Stage names:

Nakajima Mihoemon I
Nakajima Kanshirô

Guild: Nakajimaya

Line number: SHODAI (I)

Poetry names: Jûryû, Ryûshi

Existence: ??? ~ 23 March 1762

Connection:

Master: Nakajima Kanzaemon I

Sons: Nakajima Mihoemon II, Nakajima Kamenosuke

Disciples: Nakajima Kunishirô, Nakajima Kameroku, Nakajima Torazô

Career:

Before 1713: according to one source, he was born in Edo in 1702 but it is unlikely for one simple reason: he would still be a child in 1713 and therefore unable to become katakiyaku in 1713. He starts his career as a disciple of Nakajima Kanzaemon I, who gives him the name of Nakajima Kanshirô.

November 1713: first stage appearance in ôshibai; he takes the name of Nakajima Mihoemon, becomes katakiyaku and plays at the Yamamuraza the role of Taira no Masamori in the kaomise drama "Sazare Ishi Nasu no Futahashira".

November 1717: Mihoemon plays at the Ichimuraza the role of Abe no Munetô in the kaomise drama "Kinkazan Yoroi Biraki"; he changes the writing of his first name:

November 1718: Mihoemon becomes jitsuaku and plays at the Ichimuraza the role of Daruma Masamune in the kaomise drama "Gozen Nô Mitsu Uroko".

January 1720: Mihoemon plays at the Nakamuraza the role of Kudô Saemon Suketsune in the new year drama "Ichi Fuji Raihai Soga"; the roles of Soga Gorô Tokimune and Soga Jûrô Sukenari are played by Ichikawa Kuzô and Tamazawa Kôjûrô.

February 1720: Mihoemon's rank in the Edo hyôbanki, jitsuaku section, is jô-jô-kichi (superior - superior - excellent).

January 1731: Mihoemon plays at the Nakamuraza the role of Nikki Danjô Saemon in the new year drama "Keisei Fukubiki Nagoya" [casting].

March 1747: the play "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" is performed for the first time in Edo, at the Ichimuraza; Mihoemon plays the role of Fujiwara no Shihei [casting].

January 1748: Mihoemon plays at the Nakamuraza the roles of Dainichibô and Kajiwara Genta in the new year drama "Kazari Ebi Yoroi Soga".

May 1748: the drama "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura" is performed for the first time in Edo, at the Nakamuraza; Mihoemon plays the role of Benkei [casting].

June 1749: the play "Kanadehon Chûshingura" is produced at the Nakamuraza for the first time; Mihoemon plays the role of Kô no Moronô [casting].

April 1750: the play "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami" is produced at the Moritaza for the first time; Mihoemon plays the roles of Fujiwara Shihei and Shiratayû [casting].

November 1759: Mihoemon takes part in his last kaomise program, performing at the Moritaza in the drama "Toki Tsukaze Heike Monogatari".

23 March 1762: Mihoemon dies in Edo.

Comments:

Nakajima Mihoemon I was the first great Edo kugeaku, excelling with his powerful voice in the role of the evil aristocrat of the "Shibaraku" scene in Edo kaomise programs. He was the one who invented the special beard and wig used for this role.

Nakajima Mihoemon I playing the role of Benkei in the drama "Yoshitsune Sembon Zakura", which was staged in May 1748 at the Nakamuraza (print made by Torii Kiyomasu II)

Print made by Torii Kiyomasu in 1748

The Nakajima Mihoemon line of actors