7 shows in Tôkyô (Kabukiza, New National Theatre, Asakusa Kôkaidô, Shinbashi Enbujô), 2 in Ôsaka (Shinkabukiza) & 1 in Kyôto (Kyôto Gekijô)!

??? perform at the Kabukiza!

??? perform at the New National Theatre!

??? perform at the Shinkabukiza!

Lots of young talented actors at the Asakusa Kôkaidô!

Ichikawa Danjûrô & ??? perform at the Shinbashi Enbujô!

The Zenshinza troupe perform at the Kyôto Gekijô!

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The two programs for the New Year Grand Kabuki at the Kabukiza.

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No performance at the National Theatre, which was destroyed in 2024, but there is a subsitute theater: the New National Theatre!

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The traditional two programs for the New Year Grand Kabuki in Ôsaka, no more at the Shôchikuza but at the Ôsaka Shinkabukiza.

Ichikawa Danjûrô, ???

The traditional New Year Kabuki at the Shinbashi Enbujô with a troupe led by Ichikawa Danjûrô.

Nakamura Hashinosuke, Ichikawa Danko, Ichikawa Somegorô, Nakamura Kangyoku, Onoe Tatsunosuke

The yearly show for young promising actors at the Asakusa Kôkaidô in Asakusa, a lively and colorful neighboorhood that keeps the scent of old Edo.

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 Ichikawa Danko as Tadanobu, with Onoe Tatsunosuke as Shizuka.

Sakanaya Sôgorô: Sôgorô (Nakamura Hashinosuke), a fish seller, has taken a vow to not drink, but when he learns about his sister's unjust murder at the hands of a daimyô lord, a death that they were told was execution for her wrongdoing, he starts to drink again. Drunk, he storms into the lord's mansion to seek an apology. This play by Meiji playwright Kawatake Mokuami is known for its realistic portrayal of members of the common class during the Edo period and highlights their fierce pride and frustration at the privileges of the dominant samurai class. Featuring also Ichikawa Danko, Nakamura Kangyoku & Ichikawa Somegorô.

Sayaate: This famous act is set in the main avenue of the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters where cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Two men appear: Fuwa Banzaemon (Nakamura Hashinosuke) in a haori coat patterned with a design of lightning bolts, and Nagoya Sanza (Onoe Tatsunosuke), dressed in a short-sleeved kimono and a haori coat with a pattern of swallows in the rain. After their scabbards brush against each other as they pass, they begin arguing and draw their swords, but a man (Nakamura Kangyoku) mediates between them.

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 (Ichikawa Danko) has killed a man and takes refuge at the home of his mother. Unfortunately, her son (Ichikawa Somegorô) 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 Onoe Tatsunosuke in the role of Ohaya.

Sagi Musume: one of the most famous dances in Kabuki, this figure is familiar through pictures and Japanese dolls. A beautiful young woman all in white appears in the snowy landscape. She dances lightly of love, but then reveals that she is the spirit of a bird, a magnificent heron that struggles wounded through a snowstorm. Starring onnagata superstar Nakamura Kangyoku in a dance that he has made famous through performances around the world.

Sources: Earphone Guide Website, Shôchiku Kabuki Official Website or others sources

Fujikawa Yanosuke, Kawarasaki Kunitarô, Arashi Yoshisaburô & others

The traditional Zenshinza New Year performances in Kyôto. Not at the Minamiza, as it used to be, but at the Kyôto Gekijô.