Stage names:

Ichimura Manjirô II
Ichimura Takematsu V

Real name: Ichimura Noriaki

Guild: Tachibanaya

Line number: NIDAIME (II)

Birthday: 23 December 1949

Connections:

Great-great-great-grandfathers: Onoe Kikugorô III, Ichimura Uzaemon XI

Great-great-grandfather: Ichimura Takenojô V

Great-grandfather: Onoe Kikugorô V

Grandfather: Bandô Hikosaburô VI

Father: Ichimura Uzaemon XVII

Brothers: Bandô Hikosaburô VIII, Kawarazaki Gonjûrô IV

Sons: Ichimura Takematsu VI, Ichimura Hikaru

Career:

October 1955: he makes his first appearance on stage at the Kabukiza, receiving the name of Ichimura Takematsu V and playing the role of Ishigami in the dance "Tsuchi Gumo".

May 1972: Ichimura Takematsu V takes the name of Ichimura Manjirô II at the Kabukiza, playing the roles of Fukuyama and princess Teruha in the plays "Sukeroku Yukari no Edo Zakura" and "Shibaraku".

January 1979: tour in the Popular Republic of China.

1980: he is adopted by the widow of Ichimura Uzaemon XVI.

January 1984: historic revival at the National Theater of the play "Sankai Nagoya"; Manjirô plays the role of the page Benjûrô [casting].

June 1987: tour in the USSR.

September 1988: tour in South Korea.

October 1988: Manjirô takes part in a Kabuki tour in Egypt; he plays the role of Chidori in the play "Shunkan".

January 2002: revival at the National Theater of Kawatake Mokuami's drama "Koharu Nagi Okitsu Shiranami", which has not been played in its full length since November 1864; Manjirô plays the role of Hanakawa [casting].

Comments:

Ichimura Manjirô II is a talented onnagata actor who is famous for his will to promote Kabuki outside the Japanese archipelago. He tours abroad regularly and is at the origin of an interesting Internet website, Kabuki for Everyone, where you should be able to find some good video files.