Matsumoto Kôshirô, Nakamura Shibajaku, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Kaishun, Nakamura Tôzô and Ôtani Tomoemon.

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 (Ôtani Hirotarô) has killed a man and takes refuge at the home of his mother. Unfortunately, her son (Nakamura Matsue) 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 Ôtani Hiromatsu in the role of Ohaya.

Source: Earphone Guide website

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

The October kaomise programs in Nagoya. As the Misonoza closed in Spring 2013, these programs are staged at the Nihon Tokushu Tôgyô Shimin Kaikan for the second time, a venue commonly called NTK Hall in Nagoya.

Kurumabiki: this short scene shows the three brothers that dominate the drama "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami", each with a distinctive personality. Sakuramaru (Nakamura Baishi) and Umeômaru (Bandô Kamesaburô) have been rendered masterless by Kan Shôjô's exile. The third brother Matsuômaru (Kawarasaki Gonjûrô) serves the villain Shihei (Ichikawa Danzô), who is responsible for the downfall of Kan Shôjô. Sakuramaru and Umeômaru try to destroy Shihei's carriage but are stopped by Matsuômaru and the magical glare of Shihei. Finally the brothers agree to suspend their disputes until they all meet at their father's seventieth birthday party.

Bô Shibari:
(Tied to a Pole)
A dance play based on a classical Kyôgen farce. A master (Bandô Kametoshi) is irritated that his two servants always drink his wine while he is out. He plots with his servant Tarôkaja (Onoe Kikunosuke) to trick the other servant Jirôkaja (Onoe Shôroku) 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.

Bunshichi Mottoi: Chôbê spends his days and nights gambling, but is finally made aware of his family's problems when his daughter takes a job in the pleasure quarters. Having received the money for her contract, he shows his good side to save a young man on the edge of suicide after losing a large sum of money, but nobody believes Chôbê, thinking that he has gambled the money away. The performance stars Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô, Nakamura Tokizô and Nakamura Baishi in the roles of Chôbê, Chôbê's wife Okane and Bunshichi. Featuring also Ichikawa Danzô, Ichikawa Sadanji and Onoe Shôroku.

Jusshukô: Princess Yaegaki is mourning the death of his fiance Katsuyori, but as she burns incense in his memory, she notices the resemblance between the new gardener and her fiance's portrait. The gardener is in fact Katsuyori, who has entered the household of Yaegaki's father to regain the possession of a stolen family treasure, a famous helmet, with the help of Nureginu, a woman who also mourns for the man that died in the place of the real Katsuyori. Unfortunately, Yaegaki's father has also seen through the disguise and plans to kill Katsuyori. The role of Princess Yaegaki, one of the most important onnagata roles, is played by Nakamura Tokizô, supported by Onoe Kikunosuke, Nakamura Baishi and Ichikawa Danzô in the roles of Katsuyori, Nureginu and Nagao Kenshin.

Migawari Zazen: a dance play adopted from a classical kyôgen farce. A man (Living National Treasure Onoe Kikugorô) wants nothing more than to visit his lover Hanako, but he has one important problem, his homely and overbearing wife (Ichikawa Sadanji). He creates a scheme saying that he will be practicing Zen meditation all night and has his servant (Kawarasaki Gonjûrô) take his place while he visits Hanako. He returns, giddy from a night of pleasure and tells his story to his servant in dance, unaware that his wife has discovered his deception and has taken his servant's place.

Ise Ondo: this play is famous for its classical depiction of a woman who must pretend to reject her lover for his sake and for the beautiful and gruesome dance-like killing scene at the end, done to the music of the Ise pleasure quarters. Fukuoka Mitsugi (Onoe Kikunosuke), a young apprentice at the holy Shrine of Ise tries to help find the stolen treasured sword of his clan out of duty to his former lord. Mitsugi has the sword in his possession, but must now find the certificate of authentication and in order to get it for him, Okon (Nakamura Baishi), a courtesan who is in love with Mitsugi must pretend to forsake Mitsugi. But he believes that she has truly betrayed him and further angered by the humiliating accusations of Manno (Nakamura Tokizô), the head maid of the Aburaya brothel, Mitsugi inadvertently draws the sword, said to be cursed, and the rampage begins. Featuring also Onoe Shôroku in the role of the cook Kisuke.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Kataoka Ainosuke, Nakamura Kanjaku, Imai Tsubasa, Ichimura Manjirô, Kamimura Kichiya, Nakamura Kazutarô, Nakamura Tanenosuke

A dance-drama first performed in 2011 presenting the mysterious life of Ishikawa Goemon (Kataoka Ainosuke) with a new perspective. It is the time after the unification of Japan by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Nakamura Kanjaku) in the 16th century. There are several cathedrals seen in each place of Japan as a few decades have passed since Christianity has first been missioned in Japan. Ishida no Tsubone (Kamimura Kichiya), a daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide’s chief retainer Shioden Tajima-no-Kami, hates Hideyoshi and seeks opportunity to avenge her father on him. As she learns Christianity from Father Calderon (Imai Tsubasa), she has come to forget her hatred against Hideyoshi. Love has grown between her and Calderon, and Tomoichi is born between them. Calderon resigns as a priest because he has broken the law as a priest, and chooses to live together with his wife and son. 7 years later Hideyoshi prohibits Christianity to be propagated in Japan. Calderon is banished from Japan and goes back to Spain. Hideyoshi wants to make her his own and summons her to his palace Jurakudai, since he has fancied her for years. She tries in vain to kill him and dies. Having lost his parents, Tomoichi grows up to be a robber and calls himself Ishikawa Goemon who causes a great sensation in Japan. He watches eagerly for a chance to avenge his parents on Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Goemon outwits Hideyoshi and succeeds in freeing Izumo no Okuni (Nakamura Kazutarô) from him. She is Nagoya Sanza’s wife and a popular dancer in Kyôto. It turns out that Sanza (Kamimura Kichiya) is a son of Akechi Mitsuhide’s retainer Yasuda Sakubê. Goemon, Okuni and Sanza cooperate to defeat their common enemy Hideyoshi. Okuni takes great pains how she becomes the center of attention among people. Goemon teaches her flamenco the dance of his father’s country as a hint for the new dance. But Goemon is being besieged from all sides. Enjoy a novel Kabuki dance which has taken in flamenco.

Living National Treasure Nakamura Kichiemon, Nakamura Shibajaku, Nakamura Karoku, Nakamura Matagorô, Nakamura Kashô, Nakamura Kamenojô

41st edition of Koten Geinô Kanshô Kai (literally the "Classics Entertainment Appreciation Association"), a yearly performance produced by the National TV network NHK. The program includes one kyôgen, one Kabuki play, one traditional dance and traditional music.

Domo Mata: the artist Matahei has been refused a professional name because of his stuttering. He makes a poor life by drawing folk paintings and decides to make one last effort to gain respectability. His wife Otoku, who is given as much to chatter as Matahei is silent, pleads his case. Turned down again by his master, Matahei decides to take his life. He draws a farewell portrait of himself, a painting so skillful that the lines seep through solid rock and this miracle convinces his master to confer a professional name. Starring Living National Treasure Nakamura Kichiemon as Matahei and Nakamura Shibajaku as his wife Otoku. Featuring Nakamura Karoku as Matahei's master Tosa Shôgen Mitsunobu, Nakamura Matagorô as Utanosuke and Nakamura Kashô as Shûrinosuke.

Source: Earphone Guide website

Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô

A special Buyô program starring the amazing Living National Treasure onnagata Bandô Tamasaburô in Yamaga at the Yachiyoza, a traditional wooden-built theater. The 3 dances are traditional Jiutamai dances.

Kôjô: the close relationship between the actors and the audience is shown by stage announcements, usually lavish ceremonies to commemorate various important events. This month at the Yachiyoza, it is a stage speech delivered by Living National Treasure Bandô Tamasaburô.

Kosunoto:
(Reed Screen)
A masterpiece of tsuyamono (love story) which sings about the sentiment of love. It begins with description of a woman's heart toward a man she loves and her attachment is described gracefully with the sound of wind blowing through the pine trees, the cry of little cuckoos and the moon in the background which remind us of summer night.

Aoi no Ue:
(Lady Aoi)
Bandô Tamasaburô plays the role of Lady Rokujô, the rival in love of Lady Aoi in Murasaki Shikibu's "Genji Monogatari". This dance is related to an episode in the novel in which Lady Rokujô is humiliated in public by Lady Aoi but is performed in a restrained chamber style.

Kane-ga-Misaki: Bandô Tamasaburô appears as a beautiful young girl, expressing her love and feelings of jealousy. This is the same story as the colorful "Musume Dôjôji" dance, but is also performed in a restrained chamber style.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website or Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website

Ichikawa Ebizô

The first item of this program is a reading session of extracts from the "Heike Monogatari". The second item is the staging of the dance-drama "Otokodate Hana no Yoshiwara".

Ichikawa Ebizô

The first item of this program is a reading session of extracts from the "Heike Monogatari". The second item is the staging of the dance-drama "Otokodate Hana no Yoshiwara".