Stage names:

Morita Kan'ya I
Morita Tashichi
Bandô Matashichi

Line number: SHODAI (I)

Existence: ??? ~ 25 February 1679

Connections:

Father: Bandô Matakurô I

Adopted father: Morita Tarobei I

Brother: Bandô Matajirô I (Bandô Matazaemon I)

Nephews: Bandô Matatarô I, Bandô Matakurô II (Morita Kan'ya II), Bandô Matakurô III (Morita Kan'ya III)

Disciple: Morita Kan'ya II

Career:

January 1660: Morita Tarobei and his adopted son Morita Tashichi open the Moritaza, a new theater in the district of Kobiki-chô.

14 January 1660: a fire breaks out in the district of Yushima, which destroys the newly-constructed Moritaza.

May 1660: opening of the rebuilt Moritaza in the district of Kobiki-chô.

27 January 1661: a fire breaks out in the residence of Kusakabe Gonzaemon in the district of Takajô-chô, which burns the Moritaza to ashes.

March 1668: Morita Tarobei I retires.

May 1668: Morita Tashichi takes the name of Morita Kan'ya I.

September 1668: Kan'ya and Kawarazaki Gonnosuke I join forces to open a new common theater in the district of Kobiki-chô.

25 June 1677: his adopted father Morita Tarobei I dies.

25 February 1679: Kan'ya dies in Edo.

Comments:

Morita Kan'ya I was the second zamoto of the Moritaza and the founder of an important line of theater managers and actors. He unfortunately died too young.

Morita Kan'ya I (left) and Kawarazaki Gonnosuke I (right) in November 1675